Sailing Performance & Handling
The Kraken 33 was designed primarily as an ocean racer, and its performance reflects a focus on speed and directional stability. According to technical archives from the Amateur Yacht Research Society, the vessel was a pioneer in the multihull racing circuit, notably evidenced by the Kraken 33 Bandersnatch, which won the multihull division of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The boat is characterized by a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio, typically featuring an upwind sail area of nearly 500 square feet on a hull weight of approximately 4,000 pounds.
In handling, the Kraken 33 is noted for its "rocker" hull profile and raked stems, which allow it to lift over waves rather than pierce them, reducing the risk of pitch-poling—a common concern in early multihull designs. Handling is described as exceptionally light, though sailors accustomed to modern cruising monohulls will find the boat highly sensitive to trim. The daggerboard system allows for deep-draft tracking upwind while providing the ability to retract the board for high-speed reaching or shallow-water navigation. Technical documentation from Murray Yacht Sales highlights that Crowther’s early designs, including the Kraken series, utilized fine hull entries to minimize drag, making them formidable competitors in light-to-moderate air.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its racing pedigree, the Kraken 33 was designed with sufficient volume to accommodate a crew for offshore passages, a rarity for 33-foot performance boats of the late 1960s. The interior is concentrated in the central hull, typically offering four to five berths and approximately six feet of headroom in the main saloon area. The layout is functional and minimalist, prioritizing weight savings over luxury.
Variations of the model exist, most notably the Mk IV version, which refined the beam-to-length ratio for better stability. Some hulls were constructed using cold-molded plywood, while later versions transitioned to glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). Unlike the modern Kraken monohulls, which feature expansive, wood-finished cabins and extensive amenities, the Kraken 33’s interior is austere, featuring basic galley arrangements and compact storage lockers intended for coastal and offshore racing rather than long-term live-aboard comfort.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Kraken 33’s most significant media presence stems from its competitive success. The trimaran Bandersnatch is frequently cited in Australian yachting history as the boat that proved multihulls could compete safely and effectively in the rigorous conditions of the Tasman Sea. The design’s success led to the development of the Kraken 40, which further solidified Lock Crowther’s reputation as a premier multihull designer.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Purchasing a vintage Kraken 33 requires a specialized survey focusing on early composite and timber construction techniques.
- Crossbeam Integrity: The "beams" (the structural members connecting the hulls) are the most critical area of inspection. Early models utilized plywood box sections which are prone to internal rot if the fiberglass skin is breached.
- Hull-to-Deck Joints: On GRP models, the joints between the amas (outer hulls) and the main deck should be checked for stress cracking, which may indicate structural fatigue from high-speed ocean sailing.
- Daggerboard Trunk: Inspect the daggerboard trunk for impact damage or water ingress. Since the board is a moving part, the internal trunk often suffers from wear that can lead to significant leaks.
- Rudder Stocks: The steering systems on performance trimarans of this era were often built to the limits of their materials. Buyers should look for signs of corrosion or play in the rudder stocks and bearings.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Kraken 33 typically find support through multihull-specific associations rather than the modern monohull-focused Kraken Yachts community. The Multihull Yacht Club of Victoria and the Amateur Yacht Research Society remain the primary repositories for technical drawings and historical performance data.
The Verdict
The Kraken 33 is a historic performance vessel that offers a raw, exhilarating sailing experience for those who appreciate the origins of modern multihull design.
Pros:
- Exceptional Speed: Capable of outperforming much larger modern monohulls in most points of sail.
- Shallow Draft: Daggerboard-up draft of less than two feet allows for beaching and exploring thin water.
- Historical Significance: An iconic design with a proven racing pedigree in major ocean classics.
Cons:
- Limited Living Space: Minimalist interior compared to modern cruising yachts of the same length.
- High Maintenance: Older plywood-core structures require diligent upkeep to prevent rot and delamination.
- Sensitivity: Requires active management of sail area in heavy weather to maintain stability.
