1981 Colvic Countess 33 Sold Boat in Palm Coast, FL US
Built in 1981
Countess 33
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33 feet
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Fiberglass/Reinforced
This extremely rare English-built bilge-keeled boat is tough, rugged, and has been lovingly restored by her current owners. They have had a great time aboard her cruising as a family, but due to the owner and daughter's health issues they are forced to sell. She would make a lovely cruising boat for a small family!
Her rig is currently off and stored in a reliable and boat yard in St. Augustine, FL, where all of the work has been completed. Owners are replacing headliner, and she has MANY new electronics and upgrades!
- 5 sails (furling HeadSail, a hank on headsail, batten main, un-batten main and a storm sail)
- 1800 W Inverter/Charger 2016
- Ampair Wind Generator 100 rebuilt 2016
- Hydrovane
- MackPak
- $15,000 Custom EX2CY Enclosure
- Bottom stripped and barrier coated and painted 2017
- All new custom interior cushions and mattresses 2016
- New portlights 2016
- 20 Gallon separate drinking water tank
- Water filtration system for drinking water
This is a preliminary listing--full electronics and equipment list coming soon. Lots of resources have been put into this boat and she is a gem!
Yachting Monthly Review:
Colvic Countess 33 review
See the February 2017 issue of Yachting Monthly for the full test
What�s she like to sail?
Being fairly full-bodied, the Countess is not the quickest boat around, but she is well-behaved, safe, stable and drama-free. Her high ballast ratio and conservative sail plan make her stiff enough to keep full sail hoisted until nearly the top end of a Force 5. With the sails balanced she�s light and very positive on the steering, but with too much mainsail she becomes hard work.
Her deep vee bows and broad shoulders part the waves silently, with no slamming evident, but when pushed hard she can dump a little spray on board.
Tacking is a fairly slow affair, but at least that gives you time to encourage the large genoa around and pull most of the sheet in before resorting to the winch. The mizzen pretty much looks after itself and is mainly a steadying sail, although it comes into its own when used with a storm jib in a howler.
She won�t keep pace with a modern, lightweight yacht, but she�ll get you to where you want in reasonable time, while offering comfort and security along the way.
What�s she like in port and at anchor?
There are numerous layouts for this hull, depending on the wishes of its first owner, but most offer a spacious, well-appointed and comfortable accommodation arrangement for family cruising. Although it�s a bit of a tight squeeze, having an aft double cabin with en suite heads in a 33ft boat is rare and enables you to offer a guest couple their own facilities with total privacy in the forecabin, or vice-versa. Several other berths are available if you really want to pack them in. This yacht can offer a comfy bunk to eight people if necessary. Her cockpit can seat six for al fresco drinks and the same number around the saloon table for dinner, although four would be more comfortable.
Access to the sea is down the near vertical transom via a folding ladder. Although it�s not quite as easy as a scoop or step, at least there�s a good area of afterdeck for you to dump your shopping on, or even take a shower on after swimming.
Would she suit you and your crew?
The Countess 33 slots neatly into the built-for-comfort bracket. She�s tough, sturdy, stiff and predictable under sail, making her an excellent family yacht for both coastal and offshore cruising in all but the most challenging conditions.
Colvic was a very experienced GRP moulder, so the hulls are consistently well built. However, due to the layup materials available at the time they�re not immune to the odd spot of osmosis so expect to find a few blisters on the boats that haven�t been epoxy-treated at some time over their lifespan.
As the majority of these hulls were fitted out privately, their layout and furnishing quality may vary considerably. While most of the Countesses I�ve seen have been fitted out well using high-quality components and joinery, just one or two might be classed as being somewhat rudimentary.
So if it�s a dependable, solidly-built and traditionally laid-out cruising yacht you�re after, that�s neither too unwieldy to maneuver in a tight marina nor expensive to berth, then the Countess 33 should definitely be on your search list.
This extremely rare English-built bilge-keeled boat is tough, rugged, and has been lovingly restored by her current owners. They have had a great time aboard her cruising as a family, but due to the owner and daughter's health issues they are forced to sell. She would make a lovely cruising boat for a small family!
Her rig is currently off and stored in a reliable and boat yard in St. Augustine, FL, where all of the work has been completed. Owners are replacing headliner, and she has MANY new electronics and upgrades!
- 5 sails (furling HeadSail, a hank on headsail, batten main, un-batten main and a storm sail)
- 1800 W Inverter/Charger 2016
- Ampair Wind Generator 100 rebuilt 2016
- Hydrovane
- MackPak
- $15,000 Custom EX2CY Enclosure
- Bottom stripped and barrier coated and painted 2017
- All new custom interior cushions and mattresses 2016
- New portlights 2016
- 20 Gallon separate drinking water tank
- Water filtration system for drinking water
This is a preliminary listing--full electronics and equipment list coming soon. Lots of resources have been put into this boat and she is a gem!
Yachting Monthly Review:
Colvic Countess 33 review
See the February 2017 issue of Yachting Monthly for the full test
What�s she like to sail?
Being fairly full-bodied, the Countess is not the quickest boat around, but she is well-behaved, safe, stable and drama-free. Her high ballast ratio and conservative sail plan make her stiff enough to keep full sail hoisted until nearly the top end of a Force 5. With the sails balanced she�s light and very positive on the steering, but with too much mainsail she becomes hard work.
Her deep vee bows and broad shoulders part the waves silently, with no slamming evident, but when pushed hard she can dump a little spray on board.
Tacking is a fairly slow affair, but at least that gives you time to encourage the large genoa around and pull most of the sheet in before resorting to the winch. The mizzen pretty much looks after itself and is mainly a steadying sail, although it comes into its own when used with a storm jib in a howler.
She won�t keep pace with a modern, lightweight yacht, but she�ll get you to where you want in reasonable time, while offering comfort and security along the way.
What�s she like in port and at anchor?
There are numerous layouts for this hull, depending on the wishes of its first owner, but most offer a spacious, well-appointed and comfortable accommodation arrangement for family cruising. Although it�s a bit of a tight squeeze, having an aft double cabin with en suite heads in a 33ft boat is rare and enables you to offer a guest couple their own facilities with total privacy in the forecabin, or vice-versa. Several other berths are available if you really want to pack them in. This yacht can offer a comfy bunk to eight people if necessary. Her cockpit can seat six for al fresco drinks and the same number around the saloon table for dinner, although four would be more comfortable.
Access to the sea is down the near vertical transom via a folding ladder. Although it�s not quite as easy as a scoop or step, at least there�s a good area of afterdeck for you to dump your shopping on, or even take a shower on after swimming.
Would she suit you and your crew?
The Countess 33 slots neatly into the built-for-comfort bracket. She�s tough, sturdy, stiff and predictable under sail, making her an excellent family yacht for both coastal and offshore cruising in all but the most challenging conditions.
Colvic was a very experienced GRP moulder, so the hulls are consistently well built. However, due to the layup materials available at the time they�re not immune to the odd spot of osmosis so expect to find a few blisters on the boats that haven�t been epoxy-treated at some time over their lifespan.
As the majority of these hulls were fitted out privately, their layout and furnishing quality may vary considerably. While most of the Countesses I�ve seen have been fitted out well using high-quality components and joinery, just one or two might be classed as being somewhat rudimentary.
So if it�s a dependable, solidly-built and traditionally laid-out cruising yacht you�re after, that�s neither too unwieldy to maneuver in a tight marina nor expensive to berth, then the Countess 33 should definitely be on your search list.
1981 Colvic Countess 33 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Colvic Countess 33
Customers praise the 1981 Colvic Countess 33 for its sturdy construction and classic design, making it a reliable choice for both coastal cruising and extended voyages
Many highlight the spacious and comfortable interior layout, which provides ample living space and practical storage. The boat's solid performance and ease of handling receive positive remarks, with owners appreciating its seaworthiness in various weather conditions. Overall, the Colvic Countess 33 is valued for its timeless appeal, durability, and versatility on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Colvic Countess 33 is a classic motor cruiser known for its sturdy build and timeless design. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Solid Construction: Built with a robust hull and quality materials, offering durability and reliability.
Spacious Interior: Provides comfortable accommodation for extended cruising with well-laid-out cabins.
Classic Styling: Timeless design that appeals to enthusiasts of traditional motor cruisers.
Good Stability: The hull design ensures steady handling and a smooth ride in various sea conditions.
Versatile Layout: Suitable for both leisurely day trips and longer voyages.
Cons
Older Systems: Being a 1981 model, some mechanical and electrical systems may require updating or maintenance.
Fuel Efficiency: Older engines may not be as fuel-efficient compared to modern counterparts.
Limited Modern Amenities: Lacks some contemporary conveniences and technology found on newer boats.
Maintenance Needs: Due to its age, ongoing upkeep is necessary to maintain performance and safety.
Availability of Parts: Replacement parts might be harder to source given the boat’s vintage status.
Made For
The 1981 Colvic Countess 33 is ideal for sailors seeking a classic, sturdy cruiser with timeless design and reliable performance. Perfect for those who appreciate traditional craftsmanship, this boat suits small families or couples looking for comfortable coastal cruising or weekend adventures. Its spacious layout and solid build make it a great choice for sailors who value both style and practicality on the water.
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Palm Coast, FL
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