Browse all sailboats
148data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this CALIBER 33 buyer’s report
CALIBER 33

CALIBER 33

Caliber Yachts🇺🇸· Design: Michael McCreary
$38,275 avg$24,000 – $64,900 (8 listings)1986–1991
$1.6K – $4.3K est. annual maintenance
Offshore CruisermonoCutterFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA32.5 ft
LWL29.5 ft
Beam11.33 ft
Draft4.5 ft
Shoal Draft4.0 ft(1.2 m)
Displacement13,000 lb
Ballast6,099.6 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL7.3 kn

Rig & Sails

Iforetriangle height43 ft
Jforetriangle base14 ft
Pmainsail luff39.83 ft
Emainsail foot12 ft
FLforestay14 ft
Mainsail559.1 sq ft
Jib (100%)301 sq ft
Spinnaker511.7 sq ft

About the CALIBER 33

Given an extended transom and renamed CALIBER 35 in 1992. Updated again as the CALIBER 35 LRC in 1995.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

Designed by Michael McCreary and built by Caliber Yachts (USA) from 1986–1991, the Caliber 33 is a 32.5 ft cutter-rigged sloop with a displacement of 13000.0 lb. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, owner reports highlight a robust build quality that is frequently compromised by structural issues in the keel and deck.

Best for:
This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride with a high comfort ratio of 26.06, provided they are prepared for significant structural maintenance.
Bluewater capability:
With a low capsize ratio of 1.93 and a displacement of 13000.0 lb, the boat has the theoretical stability for offshore passages, but critical reports of keel smiles and deck core moisture severely limit its practical bluewater readiness without extensive structural repair.
Comparables:
Comparable to other 1980s American production cruisers like the Cal 34 or O'Day 36, the Caliber 33 offers similar beam (11.33 ft) and displacement characteristics but distinguishes itself with a cutter rig and McCreary's design philosophy.

Performance

Comfort26.1
Capsize1.93
SA/Disp15.7
Disp/Len226
Bal/Disp46.9

Estimated Value

Low Confidence
Based on 6 listings
Low
$20,881
Estimated Value
$26,379
High
$35,722
Inflation-adjusted to 2026 USD

Asking price by model year

9 listings · boat years 19871990 · median $39,900

$0$20k$40k$60k$80kmedian $39,90019901989 Caliber 33 · $28,000 · Florida, US1987 Caliber 33 · $26,500 · Michigan, US1990 Caliber 33 · $48,000 · Florida, PA1989 Caliber 33 · $24,000 · Florida, US1990 Caliber Caliber33 · $40,000 · Florida, US1989 Caliber 33 · $64,900 · Florida, US1987 33 · $39,901 · NC, US1987 Caliber caliber 33 · $39,900 · MA1987 Caliber caliber 33 · $35,000 · NCAsking price (USD)Boat model year

Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 32.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$1.6K – $4.3K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
Enter zip code
Pick a country or enter a US zip for local rates
Annual Insurance
Enter zip code
For location-adjusted rates

Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection

12 reported issues across 7 systems for the CALIBER 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.

5 critical2 major5 minor
Structural3Plumbing2Hull2Engine2Deck1Rudder1Keel1

Unlock the full inspection report

Thinking of buying a CALIBER 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 12 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

Similar Sailboats

Engine Parts & Maintenance

The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on Amazon or eBay matched to its part number.

Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.

Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Used sails that fit the CALIBER 33

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…