Carter 33 Information, Review, Specs

Production of the Carter 33 commenced in 1971 and continued through much of the 1970s. Dick Carter, a pioneer in applying the International Offshore Rule (IOR) to yacht design, conceived the Carter 33 as a scaled-up version of his successful Carter 30, aiming for a production ¾-ton IOR racing yacht that also offered comfortable cruising capabilities. Carter's design philosophy often incorporated innovative features for the time, such as internal halyards, and emphasized a combination of wide beam and high freeboards to maximize interior volume.

Builders like Storebro Bruk AB, known for their Swedish marine craftsmanship, adopted hand-laid fiberglass with ISO-polyester for the hulls around this era, ensuring robust construction. Although primarily celebrated for its powerboats, Storebro ventured into sailboat manufacturing from 1957 to 1984, applying its commitment to quality to designs like the Carter 33. The design included provisions for a short rig option, offering flexibility for different sailing preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Carter 33 is rigged as a masthead sloop and features a fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder, contributing to its performance characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.93, the Carter 33 is moderately powered, suggesting it will perform capably in a range of wind conditions, though it may not be a dominant force in very light airs.

Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 38.1% indicates a reasonable degree of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a fair amount of wind and provide a relatively comfortable motion. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 263.6 places the Carter 33 in the medium-heavy cruiser category. This suggests a solid, sea-kindly vessel less prone to a twitchy motion often associated with lighter designs, making it well-suited for cruising. Anecdotal accounts from owners generally describe the Carter 33 as a fantastic cruiser, though some have noted it can be challenging to manage downwind in heavy weather.

Accommodations and Layout

The design by Dick Carter, which prioritized a wide beam and high freeboards, resulted in a remarkably spacious interior for a boat of its length. While specific headroom details vary, the generous volume typically allowed for a practical and comfortable layout. Owners frequently praise the good craftsmanship of the interior, particularly those built by Olympic Yachts, where carpenters executed the finish with excellent quality.

Typical interior arrangements for the Carter 33 feature a V-berth forward, followed by a head compartment. The main salon usually includes settees that can serve as berths, often with a folding table. A functional galley is typically situated aft, often to port or starboard, and may include a sink, stove, and icebox. Quarter berths or a navigation station can be found further aft. The emphasis on maximizing interior space made the Carter 33 a popular choice for extended cruising.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Carter 33 frequently commend its solid construction, good design, and practical layout, which contribute to its reputation as a capable and comfortable cruising yacht. Many appreciate the interior craftsmanship and the spaciousness afforded by Carter's design.

However, some common issues have been noted over time. A recurring concern involves the keel-to-hull joint, where some boats have experienced stress cracks and subsequent water ingress, potentially requiring significant repair. While generally considered a "fantastic cruiser," some owners have found the boat to be less manageable in strong downwind conditions. Despite these potential challenges, the Carter 33 maintains a loyal following among those who value its robust build and cruising comfort.