CARTER 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.58 ft |
| LWL | 23.33 ft |
| Beam | 11 ft |
| Draft | 5.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,500 lb |
| Ballast | 2,859.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 36.48 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 12.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 31.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.19 ft |
| FLforestay | 12.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 417.9 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 239.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 407.7 sq ft |
| Rig | I | J | P | E | SA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHORT RIG | 11.12 | 3.75 | 9.6 | 2.8 | — |
About the CARTER 33
Along with the CARTER 30, the CARTER 33 is one of the most popular of the designers 'series built' boats. They were available through his company Carter Offshore and built primarily in Greece. The same design was also built in Australia, and Sweden. (Not to be confused with the CARTER 3/4 TON which appeared later and is a different design, (A version of the CARTER 33, with shorter rig, did fall within the RORC 1/2 ton threshold - 21.7'.) Thanks to Mike Davies for providing additional information.
Designed by Dick Carter and built by Olympic Yachts (GRE), the Carter 33 is a classic 1971-era cruiser with a production run of 200 hulls. As a 32.58 ft masthead sloop with a displacement of 7500.0 lb, it offers a solid, traditional layout that appeals to owners seeking a manageable yet capable vessel, though its age demands rigorous structural inspection.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable, stable ride and manageable size over high-performance racing. Its moderate SA/D ratio of 16.97 and comfort ratio of 18.21 indicate it is well-suited for relaxed cruising rather than aggressive performance sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.25 and a displacement of 7500.0 lb, the Carter 33 possesses the stability and mass required for offshore passages, though its single production year of 1971 means potential buyers must verify the integrity of its aging hull and deck construction before considering extended bluewater use.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 34 and O'Day 34, which share similar dimensions, production eras, and roles as family-friendly coastal cruisers. Like the Carter 33, these designs feature fin keels and masthead rigs, offering a balance of interior volume and ease of handling that appeals to the same demographic.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(12 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 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| 75° | 4.5 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.0 |
| 90° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 4.4 | 5.4 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.7 |
| 135° | 4.0 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| 150° | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.6 | 3.2 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
| Run VMG | 2.9 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.5 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 32.58ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
23 reported issues across 8 systems for the CARTER 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CARTER 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 23 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 CARTER 33
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