Olympic Princess Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Olympic Princess is a heavy-displacement cruiser that prioritizes stability and tracking over outright racing speed. Drawing heavily on Edward S. Brewer’s design tenets, the hull typically features a long fin keel paired with a protected, skeg-hung rudder. This configuration offers a significant advantage in directional stability, allowing the boat to "track" well on long offshore passages without requiring constant attention to the helm.

In terms of handling, the Princess is known for a soft motion in a seaway. Its hull form, characterized by a moderate beam and generous displacement, helps it punch through chop rather than bouncing over it. While the boat may feel somewhat sluggish in light air (under 8 knots) due to its wetted surface area, it truly comes into its own when the breeze freshens. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff," meaning it resists excessive heeling, providing a sense of security for less experienced crews or those sailing in inclement weather. The sail-area-to-displacement ratio reflects its identity as a conservative cruiser, built more for the reliability of a steady passage than the thrill of a regatta.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 33-foot vessel designed in the 1970s, the Olympic Princess offers a surprisingly functional and warm interior. The layout is traditional, typically featuring a V-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker. The main salon usually consists of a settee that can double as a sea berth and a folding dinette table. The use of rich teak joinery was a hallmark of the Olympic Yachtcraft production line, reflecting the craftsmanship standards of the era.

The galley is generally located aft, near the companionway for optimal ventilation, and is equipped for extended stays with a sink, icebox (often converted to refrigeration by modern owners), and stove. Headroom is generous for a boat of this length, usually accommodating sailors up to six feet tall. While the Princess was the primary 33-foot offering, it shared the production floor with its larger sibling, the Olympic Adventure 42, which utilized a similar aesthetic of heavy wood finishes and robust hardware. Some variations in the Princess's layout exist depending on whether the boat was finished in the Montreal facility or imported as a hull-and-deck kit, but the fundamental focus on liveability during coastal transit remains consistent across the fleet.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of an Olympic Princess should approach the vessel with a checklist focused on the common vulnerabilities of 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally considered overbuilt, the following areas require scrutiny:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this vintage, the Princess utilizes a balsa or plywood core for the decks. It is critical to inspect for soft spots, particularly around the stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step, where water ingress can lead to delamination and rot.
• Chainplate Anchors: Inspect the points where the shrouds meet the hull. Over decades, the sealant can fail, allowing moisture to reach the interior bulkheads where the chainplates are bolted. Structural rot in these bulkheads is a high-cost repair.
• Osmotic Blistering: While Olympic Yachts boasted of high-quality resin work, any hull from the 1970s should be hauled and inspected for blisters. Though rarely structural, they are a significant maintenance item.
• Original Engine Condition: Many Princess models were originally equipped with the Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine or early Yanmar diesels. Buyers should verify if the engine has been repowered or if the cooling system (particularly in salt-water environments) has reached the end of its service life.
• Rudder Assembly: Given the skeg-hung design, the bearings and the pintle/gudgeon connection at the bottom of the skeg should be checked for excessive play or corrosion.

The Verdict

The Olympic Princess is a testament to the "overbuilt" era of yacht manufacturing, offering a safe, predictable platform for sailors who value durability over modern styling.

Pros

• Robust Construction: The hull is thick and capable of handling significant offshore stress.
• Brewer Pedigree: Designed by one of the most respected names in cruising yacht architecture.
• Comfortable Motion: Excellent "sea-kindliness" that prevents crew fatigue during long days of sailing.
• Traditional Aesthetics: Features classic lines and rich interior woodwork that modern production boats often lack.

Cons

• Age-Related Maintenance: Buyers must be prepared to address 40-plus years of wear on systems and standing rigging.
• Light Air Performance: Can be slow and heavy in light wind conditions, often requiring the engine to maintain pace.
• Limited Availability: As a Canadian-built specialty model, finding a well-maintained example outside of the Great Lakes or Northeast can be challenging.