Truant 33 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Truant 33 is a heavy-displacement cruiser with a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio typically exceeding 310, placing it firmly in the category of stable, sea-kindly offshore vessels. Unlike many motorsailers that struggle to point, the Truant 33 features a modern underbody for its era: a deep fin keel and a balanced rudder protected by a substantial skeg. This configuration allows it to track exceptionally well in a seaway while remaining responsive enough for tight harbor maneuvers.

In an editorial review for Cruising World, sailors noted that the boat sails surprisingly well for its weight, offering a reassuring sense of security when the "liquid sunshine" of the coast turns into a genuine gale. The masthead sloop rig is simple to manage, and many owners have retrofitted the boat with an inner forestay to create a cutter configuration for better sail balance in high winds. Its Motion Comfort Ratio, which hovers around 31, suggests a dampened, predictable movement that reduces crew fatigue during long passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The defining feature of the Truant 33 is its pilothouse, which allows for an interior steering station and a raised dinette. This layout is particularly advantageous for year-round cruisers, as it keeps the watch-stander dry and warm. The interior typically offers six feet of standing headroom throughout, which is remarkable for a 33-foot vessel.

Standard layouts usually feature a galley to port and a navigation station or interior helm to starboard. Moving forward and down a step, the boat opens into a traditional cabin area with a private head and a V-berth or a Pullman-style double. Materials are typically traditional, using heavy teak joinery that reflects its high-end British Columbia craftsmanship. Two primary versions exist: the "Pilothouse" and the "Offshore." The Offshore variant lacks the raised house in favor of a more traditional cabin trunk, appealing to those who prefer a lower center of gravity and a more conventional aesthetic. The later Saturna 33 models, while nearly identical, often featured updated interior finishes and minor modifications to the companionway door.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the unique architectural features of a pilothouse vessel and the specific age-related wear of the Truant Marine build.

• Pilothouse Window Seals: The large glass panes are prone to leaking if the original bedding compound has failed. Look for water staining on the teak panels immediately below the window frames.
• Fuel Tank Corrosion: Many Truant 33s were equipped with aluminum or steel fuel tanks located in the bilge area. These can suffer from bottom-up corrosion if they have sat in stagnant bilge water.
• Chainplate Inspection: As with many yachts of this vintage, the chainplates are subject to crevice corrosion. Given the boat's intended use in heavy weather, a thorough pull-and-check is recommended.
• Engine Access: While the pilothouse provides excellent protection, the engine is often tucked beneath the cabin sole. Buyers should verify the ease of accessing raw water impellers and filters, as some custom interior layouts can make these tasks difficult.

Community & Resources

The Truant 33 enjoys a dedicated following, particularly within the Bluewater Cruising Association, an organization based in Western Canada that caters to offshore voyagers. Because many of these boats were sold in the Pacific Northwest, the association’s technical forums and newsletters often contain specific refit advice and historical data from long-term owners.

The Verdict

The Truant 33 remains one of the most capable small pilothouse cruisers ever built, offering a level of seaworthiness and protection rarely found under 35 feet.

Pros:

• Superior protection for all-weather cruising.
• Heavy-duty build quality and legendary William Garden design.
• Exceptional motion comfort in rough seas.
• Interior helm station extends the sailing season in northern latitudes.

Cons:

• High displacement means sluggish performance in very light winds.
• Small cockpit compared to modern Mediterranean-style cruisers.
• Limited availability outside of the Pacific Northwest and Canadian markets.