Both Well-Built Boats, the Caliber 33 and Caliber 35 Offer Excellent Value and are Great Choices for Cruising

From time to time many manufacturers make subtle design changes that result in a new name for a particular model. Adding designations such as Mark II or Mark III is a common method of indicating these changes. However, in the early 1990s, subtle changes in the design of the Caliber 33 resulted in the company growing the boat two feet and renaming the model the Caliber 35. In 1995, several more changes resulted in another model name change to the Caliber 35LRC (Long Range Cruiser).

In 2005, the company upgraded its 35-foot model even more, calling it the Caliber 35 LRC SE, for "Simple Elegance." An all-teak interior, improved cabinetry, safety upgrades plus smart electrical and anchoring systems are standard. This world-class yacht has its roots in the original Caliber 33. Designed by Caliber's co-founder, Michael McCreary, the Caliber 33 was introduced in 1985 on the heels of the company's first model, the Caliber 28. The design appears to be aimed squarely at the performance conscious cruiser. The appearance is rather angular with a nearly flat sheer and straight stem, which is neither classic nor Euro-modern. To my eye, the efficient, business-like look and the greater slope of the transom of the Caliber 35 model is even better balanced and more handsome than the 33.

Neither the Caliber 33 nor 35 models are actually 33 feet or 35 feet in length. The hull length of the 33 is 32 feet and 6 inches; even with a bowsprit and pulpit her overall length is just shy of 35 feet. Other principal dimensions are specified: waterline length, 29 feet, 6 inches; bean, 11 feet, 4 inches; draft, 4 feet, 6 inches; and displacement, 11,400 pounds. When the Caliber 35 model was introduced, hull length increased to 34 feet due to added slope of the transom and integral boarding step. With bowsprit, her overall length was 36 feet and 6 inches. The specified waterline length increased by 4 inches after the addition of 700 pounds of ballast. According to the manufacturer's specifications, draft remained at 4 feet and 6 inches. But unless the keel was redesigned, it's not possible to increase ballast, lengthen the waterline and maintain the same draft so, if an inch or two of draft is important, take some accurate measurements. Early manufacturer's literature also indicates a shoal draft version was offered drawing just 4 feet.

The 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. Unlike many boats in this size and price range, Caliber does not have pre-fabricated fiberglass liners blindly secured in place with adhesive bonding materials. Instead, the company secures each bulkhead and joiner component with two to four layers of hand-laid fiberglass cloth and resin.

Decks are constructed with a plywood core, rather than balsa wood; the deck-to-hull joint is sealed with a polyurethane adhesive and then bolted thorough an aluminum toe rail every 6 inches with ½-inch 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 under stress 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 later 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 headroom of 6 feet and 3 inches, 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. Access for maintenance is reasonable through the port side seat locker and beneath the companionway steps. The original 33 and early 35 models had a 26-gallon fuel capacity while the 35LRC boasts an enormous 120-gallon fuel capacity. They aren't kidding about this long-range cruiser stuff.

The sail area to displacement ratio of the Caliber 33/35 averages a conservative 16 with an average displacement length ratio of a less conservative 210. The two should balance out nicely for acceptable cruising boat performance. My sea time on these boats is limited to several sea trials. Owners, though, are nearly unanimous in their praise of the boat's sailing characteristics. The ballast to displacement ratio is a very hefty 47 percent. This likely suggest a little more stability than may be the case. I do not have access to the stability numbers on this boat, but considering her shallow draft and the weight of plywood cored decks, the high percentage of ballast is likely in order.

About 100 Caliber 33s and early 35s were built between 1985 and 1992. Both are excellent choices for bay and coastal cruising and, with proper experience and crew, are capable of offshore passages. If you think of this as a 35-footer, accommodations are a little tight, but think of her as 33-footer and accommodations are plentiful. The bottom line is these are well-built boats that offer excellent value and have maintained their resale value well over the years.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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