Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 25.0′, the Norwest 33 tops out around 6.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √25.0′ LWL = 6.7 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Ballast / Displacement
46.1%
Race-oriented ballast ratio — very stiff and powerful.
Displacement / Length
329
Moderate-heavy — carries provisions well, deliberate in light air.
Hull Speed
6.7kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
5lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
PHRF Fleet Position
Where the Norwest 33 sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.
Ericson 33
Mirage 33
Hunter 33
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Norwest 33.
| Norwest 33 | Cal 2 34 | Ericson 33 | Hunter 33 | Mirage 33 | S2 103 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 33.5 | 33.3 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 33.8 |
| LWL | 25.0 | 26.0 | 26.8 | 27.5 | 26.8 | 28.0 |
| Beam | 10.0 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.7 | 11.3 |
| Displacement | 11 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 10 |
| Ballast | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Sail Area | — | 479 | 573 | 514 | — | 564 |
| Performance | ||||||
| PHRF | — | — | 134 | 159 | 150 | — |
| SA/Disp | — | 17.1 | 20.5 | 16.1 | — | 18.9 |
| Bal/Disp | 46.1 | 39.5 | 41.6 | 40.0 | 37.6 | — |
| Comfort | — | 24.3 | 20.5 | 25.9 | — | 21.5 |
| Capsize | — | 1.89 | 2.11 | 1.86 | — | 2.07 |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | — | 7.1 |