Sailing Performance & Handling
The Storm 33 is characterized by its stiffness and predictable handling, a hallmark of the Ed Dubois design philosophy. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 256 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio of roughly 17.5, the boat sits firmly in the "performance cruiser" category. It is nimble enough to be rewarding in light airs but truly excels when the breeze freshens, where its relatively deep fin keel (5’ 6”) or the optional twin (bilge) keels provide excellent tracking.
According to an archival review by Yachting Monthly, the boat feels remarkably well-balanced on the helm, particularly the 7/8 fractional rig version which allows for fine-tuned sail control. The fractional rig was a departure from the masthead rigs common on earlier Westerlys, offering a larger mainsail that is easier to manage for short-handed crews. Owners frequently note that the boat points exceptionally high for a cruiser of its age, often outperforming modern designs of similar displacement in a chop due to its moderate beam and well-distributed buoyancy.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the Storm 33 was considered revolutionary for the mid-80s, primarily because it successfully integrated a genuine aft cabin into a 33-foot hull without compromising the cockpit's ergonomics. The layout typically features a large, U-shaped galley to port and a forward-facing chart table to starboard. The use of high-quality teak joinery and a light-colored headliner creates a warm yet airy atmosphere.
Westerly produced several variations on the Storm hull to cater to different markets. The standard "Storm 33" focused on cruising comfort, while the "Stormforce 33" was a stripped-back, racing-oriented version featuring a deeper keel and a more basic interior to save weight. Additionally, the hull served as the foundation for the Westerly Falcon 34, which utilized a slightly extended transom and a different deck mold to offer more internal volume and a center-cockpit-style feel in some configurations. The headroom is generous at roughly 6’ 2” in the main saloon, making it a viable long-term coastal cruiser for taller sailors.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach the Storm 33 with a specific technical checklist, as certain issues are systemic to the build era and Westerly’s specific construction methods.
- The "Westerly Droop": The foam-backed vinyl headliners used in the 1980s are notorious for failing as the foam degrades, causing the fabric to sag. Replacing these is a labor-intensive project that is common among nearly all original examples.
- Keel Bolt Inspection: While Westerly hulls are generally over-engineered, the transition to the bilge-keel versions (where applicable) requires careful inspection of the "reinforcing floors" around the keel stubs to ensure no stress cracking has occurred from groundings.
- Engine Maintenance: Most Storm 33s were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta 2003 series engine. While reliable, these engines are known for spline wear between the flywheel and the gearbox/saildrive. Buyers should check for any "knocking" sounds at low RPMs.
- Osmosis: While Westerly used high-quality resins, any boat from the 1980s should be checked for osmotic blistering, particularly if the original gelcoat has not been treated with an epoxy barrier coat.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and historical records for this model is the Westerly Owners Association, one of the largest and most active owner groups in the world. They maintain an extensive archive of original brochures, technical manuals, and a "Defects and Fixes" database that is indispensable for anyone maintaining a Storm 33.
The Verdict
The Westerly Storm 33 remains a gold standard for used 33-footers, offering a level of build quality and sailing pedigree that is difficult to find in more contemporary, mass-produced "med-style" cruisers. It is a boat that rewards a skilled sailor while remaining forgiving enough for a family.
Pros:
- Excellent balance and upwind performance for a cruiser.
- Thoughtful interior layout with a functional aft cabin.
- Robust construction and high-quality joinery.
- Exceptionally strong support from the Westerly Owners Association.
Cons:
- Interior headliners (the "Westerly Droop") almost always require replacement.
- Original Volvo Penta 2003 engines may be approaching the end of their service life.
- Performance is significantly more hampered by heavy cruising loads compared to modern, wider-stern designs.
