Nantucket 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nantucket 33 is designed as a "stay-dry" coastal and blue-water cruiser rather than a light-wind racer. With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 280, it falls firmly into the heavy cruiser category. This mass, combined with a ballast ratio of nearly 40%, results in a stiff, predictable motion in a seaway. Owners and testers frequently note that the boat feels exceptionally safe in heavy weather, a characteristic typical of Peter Cole's hull forms which prioritize stability and tracking.

The masthead sloop rig is relatively modest for the hull’s volume, giving it a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 14.7. While this makes the boat somewhat sluggish in light airs (under 10 knots), it ensures the vessel is rarely over-canvassed when the breeze picks up. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder provide a balance between maneuverability in tight marinas and directional stability when running downwind. According to archival notes from Australian maritime sources, the boat’s high freeboard and flush deck design can create a "top-heavy" aesthetic, but the underwater profile ensures a high righting moment and a comfortable motion comfort ratio that exceeds many modern, lighter 33-footers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nantucket 33 is widely considered its most remarkable feature, often described as having the living space of a 40-foot yacht. The flush deck design allows for a massive internal volume with headroom exceeding six feet throughout. The most popular configuration is a center-cockpit layout that facilitates a dedicated aft master stateroom—a rare luxury on a boat of this length.

Variations between the Australian and Taiwanese builds are most evident in the joinery. The Taiwanese-built Nantucket Island 33 models often feature lavish teak interiors with louvered locker doors and highly polished finishes. The layout typically includes a walk-through head that serves as a passageway to the aft cabin, a large U-shaped galley to port, and a proper sit-down navigation station. The forward V-berth is separated from the main salon by a dressing area with hanging lockers, providing a level of privacy usually reserved for larger vessels. Some earlier Australian variants were built with an aft-cockpit layout and a more traditional open-plan interior, but these are less common than the center-cockpit "Islander" versions.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific technical challenges associated with 1980s GRP construction and the unique layout of the Nantucket 33:

• Deck Core Integrity: Because many models were fitted with teak-overlay decks, moisture ingress into the balsa or foam core around the thousands of screw holes is a common issue. Inspect for soft spots or "delamination" sounds using a fiberglass hammer.
• Bilge Depth and Drainage: The boat features a relatively shallow bilge area between the floor and the keel top. This can lead to poor drainage of incidental water (from the packing gland or icebox), which may sit against the sole timbers if not monitored closely.
• Engine Access: While some owners claim excellent access via removable panels in the walk-through, others find the engine compartment cramped for major repairs. Verify the condition of the engine mounts and the accessibility of the raw water strainer.
• Osmotic Blistering: Like many hulls from this era, the Nantucket 33 is susceptible to osmosis. A professional moisture meter reading of the hull below the waterline is essential during a pre-purchase survey.
• Chainplate Inspection: Given the age of these vessels, the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck are prone to crevice corrosion. These should be pulled and inspected if there is evidence of rust staining on the interior bulkheads.

Community & Resources

While there is no single global manufacturer's association remaining, the boat maintains a strong following in the Australian sailing community. Technical data and historical context are often preserved through the Peter Cole design archives and regional groups such as the Offshore Yacht Owners Association, which, although primarily focused on UK-built boats, occasionally hosts documentation for the "Nantucket" line due to shared naming conventions in early catalogs.

The Verdict

The Nantucket 33 is an "overbuilt" cruiser that offers a level of comfort and security rare in the 30-to-35-foot range. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family seeking a capable coastal cruiser that can transition into serious offshore work with minimal modification.

Pros:

• Incredible interior volume and headroom for its length.
• The center-cockpit layout offers a private aft cabin.
• Extremely seaworthy with a kindly motion in heavy weather.
• Strong build quality, particularly in the Taiwanese-built "Island" variants.

Cons:

• Relatively slow in light winds due to a modest sail-to-weight ratio.
• High freeboard can make the boat susceptible to windage when docking.
• Potential for expensive deck core repairs if teak-covered.