Stout Fella 33 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Stout Fella 33 begins in 1947, emerging from the Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, boatyard that would officially become Palmer Johnson in 1956. During this period, Palmer Johnson was known for its high-quality wooden yacht construction, having transitioned from building fishing vessels to pleasure craft under the leadership of Palmer Johnson himself. The company's ethos focused on custom craftsmanship and durable builds, a tradition the Stout Fella 33 would have certainly upheld. The design, by W. Gilbert Dunham, a recognized maritime architect, contributed to the boat's "fin keel" and "masthead sloop" configuration, which were standard for performance cruising yachts of the era. Information regarding specific design philosophies or variations during its production run remains limited in readily available records.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While detailed performance ratios such as Sail Area to Displacement and Displacement to Length at Waterline are not readily available for the Stout Fella 33, an examination of its specifications provides insights into its likely sailing characteristics. With a displacement of 7,000 pounds and a ballast of 3,000 pounds, the Stout Fella 33 boasts a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 42.86%. This relatively high ratio suggests a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The fin keel hull type further indicates a design aimed at reasonable sailing performance, providing good lateral resistance and maneuverability compared to full-keel designs. As a masthead sloop, she would have carried a substantial mainsail and a large headstay sail, a configuration known for its power and ease of handling in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The Stout Fella 33, built with a wooden hull and deck, would have featured a classic interior typical of sailboats of its vintage. While specific detailed layouts are scarce, the general arrangement for a 33-foot sailboat of this era would likely include a V-berth forward, followed by a main salon with settees that convert to berths, and a small galley area. A enclosed head compartment would typically be located between the V-berth and the main salon. The boat is equipped with a fresh water capacity of 25 US gallons (95 liters), indicating provisions for extended cruising. The use of wood for the hull and deck suggests a warm, traditional interior finish, emphasizing robust construction and nautical aesthetics common to Palmer Johnson's early custom builds. Detailed information on maximum headroom or specific storage solutions is not widely documented.