Design Brief & Intent
The core intent behind the Nantucket Island 33 was to pack authentic, long-range blue-water capability into a hull measuring just under 33 feet. Peter Cole achieved this by marrying a moderate-displacement hull form with a high-freeboard, center-cockpit layout and an entirely flush deck. This design ethos placed it in direct competition with the robust cruiser designs of the 1980s, such as the Jarkan 10.5, the Mottle 33, and the S&S 34.
What sets the Nantucket Island 33 apart from its peers is its focus on internal volume and deck utility. The flush deck eliminates cabin trunk obstructions, creating a vast, flat workspace for handling sails and ample room for sun-lounging or securing a tender. Below deck, the design utilizes every square inch. The interior joinery, typically executed in select teak with louvered locker doors and a varnished teak-and-holly sole, delivers an ambiance of warmth and craftsmanship that feels far more substantial than the fiberglass liners of North American or European production imports. The layout was optimized for live-aboard couples, utilizing the center-cockpit configuration to isolate the sleeping quarters and maximize privacy.
Variations & Configurations
While the center-cockpit, flush-deck, masthead sloop arrangement remains the defining standard of the model, slight build variations exist depending on whether the hull was completed in Taiwan by Ho Hsing or finished in Australia by Comprador Yachts. The standard propulsion configuration is a reliable shaft-drive diesel engine—typically a Volvo, Yanmar, or Bukh in the 28 to 36 horsepower range—accessible from multiple sides beneath the center cockpit floor.
The primary configuration difference lies in the interior walk-through. In most models, the spacious aft owner's stateroom features a double berth, hanging locker, and dedicated storage, connected to the main salon via a walkthrough passage. The main salon houses a U-shaped dinette to port (which easily converts to a double berth) directly opposite a straight settee to starboard. Forward of the salon, a traditional V-berth provides guest quarters. The head is situated to starboard and can be accessed comfortably, featuring a vanity and shower. Variations in draft are practically non-existent, with the single, deep-profile fin keel drawing 5.33 feet (1.62 meters) paired with a robust, skeg-hung rudder.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Nantucket Island 33 is designed for stability, tracking, and comfort rather than light-wind speed. With a displacement-to-length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 280.19, it is firmly in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This mass, combined with a comfort ratio of 27.73, translates to a remarkably soft, predictable, and dry motion in a heavy seaway. The boat punches through ocean chop without slamming, and its capsize screening ratio of 1.90 falls safely under the crucial 2.0 threshold, confirming its offshore design pedigree.
Its ballast-to-displacement ratio of 39.37% reflects a highly stiff boat that carries its canvas exceptionally well. When the wind rises, the Nantucket Island 33 stands up straight, keeping the helm light and highly responsive. However, the trade-off for this stability is felt in light air. With a sail-area-to-displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of 14.66, the boat is relatively underpowered under its mainsail and standard working jib. In light breezes under 10 knots, the hull's wetted surface area causes noticeable drag, making the addition of a large, high-overlapping genoa or a modern cruising chute essential for maintaining satisfying sailing speeds. Once the breeze builds past 15 knots, the hull comes alive, tracking beautifully with minimal weather helm thanks to the balanced design of the skeg-hung rudder and keel profile.
Known Issues & Triage
As with any vessel of this era, purchasing a Nantucket Island 33 requires vigilance during the marine survey. The primary areas of concern include:
- Deck Core Moisten & Rot: The flush deck is balsa-cored. Any poorly bedded stanchions, handrails, or deck hatches will allow water to penetrate the laminate, leading to localized core delamination and soft spots. Prioritize testing the entire deck area with a moisture meter and sounding hammer.
- Ergonomically Awkward Throttle Controls: Many hulls were originally equipped with low-mounted Morse throttle and gear controls near the cockpit floor. This placement makes docking maneuvers awkward and forces the helmsman to look down. Many owners reroute these controls to a pedestal mount or a higher position on the coaming.
- Chainplate Corrosion: The chainplates are robust but are partially hidden behind interior cabinetry and liners. Inspecting the bolts and structural knees for signs of crevice corrosion or freshwater leaks from the deck seal is critical, as they are easily neglected.
- Keel-to-Hull Joint: Although the fin keel is heavily secured, any past grounding can stress the fiberglass around the keel stub. Check for cracks or weeping at the keel joint, as well as the condition of the internal steel keel bolts.
- Blistering & Osmosis: Typical of early-1980s Taiwanese layups, the outer gelcoat layers are susceptible to osmotic blistering if they have not been previously treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
Modernization & Upgrades
Modernizing a Nantucket Island 33 can transform it into an exceptionally comfortable modern cruising platform. A key upgrade is the cockpit enclosure. Because the center cockpit is positioned relatively high relative to the waterline, installing a high-quality dodger, bimini, or a custom hard-top with full clears is highly recommended by veteran owners. This addresses the exposed feel of the cockpit and creates an entirely dry, all-weather outer salon.
From an electrical perspective, the deep bilge and spacious engine room compartments beneath the cockpit floor provide ideal real estate for modern lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery conversions. The original 12-volt systems, water pumps, and plumbing are typically ripe for replacement, and upgrading to high-output alternators or adding solar panels over a cockpit bimini structure is common. Additionally, while the original diesel engines are notoriously long-lived, those with older Bukh or early Volvo units are frequently repowered with modern Yanmar or Beta Marine diesels in the 30-to-35 horsepower range, improving fuel economy and simplifying parts sourcing.
The Verdict
The Nantucket Island 33 remains a compelling choice for cruising couples looking for a true ocean-going yacht under 35 feet. It is a safe, stable, and surprisingly spacious pocket passagemaker that trades light-wind racing performance for structural integrity, comfort, and interior volume.
Pros
- Stout, sea-kindly hull that tracks exceptionally well and offers a comfortable motion in heavy weather.
- Flush deck layout provides an unencumbered, safe working deck and excellent lounging areas at anchor.
- Vast interior volume for a 33-foot vessel, featuring a private aft stateroom and beautiful teak craftsmanship.
- Center-cockpit design keeps the crew dry and elevates the helmsman's visibility.
Cons
- Underpowered in light wind conditions (under 10 knots), requiring larger headsails or light-air canvas to maintain speed.
- High center-cockpit profile can feel exposed and requires a substantial dodger or enclosure to protect the crew from the elements.
- Vulnerable to common age-related issues of its era, particularly deck core delamination and hidden chainplate wear.
