Nantucket Island 33 Information, Review, Specs

As a prominent model from a Taiwanese builder known for crafting reliable fiberglass yachts, the Nantucket Island 33 embodies the manufacturing ethos of Ho Hsing F.R.P. Co. Ltd. during a period when Taiwan was becoming a global hub for fiberglass yacht production. The company, through its collaboration with Peter Cole, consistently prioritized robust construction and comfort for extended voyages, traits evident in the Nantucket Island 33's design and build.

History and Design

The Nantucket Island 33 began production in 1980, conceived by Peter Cole, a celebrated Australian yacht designer and sailmaker known for his practical and seaworthy designs. Ho Hsing F.R.P. Co. Ltd., the Taiwanese builder, executed Cole's vision, emphasizing durable fiberglass construction. While specific details about the designer's philosophy for this particular model are not extensively documented, Peter Cole's broader design approach often focused on creating vessels that were capable in offshore conditions, prioritizing seaworthiness and stability. The Nantucket Island 33, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, reflects this commitment to solid cruising performance. There is no widely published information indicating significant variations or "Marks" during its production run, suggesting a consistent design throughout its build.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nantucket Island 33's design ratios paint a clear picture of a capable and stable cruising sailboat. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.72, she is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that is slightly underpowered. This suggests a vessel that performs adequately in light air but truly excels with a bit more breeze, offering a comfortable motion rather than blistering speed. Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) is around 39.37%, indicating good stiffness and strong righting capability, allowing her to stand up to a significant amount of wind without excessive heel. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of roughly 280.19 positions her as a moderately heavy cruiser. This weight contributes to her comfortable and sea-kindly motion, particularly in a seaway, making her well-suited for coastal cruising and extended voyages. Owners generally describe her as sailing very well off the wind, with a balanced and easy motion, though she may not be extremely close-winded.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Nantucket Island 33 is notable for its spaciousness and practical layout, offering a comfortable living environment for a boat of its size. The design often features two distinct sleeping cabins: a V-berth forward serving as a guest stateroom and a large aft stateroom with a double berth, often featuring a privacy door and ample storage. The main salon typically includes a U-shaped dinette that can convert into an additional double berth, complemented by a straight settee opposite.

The galley is commonly U-shaped, providing a dedicated and stable area for meal preparation, often equipped with a two-burner stove with oven, refrigeration, and double-basin stainless steel sinks. A dedicated navigation station with space for charts and electronics is a highly valued feature for cruisers. The head compartment is generally located to starboard and includes a vanity, mirror, and shower. The interior finish often boasts lavish teak joinery, including louvered teak doors, cabinets, and shelves, along with varnished teak and spruce soles, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. Ventilation is well-addressed through numerous opening ports and large deck hatches, ensuring the cabins remain light and airy. Headroom throughout the main living areas is typically over 6 feet.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Nantucket Island 33 for its solid construction and robust build, often highlighting its enduring quality. The boat's comfortable and sea-kindly motion, particularly in rougher conditions, is a consistent strong point, making it a favorite for those seeking a secure cruising platform. The spacious and well-appointed interior, especially the galley and dedicated navigation station, is another aspect consistently lauded by owners. The center cockpit design also provides excellent visibility and a sense of security while underway.

However, some owners note that while stable, the boat can be described as slightly underpowered, suggesting it may not be the fastest in light winds. While the overall construction is robust, some older models may exhibit common issues typical of boats of their vintage, such as the need for maintenance on original deck fittings or updates to systems like fuel and water capacities, which were originally designed to be somewhat small. Despite these minor points, the Nantucket Island 33 continues to be enjoyed by a community of owners who appreciate its strong offshore capabilities and comfortable cruising amenities.