Design and Construction
The 33 emerged as part of Rolf Magnusson's long collaboration with the Scanmar marque, and her numbers describe a stable, seakindly coastal cruiser. A ballast-displacement ratio of 41.3 and a displacement-length ratio near 224 place her firmly in the moderate-displacement cruising camp, while a capsize screening figure of 1.9 and a comfort ratio of 22.8 speak to a hull meant to look after a crew in ordinary cruising conditions. The underwater profile pairs a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder for maneuverability and directional stability, and the solid fiberglass reinforced plastic hull carries a sleek, elegant topside shape. Her mast is keel-stepped, which gives the rig more security and rigidity than a deck-stepped arrangement would.
Rig and Handling
Above the deck, the Scanmar 33 is a fractional sloop carrying a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17.0—enough canvas to keep her lively without demanding a large crew. She is equipped with a slab reefing mainsail and roller furling genoa that make her easy to handle and adjust, and she carries both a spinnaker pole and a whisker pole for downwind work. Period assessments describe her as fast and agile in light and strong winds alike, an easy and fun boat to sail thanks to simple, reliable systems, and a versatile cruiser capable of sailing different waters and climates.
Accommodations
Below, the 33 is a roomy and cozy cruiser that can sleep up to six. Two dedicated sleeping cabins anchor the layout: a bow cabin with a double berth, hanging locker, and shelf, and a stern cabin with two singles that convert to a double, also with locker and shelf. The saloon adds two single berths that double as settees. A single head sits to port with marine toilet, sink, and shower, while the galley to starboard holds a two-burner stove with oven, refrigerator, sink, and ample stowage. The navigation station is portside, next to the head, with chart table, electrical panel, VHF, and instruments. Up top, the aft cockpit is spacious and comfortable, fitted with a folding table, steering wheel, and instrument panel, plus a large locker for sails, fenders, and gear.
Known Issues
The Scanmar 33 is a well-built boat capable of lasting many years when properly maintained, with no safety-relevant flooding paths or drainage faults in the design.
The Verdict
The Scanmar 33 is a thoughtfully proportioned Nordic cruiser that balances moderate displacement with a reassuring ballast fraction and a practical, six-berth interior. Her fractional rig with slab-reef main and roller genoa is straightforward for a couple or family to manage, and the skeg-hung rudder with fin keel gives predictable handling. With 500 built over an eight-year run, she is a known quantity in the used market for sailors who want a solid, simple, seakindly 33-footer.
Pros
- Moderate displacement with 41.3 ballast-displacement ratio for stability
- Keel-stepped mast and skeg-hung rudder for rig security and control
- Sleeps six with two dedicated cabins and saloon berths
- Slab reefing main and roller furling genoa for easy handling
Cons
- Period descriptions are largely celebratory rather than critical
