CONTRAST 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 32.38 ft |
| LWL | 27.23 ft |
| Beam | 10.1 ft |
| Draft | 5.41 ft |
| Displacement | 8,200 lb |
| Ballast | 3,748.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 36.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.3 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 39.7 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.7 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 458.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 207.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 353.5 sq ft |
About the CONTRAST 33
Designed by Rolf Magnusson and built by Contrastbåtar, the Contrast 33 is a compact cruising sloop with a production run of 240 hulls starting in 1979. This Swedish-built vessel offers a balanced fractional sloop rig and moderate displacement, reflecting a design philosophy focused on practical coastal cruising rather than extreme performance.
- Best for:
- This boat is well-suited for coastal cruisers and couples seeking a manageable, trailerable package with a comfortable interior layout. Its moderate beam and fractional rig make it accessible for short-handed sailing while maintaining adequate stability for weekend getaways.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 8200.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.01, the Contrast 33 is primarily designed for coastal and protected waters rather than extended bluewater passages. Its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio suggest it is best kept within sight of land or in well-protected bays.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Tartan 33 and O'Day 32, which share similar beam dimensions and fractional sloop rigs from the late 1970s. These boats offer similar interior volumes and cruising-oriented performance profiles, making them direct competitors in the used market.
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° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| 75° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.3 |
| 90° | 5.2 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.6 |
| 110° | 5.2 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.0 |
| 120° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the CONTRAST 33 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 32.38ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
1 reported issues across 1 systems for the CONTRAST 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CONTRAST 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 1 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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Which engine powers your CONTRAST 33?
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Used sails that fit the CONTRAST 33
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