A Stout, Safe And Comfortable Cruiser, The Hans Christian 33 Will Guarantee High Maintenance (And A Reasonable Price)

People simply walk by some boats at a boat show or their local marina and remark, "Now that's a blue water cruiser." The Hans Christian 33 is such a sailboat. So, is a blue water cruiser simply a style that conjures up a feeling of adventure and far-off cruising destinations, or do actual features define this class of vessel? It is a little bit of both.

A well-designed blue water cruiser must have enough volume to accommodate fuel, water, food, clothing and comfortable berths for one or more people for extended passages and extended stays in out-of-the way places. Solid construction, a safe cockpit and secure deck areas are a must. In most cases, an offshore cruiser must be able to be easily handled by a small crew. And she must provide for comfortable and efficient sailing in a wide variety of conditions. When a designer combines all these features into a boat with less than 33 feet of length on deck, it's no coincidence the result, like the Hans Christian 33, conjures up feelings of adventure and sailing to exotic destinations.

Design credit for the Hans Christian 33 goes to Harwood S. Ives. Although there is debate in some circles, I think it's clear that Ives at least had a hand in this design. The model was introduced in 1980 and built by Taiwanese craftsman in Taiwan in spite of some advertising suggesting the Hans Christian 33 was "built by a master German craftsman . . . Herbert Ernst Guttler." About 150 Hans Christian 33s were built, most between1980 and 1988.

Around 1990, Andersen Yachts Ltd., the builder, moved its yard from Taiwan to Thailand, and perhaps two more Hans Christian 33s were built, according to Craig Beckwith, who commissioned the first 33 and is the U.S. rep for Hans Christian boats. The 33 is no longer produced, but Panatee Marine Co. Ltd., in Thailand, still makes the traditional Hans Christian 41 and 48.

Thick and heavy best describe the construction of the Hans Christian. 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. Some degree of osmotic blistering below the waterline is common but I have not yet seen a condition that I considered structurally significant. Secondary bonding attachments of structural members are generally well done, but most can't be readily inspected because of installed joiner work. Decks are a composite of plywood core, fiberglass inner and outer skins and teak overlays. Some teak overlays were not well bedded and some moisture and deck composites may show delamination. Still, initial construction tends to "overbuilt," and I have not seen a condition that threatened the structural integrity of these boats. This is not to say these conditions will not worsen as these boats age without remedial measures.

Ballast is iron encased in the fiberglass keel cavity and is reportedly 6,800 pounds. The specified displacement is 18,500 pounds, though on travel lift scales most will weigh in at more than 20,000 pounds.

Several deck arrangement features qualify the Hans Christian 33 as a true blue water cruiser, and at least one may not make her particularly well suited for coastal cruising and day sailing. Although desirable in an offshore sailing yacht, the very small cockpit will accommodate no more than two people comfortably for any length of time. On the plus side, for safety in all conditions, are substantial bulwarks along the side and forward decks, very stout double life lines that are well above the average person's knee height and hand rails along the entire length of the cabin top.

Below deck the most apparent feature is the extensive use of teak joiner work. Teak is virtually everywhere and, for the most part, very well done.

A blue water cruiser must have a good galley and well-ventilated berths that are large enough to be comfortable in a tropical environment yet securably for offshore passages in heavy weather. I am particularly fond of the forward head arrangement followed by a portside Pullman berth and a starboard quarter berth cabin. My own boat has this arrangement; although mine is not a blue water cruiser, I have found the arrangement ideal. The galley is small but efficient, and the Hans Christian has more storage than most boats of this size. Fuel and water tank capacity are both well suited to blue water service.

A variety of auxiliary diesel engines were offered ranging form 24 to 40 horsepower. Although 24 HP is on the minimal side for a boat that weighs nearly 20,000 pounds, there is a 3:1 reduction gear and a large propeller so engine power seems to be adequate. Engine access is fair but usually requires removing everything from an overloaded port cockpit locker.

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 performance.

The Hans Christian 33 is a stout, safe and comfortable blue water cruiser that is reasonably priced. Keep in mind these will be high maintenance boats and age will take its toll on teak decks. If your love of this style overwhelms your practical side, she will also make a very handsome coastal cruiser or even a daysailer.

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.

Boat Sales | Market Sales