Motiva 33 Information, Review, Specs

The Motiva 33 emerged in 1982 as one of the earlier models from Motiva Yachts, a shipyard operating from Lunderskov, Denmark, which established its reputation for meticulously crafted steel sailing yachts in the early 1980s. The design of the Motiva 33 is attributed to Arne Borghegn, a pivotal figure who also influenced other iconic Motiva models. Motiva's foundational principle, evident in the 33, centered on building high-quality, long-lasting ships with a consistent focus on robust steel construction. This choice of material, distinct from the fiberglass trend of the era, signals a dedication to strength, safety, and suitability for long-distance cruising. The Motiva 33 features a steel hull, known for its "tank-like" build quality, complemented by an aluminum deck, ensuring resilience against the rigors of ocean passages. Its design emphasizes a sturdy construction, often featuring a round bilge and a long keel, which contributes to enhanced stability and seakeeping, aligning with Motiva's philosophy of prioritizing safety and comfort over light displacement or outright speed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 33 feet (33.14 ft) and a beam of 10.01 feet, the Motiva 33 is built for stability and comfort. Her displacement of 12,125 pounds, coupled with 3,968 pounds of ballast, results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 32.7%. While not indicating extreme stiffness, this ratio suggests a moderate and forgiving motion, capable of standing up to a decent amount of wind without becoming overly tender. The reported sail area of 473 square feet gives her a sail area to displacement ratio of about 14.33. This relatively low figure indicates that the Motiva 33 is not designed for high performance in light airs; instead, it underscores her role as a robust cruiser and motorsailer, prioritizing stability and power reaching over nimble acceleration. The long keel design contributes to excellent directional stability and a comfortable motion in a seaway, though it will naturally result in a larger turning radius compared to boats with fin keels. Propelled by a 15 HP Yanmar diesel engine, the vessel is well-equipped for reliable auxiliary power, essential for its motorsailer designation.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Motiva 33, while benefiting from the robust steel hull construction, is designed for comfortable living aboard, typical of cruising sailboats of its era. Reports indicate the vessel is equipped with 5-6 berths, suggesting a traditional layout that likely includes a forward V-berth, a convertible dinette or settee in the main salon, and potentially a quarter berth. Given Motiva's general reputation for comfortable interiors and the fact that some Motiva hulls were sold for owner-completed fit-outs, the specific finish quality and material use (e.g., wood trim vs. fiberglass liners) can vary between individual boats. However, the overarching design intent aligns with the builder's focus on practicality and durability, aiming to provide a secure and livable space for extended voyages. The vessel features a 32-gallon fresh water capacity and a 13-gallon fuel capacity, adequate for coastal cruising and shorter offshore passages.