CONTESSA 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.67 ft |
| LWL | 25.42 ft |
| Beam | 11.08 ft |
| Draft | 5.82 ft |
| Displacement | 8,988 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.8 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.1 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41.4 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.6 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.1 ft |
| Mainsail | 503 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 208.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 354.8 sq ft |
About the CONTESSA 33
Tall rig (fractional sloop:) I: 38.5' J: 11.1' P: 41.4' E: 14.6'
Designed by Rob Humphreys and built by Contessa Yachts Ltd (UK), the Contessa 33 is a rare, heavy-displacement cruiser with only 20 hulls built in 1984. Its substantial 8988.0 lb displacement and 244.28 D/L ratio reflect a design prioritizing seakeeping and comfort over speed.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater adventurers who value robust offshore capability and are prepared for significant maintenance due to its age and construction materials.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low 2.14 capsize ratio and 20.45 comfort ratio, the Contessa 33 is highly capable offshore, though its single-year production run and age require rigorous structural verification.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1980s heavy-displacement fractional sloop cruisers like the Hallberg-Rassy 34 or Oyster 33, as they share similar build quality, offshore focus, and high comfort ratios.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 32.67ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 9 systems for the CONTESSA 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTESSA 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
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CONTESSA 33?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Westerbeke, Volvo Penta, Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CONTESSA 33
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