CAPE DORY 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.04 ft |
| LWL | 24.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.25 ft |
| Draft | 4.83 ft |
| Displacement | 13,300 lb |
| Ballast | 5,499.6 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.6 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 37 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14 ft |
| FLforestay | 13 ft |
| Mainsail | 559.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 279.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 475.2 sq ft |
About the CAPE DORY 33
Some boats delivered with a Volvo diesel. Also available as a Cutter.
Designed by Carl Alberg and built by Cape Dory Yachts (USA) from 1980–1985, the Cape Dory 33 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruiser with 124 hulls produced. Its full keel and high displacement of 13300.0 lb reflect a design philosophy prioritizing stability and seakeeping over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideal for conservative coastal cruisers and those seeking a safe, comfortable platform for short offshore passages, particularly owners who value low maintenance and traditional sailing characteristics.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.73 and a comfort ratio of 34.22, the Cape Dory 33 is well-suited for offshore cruising, offering exceptional stability and motion comfort in heavy weather.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Island Packet 32 and the Tartan 33, as they share similar full-keel designs, heavy displacement, and a focus on safe, stable cruising rather than performance racing.
Direct variant of the CAPE DORY 33
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.8 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 3.6 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 |
| 150° | 2.6 | 3.7 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.04ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 9 systems for the CAPE DORY 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CAPE DORY 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 17 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ 128 synthesized owner insights & buyer's take
- ✓ 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
Which engine powers your CAPE DORY 33?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Universal, Kubota — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CAPE DORY 33
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…