Marieholm 33 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Marieholm 33 begins in Sweden, where Marieholm Boats, a company that had transitioned from industrial manufacturing to building leisure craft, introduced the Fortissimo in 1975. Designer Lars-Olof Norlin created the vessel with a focus on seaworthiness and stability, characterized by its distinctive long keel and transom-hung rudder. This design philosophy aligned perfectly with Marieholm's manufacturing ethos, which emphasized durable fiberglass construction and well-proven designs, a hallmark established by their highly successful International Folkboat. While the original Swedish version was known as the Fortissimo, the boat later became more widely recognized as the Marieholm 33, with some versions, notably, being produced in the Netherlands. Production of the Fortissimo 33 continued for several decades, with records indicating builds between 1978 and 1999 for the Fortissimo, and the Marieholm 33 listed with a production start year of 1975 and no specified end year, suggesting a sustained legacy for the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Marieholm 33 is renowned for its excellent sailing characteristics, offering a calm and stable ride even in challenging conditions. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.14, she exhibits moderate performance, capable of moving well across a range of wind conditions without being an extreme light-air performer. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 39.2% contributes significantly to her stiffness and initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and maintain an upright stance.

Further emphasizing her robust character is a high displacement to length ratio of approximately 362.2. This classifies the Marieholm 33 as a heavy displacement cruiser, a design choice that prioritizes comfort and stability in a seaway over outright speed or nimble handling. The long keel, a defining feature, provides exceptional directional stability, making her track well on a course, particularly in open waters. While this characteristic provides a secure feel, it also means she may be less agile in tight maneuvers compared to boats with fin keels. Overall, the Marieholm 33 offers good and safe sailing characteristics, making her a trusted choice for family cruising and offshore adventures.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Marieholm 33, whether as a Fortissimo or later Marieholm 33, is typically described as classic and warm, featuring cozy cabins often accented with wooden paneling and soft lighting. The layout is designed to comfortably accommodate up to five people, typically arranged with two cabins in addition to the main salon. Owners can expect a functional interior often featuring an L-shaped settee and a coffee table in the salon, providing a comfortable living space. Standard configurations generally include a full forward cabin, a head, and often quarter berths or additional sleeping arrangements in the main salon, making it suitable for extended stays onboard. While specific headroom figures are not consistently documented, the overall design prioritizes a comfortable and practical living environment characteristic of a well-found cruising yacht of its era.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Marieholm 33, or Fortissimo 33, consistently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often referring to it as a "great sea boat". The boat's robust build quality and comfortable motion in a seaway are frequently highlighted as major strengths, providing a sense of security and reliability for those venturing into varied marine environments. Many owners express satisfaction with the boat's safe sailing characteristics, deeming it highly suitable for family cruising. The enduring appeal of the Marieholm 33 is further evidenced by active online communities where owners share their positive experiences, often considering it a strong and rewarding entry into sailboat ownership.