CS 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The CS 33 is frequently lauded for its stiffness and "big boat" feel, a direct result of Raymond Wall’s design philosophy which prioritized sea-kindliness over the burgeoning trend of lightweight, flat-bottomed racers. With a displacement of approximately 10,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio exceeding 40%, the vessel carries its sail area with remarkable stability. This high ballast ratio ensures that the boat remains upright and controllable long after its lighter contemporaries are forced to reef.

The hull features a deep fin keel and a balanced spade rudder, providing a helm that is both responsive and forgiving. According to an editorial review by Canadian Yachting, the boat tracks exceptionally well and exhibits a gentle motion in a seaway, making it a favorite for coastal cruisers who occasionally encounter heavy weather. While it is not a "light air flyer" in the vein of modern sportboats, its performance in 10 to 18 knots of breeze is highly competitive, often outperforming newer boats due to its momentum and clean underwater lines.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike many 33-footers of the late 70s and early 80s that attempted to cram in as many berths as possible, the CS 33 interior focuses on ergonomics and high-quality joinery. The layout is traditional yet spacious, featuring a V-berth forward, a large U-shaped settee to port that converts to a double, and a straight settee to starboard. A standout feature of the interior is the extensive use of solid teak and teak veneers, which gives the cabin a warm, classic aesthetic.

The galley is positioned to port at the foot of the companionway, while a dedicated navigation station and a generous quarter berth are located to starboard. Headroom is generous at approximately 6' 2", and the inclusion of numerous opening portlights—originally manufactured by Atkins & Hoyle—provides ventilation that was often lacking in earlier CS models. While the CS 33 did not have the multiple cabin configurations found in modern production boats, it was built alongside its larger sibling, the CS 36 Traditional, which shared much of the same interior DNA and high-end cabinetry standards.

Popular Mentions & Media

The CS 33 has enjoyed a sustained reputation as a premier used boat choice in North American sailing literature. It is a frequent subject of "Used Boat Notebook" features and technical retrospectives, praised for its longevity. The model is often cited as a benchmark for how 1980s fiberglass hulls should be constructed, appearing in regional guides as the quintessential cruiser for the Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas that are common to the CS 33’s age and construction methods:

• Portlight Leaks: The iconic Atkins & Hoyle aluminum opening ports are prone to gasket failure. While the frames are robust, the seals often require replacement to prevent water ingress into the teak interior.
• Chainplate Sealing: Like many boats of this era, the chainplates pass through the deck and can develop leaks if the sealant is not maintained. Over time, this can lead to moisture in the bulkheads.
• Deck Core Integrity: While the hulls are solid fiberglass, the decks are balsa-cored. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around the windlass and stanchion bases to check for core delamination.
• Engine Maintenance: Many CS 33s were equipped with Westerbeke 21 or 27 diesel engines. While reliable, these units require specific attention to the heat exchangers and exhaust risers, which may be reaching the end of their service life if original.

Community & Resources

The CS Owners Association is one of the most active and organized owner groups in North America. This association provides a deep technical archive, including original brochures, wiring diagrams, and a member-driven forum that is indispensable for sourcing parts or troubleshooting model-specific issues.

The Verdict

The CS 33 remains a top-tier choice for sailors who value build quality and "heavy weather" confidence over the maximum interior volume found in modern designs.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality with a "near-custom" finish in the interior teak work.
• Highly stable and predictable handling in heavy air due to a high ballast ratio.
• Large, comfortable "T-shaped" cockpit that is ideal for both sailing and entertaining.
• Strong community support and high resale value compared to other boats of the same vintage.

Cons:

• Higher initial purchase price than comparable models from Hunter or Catalina.
• Original Atkins & Hoyle portlights can be expensive to re-seal or replace.
• Quarter berth can feel cramped for taller adults compared to more modern aft-cabin designs.