The Scanmar 33 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Scanmar 33, a moderate displacement fractional cruising sloop, was designed by Rolf Magnusson and built in Sweden by the Börjesson Brothers.

The Scanmar 33 sailboatA Scanmar 33 Sailboat

Published Specification for the Scanmar 33

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 33'2" (10.1m)

Waterline Length: 27'3" (8.3m)

Beam: 10'9" (3.3m)

Draft: 5'9" (1.8m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 10,140lb (4,599kg)

Ballast: 4,188lb (1,900kg)

Designer: Rolf Magnusson

Builder: Börjesson Brothers (Sweden)

Year First Built: 1980

Year Last Built: 1987

Number Built: 500


Published Design Ratios for the Scanmar 33

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.0

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 41.3

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 224

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 22.8

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

Read more about these Key Performance Indicators...


Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Scanmar 33

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.0 suggests that the Scanmar 33 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 41.3 means that the Scanmar 33 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 224, tells us the Scanmar 33 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 22.8 suggests that crew comfort of a Scanmar 33 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not the best of news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 indicates that a Scanmar 33 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Recent Articles

  1. Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

    Jun 07, 23 01:51 AM

    Looking for used sailboats for sale that are capable of crossing an ocean? These cruising yachts are already in the Caribbean, but what are the risks and benefits of buying out there?

    Read More

  2. 'Shindig', a 40ft Bluewater Cruising Yacht for Sale

    Jun 04, 23 08:32 AM

    If you're looking for a unique Bluewater Cruising Yacht for sale in the Caribbean, then 'Shindig' is certainly worth a look...

    Read More

  3. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Jun 04, 23 06:26 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More