ALAJUELA 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33 ft |
| LWL | 27.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.67 ft |
| Draft | 4.75 ft |
| Displacement | 13,500 lb |
| Ballast | 4,699.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15.91 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 36.17 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.33 ft |
| FLforestay | 15.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 594.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 334.1 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 568 sq ft |
About the ALAJUELA 33
Designed by Raymond Richards and built by Alajuela Yacht Corp. (USA) in 1977, the Alajuela 33 is a 33.0 ft LOA cutter with a displacement of 13500.0 lb. While the exact hull count is unknown, the fleet is characterized by a heavy, comfortable cruising profile with a Comfort ratio of 30.57 and a Capsize ratio of 1.8.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal and nearshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability, as indicated by its high D/L ratio of 289.79 and widespread adoption of amenities like dodgers, biminis, and solar panels. It is less ideal for performance-focused sailors due to its moderate SA/D ratio of 16.28.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low Capsize ratio of 1.8 and significant displacement of 13500.0 lb, the Alajuela 33 possesses the inherent stability for offshore passages, though its single-year production run and reported structural issues require careful vetting for serious bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other late-1970s heavy-displacement cutters such as the Tartan 34 or O'Day 35, which share similar beam widths (10.67 ft) and fin keel configurations. These vessels appeal to buyers seeking robust, slow-but-steady cruisers with substantial ballast (4699.4 lb) for stability.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 8 systems for the ALAJUELA 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ALAJUELA 33? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 21 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Used sails that fit the ALAJUELA 33
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