1989 Caliber 33 Sold Boat in Ashtabula, OH US
33
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33 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
Brokers Comment: "Traveller" has spent her life on the Great Lakesââ¬â¢ Fresh Water. She has had numerous upgrades.
Below is an excerpt from a review by Naval Architect Jack Horner:
ââ¬ÅThe method of construction of the Caliber 33/35 is just about as good as can be found on a moderately priced, production fiberglass boat. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass and resin laminate. There are substantial and closely spaced floors throughout the bilge and unlike many boats in this size and price range, Caliber does not use pre-fabricated fiberglass liners blindly secured in place with adhesive bonding materials. Instead, Caliber secures each bulkhead and joiner component with two to four layers of hand-laid fiberglass cloth and resin.
Decks are constructed with plywood, rather than balsa wood, core and the deck-to-hull joint is sealed with a polyurethane adhesive and then bolted thorough an aluminum toe rail every 6" with 1/4" stainless steel carriage bolts. The bolts are fit into square holes in the toe rail so that tightening the nuts will not cause the bolts to turn and break the caulking seal. This creates a strong, solid structure and creaks and groans common to lesser boats when they are stressed are practically nonexistent with the Caliber. Some of the early Caliber 33 models did have some problems with bowsprits that failed under heavy load but this was latter corrected with a beefed-up structure.
The accommodations on both the Caliber 33 and 35 are virtually identical. There is a V-berth cabin forward followed by a starboard head with integral shower. The main saloon, with 6' 3" headroom, features a full-length settee/berth along the port side, an L-shaped starboard settee and a table that folds up against the forward bulkhead. There is an efficient U-shaped galley aft to port and a starboard quarter berth cabin/navigation station with a bi-fold partition to close it off from the saloon.
Auxiliary power is provided by a Yanmar, model 3GM, marine diesel engine that provides plenty of punch. My sea time on these boats is limited to several sea trials. However, owners I have spoken with are nearly unanimous in their praise of the boat & sailing characteristics.
The Caliber 33 and 35 are both excellent choices for bay and coastal cruising and, with proper experience and crew, they are capable of offshore passages. The bottom line is these are well-built boats that offer excellent value and have maintained their resale value well over the years.ââ¬ï¿½
Brokers Comment: "Traveller" has spent her life on the Great Lakesââ¬â¢ Fresh Water. She has had numerous upgrades.
Below is an excerpt from a review by Naval Architect Jack Horner:
ââ¬ÅThe method of construction of the Caliber 33/35 is just about as good as can be found on a moderately priced, production fiberglass boat. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass and resin laminate. There are substantial and closely spaced floors throughout the bilge and unlike many boats in this size and price range, Caliber does not use pre-fabricated fiberglass liners blindly secured in place with adhesive bonding materials. Instead, Caliber secures each bulkhead and joiner component with two to four layers of hand-laid fiberglass cloth and resin.
Decks are constructed with plywood, rather than balsa wood, core and the deck-to-hull joint is sealed with a polyurethane adhesive and then bolted thorough an aluminum toe rail every 6" with 1/4" stainless steel carriage bolts. The bolts are fit into square holes in the toe rail so that tightening the nuts will not cause the bolts to turn and break the caulking seal. This creates a strong, solid structure and creaks and groans common to lesser boats when they are stressed are practically nonexistent with the Caliber. Some of the early Caliber 33 models did have some problems with bowsprits that failed under heavy load but this was latter corrected with a beefed-up structure.
The accommodations on both the Caliber 33 and 35 are virtually identical. There is a V-berth cabin forward followed by a starboard head with integral shower. The main saloon, with 6' 3" headroom, features a full-length settee/berth along the port side, an L-shaped starboard settee and a table that folds up against the forward bulkhead. There is an efficient U-shaped galley aft to port and a starboard quarter berth cabin/navigation station with a bi-fold partition to close it off from the saloon.
Auxiliary power is provided by a Yanmar, model 3GM, marine diesel engine that provides plenty of punch. My sea time on these boats is limited to several sea trials. However, owners I have spoken with are nearly unanimous in their praise of the boat & sailing characteristics.
The Caliber 33 and 35 are both excellent choices for bay and coastal cruising and, with proper experience and crew, they are capable of offshore passages. The bottom line is these are well-built boats that offer excellent value and have maintained their resale value well over the years.ââ¬ï¿½
1989 Caliber 33 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1989 Caliber 33
Customers appreciate the 1989 Caliber 33 for its solid construction and spacious interior, making it a comfortable choice for extended cruising
Many highlight its reliable performance under sail and ease of handling, even for small crews. Owners often praise the well-designed layout that maximizes living space and storage, along with the sturdy rigging and manageable sail plan. Some also note the boat's classic styling and timeless appeal, which continue to attract sailors looking for a dependable cruiser with character. Overall, the 1989 Caliber 33 is seen as a versatile and well-built sailboat that offers excellent value for those seeking a capable and comfortable vessel.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1989 Caliber 33 is a well-regarded cruiser known for its solid construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some of the pros and cons of this classic sailboat:
Pros
Sturdy Build: The Caliber 33 features a robust fiberglass hull, providing durability and stability for cruising.
Spacious Interior: It offers a comfortable cabin layout with ample headroom and well-designed living spaces, making it suitable for extended trips.
Good Sailing Performance: With a balanced sail plan and moderate displacement, it handles well in a variety of wind conditions.
Reliable Systems: Many models come equipped with dependable auxiliary engines and straightforward mechanical systems, simplifying maintenance.
Versatile Design: Its moderate size makes it manageable for short-handed sailing while still providing enough space for families or small groups.
Cons
Aging Components: As a boat from 1989, some systems and fittings may require updating or replacement to meet modern standards.
Limited Storage: While the interior is comfortable, storage space can be somewhat limited for long-term cruising gear.
Performance Limitations: Though solid, it may not be as fast or agile as newer designs, especially in light wind conditions.
Outdated Layout: Some sailors might find the interior layout less optimized compared to contemporary cruiser designs.
Maintenance Needs: Like many older boats, the Caliber 33 may need regular upkeep to address issues like deck hardware wear or rigging age.
Made For
The 1989 Caliber 33 is ideal for sailing enthusiasts seeking a reliable and comfortable cruiser that balances performance with spacious accommodations. Perfect for couples or small families, this boat offers a versatile design suited for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and extended trips. Its manageable size and thoughtful layout make it accessible to both experienced sailors and those looking to advance their skills on the water.
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Ashtabula, OH

