Mason 33 Information, Review, Specs

The Mason 33 emerged from a period of exceptional craftsmanship at the Ta Shing yard, with production spanning from 1984 to 1989. Designer Al Mason’s philosophy was centered on creating vessels that were more than mere boats, specifically crafting them for the open sea. The Mason 33 embodies this approach with a moderate traditional design that features a modern full-keel hull and an S-frame, reminiscent of the sturdy, capable yachts favored under the CCA handicapping rule of the 1960s. Ta Shing's manufacturing ethos during this era, and indeed throughout its history, emphasized hand-crafted quality, meticulous attention to detail, and robust construction, often utilizing solid fiberglass for its hulls and premium woods for its interiors. These foundational strengths ensured the longevity and aesthetic excellence for which their yachts became known.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Mason 33 is engineered for stability and comfortable offshore passages rather than light-air racing. Its sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 16.63 suggests steady performance across a range of wind conditions, balancing sail-carrying ability with ease of handling, described as an "easily driven sailplan" well-suited for a cruising couple.

With a ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.37, the Mason 33 exhibits good inherent stability, allowing it to stand up to significant wind without excessive heeling. This characteristic is further enhanced by its displacement to length ratio of around 388, which firmly places it in the heavy displacement category. This high ratio is typical of traditional full-keel cruisers, contributing to its reputation for a comfortable motion in a seaway and excellent directional stability. Owners often report that the boat "sails like they are on rails" and handles big blows exceptionally well, making it a seaworthy platform suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising. The full keel, an integral part of its S-frame hull, is a key factor in its stable and predictable behavior in varying sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Mason 33 is distinguished by its lavish woodwork, reflecting Ta Shing’s commitment to premium finishes and hand-joined cabinetry. While the interior might not appear overtly spacious due to its solid, robust construction, it offers a highly functional and thoughtfully arranged layout.

Key features include a smartly executed navigation station and a seaworthy U-shaped galley, which is considered spacious for a boat of this size. The forward cabin often foregoes a traditional V-berth in favor of a comfortable port-side berth. Additionally, there is a convenient wet locker located adjacent to the engine compartment. The overall interior arrangement has been praised by some owners as "damn near ideal," prioritizing practicality and comfort for extended voyaging.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Mason 33 consistently laud its exceptional build quality, robust nature, and impressive seaworthiness, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable offshore cruiser. Its comfortable motion in a seaway and ability to perform well in heavy weather are frequently cited strengths, with many appreciating how the boat "sails like they are on rails." The lavish interior woodwork and well-designed galley and navigation station also receive high marks for both aesthetics and functionality.

However, some common maintenance points have been noted by owners of older models. Reports occasionally mention leaks in the hull-to-deck joint, although the design of the Mason 33 specifically makes this less likely to be a widespread issue. More commonly, leaks around deck prisms have been observed, typically requiring routine re-bedding to address. Despite these minor considerations, the Mason 33 maintains a strong following among enthusiasts who value its enduring construction and excellent cruising capabilities.