Design and Construction
The SE 33 follows a disciplined engineering approach. The builder describes the hull as an isophthalic resin-infused, vacuum-bagged sandwich of woven rovings and closed-cell foam. It reverts to solid glass around the keel, where the laminate is nearly an inch thick. Glassed-in floors bracketing the keel stub add further structural strength.
Light-ship displacement is 6,172lb, with 2,425lb of standard ballast carried in the bulb—a ballast ratio of around 41 percent. The low, efficient keel and minimal underbody are central to the boat’s character, not merely styling features.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
Singlehanded sailing was clearly a design priority. Lazyjacks contain the mainsail, while the self-tacking furling headsail uses a single sheet. All functions can be managed from the twin helms without leaving the wheel.
Sail controls run aft through under-deck galleries to clutches and Harken winches beside the wheels. This arrangement keeps the deck clean and the crew safe. A Code 0 on a furler at the tip of the bowsprit extends the boat’s light-air range. For wind-challenged waters, Saffier also offered a slightly overlapping genoa with deck-mounted jib tracks.
The Racing version substituted a carbon stick, better sails, and a T-keel. Test sailors found the Jefa steering light and responsive. They also noted that the boat answered course corrections instantly, without the twitchiness found in some high-performance designs.
Close-hauled, the SE 33 achieved tacking angles of 85 degrees and a top speed of 5.8 knots. Video footage also captured her surfing downwind at nearly 20 knots.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The SE 33’s real living space is outside. The cockpit is huge, with a large lounging area abaft the helms and benches long enough to sleep on. The enclosed aft deck sits lower, at seat level, and its flush-mounted traveler leaves an inviting sunbathing area.
Below, the boat is unapologetically compact. The interior has crouching headroom and sleeps two comfortably; accommodating four works only if they’re related or small. The standard layout provides two full-sized berths in the open forecabin and two amidships, with a toilet tucked beneath the V-berth.
An alternative layout places a completely separate head aft on the port side and adds a larger pantry beside the companionway. The only mod cons are a small galley sink and an electric Isotherm fridge, although a small stove could be added.
The Verdict
The SE 33 is a high-concept daysailer that succeeds by keeping its brief narrow: it’s a beautifully built coastal boat that’s easy to sail short-handed, with a giant cockpit and just enough cabin for restrained weekending. It rewards sailors who value clean decks, quick responses, and low-drag efficiency more than interior volume and amenities.
Pros
- Vacuum-bagged foam-sandwich hull, with solid glass around the keel below the waterline and nearly an inch of laminate there
- Genuinely singlehanded-friendly deck layout, with a self-tacking jib and all lines led aft
- Twin-helm cockpit with enormous lounging and sleeping space
- Lively performance from low wetted area and an efficient bulb keel
Cons
- Crouching headroom and a very compact interior limit comfortable weekending to two
- Minimal galley, no standard stove, and sparse accommodations by cruising-boat standards
- No swing- or lifting-keel option
