Design and Construction
The F-33 uses a third-generation Farrier Folding System shared with the similar F-32. It allows the amas to fold against the central hull for trailering.
Construction consists of foam-cored epoxy fiberglass hulls, carbon fiber and fiberglass akas, and additional carbon in the secondary structure. The builders minimized metal throughout and fitted carbon chainplates. Every component, including the foam core, was vacuum-bagged to consolidate the laminate and drive out voids. The exterior has a two-part polyurethane finish. If not overloaded, the trimaran remains unsinkable.
The transom is open, with a long side ladder and direct access to the carbon fiber daggerboard-style rudder. On Grey Hound, the review hull, the amas can be folded in the water while a bridle keeps the mast stayed.
Rig, Foils, and Handling
The fractional rig steps on a tabernacle and rotates, either freely or under manual control. Grey Hound carries a 42-foot aluminum mast, while the racing F-33R versions step a 47-foot carbon fiber spar. Colligo synthetic shrouds run to ama-mounted tensioners, with Cheeky Tangs at the masthead. Their wide sweep eliminates the need for a backstay.
A large, aft-swept carbon fiber daggerboard sits just forward of the mast and permits beaching and trailering. Grey Hound has a custom all-carbon cassette that allows the board to swing up on grounding. A long, retractable carbon fiber sprit, supported by a Colligo bobstay, carries the light-air sails.
With the board down, draft is 7 feet. With it raised, the saildrive limits draft to 2 feet 6 inches aft and 2 feet 10 inches at mid-hull. Under the quiet 12.5-horsepower Honda saildrive and folding prop, handling is crisp and cruising speed runs 5 to 6 knots. The mast can be lowered, and the boat can be trailered for storage or regattas.
Accommodations
Because the main hull is narrow, the belowdecks layout feels more like that of a 26-foot monohull than a 33-foot cruiser. Standing headroom is about 6 feet.
The galley has a two-burner propane stove, a generous sink with a folding faucet, and 6 feet of smooth counter when the lids are closed. Opposite are an overboard-draining ice chest and a U-shaped dinette that converts to a berth.
Three large windows on each side, set at seated eye level, bring plenty of light and view into the saloon. Ventilation, however, depends on one small overhead port and air passing through from the fore hatch. Forward, an oval passage leads to a V-berth with storage cubbies. Both amas also provide storage, usually for fenders and spare sails. Grey Hound’s previous owners lived aboard for two years.
Performance
Grey Hound’s owners have recorded a personal best of 22 knots, and the design is capable of more. Her PHRF rating with a spinnaker reaches –21. With main and jib alone, she was rated at a low +7, although her handicap is often disputed at regattas.
Refits and Ownership
The folding system and carbon daggerboard cassette are central to owning the boat. Together, they let a single cruising family beach, ground, and trailer it without haulout infrastructure.
Grey Hound illustrates the type’s refit path. She has two small biminis, one forward and one aft of the cockpit traveler. A 150-watt solar panel above the aft bimini charges two AGM batteries, and a self-draining anchor locker is accessible from inside.
The Verdict
The F-33 Sport Cruiser is a rare, purpose-built expression of Ian Farrier’s folding-trimaran philosophy. Only nine were built, combining premium epoxy-carbon construction with a cruising layout that trades interior volume for trailering and speed. It suits owners who value light-air performance and flexible shore access more than interior square footage.
Pros
- Unsinkable if not overloaded, with vacuum-bagged, foam-core epoxy hulls and carbon akas
- Folding amas and a retractable daggerboard allow trailering, beaching, and in-water folding
- Rotating fractional rig with synthetic shrouds and no backstay
- 22-knot potential and a –21 PHRF rating with spinnaker
Cons
- Narrow-hull accommodations comparable to those of a 26-foot monohull limit liveaboard space
- Saloon ventilation is limited to one small overhead port and pass-through air from the fore hatch
- Only nine were built, so any purchase is a one-off negotiation with sparse comparable data
