Nantucket OD Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nantucket 33 OD is defined by its stiff, powerful stance and a high ballast-to-displacement ratio that allows it to carry full sail longer than many of its 30-foot contemporaries. Under sail, the boat exhibits a classic Peter Cole trait: a "sweet" helm that provides ample feedback without becoming tiring. Its underwater profile features a deep fin keel and a large spade rudder, a combination that provides a tight turning circle and responsive tracking.

In heavy air, the Nantucket 33 OD shines, maintaining its composure when reaching or beating into a chop. While its IOR heritage is visible in its relatively wide beam carried well aft of amidships, it avoids the extreme "broaching" tendencies of the period's more radical racing machines. Owner anecdotes from various Australian racing associations highlight the boat's ability to "punch above its weight" in offshore conditions, often keeping pace with 36-footers. The rig is a robust masthead sloop configuration, usually featuring a substantial genoa that provides the primary driving force in light to moderate winds.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its racing pedigree, the Nantucket 33 OD offers a functional and surprisingly commodious interior for a vessel of its vintage. The layout is traditional, featuring a forward V-berth with an overhead hatch for ventilation, followed by a full-width head compartment. The main saloon is characterized by two longitudinal settees; in some racing-optimized versions, these were fitted with lee cloths for offshore use, while cruising variants often included a folding center-line table.

The cabinetry is typically finished in teak or Australian hardwoods, reflecting a higher standard of joinery than many mass-produced fiberglass boats of the 1980s. The galley is located to starboard at the base of the companionway, usually equipped with a deep sink and a two-burner stove, while a dedicated navigation station and a generous quarter berth sit to port.

The Nantucket 33 shares a hull design with several "sibling" models. The most notable is the East Coast 31 (EC31), which served as the conceptual predecessor to the 33. Additionally, a larger sibling, the Nantucket 43, was produced for those seeking a true blue-water passage-maker with similar performance characteristics. There was also a shorter-lived Nantucket 31 designed by Alan Buchanan, though it is a distinct, heavier-displacement clipper-style yacht that shares only the brand name.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nantucket 33 OD should focus their inspections on the following high-signal areas:

1. Rudder Bearing Wear: The spade rudder is a high-load component. Excessive play in the rudder stock or "thumping" while underway often indicates that the bearings or sleeves require replacement, a common maintenance item for boats of this age.
2. Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats from the 1970s and 80s, the Nantucket 33 utilized a balsa-cored deck. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion test around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step to check for delamination or soft spots.
3. Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are generally considered overbuilt by modern standards, early Nantucket models have been known to develop osmotic blistering (hull pox). A professional survey should include a check for previous repairs or active hull saturation.
4. Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post that transfers loads to the keel. Inspect the area where the post meets the floor timbers for signs of sinking or rot, which can occur if water has migrated down the wiring conduits.

Community & Resources

The Nantucket 33 maintains a loyal following, particularly in the sailing hubs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Technical resources and class history can often be found through the Peter Cole Yacht Design archives and the historical records of the Nantucket Yacht Club (though the club focuses more on the classic 21ft One Design, they remain a point of contact for the brand's heritage).

The Verdict

The Nantucket 33 OD remains a premier choice for the sailor who values a "proper" boat that can win a club race on Saturday and depart for a coastal cruise on Sunday. It is a robust, honest vessel that prioritizes sailing qualities over the "caravan-style" interior volume of modern designs.

Pros:

• Excellent upwind performance and heavy-weather stability.
• High-quality Australian construction with durable fiberglass layups.
• Versatile enough for both competitive club racing and family cruising.

Cons:

• Narrower interior volume compared to modern 33-foot cruisers.
• Age-related maintenance (deck core and rudder) is likely on older hulls.
• The deep fin keel (approx. 1.8m/6ft) may limit access to some shallow anchorages.