Built during Cape Dory's heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, this 33-footer represents the Maine builder's commitment to traditional cruising sailboats designed for serious offshore work. Cape Dory earned its reputation by creating vessels that prioritized seaworthiness over speed, and the 33 continues this philosophy with its robust construction and conservative design approach. The boat features Cape Dory's characteristic deep, full keel configuration that provides exceptional tracking ability and stability in heavy weather conditions. This design makes it particularly well-suited for coastal cruising and offshore passages, though sailors should expect leisurely progress rather than racing performance. The full keel also offers protection for the propeller and rudder when exploring shallow waters or dealing with groundings. Cape Dory's reputation for solid fiberglass construction and attention to detail shines through in the 33, making it a sought-after choice among cruising sailors who value reliability over flashy performance. The boat's traditional lines and practical layout reflect an era when sailboat design prioritized safety and comfort for extended voyaging, earning respect from blue-water sailors who appreciate time-tested design principles.
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What is the Cape Dory 33's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Cape Dory 33 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 15.62. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Cape Dory 33's comfort ratio?
The Cape Dory 33 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 34.22. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Cape Dory 33 safe for offshore sailing?
The Cape Dory 33 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.73. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Cape Dory 33?
The theoretical hull speed of the Cape Dory 33 is 6.63 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Cape Dory 33 weigh?
The Cape Dory 33 has a displacement of 13,300.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 33.04 ft.
How much does a used Cape Dory 33 cost?
Based on 3 recent market listings, used Cape Dory 33 sailboats typically sell for between $33,500 and $37,999, with a median asking price of $37,999. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Cape Dory 33?
The Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg, first built in 1980.