This moderate, traditional design harkens back to the CCA handicapping rule of the 1960s, though its beamier midbody and shorter overhangs distinguish it from a period-correct 1960s boat. The modern full-keel hull has a cutaway forefoot and sharply turned bilges to reduce wetted surface. It is narrower and shorter on the waterline than modern lightweight fin-keelers, but it meets the load-carrying, seakindly brief PAE gave the designer: a hull able to carry ample stores and take a couple or small crew anywhere.
Design and Construction
The Mason 33 is heavy compared with most boats of its size. Its solid fiberglass, hand-laid hull laminate was specified by the company to be somewhat heavier than normal. Four full-length longitudinal stringers reinforce the hull and support the bulkheads and floors.
Isophthalic resin is used throughout the laminate, and PAE recommended that buyers have an epoxy coating applied at the factory. The iron ballast keel is set inside the hull molding in two pieces, taped into place, and sealed to minimize rust or leakage problems in a hard grounding. The full keel provides a roomy bilge, while exposed areas inside the hull are resin-sealed and painted.
The hull is reinforced around the seacocks, and each through-hull has an identifying nameplate. The deck molding uses a standard fiberglass layup with a balsa core. Plywood provides backing strength and attachment points for the interior joinery in the cabin trunk and other areas.
At the hull-to-deck joint, the deck rests on an inward-turning flange. A teak toerail conceals a stainless-steel flat bar on deck, matched by another bar inside the hull. These serve as extended washers for the through-bolts, every other one of which also passes through the toerail.
The exterior finish across the three boats examined was fair, with no hardspots marring the hull and good gelcoat work. Other well-finished details include standard teak hatches with Lexan tops, custom cleats and chocks fitted to the teak trim, and stainless-steel chafing strips at the stern.
Rig and Sailing Qualities
The standard sail inventory consists of a mainsail and 100% working jib, both from Sobstad Watts. Tiller steering is standard, though most owners chose a wheel.
Lewmar #40 self-tailing winches provide adequate power and are easy to reach; Lewmar 43s were optional. The standard mainsheet winch is a Lewmar 16.
The Mason 33 points well enough for a full-keel boat with outboard shrouds, but windward work isn’t its strength. In heavy air, it also rolls considerably when sailing dead downwind. Its hull was designed more for load-carrying and seakindliness than speed.
Cockpit and Deck
The deep cockpit has high coamings, comfortable seats, and enormous lockers. Teak decks, a high toerail, and cabin-top grabrails make it easy to move around on deck.
The foredeck is small. It provides enough room for sail handling and anchor work, but not much for lounging. The bow roller is arranged for a CQR, backed by a roomy chain locker in the forepeak.
The deck’s one inherent shortcoming is the lack of a good permanent mounting arrangement for a swim ladder. The company offered a handsome teak ladder, but it must be removed and stowed underway.
Accommodations
Below, the Mason 33 doesn’t initially feel spacious. The abundant teak makes the cabin fairly dark, but that impression also comes from the generous size of the fittings and spaces inside, particularly the storage.
The joinery is uniformly good, with teak used almost everywhere, either as veneer or solid wood, set against white Formica. The owner’s cabin is forward and has a large double berth to port. In the saloon, settees flank a centerline table, and a pilot berth is available to port.
Storage includes double hanging lockers and a wet-gear locker near the companionway. The galley has fiddled counters, deep sinks, and a well-insulated icebox. Opposite, the navigation station provides an adequately sized chart table. A screen bulkhead protects charts and electronics from water entering through the companionway.
Hot and cold pressure water is standard, supplied by two tanks with a combined capacity of 65 gallons. The head includes good storage, a decent basin, and a shower that drains into a 20-gallon sump tank.
A forward dorade and cowl, along with ten opening ports, provide adequate ventilation. Hatches, portholes, and deck prisms bring in additional light.
The sleeping arrangements make the boat’s intended use clear: it was primarily designed for a couple, perhaps with one or two young children and only occasional guests.
Engine and Systems
Early Mason 33s had a 21-hp Westerbeke engine. Later boats received a 27-hp Yanmar three-cylinder diesel. Both installations used a standard three-blade propeller and a 35-gallon fuel tank.
The engine installation itself is neat and includes a good drip pan. Full access, however, requires removing the companionway steps and a drawer assembly.
PAE recommended applying an epoxy coating at the factory. Where that hasn’t already been done, it remains a sensible early ownership step.
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. It suits a couple who value storage, finish, and straightforward construction more than sparkling windward performance.
Pros
- Heavy, well-reinforced solid hull with sealed iron ballast and a fair exterior finish
- Roomy, teak-lined interior with excellent storage and a practical navigation station
- Deep, secure cockpit with enormous lockers
- Easy movement around the deck
Cons
- Windward performance is limited by the hull and outboard shrouds
- Rolls heavily when sailing dead downwind
- No provision for permanently mounting a swim ladder
- Full engine access is involved
- Small foredeck
- Dark, enclosed feel below
