Design and Construction
The Mason 33 is heavy by comparison to most boats its size, with a solid fiberglass hand-laid hull laminate that the company specified somewhat heavier than normal and reinforced with four full-length longitudinal stringers to support bulkheads and floors. Isophthalic resin is used throughout the laminate, and PAE recommended that buyers have an epoxy coating applied at the factory. The ballast keel is iron, set inside the hull molding in two pieces, taped into place and sealed to minimize rust or leakage problems in case of a hard grounding. A full keel gives a roomy bilge, and the interior of the hull where it shows is sealed with resin and painted. The hull is reinforced at the seacocks, and each throughhull carries an identifying nameplate. The deck molding is a standard glass layup with balsa core, using plywood in the cabin trunk and other spots for backing strength and interior joiner attachment. The hull-to-deck joint is an inward-turning flange on which the deck rests, with a teak toerail hiding a stainless flat bar on the deck and a matching bar inside the hull; these bars act as extended washers for the through-bolts, every other one passing through the toerail as well. Exterior finish across the three boats examined was fair, with no hardspots marring the hull and good gelcoat work.
Rig and Handling
The boat comes with a mainsail and 100% working jib as standard, both from Sobstad Watts. Tiller steering is standard but most owners opted for a wheel; the Lewmar #40 self-tailing winches are adequate with easy access, though 43s were optional, and the standard mainsheet winch is a Lewmar 16. The Mason 33 points well enough given her outboard shrouds and full-keel hull, but windward work is not her forte, and she rolls a lot dead downwind in heavy air. Her deep cockpit has high coaming and comfortable seats, with enormous lockers, and the teak decks, high toerail, and cabin-top grabrails make movement on deck easy. The foredeck is small—fine for sail handling and anchor work but not for lounging—and the bow roller is set up for a CQR with a roomy forepeak chainlocker.
Accommodations
Below, the Mason 33 does not read as spacious because it is quite teaky and fairly dark, but that impression comes mostly from everything inside being good sized, especially the storage. The joinerwork is uniformly good quality, with teak most everywhere in veneer or solid against white formica. The forward cabin is the owner's cabin with a big portside double berth; settees lie port and starboard of a centerline table, and a pilot berth is available to port. Double hanging lockers and a wet-gear locker by the companionway serve the interior, while the galley has fiddled counters, deep sinks, and a well-insulated icebox. Opposite sits the navigation station with an adequately sized chart table and a screen bulkhead protecting charts and electronics from companionway water. Hot and cold pressure water are standard, fed by two tanks totaling 65 gallons, and the head has a shower draining to the 20-gallon sump tank, good storage, and a decent basin. Ventilation is adequate via a forward dorade and cowl and ten opening ports, with hatches, portholes, and deck prisms supplying light. The berthing makes clear the boat was primarily designed for a couple, perhaps with one or two young children and only occasional guests.
Known Issues
The one inherent deck shortcoming is that there is no good way to permanently install a swim ladder; the company's optional handsome teak ladder must be removed and stowed when underway. Full engine access requires removing the companionway steps and a drawer assembly, though the installation itself is neat with a good drip pan.
Refits and Ownership
Early models carried a 21-hp Westerbeke; later boats moved to a 27-hp Yanmar three-cylinder diesel, both with a standard three-blade propeller and a 35-gallon fuel tank. The standard teak hatches with lexan tops, custom cleats and chocks fitted to the teak trim, and stainless chafing strips at the stern show the detailed finish. PAE's recommended factory epoxy coating remains a sensible early ownership step where not already done.
The Verdict
The Mason 33 is a thoughtfully detailed traditional cruiser with a hushed, well-built interior and a hull engineered for load-carrying seakindliness rather than speed. She rewards the couple-oriented cruiser who values storage, finish, and structural straightforwardness over windward sparkle.
Pros
- Heavy, well-reinforced solid hull with sealed iron ballast and fair exterior finish
- Roomy, teaky interior with excellent storage and a practical navigation station
- Deep, secure cockpit with enormous lockers and easy deck movement
Cons
- Windward performance limited by hull and outboard shrouds; rolls heavily downwind
- No permanent swim-ladder provision; engine access is involved
- Small foredeck and dark, enclosed cabin feel
