Like all boats from the Hans Christian line of that era, theHC33is a heavy displacement double-ender, solid and seaworthy. She oozes the traditional feel with extensive use of teak inside and out. At first glance you’ll notice the springy sheerline, large bowsprit and a cutter rig that’s become a favorite among blue water aficionados.

What is a bluewater cruiser?

There are some boats that people simply walk by at a boat show or their local marina and remark “Now that is a bluewater cruiser.” The Hans Christian 33 is one of these boats.

Is there such a thing as a Bluewater sailboat?

The results called into question the traditional definition of a bluewater sailboat and reflect advances in weather forecasting and navigation. A full list of the boats is provided below. Of the 56 boats examined in this study 9 (16%) met all the above criteria for a bluewater cruiser. On average the boats met less than half (41%) of the criteria.

Is the Hans Christian 33 a true bluewater cruiser?

Several deck arrangement features qualify the Hans Christian 33 as a true bluewater cruiser, at least one of which may not make her particularly well suited for coastal cruising and day sailing.

What is this collection of Blue Water boats about?

This collection of capable blue water boats features time-tested sailboats with rich histories. Bluewaterboats.org built an encyclopedia of offshore sailboats for the sailing community. It contains a thorough summary of the history, details of the design and construction, and sailing characteristics on 99 sailboats.

Where were Hans Christian boats built?

The first boats were built at Hansa Yachts Und Shifbau, a new yard located in Taiwan with state of the art facilities.

When was the Hans Christian 33 made?

Designed by Harwood Ives and introduced in 1980 , the Hans Christian 33 is the smallest in the family of sturdy double-enders offered by Hans Christian Yachts. Like all boats from the Hans Christian line of that era, the HC33 is a heavy displacement double-ender, solid and seaworthy. She oozes the traditional feel with extensive use of teak inside and out.

Where is the galley on the Ives 38?

Ives, having designed the previous 38T, 38MkII and 43 moved the interior furniture outwards closer to the hull. The galley was located below the deck and molded fiberglass tankage (both water and fuel) was located in the keel cavity for stability.

Who made the HC33?

The HC33 was commissioned by Hans Christian Yachts founder John Edwards around 1979 to replace the Hans Christian 34 and her unauthorized stretched sibling, the 36. Various disagreements over the two boats, not only with designer Bob Perry (who did not receive royalties for the bootleg 36 stretch) but also the Union boatyard that owned the molds meant a new 33 would be the easiest path out of strife for Edwards.

Is HC33 a good boat?

HC33’s in general have been built well and have stood the test of time. Signs of osmotic blistering in some boats are common but none have been structural. The boats built by Hansa up to 1987 are of higher quality. One owner who has owned both for example has noted solid fiberglass decks in the earlier build and plywood coring, more susceptible to water damage, in the later. Additionally a change was made to through-bolted chainplates over the original monolithic joint embedded in epoxy. We believe the last Hansa built hull was HIN#131.

Who designed the 38T?

By then, Edwards had engaged a new designer, Harwood Ives, described as creative with an uncanny eye for lines, and shared Edwards’ love of traditional boats. Having designed the 38T, 38MkII, and the 43T in the direction set by Perry, the HC33 became Ives’ most technical design challenge to date, resulting in many clever innovations which helped …

How many Hans Christian 38 traditionals were built?

In all Beckwith estimates 167 Hans Christian 38 Traditionals were built, this includes 30 Telstars, in a production run that outnumbered Hans Christian 38 MkII (87 built). Both boats ceased production at the same time around 1989 when a recession and a luxury tax hit the boat industry with both barrels. By then the builder, Shin Fa Industries, was on the way out of business and Hans Christian Yachts was in the process of migrating their operations to Thailand. The last boat built was a Telstar 38T sold by Beckwith in the San Diego boat show in 1989 and the molds were destroyed shortly thereafter.

How much wind does a Hans Christian 38T sail?

Ignoring the later variations on the boat, the standard 38T doesn’t point very high, owners comment around 40 degrees of apparent wind is about the best. With 10-15 knots she can make around 6 knots to weather and about 7 knots off the wind. The first reef is usually taken in in around 15-18 knots and as the winds pick up there is a tendency for weather helm. Of course in heavy airs and seas, the Hans Christian 38T comes into her own, she’s both seakindly and dry with no bobbing or banging around in the rough stuff.

Why was the bulkhead on the Hans Christian 38T moved?

On these boats the main bulkhead was moved aft to make more room for the pullman berth. Around 1977, the 38T inspired an all new boat, somewhat confusingly named the Hans Christian 38 MkII.

What rig is used on Telstar 38T?

The Telstar 38T came with the taller "MkII rig" as standard equipment. However the "MkII interior" was no longer an option for the Telstar 38T as the new position of the compression post (12 inches further forward) obstructed the would-be berth entrance. This was also true of the handful of 38T boats optioned with this "MkII rig".

What is the style of Hans Christian canoe?

Above the waterline, the styling is classic Hans Christian; a long bowsprit, a springy sheerline, and rounded canoe stern with large dollops of teak all over. Below the waterline you’ll find a hull with very rounded sections, a full keel with a forefoot cutaway and a big "barn door" rudder.

What was the original 38T?

Still devoted to these boats to this present day he holds the entire encyclopedia of Hans Christian in his head. The original 38T was optioned as a cutter or ketch, the cutter proved by far the most popular. Interior layouts came in two flavors, a pullman berth or a v-berth in the forepeak.

When did Hans Christian 38T go in for surgery?

In 1984 one of the two 38T production molds went in for surgery in search for better performance. The keel’s leading edge was moved aft, a large bite was taken from the trailing edge, and was complemented with a redesigned skeg-mounted rudder. The revised boat was dubbed the "Telstar" Hans Christian 38 Traditional.

What is a 34/36?

The 34/36 has a low chin bow, a short canoe stern, a long flat run aft and a fairly straight deadrise in the mid-section over a V-bottom, similar to Perrys U.S.- built Valiant 40. Perry said he began rounding his hulls for boats like the Tayana 37 and FD 35 before realizing hed gotten it right the first time.

How many Hans Christians are there on the 40 Christina?

The 40 Christina is gone, but a new version of the 48T will be made. Plans are in the works for a 60-footer. In all, there are some 1,100 Hans Christians sailing the oceans of the world, including the 34 and 36.

How much does a teak boat cost?

And you can probably pick one up in the $50,000-$55,000 range.

How many knots of wind should reefing be?

Heeling was not excessive at 15-17 degrees in 15- knot winds. Reefing should not be necessary until well into 20 knots of wind; easing the mainsheet will buy some extra time without suffering undue consequences.

What is a Hans Christian 34/36?

As designed by Perry, with a little help from Edwards/ Ives, the Hans Christian 34/36 is a heavy, double-ended, cutter-rigged cruising yacht designed specifically for ocean sailing. Like others of its kind, its often described as a traditional North Sea double-ender, although the tradition exists mostly in the imaginations of builders and owners rather than with any vessels that actually existed. They are exaggerated caricatures of old boats, says Perry. Nevertheless the 34/36 has pleasing lines that draw admiring glances. And it was boats like this that helped Taiwan expand its boatbuilding industry during the 1960s and 70s.

What is the story behind Hans Christian 34 and 36?

The story of the Hans Christian 34 and 36, and their successors, is a microcosm of the history of the Taiwan/U.S. boatbuilding industry. That is to say, a mixture of good designs, fine hand craftsmanship, knockoff gear, occasional shoddy finish and detail work, double-dealing and broken promises. Sometimes out of the mix comes a well-built, good-sailing blue water cruiser like the Hans Christian 34.

Where are Hans Christian boat designers located?

Designers, 6400 Seaview Ave. N.W., Seattle, WA 98107; 206/789-7212), who feels a connection to Hans Christian owners, even if he didnt design all their boats. His consultation fee of $250 entitles per- sons to ongoing access and consultation, drawings and any technical backup you need.

What is the difference between a blue water cruiser and a production boat?

Then there are production boats, which are designed for coastal cruising in lighter weather. A production boat has a lighter displacement and is designed to be faster in light weather/wind. A production boat is usually designed with lighter construction materials while blue water cruisers often have heavier building materials like solid wood bulkheads, metal frame hatches and larger tankage. These boats are designed to handle rough seas and long passages. New, they are more expensive than a production boat of the same vintage, but if you look at older models you can often find a blue water cruiser for the same price as a newer production boat.

What is a production boat?

A production boat is usually designed with lighter construction materials while blue water cruisers often have heavier building materials like solid wood bulkheads, metal frame hatches and larger tankage. These boats are designed to handle rough seas and long passages. New, they are more expensive than a production boat of the same vintage, …

Is a blue water cruiser better than a production boat?

New, they are more expensive than a production boat of the same vintage, but if you look at older models you can often find a blue water cruiser for the same price as a newer production boat. This does not necessarily mean that they are a better boat for your cruising needs…

What are the advantages of a skeg hung rudder?

Skeg-hung and attached rudders have an obvious advantage in that they are protected from direct impact. The pressure on the leading edge of the rudder is also greatly reduced, putting less strain on the rudder post. An added advantage is that fishing lines and other marine debris can’t get caught in between the rudder and the hull. As with a full keel the main detractor is diminished sailing performance.

Why is a long keel boat better than a full keel boat?

A long keel boat is easier to make heave-to as it doesn’t pivot on the keel the way a fin keel does. Also, a full-keeled boat tracks better, especially going downwind in large seas, preventing the roundups on waves that are associated with many fin keel designs, ours included.

What are the elements of a bluewater yacht?

The traditional consensus seems to be that the “bluewaterness” of an offshore yacht boils down to six main elements. A full discussion on each feature is included below. According to many, the best bluewater sailboats have: Cutter or ketch rig. Long keel.

What is the most common type of boat rig?

The most common rig type turned out to be a cutter rig (40%), followed by fractional sloop rigs (27%) and closely thereafter by masthead sloops (26%). The more modern designed, light-displacement boats usually feature fractional rigs. Ketches (7%) filled out the rest of the fleet.

How fast can a sailboat go?

The high windspeeds were almost always due to squalls around the equator and lasted less than 40 minutes. Almost any ocean-going sailboat can handle this windspeed and the accompanying sea state.

What is the advantage of a cutter rig?

The main advantage of a cutter rig is the ability to fly a stay sail or storm jib from the inner forestay, which provides more options for both light wind and heavy weather. Keeping the centre of effort close to the centre of the boat is more efficient and more comfortable in heavy weather.

Why are slow boats at a disadvantage?

For heavy weather avoidance, the big slow boats are at a disadvantage because they can’t use light winds to sail through large areas and might not be able to move fast enough to avoid an approaching system. The longer a passage takes, the more exposed the boat and crew are to inclement weather.

What is a bluewater cruiser?

The Hans Christian 33 is one of these boats. So, is a bluewater cruiser simply a style that conjures up a feeling of adventure and far off cruising destinations, or are there actual features that define this class …

How much does a Hans Christian 33 cost?

Currently there are four Hans Christian 33s offered for sale in the U.S. at asking prices ranging from $95,000 to $120,000, and nine boats have been reported sold within the last year at an average selling price of $89,100. The Hans Christian 33 is a stout, safe, and comfortable bluewater cruiser that is reasonably priced.

What are the two words that best describe the construction of the Hans Christian?

The two words that best describe the construction of the Hans Christian are thick and heavy. For the most part, the hulls are a solid layup of chopped strand fiberglass mat and polyester resin. What’s lacking in sophisticated fiberglass technology is generally made up for in weight and thickness.

What is the displacement of a Hans Christian 33?

The Hans Christian 33 is a cutter rig with a displacement/length ratio of well over 300 and a sail area/displacement of less than 16, so it’s clear this is a boat that will need a bit of a breeze to be at her best behavior.

How much does a ballast weigh?

The specified displacement is 18,500 pounds, although, on travel lift scales, most will weigh in at over 20,000 pounds.

When was the Hans Christian 33 made?

Herbert Ernst Guttler.”. About 150 Hans Christian 33s have been built, most between 1980 and 1988, and although there is currently an effort …

Is Hans Christian 33 a bluewater cruiser?

Several deck arrangement features qualify the Hans Christian 33 as a true bluewater cruiser, at least one of which may not make her particularly well suited for coastal cruising and day sailing.

What Makes a Good Blue Water Sailboat?

The ideal bluewater cruiser, however, can’t be simply a waterborne tank —otherwise, it will take forever and a day to get anywhere, and you’ll be sitting duck for any storm heading your direction. In addition, the ideal cruising boat needs to take care of its crew on days when it isn’t blowing stink—days that far outnumber the stormy ones. It also needs to provide a comfortable place to rest and relax at the end of a day’s sail—not a trivial consideration, as even the most dedicated cruiser spends substantially more time at anchor or tied to the dock than out on the briny. Even an aggressive circumnavigation schedule will generally allow the crew two days in port for every day of sailing.

How long does it take for a sailboat to pop back up?

A sailboat with an LPS of 120, on the other hand, should right itself in about 2 minutes. A sailboat with an LPS of 140 will theoretically pop right back up almost as soon as it goes over. Think about how long you can hold your breath—and about how long your hatches, hatchboards, vents, and portlights will hold when the boat is upside down in surging conditions. A couple of minutes could make all the difference in the world. For the record, many sailors believe that an LPS of 115 degrees is acceptable on an offshore boat.

What makes a boat seaworthy?

Many of the features that make for a seaworthy boat also make for a seakindly one. A sailboat with a moderate length-to-beam ratio, a bit of forefoot, and a full keel or moderately proportioned fi n, for example, not only heaves-to well but also tends to track better. Granted, the boat might not be the fastest thing on the water, but what cruising sailor wants to continually tweak and trim to eke out that last fraction of a knot of boat speed anyway? Likewise, a solid masthead rig with a moderate sail area will get you where you want to go without springing any nasty little surprises.

What makes a good sailboat?

The real key that makes a good offshore sailboat is to find one that’s functional and moderate in the areas of sailing and accommodations; fast but not too fast; roomy but not too roomy; and in which everything has a purpose. After all, crossing an ocean in a tiny sailboat is serious business—tremendously satisfying, but serious nonetheless.

How long should a berth be on a boat?

When it comes to sea berths, simpler is better. Each berth needs to be a little more than 6 feet long and located no farther forward than around amidships. The motion in a forepeak berth in any kind of seaway will make sleeping impossible. Berths should also be parallel with the boat’s centerline, not angled dramatically inward. Otherwise, either your head or feet will be higher whenever the boat heels while you’re trying to sleep. Finally, sea berths should be straight to avoid cramped shoulders or feet. This consideration may seem obvious, but many modern cruising boats are equipped with curved or angled settees—those seats in the saloon that double as sea berths underway— which look great at boat shows but can be absolutely miserable for sleeping.

What do you need in a galley?

In the galley, you need a cooking area that not only includes the necessary equipment for preparing meals —stove, microwave, oven, cutting board, and the like—but a layout that will make cooking safe and as easy as possible when the boat is sailing on its ear. The key is a wraparound layout, in which the counters form a U or G shape, so you can brace yourself against an opposing counter or in a corner and free your hands for cooking.

How to describe a deepwater boat?

A deepwater boat should have V-shaped sections in the bow that will allow the hull to slice through the waves on a beat or close reach, instead of slapping and pounding. It should also be stiff enough to carry sail, but not so stiff that it has a “snappy” motion when coming off a swell—which calls for a moderate L/B to ensure adequate but not too much form stability. In this same vein, a boat with a moderate to heavy displacement-to-length ratio—unlike a featherweight speedster—tends to pass smoothly through the waves instead of bouncing over them or simply bobbing on top of them like an oversized cork.