ELAN 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.96 ft |
| LWL | 24.92 ft |
| Beam | 10.83 ft |
| Draft | 5.58 ft |
| Displacement | 7,392 lb |
| Ballast | 2,687.7 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 38.8 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 33.7 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 443.7 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 228.9 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 389.2 sq ft |
About the ELAN 33
Popular model in the european charter fleet. Based on an IOR 3/4 ton prototype.
The Elan 33 is a masthead sloop designed by Jacobin Design and built by Elan Marine (SVN), with production records indicating a build year of 1987. This lightweight cruiser, featuring a displacement of 7392.0 lb and a beam of 10.83 ft, is characterized by a high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 18.1, suggesting a focus on performance over heavy seakeeping.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend racers who prioritize speed and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort, given its low comfort ratio of 17.31 and relatively light displacement.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.23 and a low displacement of 7392.0 lb, the Elan 33 is generally considered suitable for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, as its light hull form may result in a motion that is less comfortable in heavy seas.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 33 and the O'Day 33, as they share similar masthead sloop configurations, beam dimensions around 10-11 feet, and a design philosophy that balances cabin space with planing capabilities.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(11 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° | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| 60° | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 |
| 75° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.4 |
| 90° | 5.0 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.6 |
| 110° | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| 120° | 4.9 | 6.1 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| 135° | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.5 |
| 150° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Run VMG | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.4 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.96ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 8 systems for the ELAN 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a ELAN 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 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
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