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Pilot 33
Designer: Aage Nielsen/S&S  ·  Builder: Fisher Boat Works/T. Knutson  ·  First built: 1945
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About the Pilot 33

Designed as a capable and comfortable cruising sailboat, the Pilot 33 offers a solid platform for sailors looking to explore coastal waters and beyond. With a name that evokes reliability and purpose, this vessel reflects the practical priorities of bluewater-minded sailors who value seaworthiness alongside livability. While detailed specifications for the Pilot 33 are limited, the boat's design heritage suggests a focus on stability and dependable offshore performance. Boats in this class and era were typically built with conservative hull forms that prioritize safety and comfort in a range of conditions, making them well suited for extended coastal passages and longer offshore voyages. The Pilot 33 appeals to sailors seeking a manageable yet capable vessel — large enough to accommodate a small crew on extended passages, yet sized to be handled comfortably by a couple or solo skipper. Its emphasis on practicality over racing performance makes it an attractive option for those transitioning from weekend sailing into more ambitious blue-water cruising. For prospective buyers, connecting with current owners and class communities will offer the most detailed insight into this boat's real-world strengths and quirks.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.92 ft / 10.03 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 24.00 ft / 7.32 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 4.75 ft / 1.45 m
Displacement 12,500.00 lb / 5,670 kg
Ballast 4,265.00 lb / 1,935 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 523.00 ft² / 48.59 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood planked
Designer Aage Nielsen/S&S
Builder Fisher Boat Works/T. Knutson
First Built 1945
Last Built 1952
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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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
183
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
15.59
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
36.1
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
1.64
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. 6.56
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
1.04
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. 814.67
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 33.67
J (Foretriangle Base) 11.87
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 17.0
SA Fore 199.83
SA Main 323.0
How It Compares

vs. Alajuela 33, Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee, Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Pilot 33 ★
32.9 ft
Alajuela 33
33.0 ft
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
32.9 ft
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
32.9 ft
LWL
Pilot 33 ★
24.0 ft
Alajuela 33
27.5 ft
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
24.0 ft
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
26.5 ft
Beam
Pilot 33 ★
9.5 ft
Alajuela 33
10.7 ft
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
10.0 ft
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
10.2 ft
Displacement
Pilot 33 ★
12 lbs
Alajuela 33
13 lbs
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
12 lbs
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
12 lbs
Ballast
Pilot 33 ★
4 lbs
Alajuela 33
4 lbs
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
3 lbs
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
3 lbs
Sail Area
Pilot 33 ★
523 sq ft
Alajuela 33
575 sq ft
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
568 sq ft
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Pilot 33 ★
183 s/nm
Alajuela 33
198 s/nm
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Pilot 33 ★
15.6
Alajuela 33
16.3
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
17.4
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Pilot 33 ★
Alajuela 33
34.8 %
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
30.4 %
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
28.0 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Pilot 33 ★
36.1
Alajuela 33
30.6
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
32.4
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Pilot 33 ★
1.64
Alajuela 33
1.80
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
1.75
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Pilot 33 ★
Alajuela 33
289
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
387
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
300
Hull Speed
Pilot 33 ★
6.6 kts
Alajuela 33
7.0 kts
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
6.6 kts
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Pilot 33 ★
1.0
Alajuela 33
1.8
Clipper 33 Cheoy Lee
1.1
Offshore 33 Cheoy Lee
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