CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.81 ft |
| LWL | 28.5 ft |
| Beam | 10.37 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Displacement | 9,300 lb |
| Ballast | 4,233.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 43.42 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.75 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.3 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 505.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 298.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 507.5 sq ft |
About the CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON)
3rd at 1979 3/4 ton cup.
Designed by Doug Peterson and built by Southern Ocean Ltd (UK) in 1976, the Contention 33 is a robust, heavy-displacement cruiser with a displacement of 9300.0 lb and a comfort ratio of 21.4. While specific hull production numbers are unverified, owner reports highlight its solid construction but warn of critical age-related structural vulnerabilities.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize seakeeping and comfort over speed, provided they are prepared for significant structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 1.98 and substantial ballast of 4233.4 lb, the Contention 33 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, though its age demands rigorous structural verification before long-range cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s heavy-displacement fin-keel sloops like the Tartan 34 or O'Day 36, the Contention 33 shares a similar displacement-to-length ratio (179.35) and masthead sloop rig, offering comparable stability and interior volume.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(6 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° | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 60° | 3.9 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 75° | 4.0 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 3.8 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 3.6 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.1 |
| 135° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.7 |
| 150° | 2.7 | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.4 |
| Beat VMG | 2.4 | 3.3 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.4 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 32.81ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 7 systems for the CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON)? 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
Which engine powers your CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON)?
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: Universal, Atomic 4 — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTENTION 33 (PETERSON)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…