Sailing Performance & Handling
Under sail, the Nor'west 33 exhibits the predictable, "train-on-tracks" tracking characteristic of a full-keel cruiser. With a heavy displacement-to-length ratio, the hull is designed to punch through a chop rather than ride over it, providing a dry and stable motion that reduces crew fatigue during long passages. Because it carries a significant amount of its weight in a deep-ballasted keel, the boat is remarkably stiff, often standing up to its canvas long after lighter coastal cruisers have been forced to reef.
The sail plan is typically a cutter or sloop rig. In a cutter configuration, the boat offers excellent versatility for heavy weather, allowing the sailor to drop the headsail and sail under a staysail and reefed main. While the Nor'west 33 is not a light-air performer—owing to its significant wetted surface area—it excels in a steady breeze. Chuck Burns designed the hull with a relatively fine entry for its class, which helps mitigate some of the "hobby-horsing" common in older double-enders. Owners often report that once the boat reaches its hull speed, it maintains momentum through lulls and sea states that would stall more modern, lightweight designs.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Nor'west 33 is characterized by its use of traditional materials, with many hulls featuring extensive teak joinery, bulkheads, and cabinetry that provide a warm, classic nautical ambiance. The layout is optimized for offshore living rather than dockside entertaining. A typical arrangement includes a deep V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon usually features a U-shaped or pull-out settee to port and a straight settee to starboard, both of which serve as excellent sea berths when fitted with lee cloths.
A key feature of the Nor'west 33 is the galley and navigation station located near the companionway. This placement ensures that the cook and the navigator remain in close communication with the helm and benefit from the best ventilation in the boat. Headroom is generous for a 33-footer, often exceeding 6'2", which prevents the cabin from feeling cramped during extended periods at sea. While the standard 33 was the mainstay of production, a few custom variants emerged, including versions with slightly different cabin trunk profiles or customized interior cabinetry based on the original owner’s requirements. The Nor'west 33 also has a smaller sibling, the Nor'west 28, which shares the same Chuck Burns design DNA but in a more compact, single-handed-friendly package.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Nor'west 33 with a focus on its age and the specific construction methods of the era. High-signal areas for inspection include:
- Chainplate Integrity: Like many cruisers of this vintage, the chainplates are often made of stainless steel and pass through the deck. Over decades, water ingress can lead to crevice corrosion. If the chainplates are original, they should be pulled and inspected or replaced as a matter of course.
- Deck Delamination: Nor'west used a cored deck construction (typically plywood or balsa). It is essential to check for "soft spots" around high-load areas such as the windlass, stanchion bases, and the mast step, where hardware bedding may have failed over time.
- Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are thick and robust, reports from owner forums indicate that some hulls from the late 70s are prone to osmotic blistering. A moisture meter test and a haul-out inspection are mandatory to determine the extent of any hull saturation.
- Engine Access and Maintenance: Many Nor'west 33s were originally fitted with older diesel engines (such as Yanmar or Universal models). While the engine rooms are generally well-positioned, the tight quarters around a V-drive or deep-sump installation can make routine maintenance, such as raw water pump replacement, a challenge.
Community & Resources
The Nor'west 33 enjoys a dedicated following among traditionalists and "pocket cruiser" enthusiasts. While there is no longer an active manufacturer website, the boat is a frequent subject of technical discussion on the Chuck Burns Design archives and general offshore cruising communities. Information regarding original brochures and line drawings can occasionally be sourced through the Good Old Boat archives, which has historically covered many of Burns’ designs and the Nor'west line's contribution to the West Coast boatbuilding scene.
The Verdict
The Nor'west 33 is a purpose-built voyaging tool for the sailor who prioritizes seaworthiness and safety over racing trophies or modern interior styling. It is a "sailor’s boat," demanding a captain who appreciates the nuances of a heavy-displacement hull.
Pros:
- Exceptional Seakeeping: Designed for heavy weather and long-distance stability.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Classic double-ended lines that stand out in a sea of modern "beamy" hulls.
- Robust Construction: Hand-laid fiberglass hulls that are significantly thicker than modern production standards.
Cons:
- Light Air Performance: Struggles in winds under 10 knots without a specialized light-air sail.
- Maneuverability: The full keel makes backing into tight marina slips under power a skill that requires practice.
- Maintenance Intensity: Older teak-heavy interiors and aging deck hardware require consistent upkeep to prevent degradation.
