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Rhodes 33
Designer: Philip Rhodes  ·  Builder: South Coast Boat Building Co.  ·  First built: 1938
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About the Rhodes 33

Designed by the legendary Philip L. Rhodes, the Rhodes 33 carries the heritage of one of America's most respected naval architects behind its name. Rhodes was renowned for producing elegant, well-balanced sailboats that blended performance with seaworthiness, and the 33 reflects that tradition with a hull form oriented toward versatility and comfort on the water. Well-suited for coastal cruising and daysailing, the Rhodes 33 appeals to sailors who prioritize a rewarding helming experience alongside practical liveability. The design philosophy typical of Rhodes-era boats emphasizes predictable handling and a forgiving nature in varied conditions, making it an approachable choice for intermediate sailors while still engaging enough for experienced hands. Its proportions suggest a capable coastal passage-maker that can handle weekend adventures with ease. For buyers researching classic fiberglass sailboats from the mid-twentieth century era, the Rhodes 33 represents an opportunity to own a piece of American sailing history at a typically accessible price point. Finding a well-maintained example rewards patient searching, and the boat's enduring reputation speaks to the quality of its original design lineage.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 33.67 ft / 10.26 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.33 ft / 6.81 m
Beam 6.83 ft / 2.08 m
Max Draft 5.00 ft / 1.52 m
Displacement 5,800.00 lb / 2,631 kg
Ballast 2,950.00 lb / 1,338 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 386.00 ft² / 35.86 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood planked hull w/plywood deck.
Designer Philip Rhodes
Builder South Coast Boat Building Co.
First Built 1938
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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
156
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
19.19
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
26.93
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
1.52
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. 6.33
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. 544.95
How It Compares

vs. Bristol 33, Columbia 34 Mk Ii, Islander 34, Pearson 34, Tartan 33

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Rhodes 33 ★
33.7 ft
Bristol 33
33.6 ft
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
33.6 ft
Islander 34
33.6 ft
Pearson 34
33.8 ft
Tartan 33
33.7 ft
LWL
Rhodes 33 ★
22.3 ft
Bristol 33
26.1 ft
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
27.3 ft
Islander 34
25.0 ft
Pearson 34
28.1 ft
Tartan 33
28.8 ft
Beam
Rhodes 33 ★
6.8 ft
Bristol 33
10.3 ft
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
10.0 ft
Islander 34
10.0 ft
Pearson 34
11.2 ft
Tartan 33
11.0 ft
Displacement
Rhodes 33 ★
5 lbs
Bristol 33
12 lbs
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
12 lbs
Islander 34
10 lbs
Pearson 34
11 lbs
Tartan 33
10 lbs
Ballast
Rhodes 33 ★
2 lbs
Bristol 33
5 lbs
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
4 lbs
Islander 34
3 lbs
Pearson 34
4 lbs
Tartan 33
4 lbs
Sail Area
Rhodes 33 ★
386 sq ft
Bristol 33
469 sq ft
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
526 sq ft
Islander 34
471 sq ft
Pearson 34
550 sq ft
Tartan 33
531 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Rhodes 33 ★
156 s/nm
Bristol 33
180 s/nm
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
Islander 34
147 s/nm
Pearson 34
144 s/nm
Tartan 33
153 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Rhodes 33 ★
19.2
Bristol 33
13.8
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
16.1
Islander 34
15.9
Pearson 34
17.6
Tartan 33
18.4
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Rhodes 33 ★
Bristol 33
39.8 %
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
Islander 34
31.7 %
Pearson 34
Tartan 33
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Rhodes 33 ★
26.9
Bristol 33
31.5
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
29.6
Islander 34
27.1
Pearson 34
23.4
Tartan 33
21.0
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Rhodes 33 ★
1.52
Bristol 33
1.76
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
1.75
Islander 34
1.84
Pearson 34
2.00
Tartan 33
2.04
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Rhodes 33 ★
Bristol 33
322
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
Islander 34
297
Pearson 34
Tartan 33
Hull Speed
Rhodes 33 ★
6.3 kts
Bristol 33
6.8 kts
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
7.0 kts
Islander 34
6.7 kts
Pearson 34
7.1 kts
Tartan 33
7.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Rhodes 33 ★
Bristol 33
1.4
Columbia 34 Mk Ii
2.0
Islander 34
1.7
Pearson 34
2.5
Tartan 33
3.0
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