Tripp 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Tripp 33 is characterized by its high-aspect masthead rig and a hull form that favors a generous beam carried well aft, providing significant initial stability and powerful reaching performance. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 135 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio exceeding 22, the boat is decidedly categorized as a high-performance racer/cruiser. In light air, the boat is exceptionally responsive, often out-sailing larger competitors due to its minimal wetted surface area when kept upright.

Handling is described by owners as "surgical," owing to a deep, high-aspect fin keel and a balanced spade rudder. According to archival records from Tripp Design, the hull was optimized to maintain a clean flow at high heel angles, though the boat performs best when kept relatively flat. Downwind, the Tripp 33 is known for its ability to plane in moderate breezes, a trait that was highly sought after during the SORC (Southern Ocean Racing Conference) era. Its sea-kindliness is respectable for a light-displacement vessel, though its motion can be lively in a short chop—a trade-off for its exceptional acceleration and tracking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its primary identity as a racing machine, the Tripp 33 offers a surprisingly functional interior that adheres to the "fast cruiser" ethos. The layout is optimized for a racing crew of six to eight but accommodates a family for weekend cruising. The standard configuration includes a forward V-berth, two settees in the main salon that double as sea berths, and two large quarter berths aft.

Materials utilized by Carroll Marine were chosen for weight savings, featuring lightweight laminates and minimal heavy woodwork. Headroom is adequate for a 33-footer at approximately 5’10”, and the galley is intentionally compact, usually equipped with a two-burner stove and a deep icebox. The presence of a dedicated navigation station and a fully enclosed head located just aft of the V-berth distinguishes it from "stripped-out" racers.

Several siblings were built on similar philosophies by Carroll Marine, including the smaller Tripp 26 and the larger, more cruising-oriented Tripp 37. While the 33 remained a favorite for its balance of size and speed, the Tripp 40—often seen as the 33’s "big brother"—offered a more robust IMS-oriented package with a deeper draft and more complex rig.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Tripp 33 enjoyed significant success in the North American racing circuit during the 1990s. High-profile boats like "Talisman" and "Polar Bear" became fixtures in the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay racing scenes. The model was a frequent subject of performance analysis in Sailing World and Yachting Magazine during the 1990s, often cited as a benchmark for how the MORC rule could produce aesthetically pleasing and seaworthy yachts.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Tripp 33 with a focus on its composite structure and racing history:

• Deck and Core Integrity: Like many Carroll Marine builds of this era, the deck uses a balsa or foam core. Inspect for "soft spots" around high-load areas like the chainplates, genoa tracks, and the mast step, which may indicate water intrusion.
• Chainplate Bulkheads: The high-tension rig places significant stress on the main bulkheads. Verify the bond between the bulkhead and the hull, looking for any signs of movement or tabbing separation.
• Rudder Bearings: Given the high loads generated by the large spade rudder, the bearings (often Harken or custom plastic) are prone to wear. Excessive "play" or stiffness in the wheel or tiller requires immediate attention.
• Keel Attachment: Check the keel bolts and the fiberglass "grid" inside the bilge. Years of aggressive racing or groundings can cause stress cracks in the laminate surrounding the keel floors.
• Engine Maintenance: Most units were powered by the Yanmar 2GM20F. While reliable, the raw water mixing elbow and heat exchanger should be checked for corrosion, especially in salt-water environments.

The Verdict

The Tripp 33 remains one of the most successful examples of the "racer/cruiser" hybrid, offering a level of build quality from Carroll Marine that has allowed many hulls to survive decades of hard racing.

Pros

• Exceptional light-air performance and downwind speed.
• High-quality vacuum-bagged construction compared to mass-market peers.
• Functional interior that allows for genuine, if Spartan, weekend cruising.
• Timely, modern aesthetic that has aged better than many IOR-influenced designs.

Cons

• The 6.5-foot draft can be restrictive in shallow coastal areas.
• Interior finishes are minimalist and lack the warmth of traditional cruisers.
• Requires an active and skilled crew to reach its full potential in a breeze.