NS 33 to have or not to have

We raced against that boat each wednesday afternoon for a couple of seasons.
It seemed a well looked after and competitive boat, certainly had regular use.
Pilgrim

Thanks Pilgrim,

I haven't inspected the NS33 yet will do on Saturday , so that is good to hear. What do you think of the sale price?

Kieth

I purchased a NS 33 about 12 months ago so feel I can give some limited feedback.
This is my first sail boat and I had only crewed for about 18 months.
I primarily focused on the NS as an Australian built boat that had a good reputation as a coastal cruiser or probably more as a Pittwater playboat.
It has a relatively modern hull design and a more modern interior that other boats of that vintage.
The amidship head and berth arrangements seem to appeal to families.

Now sailing, my boat has been from Syd to Melb and to Tassie and back a couple of times so is seaworthy.
My experience is limited to Port Phillip Bay.

Okay from the pen we do have some problems with prop walk and reversing and it does not seem to be the most agile boat manoevering. The previous owner also confirmed some issues but experience and judiscious use of the throttle will see you OK.

Sail Plan. I find the plan quiet narrow and you need to become accustomed to reading forecasts and adjusting accordingly prior to sailing or be prepared for some uncomfortable rides. I currently carry the No 1 up to 15. No 2 up to 25 and am usaully back in the pen after that. The boat is in no way unsafe but we are usually only flogging around the cans so if it isn't fun in we go. My main has two reefing points and I have used them both. Lazy jacks and etc make sail handllng a breeze.

Lately I have been changing head sails every time I go out however the beauty of furling from the cockpit is too attractive and would be my first priority.
Performace in light breeze is very good especially downwind. I find anything above 20 with a sizeable chop 1.5m plus and I lack the inertia to get through. Could be skipper but..........

I have two criticism of the 33 - lack of cockpit space and the ability to fit a bimini.
I find to race we need 2-3 crew and on spinnaker days possy 1 more. It gets crowded.
I am follically challenged and although I sail with a hat etc I think a bimini is almost essential and I am yet to find an elegant solution.

Should you buy it?
Firstly forget about price and see what boat suits you.
I love S&S 34 however it is not the boat for me. If I was going to do some long offshore work then maybe.
The Brolga 33 is a nice boat similar to the 34 but too blokey.

To my mind at the price points we are talking at the NS 33 stands a little bit to the right of everything else. Most boats people suggest are often more 'hard core or old school'. Where the NS seems a little more light weight and modern.

Choose the boat first and then find one that suits your budget and don't be in a hurry prices seem to keep falling.

Cheers

Thanks for your feedback Kenif,

I do believe the NS is worth a good look and the boss and I certainly do like the layout below. I think if we like it then we'll negoiate and see, I have a budget and I guess the owner has one to.

Had a look at the NS very nice boat well looked after but the kero stove and no furler let the boat down. There was a good swell in Lake Macquarie on Saturday not big by any means and the boat was rolling a lot and really wasn't that stable, so we thought we would pass on this one.
Thanks for everyones help.
Keith

I bought my Nothshore 33 six years ago and can recommend them. In fact many different sailors and brokers who knew far more than me steered me towards these boats when I was looking. Well designed and constructed and great sailing performance with heaps of room inside. Now for the boat on your link. On the plus side it has the full rear seat (although looks more hand made than the custom version) and has two self tailing winches added and the originals look to have been moved rearwards. I have recenetly done the same on mine. It has the wheel steering which many like more than the tiller version. On the inside the main thing to look for is the standard of the timebr work (you can get some in immacualte condition). Mine was built in 1986 but is as new. There are boats out there like this but again factor in the price. The one in the photos looks to have wear on the timberwork. I also do not see pressure water nor hot water. Finally I am puzzled by the information that it has a kerosene stove as the only N33's ones I have come across of the 1980s all had metho stoves like mine (works great). There are some good N33s on the market and the price is about market at this time subject to the level of wear and tear on the inside and whether it has hot and cold pressurized water. So what some people will say. Well having just sailed from Gladstone to Sydney in a boat without a hot water system where I was the cook for the trip washing up was more of a pain without the hot water system. Not so important if your interest is in club racing rather than cruising except if you expect your wife or daughters to be on-board. 1982 is an earlier model. I suggest you try and see some others, especially later ones and then compare what you are getting for your money. Also check the condition of the boom bag.