Elan 33 Buyer's Guide
The Elan 33 on the used market is a 1987-onward Slovenian-built masthead sloop from Elan Yachts, designed by J&J Design. She is a solid-fiberglass fin-keel cruiser-racer with a spade rudder, drawing around 5.6 feet, and carrying a powerful masthead rig that the data describe as overrigged for her size. For a shopper, the appeal is a roomy three-cabin interior and a stiff hull; the caveats are comfort and recovery characteristics that argue against offshore ambitions.
Layouts on the Used Market
Used Elan 33s carry three cabins and six berths in a solid-fiberglass hull 33.96 feet long with a 10.83-foot beam. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration is standard, as is the masthead sloop rig with a 428-square-foot working sail area. Fresh water capacity is 200 liters and fuel is 65 liters. The cabin arrangement places sleeping spaces across three separate compartments, suited to coastal cruising and overnight use rather than extended liveaboard plans.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
The base boat may carry a single inboard Volvo Penta 2002 diesel of 18 horsepower. Buyers should assess each boat on its own fitted gear rather than assuming any standard package beyond the engine and rig. A vessel's inventory often reflects prior owner priorities, so a thorough viewing should note whether the sail wardrobe, ground tackle, and safety equipment match intended use.
What to Inspect
A buyer should apply normal used-sailboat diligence: confirm the Volvo Penta 2002 runs cleanly at its 6.0-knot engine speed, check the masthead rigging for wear given the overrigged sail plan, and verify the 200-liter water and 65-liter fuel tanks are sound. Look for cracking at chainplate exits, test the seacocks for free movement, and smell the bilge for signs of persistent leakage.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Elan 33s are typically found in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Croatia, and Australia.
- Confirm the Volvo Penta 2002 starts and holds 6.0 knots
- Inspect masthead rigging for stretch or corrosion
- Verify three-cabin structure and six berths intact
- Check 200-liter water and 65-liter fuel tank condition
- Measure draft near 5.6 feet against load
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Elan 33. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 8 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $31,459 | — |
| Oct 25 | 2 | $33,145 | +5.4% |
| Jan 26 | 2 | $34,884 | +5.2% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $32,583 | -6.6% |
| Apr 26 | 3 | $21,909 | -32.8% |
| May 26 | 1 | $28,089 | +28.2% |
| Jul 26 | 2 | $35,111 | +25.0% |
| Sep 26 | 3 | $24,718 | -29.6% |
Where they're listed
Elan 33 listings appear across 5 countries. Netherlands has the most listings with 4 (36.4%), followed by Croatia and Italy.
Country view
11 listings · 5 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $21,909 | 4 | 1 | 36.4% |
| Croatia | $32,583 | 3 | 1 | 27.3% |
| Italy | $25,842 | 2 | 2 | 18.2% |
| Australia | $41,736 | 1 | 0 | 9.1% |
| Germany | $30,898 | 1 | 1 | 9.1% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
8 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C&C 35-3 | 34.67' | $ 27,000 | 39 | 15 |
| Elan 333 | 32.78' | $ 65,611 | 39 | 7 |
| C&C 33-2 | 32.58' | $ 22,000 | 16 | 5 |
| Olympic 33 | 32.58' | $ 21,541 | 14 | 6 |
| Elan Boats 31 | 30.84' | $ 47,651 | 13 | 3 |
| Elan 33You are here | — | $ 27,499 | 12 | 5 |
| Elan 36 | 36.09' | $ 58,576 | 10 | 4 |
| C&C 33 | 32.87' | $ 19,000 | 7 | 2 |