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Csy 33
Designer: Peter Schmitt  ·  Builder: Csy  ·  First built: 1978
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About the Csy 33

Designed by Peter Schmitt and built by CSY from 1978 to 1981, this 33-footer represents a classic approach to blue water cruising during the height of the fiberglass production boat era. With only 59 hulls produced during its brief four-year production run, the CSY 33 has earned a reputation as a solid, seaworthy cruiser among those familiar with the marque. The design emphasizes offshore capability over racing performance, evident in its substantial 15,300-pound displacement and conservative comfort ratio of 35.38. The fin keel with rudder mounted on a protective skeg provides good directional stability while offering reasonable protection for the steering system during groundings. Her cutter rig configuration enhances versatility in varying wind conditions, making sail handling more manageable during extended passages. Built with traditional fiberglass construction methods of the late 1970s, these boats typically feature robust layup schedules that prioritize durability over weight savings. The beam of 11 feet provides adequate interior volume while maintaining seaworthily proportions, and the moderate sail area to displacement ratio of 14.04 suggests predictable handling characteristics rather than spirited performance. For sailors seeking a capable coastal and offshore cruiser with proven seakeeping abilities, the CSY 33 offers the substantial feel and reassuring motion that characterized quality production cruisers of its generation.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.04 ft / 10.07 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 15,300.00 lb / 6,940 kg
Ballast 4,600.00 lb / 2,087 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 539.00 ft² / 50.07 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Peter Schmitt
Builder CSY
First Built 1978
Last Built 1981
Number Built 59
Associations CSY (Caribbean Sailing Yachts) history
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 210
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 14.04
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 30.07
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 437.14
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 35.38
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.78
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.70 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 0.83
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 982.61 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 14.03
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.50 ft / 13.26 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 14.90 ft / 4.54 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 37.30 ft / 11.37 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
SA Fore 324.08 ft² / 30.11 m²
SA Main 214.48 ft² / 19.93 m²
SA Total (100%) 538.56 ft² / 50.03 m²
Est. Forestay Length 45.98 ft / 14.01 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Westerbeke
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 40 gals / 151 L
Water Capacity 120 gals / 454 L
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