Fandango 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fandango 33 entered production in 1971, with its manufacturing run extending through 1979. During this era, Jouët, founded in the 1920s, was undergoing a significant transition from traditional wooden boat construction to embracing fiberglass, a material that revolutionized the marine industry and allowed for more efficient production. In 1970, Jouët became a subsidiary of Yachting France, a consolidation that occurred amidst the challenging economic climate of the 1970s. Despite this corporate shift, the Jouët name, and by extension models like the Fandango 33, continued to be produced under the Yachting France umbrella, maintaining its distinctive designation. Yves Mareschal’s design of the Fandango 33, characterized by its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, reflects the builder's commitment to creating vessels that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer reliable performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 32.75 feet and a waterline length of 25 feet, the Fandango 33 presents as a capable cruiser. Her design ratios provide insight into her anticipated performance characteristics. The sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 15.82 suggests a balanced performer, indicating that while she may not be a dedicated light-air speedster, she offers respectable performance across various wind conditions. The displacement to length ratio, reported at 308, firmly places the Fandango 33 in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This suggests a boat designed for a comfortable motion through the water, capable of handling a chop with composure, rather than a light and nimble racer. Furthermore, a ballast to displacement ratio of 35% indicates moderate stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heel. She is powered by a single Volvo Penta MD2003 diesel engine, providing reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications are somewhat limited, the Fandango 33 is known to be equipped with two cabins and five berths, making her suitable for a small family or group for extended cruising. The water capacity stands at 26 gallons, with a fuel capacity of 22 gallons of diesel. The interior layout, typical of cruisers from her era, likely features a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head. Given Jouët's reputation for robust construction, the interior finish would generally be considered solid and practical, focusing on durability for life at sea.