Saturna 33 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Saturna 33 traces back to William Garden's design #611, which first manifested as the Truant 33, built by Truant Marine around 1977. The tooling for this design changed hands several times, with a small number also built by North Coast Yachts between 1979 and 1982. In 1981, Saturna Yachts acquired the molds, leading to the official launch of the Saturna 33, featuring a re-designed deck and coach roof by William Garden himself. Later, the molds were acquired by Wiggers Custom Yachts Ltd., who built a few more boats to this fundamental design. Overall, it is estimated that fewer than 50 boats were completed to this basic design.

William Garden's design philosophy emphasized practical, seaworthy vessels, a trait evident in the Saturna 33's robust construction and thoughtful layout. The builder, Wiggers Custom Yachts, founded by Andy Wiggers in 1978, brought to the Saturna 33 their reputation for "craftsman extraordinaire" quality and dedication to high standards of workmanship. This commitment ensured that the later-built Saturna 33 models benefited from the meticulous attention to detail and robust construction for which Wiggers Custom Yachts became known, earning Andy Wiggers the accolade of "the best boat builder in Canada" by 1988.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Saturna 33's specifications reveal a design focused on stability and comfort for extended cruising. With a displacement of 13,500 lbs and a waterline length of 26.75 feet, the boat carries a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 314.6. This places it firmly in the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than a light, agile racer. The vessel's sail area to displacement ratio of about 14.22 indicates moderate performance capabilities, likely excelling in more consistent winds rather than light air.

Featuring a 5,000 lb ballast, the Saturna 33 possesses a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.37, contributing to its moderate stability and ability to stand up to a decent breeze. The hull is characterized by a fin keel with internal ballast and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration generally providing a good balance between maneuverability and directional stability. Owners and reviewers suggest that the Saturna 33, particularly its pilothouse variant, is designed to cut through waves effectively, rather than slamming, contributing to a more comfortable ride. Its comfort ratio is notably high, indicating it is more comfortable than 79% of similar sailboat designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the interior of the Saturna 33, especially in its pilothouse configuration, is noted for its ample natural light and roomy feel. The pilothouse versions are equipped with large windows that flood the living spaces with light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Descriptions often highlight beautiful interior woodwork, contrasting with the more conventional interiors of the offshore versions.

Typical layouts found in reviews and listings suggest a practical arrangement suitable for cruising. While one owner described the interior as "a bit odd," which might point to unique design choices or a less conventional layout compared to mass-produced boats, the emphasis is generally on functionality and liveability. The presence of both pilothouse and offshore versions means that interior configurations can vary, with pilothouse models offering an inside steering station for all-weather comfort.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Saturna 33 often appreciate its robust, Canadian-built construction, a testament to the quality associated with its builders, Saturna Yachts and Wiggers Custom Yachts. The design by William Garden is frequently cited as a key strength, providing a foundation for a seaworthy and dependable cruising vessel. The pilothouse models are particularly favored for their ability to provide comfortable year-round cruising or liveaboard capabilities, offering protection from the elements with their inside steering stations and bright, spacious interiors. While general owner sentiment points towards a well-regarded cruiser, specific recurring issues or common problems are not widely documented in available public information. Owners often benefit from the boat's solid motion in a seaway and its overall comfort, which are consistent with its design ratios.