ranger 33 sailboat

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This boat would be a pretty good choice for either an entry-level club racer or a coastal cruiser.

The Ranger Yacht division of Jensen Marine was created in 1969 to build performance-oriented boats designed by Gary Mull. Jensen’s Cal division had been successful with both racer/cruisers (Cal 34 and Cal 40) and pure cruisers (Cal 46), but the Ranger line was racier, with consistent styling and appearance throughout the series.

Ranger stopped building the 33 in 1978, after 464 boats had been turned out. Many minor changes were made over the years of production, and boats built after 1974 are generally more desirable, with restyled interiors and a diesel engine option.

Bangor Punta was an early boatbuilding conglomerate, and included Cal, O’Day, and Ranger sailboats, plus several powerboat building companies. Several changes of ownership later, the three sailboat companies gradually sank in a sea of red ink, with O’Day and Cal finally succumbing in the spring of 1989, several years after Ranger bit the dust.

With a subtle but attractive sheerline, low cabin trunk, and reverse transom, the Ranger 33 was very modern in appearance in 1969. The styling looks very traditional compared to late-1980s Eurostyling, however.

Underwater, the boat has a moderate aspect ratio fin keel, flattish run without the distorted buttock lines typical of IOR boats, and a semi-balanced spade rudder. The keel would look perfectly at home on a modern racer/cruiser, since it has a vertical trailing edge and a sloping leading edge. Radical keel shapes were as common around 1970 as they are today. The Ranger 33’s fin keel, on the other hand, is conservative and reasonably efficient.

Sailing Performance

The original sales brochure produced for the Ranger 33 defines the boat as a “high performance racing design by Gary Mull,” and that’s a reasonable summary of the boat’s performance compared to her contemporaries. The 33’s PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) rating of about 153 looks pretty sporty when you put the boat up against other boats that were in production in the early to mid 1970s: the Cal 34 rates 174; the Pearson 33, 174; the Columbia 34-2, 170.

Since the Ranger 33’s production spanned such a long period, however, there were a lot of other boats of about the same size with similar ratings by the late years of her manufacture. Mid-70s IOR-derived racer/cruisers were beamier, roomier, stiffer, and frequently faster than the Ranger 33, which was designed in the last years of the CCA (Cruising Club of America) rule. The Ranger 33 had a poor IOR (International Offshore Rule) rating, particularly compared to more modern fully-developed IOR-based production boats.

Owners report that the boat has one negative sailing characteristic: a tendency to rapidly develop weather helm as she heels. The normal, rational remedy is to reduce sail.

As a rule, relatively flat-bottom boats such as the Ranger 33 like to be sailed on their feet. Narrow beam gives the boat somewhat lower initial stability than many dual-purpose boats built today, despite the 40% ballast/displacement ratio. A modern mainsail reefing system would make it possible to reduce sail area quickly, but you’ll find old-fashioned roller reefing on most Ranger 33s.

Like most boats of this size built in the early ’70s, the Ranger 33 was originally fitted with a tiller. The tiller certainly provides adequate power to steer the boat, particularly since the rudder area is semi-balanced. In fact, the rudder may be a little too balanced. Owners report that if you put the rudder hard over, the tiller can just about knock you down as the water flow begins to act on the forward section of the rudder.

Many later boats are equipped with wheel steering, and a lot of earlier boats have no doubt been retrofitted with wheels. In any retrofit installation, you should carefully survey the workmanship. Look particularly for signs of strain, such as gelcoat crazing around the pedestal base or tabbing failure around sheave mounting blocks. Examining for cable wear and proper tensioning would be a normal part of a survey on any boat with this type of steering gear.

Check the condition of the tiller itself. One owner reported having to replace two tillers, which delaminated.

In tiller-steered boats, the helmsman’s position is somewhat awkward for shorthanded sailing, particularly on boats with end-of-boom sheeting. The helmsman sits at the forward end of the cockpit, ahead of both the jib sheet winches and the mainsheet.

One criticism several owners voiced about the rig is that the main boom is not strong enough. With endof-boom sheeting, a good vang is required to flatten the sail, but you could fold the boom in the middle with a lot of vang tension in heavy air.

The Ranger 33 is definitely a performance boat. This certainly does not preclude its use as a coastal cruiser, nor does it mean the boat is hard to sail. It’s a good, fast boat, which, if updated with modern sails and sailhandling equipment, could still be a formidable PHRF club racer.

Construction

By today’s standards, the Ranger 33 is not an extremely light-displacement boat. She was fairly light for her day—remember that most boats still had long keels and attached rudders in 1970—but not exceptionally so. Her Cal 34 stablemate, for example, was 1,000 pounds lighter on the same waterline length.

The Ranger 33 makes extensive use of modular fiberglass moldings, including a deck liner and extensive interior furniture moldings. The original interior was almost completely molded fiberglass with teak trim. Late in the production run, the interior was restyled somewhat to provide a more woody look, which was the rage by the mid 1970s.

Extensive hull and deck liners can make alterations or repairs to wiring and plumbing difficult, as these systems are frequently installed behind molded components. Some of the wiring in the Ranger 33 is inaccessible.

Several owners report that the support system for the deck-stepped mast is not strong enough. Mast compression is borne by a wood column which is attached to the main bulkhead. The main bulkhead also carries the upper shroud loads via strap-type chainplates.

This bulkhead was designed to be glassed to both hull and deck, but one owner told us that the bulkhead in his boat was only glassed to the hull—the overhead glassing had been omitted. The bulkhead had come partially adrift, allowing the boat to wrack in this heavily-loaded area.

Another owner reported measurable deck deflection around the mast step on top of the cabin. This could be the result of inadequate filling between the deck and the overhead liner in the way of the mast support column, or may mean a partially detached main bulkhead.

A deck-stepped mast requires not only good engineering, but careful quality control in construction to make sure the designer’s intentions are fulfilled. Since several owners report problems in this area on the Ranger 33, a very careful survey of the mast support structure is called for. Stress cracks around the mast step, joinerwork around the bulkhead that doesn’t quite line up properly, and inability to keep proper headstay tension are symptoms that may indicate a problem.

You should also pay attention to the aft lower chainplate anchorages, which simply bolt through the deck.

Originally, the Ranger 33 had teak toerails. Later models use a perforated aluminum toerail, which is certainly less maintenance. Some owners report small leaks along the hull-to-deck joint, as well as around the chainplates.

There are no bearings supporting the rudder stock on early boats, and this can eventually result in slop in the rudder as the rudder tube wears. One owner installed Teflon shims between the stock and rudder tube, which both eliminates play and reduces friction.

Excessive wear will show up in the form of a rudder stock that clunks around in the rudder tube. You can check this with the boat out of the water by grasping the rudder and trying to move it from side to side. In the water, the wear shows up as a spongy feel in the steering, or in extreme cases as a clunk when the boat is tacked.

Tankage for both fuel and water is minimal: 20 gallons of each. For more than weekend cruising, you’ll need to increase at least the water capacity.

A gasoline Atomic 4 was the standard engine. A 16 hp Universal diesel was optional from 1975 onward. Either engine is adequate power for the boat. Engine access for either engine is only fair, despite the fact that the engine box sticks well into the main cabin.

Be careful handling a tiller-steered Ranger 33 under power. Prop wash past the rudder can cause the tiller to crash over if you try to apply a lot of helm.

Most complaints about the Ranger 33’s construction are age-related. Serious concerns are the main bulkhead/mast support system, and rudder tube wear. Both of these problems should show up on any reasonably careful survey, and may not be cause for rejecting the boat if you feel confident in your ability to analyze the problem and make repairs. Obviously, the price of the boat should reflect the amount of work necessary to correct serious flaws.

With only 9′ 7″ of beam, there’s not a lot of hull volume in the Ranger 33. By comparison, the current Pearson 33—a typical more modern cruiser/racer—is 11′ wide. Somehow, that extra foot and a half of beam translates into a lot more interior space.

The Ranger 33 has a decent interior layout, but the proportions seem slightly miniaturized to fit in all the pieces, particularly in the galley and nav station. At the same time, at least there is a nav station; in 1970, the navigator usually used the icebox top. The forward cabin has the usual V-berths, wide at the head and narrow at the foot. A fiberglass hatch overhead provides fair-weather ventilation, but that’s about it for fresh air. Headroom is just over 6′ in the forward cabin.

A small head compartment is just aft of the forward cabin, offset to port. A dogleg in the bulkhead between the head and cabin renders the toilet a fairly tight fit. There is some storage space under the head sink, with a shelf above. Headroom is 6′.

On the port side of the main cabin is a U-shaped dinette, which can be converted to a double berth. Ranger’s advertising optimistically lists the dinette and settee opposite as seating eight people. That means squeezing five people into the dinette. We wouldn’t want to be one of them.

Realistically, three would be perfectly comfortable eating dinner, four would fit but would have little room for their plates. For more than four, you’ll need to limit your entertaining to cocktails and conversation, as the table is not expandable. If you’d like to feed more, you could devise a drop leaf for the passageway side of the table.

There’s 6′ 2″ of headroom on centerline in the main cabin. Headroom is fairly constant throughout the boat, as the top of the cabin is parallel to the cabin sole. In profile, the cabin top appears to slope downward further forward, but this illusion is the result of the rising sheerline forward. Gary Mull draws some very nice boats, and the 33 is one of them.

As designed, there is no ventilation in the main cabin, except for the main companionway. A large flat space atop the deckhouse just abaft the mast cries out for a modern, aluminum-framed deck hatch. Since there’s no molded boss for a hatch, you should build up a teak hatch coaming for mounting the hatch, rather than just bolting it to the deck. This raises the hatch slightly, perhaps keeping the interior drier, and it stiffens the deck in the way of the hatch cutout.

Main cabin storage is somewhat limited, with shelves outboard of the settee and dinette, bulk storage beneath.

The galley and nav station are at the aft end of the main cabin. The port-side galley has room for a twoor three-burner stove with oven. Unless an owner has retrofitted with propane, it will be an alcohol stove. In our opinion, pressurized alcohol stoves should be consigned to the nearest dumpster at the first opportunity.

An icebox is built in under the counter just aft of the stove. It’s a long reach to the bottom of the box for a short person, and a potentially hazardous one if the stove is fired up while you’re trying to get things out of the box. A single sink is mounted in the galley counter at its inboard end.

Aside from a locker under the sink and a shelf behind the stove, there is virtually no storage space in the galley. Instead, racks for plates and utensils are built into the shelf outboard of the dinette, forward of the partial bulkhead separating the galley from the rest of the main cabin.

If you’re only going to store plates, glassware, and flatware in these main cabin racks, they will be fairly convenient to use. If you have to get access to them while you’re cooking, it will be a nuisance, particularly if there are guests seated in the dinette. With a long stretch, you can reach over the stove to the main cabin racks, but we wouldn’t recommend it when the stove is in use.

A hand-operated fresh water pump supplies water to the sink. If you don’t want to add pressure water, replace the hand pump with a foot-operated Whale pump. You’ll be surprised at how much easier it is to rinse dishes when you can use both hands.

Opposite the galley is a nav station, which uses the head of the quarterberth as a seat. The chart table is small, but is large enough to take a chart book such as the Chart Kit. You’ll have to use your imagination to figure out how to mount navigation instruments, since there are no suitable shelves. It would be possible to attach bracket-mounted items such as a VHF radio to the underside of the deck, using stainless steel self-tappers into the plywood core. Obviously, these screws must not penetrate to the upper skin of the deck.

Sitting at the chart table is awkward. The flat of the cabin sole ends at the inboard edge of the nav station, and the side of the hull rises sharply in the footwell, making it difficult to sit facing the chart table. Instead, you’ll probably sit at an angle, with your legs can’ted toward the center of the boat. It’s somewhat awkward, but it could be a lot worse. The quarterberth itself is roomy and comfortable. If it hasn’t already been done, you can install an opening port in the side of the cockpit well next to the quarterberth.

The interior of the Ranger 33 is quite livable for two people, and even for four for short cruises. The primary drawbacks are mediocre ventilation and lack of usable storage space, both of which can be improved by the owner.

While the layout is good, it is somewhat cramped due to the narrow beam of the boat. The same arrangement in a boat a foot wider would seem remarkably more roomy.

Conclusions

The boats in the Ranger line were designed to be more powerful and faster than their Cal sisters. Many of these boats have been raced, and raced hard. A careful survey will be required to see if the boat is in reasonable condition.

According to our owners’ reports, the Ranger 33 has an average history of hull blistering. There are no indications of particular model years to avoid. In November, 1969, the base price of the Ranger 33 was about $18,000. This did not include some pretty basic items: lifelines and pulpits, bilge pump, stove, anodized spars. You even had to pay extra if you wanted fabric-covered cushions rather than vinyl!

You’re likely to find big variations in sailhandling equipment on Ranger 33s. On boats that are still actively raced, you may well find state-of-the-art gear: ball-bearing travelers, self-tailing winches, the whole nine yards. On a boat that was never raced, or has not been raced in years, you may well find the type of gear that was on boats 20 years ago—dreadfully old-fashioned and inefficient.

Some Ranger 33s have been cruised extensively. We know of one which made a Pacific circumnavigation. Boats that have been used for cruising may well have added amenities such as hot and cold water, shower, and gas cooking—all of which are near-necessities to move cruising beyond the camping out stage.

The rather paltry standard equipment list means that boats will be equipped very differently. This complicates a purchase decision, because you have to factor in the quality and age of retrofitted equipment, as well as competence of the installation itself.

Even if you have a lot of experience in systems maintenance, you should specifically request that your surveyor pay particular attention to creature comforts that have been added over the years.

The Ranger 33 would still be a pretty good choice for an entry-level club racer. A boat that has been raced is probably not encumbered with a lot of fancy, heavy goodies, yet it is likely to have the same rating as a “cruisier” version.

This would also be a pretty good coastal cruiser for a couple, although tankage, storage, and other amenities would need augmentation. You’ll have to do some comparison shopping, particularly in today’s market, when late-model used boats may sell for little more than tired, much older designs.

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Thank you for a well written and detailed article.

This review should be the standard template for all sailboats in the under-40 ft category. (I have no experience in larger craft – those may benefit from critiques with which I am not familiar.)

It is not only well written but written well, making it easy to understand and with the observations qualified when necessary.

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MY BROTHER-IN-LAW BOUGHT A 33 FOOT RANDER AND I AM LOOKING FOR A GIFT FOR HIS BIRTHDAY. WONDERING IS THERE A BOOK ABOUT THE RANGER BOAT OR MAYBE A WOODEN SCALED DOWN MODEL FOR HIS DESK? THANKS, JAMES

There’s a really nice looking one that just came up for sale in Santa Cruz. 8,000 asking price. That’s a one worth a look.

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The Ranger 33 Sailboat

The Ranger 33, a masthead cruising sloop, was designed by Gary Mull and built in the USA by Ranger Yachts Inc.

'Random' is one of the later models which were produced with wheel steering. Earlier versions had a tiller.

Published Specification for the Ranger 33

Underwater Profile:  Fin keel with spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP

Length Overall:  33'2" / 10.11m

Waterline Length:  26'3" / 8.00m

Beam:  9'7" / 2.9m

Draft:  5'0", 1.5m

Rig Type:  Masthead sloop

Displacement:  10,500lb / 2,041kg

Designer:  Gary Mull

Builder:  Ranger Yachts (USA)

Year First Built:  1969

Year Last Built:  1978

Number Built:  464

Published Design Ratios for the Ranger 33

Sail Area/Displacement Ra tio:  17.7

Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  42.9

Displacement/Length Ratio:  259

Comfort Ratio:  28.2

Capsize Screening Formula:   1.8

read more about these all-revealing numbers...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the  Ranger 33

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 17.7 suggests that the Ranger 33 will approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 42.9 means that the Ranger 33 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 259, tells us the Ranger 33 is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 28.2 suggests that crew comfort of a Ranger 33 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.8 tells us that a Ranger 33 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

The Ranger 33 Sailboat: A Classic Racer/Cruiser by Gary Mull

If you are looking for a fast, fun and versatile sailing boat that can handle both racing and cruising, you might want to check out the Ranger 33 sailboat. This boat was designed by Gary Mull, one of the most influential American yacht designers of the 20th century, and built by Ranger Yachts, a division of Bangor Punta, between 1969 and 1978.

The Ranger 33 is a classic example of a well-balanced, good-looking and easy-to-sail boat that has stood the test of time. In this article, we will give you an overview of the Ranger 33 sailing boat, its accommodation, hull and deck, mast and rigging, keel and rudder, and some of its pros and cons.

Overview The Ranger 33  can accommodate up to six people in two cabins and a saloon.

It was inspired by the Cal 40, another successful racer/cruiser by Mull that won many offshore races in the 1960s. The Ranger 33 was one of the first boats to feature a reverse transom, a low cabin trunk and a subtle but attractive sheerline that gave it a modern and sleek appearance. It was also one of the last boats to be designed under the Cruising Club of America (CCA) rule, which favored long overhangs and narrow beams.

The Ranger 33 was built by Ranger Yachts, a division of Bangor Punta, in Costa Mesa, California. Bangor Punta was an early boatbuilding conglomerate that also owned Cal, O'Day and several powerboat companies. The Ranger line was created to produce performance-oriented boats that were racier than the Cal or O'Day models.

The Ranger 33 was one of the most popular models in the Ranger series, with 464 boats produced between 1969 and 1978. Many minor changes were made over the years of production, such as restyled interiors, diesel engine options and wheel steering.

The Ranger 33 has a PHRF rating of about 153, which means it is faster than many other boats of its size and era. It is still competitive in club racing today, especially in light to moderate winds. It is also suitable for coastal cruising, as it has a comfortable cockpit, a bright and airy interior and enough space for storage and living aboard for short periods. It is easy to sail and handle, with good balance and stability. It is also relatively affordable and easy to maintain.

Accommodation The Ranger 33 has an accommodation layout that can sleep up to six people in two cabins and a saloon. The forward cabin has a V-berth with storage underneath and shelves on both sides. There is also an opening hatch for ventilation and light. The saloon has two settees that can be used as single berths or converted into a double berth with an insert cushion. There is also a folding table that can be stowed away when not in use. The saloon has four opening ports and two fixed windows for natural light and air circulation.

The galley is located on the port side of the companionway. It has a two-burner stove with an oven, a sink with a manual water pump, an icebox and some storage cabinets and drawers. The navigation station is located on the starboard side of the companionway. It has a chart table with storage underneath, an electrical panel and some instruments.

The head is located aft of the navigation station on the starboard side. It has a marine toilet with a holding tank or overboard discharge option, a sink with a manual water pump, a shower with a sump pump and some storage lockers. The aft cabin is located on the port side, behind the galley. It has a large quarter berth that can sleep two people, a hanging locker and a shelf.

The interior of the Ranger 33 is finished with teak wood trim and white fiberglass panels. The upholstery is usually blue or beige. The headroom is about 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) in the saloon and 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) in the forward cabin.

Hull and Deck The hull of the Ranger 33 is made of fiberglass with a balsa core for stiffness and insulation. The deck is also made of fiberglass with a balsa core, except for the cabin top, which is solid fiberglass. The hull-to-deck joint is bonded with fiberglass and secured with stainless steel bolts. The deck has a molded-in nonskid pattern for traction and safety.

The cockpit of the Ranger 33 is spacious and comfortable, with long and wide seats that can accommodate up to six people. There is a large lazarette locker on the starboard side and a smaller one on the port side for storage. There is also a propane locker on the port side that can hold two tanks. The cockpit has a tiller or a wheel steering option, with an engine control panel and a compass mounted on the pedestal or bulkhead. The cockpit has a reverse transom with a swim ladder for easy access to the water.

The deck of the Ranger 33 has a low profile and a clean layout, with all lines led aft to the cockpit through organizers and clutches. There are two primary winches on the cockpit coaming, two secondary winches on the cabin top and two halyard winches on the mast. There are also two genoa tracks with cars and two spinnaker blocks on the deck. The deck has a bow pulpit, stern rail and stanchions with double lifelines for safety. There is also an anchor locker on the foredeck with a bow roller and a cleat.

Mast and Rigging The mast of the Ranger 33 is made of aluminum and is stepped on the deck or on the keel, depending on the model year. The mast has two sets of spreaders and a jumper strut at the top. The mast has internal halyards for the main, jib and spinnaker. The mast has an optional fractional rig option, which has a shorter mast and a larger mainsail.

The rigging of the Ranger 33 is made of stainless steel wire with swaged terminals. The rigging has a single forestay, a single backstay, upper and lower shrouds and intermediate shrouds. The rigging has an optional baby stay or inner forestay for cutter rig option, which allows for a smaller jib or staysail.

The sails of the Ranger 33 are made of dacron or other synthetic materials. The sails include a mainsail, a jib or genoa, and a spinnaker. The mainsail has one or two reef points and slides or slugs on the luff. The mainsail has an optional in-mast or in-boom reefing system for easier handling. The jib or genoa has hanks or roller furling on the luff. The spinnaker has a pole or bowsprit for downwind sailing.

Keel and Rudder The keel of the Ranger 33 is a fixed fin keel that is bolted to the hull with stainless steel bolts. The keel is made of lead and has a vertical trailing edge and a sloping leading edge. The keel has a moderate aspect ratio and is reasonably efficient. The rudder of the Ranger 33 is an internally-mounted spade rudder that is attached to the hull with stainless steel gudgeons and pintles. The rudder is made of fiberglass with a foam core and has a semi-balanced shape that reduces helm pressure.

Pros and Cons The Ranger 33 sailboat has many advantages as well as some drawbacks that you should consider before buying one. Here are some of them: Pros:

• Fast, fun and versatile boat that can handle both racing and cruising; 
• Well-balanced, good-looking and easy-to-sail boat that has stood the test of time;
• Comfortable cockpit, bright and airy interior and enough space for storage and living aboard;
• Affordable and easy to maintain boat that has many spare parts available;
• Classic design by Gary Mull that has many loyal fans.
• Tends to develop weather helm as it heels, requiring sail reduction;
• Not very stiff or roomy compared to newer designs;
• Has some common problems such as deck leaks, chainplate corrosion, blistering, etc;
• Has limited tankage capacity for water and fuel;
• Has limited headroom in some areas.

Conclusion The Ranger 33 yacht is a classic racer/cruiser by Gary Mull that offers fast, fun and versatile sailing that can handle both racing and cruising. It is a well-balanced, good-looking and easy-to-sail boat that has a comfortable cockpit, a bright and airy interior and enough space for storage and living aboard. It is also affordable and easy to maintain, with many spare parts available. It is a classic design by Gary Mull that has many loyal fans.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

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The Ranger 33 is a 33.17ft masthead sloop designed by Gary Mull and built in fiberglass by Ranger Yachts (USA) between 1969 and 1978.

464 units have been built..

The Ranger 33 is a moderate weight sailboat which is a reasonably good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a coastal cruiser. The fuel capacity is originally small. There is a very short water supply range.

Ranger 33 for sale elsewhere on the web:

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• Sailboat Guide

1972 Ranger Yachts Ranger 33

• Description

Seller's Description

Vela is a beautifully restored Ranger 33, Gary Mulls classic racer cruiser sailboat design. Over the past 20 years, Ive extensively restored Vela, as well as sailed over 12,000 miles of coastal BC. As evident in the specifications, all systems on this vessel have been updated to modern standards with no detail ignored. Vela is rigged for single-handed sailing from the cockpit and is an extremely well-equipped and rugged coastal sailor, enabling comfortable travel in a wide range of wind and sea conditions. Her meticulous care and maintenance have resulted in a very reliable boat with no deferred maintenance. Vela is excellent value for a ready to go, do everything sailboat, helping you unlock the magic of our BC coast! Detailed specifications and photo library: howardmcelderry.wixsite.com/buy-vela Moorage is assumable.

Equipment: ELECTRONICS AND NAVIGATION Sailing Instruments: RayMarine ST 60 Wind, Depth, Speed Navigation: Acer PC with Open CPN, including charts for BC coast; RayMarine GPS; AIS Receiver VHF Radio: Icom IC-M402 with DSC Autopilot: Raymarine EVI-1 autopilot system (RayMarine ST2000 backup) Vessel Data WiFi: Actisense for vessel data input on tablet/smartphone (e.g., Navionics) Weather Receiver: NASA Navtex V2.0 receiver (worldwide weather and navigation information) Vessel Monitoring System: BRNKL (https://www.brnkl.io/) live vessel info to smartphone

SAILING EQUIPMENT Layout: Single spreader rig with roller furling forestay, removable inner forestay, hydraulic backstay tensioner, mast rebuilt with internal wiring and halyards, boom replaced with internal lines Rigging: Control lines lead to cockpit for single handed vessel operation, lazyjacks for mainsail control Sails: Main, Jib 90%, Genoa 130%, Genoa 165%, Staysail, Gennaker w/ dousing sock. Winches: 1 and 2 speed genoa winches, 2 halyard winches in cockpit, 1 halyard winch on mast. Mainsail reefing: 3 reef points, #1 and #2 controlled from cockpit Canvas: Main has new (2021) Sunbrella covers

DOMESTIC SYSTEMS Freshwater system: hot/cold water to galley, head and deck shower. Saltwater system: saltwater to head and deck wash ports (cockpit and bow). Cabin heating: Newport propane heater in cabin, Webasto hydronic heater with two bus heaters Cooking: 3-burner propane stove/oven/broiler, Newport BBQ Refrigeration: Icebox with 12 vdc refrigeration (cooling and freezing) Head: Jabsco electric head, using either f/w or s/w Lighting: All lights converted to LED, several cabinets have interior lighting Cockpit Enclosure: Full canvas cockpit enclosure, providing shelter from wind/rain Sound System: Pioneer AM/FM/CD/Aux stereo with 4 mounted speakers Upholstery: Interior cushions replaced 2021, Sunbrella cockpit cushions (2015) Other: Bulkhead-mounted clock and barometer

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS Layout: updated 12 vdc house system (all new wiring) w/ new panel and 18 fused circuits; 110 vac 30A shore power w/ new panel and 3 fused circuits, main breaker, voltmeter and reverse polarity indicator Charging systems: 55 A engine alternator; 2 - 100 W solar panels; ProMariner ProNautic 12-40Amp 2-bank battery charter Batteries: 2 6vdc deep cycle house batteries, 1 12vdc starting battery System Control and Monitoring: Victron Energy Battery Monitor; Victron Energy Charge Controller (solar panels); Balmar ARS 5 Charge Controller (engine alternator)

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT Anchors: 10 kg Bruce style claw with 100 of chain and 200 rode; 10 kg CQR style with 40 chain and 100 braided rope (secondary anchor) Windlass: Lewmar V1-6 12vdc electric windlass w/ wireless remote and cockpit control Safety: MOB pole and strobe, throwable life sling and floatation rope, first aid kit, flare kit, life jackets (4), EPIRB, fire extinguishers (2), handheld bilge pump, sighting compass, radar reflector, coastal charts Dinghy: 8.5 Walker Bay Inflatable w/ oars, pump, patch kit, canvas cover Spares: 55A Alternator, 3-blade prop, tiller yoke, raw water pump, engine gaskets/filters/belts/hoses Cabin Alarms: LPG, CO monitor, raw water flow, high water bilge (to BRNKL)

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

On later boats, wheel steering became standard and a Universal diesel was offered as an option.

Shorter Rig: I: 38.0’/11.58m J: 13.87’/4.23m P: 31.5’/9.60m E: 11.0’/3.35

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1975 Ranger 33

1971 Ranger 33

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RANGER 33 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of RANGER 33. Built by Ranger Yachts (USA) and designed by Gary Mull, the boat was first built in 1969. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 10.11. Its sail area/displacement ratio 17.71. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Universal, runs on Gas.

RANGER 33 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about RANGER 33 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the ranger 33.

RANGER 33 was designed by Gary Mull.

Who builds RANGER 33?

RANGER 33 is built by Ranger Yachts (USA).

When was RANGER 33 first built?

RANGER 33 was first built in 1969.

How long is RANGER 33?

RANGER 33 is 8 m in length.

What is mast height on RANGER 33?

RANGER 33 has a mast height of 10.67 m.

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Ranger 33 1977 - any opinions?

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Hi, dear All, still looking fot that perfect first boat, with your kind help. This weekend me and my wife want to look at a few boats, one of them is Ranger 33. Can anybody kindly share "insider information" on what to look (any known weak spots, prone to blistering, etc)? Also, any general opinions on the Ranger 33 will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ref  

Hello, My wife and I just bought a CR Hunt / Ranger30 this past Sept. We had a pre-buy survey done, as we fell in love with her. The survey came back very positive.. strong solid boat. She is clean, well cared for. 30hp westebake deisle. No issues on blistering or other problems. From what I have been given to understand, the Ranger boats generally have a good reputation. Spend the money on a survey. Good luck and happy sailing. Rick  

The boat in question is a very different boat in almost all ways than the Ray Hunt designed near clone of the Oday 30 that was marketed as the Ranger 30. The Ranger 33 was a Gary Mull design and was part of a series that included the smaller Ranger 23, 26, 29 line of performance cruisers. As much as I am a big fan of Gary Mull''s work, and really like the smaller Rangers in this series, and think that the Ranger 23 is the near perfect first boat for a new sailor and my favorite 23 footer of its era, I have never really liked the Ranger 33. In stretching the design brief, the design of 33 somehow seems to lack the sophistication of the smaller boats in this series. It was almost as if Ranger was trying to stuff more volume into this boat that was easily doable within its length. What came out was a boat whose bow and stern sections seem a lot fuller than the smaller boats and whose cabin structure seems too large for the hull. In general Rangers of there era were not all that well built but the issues were pretty minor in the smaller boats. Talking to a long term owner of the Ranger 33 several years back, he described having to add more remedial structure than should be required on what was then a pretty new boat. In the Ranger 33''s defense he was racing his 33 hard in San Francisco Bay which is a pretty harsh environment. But these boats are now substantially older and his desciption of flexing problems, mast support problems and structural issues in the keel area while not extreme for a coastal cruiser of this era, were certainly less than ideal. I have not experienced this first hand so I am relying on what may be too small a sampling here to say if this was the case of all 33''s. These were pretty fast boats for their day fairing comparably well with other performance boats like the Cal 34 or Ericson 32 of that era. They fair especially well on reaches and dead runs and less so when beating. Jeff  

Practical Sailor''s Used Boat Buyer''s handbook has a very detailed section on the Ranger 33. They seem to be nice enough boats, (There have been two in our area that I''ve seen.) with most of the features one would look for in a cruising boat/PHRF racer. They might not have as much room below or on deck as more modern designs because of the relatively narrow beam. As I recall, Practical Sailor called for paying particular attention to the main bulkhead/mast step area because of the deck-stepped mast. (I loaned out my copy of the book and haven''t gotten it back yet.) PS also raised most of the issues suggested by JeffH.  

I have owned a 73 tall rig for the past 18 years which we''ve raced and cruised extensively. My first Ranger was the last 23 tall rig built -hull number 739. Our 33 has been extensively upgraded through the years, including adjustable jib leads, self tailing winches, backstay adjuster, inboard blade track,coarse and fine mainsheet system on modern traveler track, and a complete inventory of purpose built sails as I hate roller furlers. We also have a modified rudder. All thru hulls were replaced and the bottom is burnished VC ofshore The boat is a pleasure to sail, and will usually be in the hunt, if not the ''Alpha'' boat in the local PHRF fleet. I am not allowed to bring home any more trophies as there is no more room in the den. We have enjoyed alot of success on the race course -not because I''m a good sailor, but because the boat sails well under the rating in a variety of conditions. It is very important when racing this boat to keep her under control, and change jibs as required. We rarely need the extra sail area of the 150 and typically race with our 140% headsail. Unlike Jeff, I find the boat goes upwind faster and higher than any other similarly rated boat. We doextremly well upwind and reaching in all condiions. Again, the right jib is critical, as the mast is stiff and not really suited to depowering as with a fractional rig. Our main is cut a little flat and it pays off as the wind builds. We have not had any structural problems, refered to, but did lose the boom in an offshore race in 60kts of wind. The original boom section was undersized. I have great confidence in our boat (one competed and won its division in the trans pac) and love the sailing qualities. .. Not the greatest for cruising due to the 9.7 beam. I would highly recommend the R33.  

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Our team of Precision Sails experts conducted extensive research on the web to gather information about the specific sailboat in question. We thoroughly scoured various online sources to compile relevant and accurate information for the boat owner. Our team carefully curated the information to ensure that it would be helpful and informative for the user. We understand the importance of having a deep understanding of your boat’s features, and our goal is to provide comprehensive and reliable information that will enable boat owners to make informed decisions about their sailing experience. By sharing our expertise and knowledge, we hope to empower our customers to get the most out of their sailing adventures.

All About Your Ranger 33

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Ranger 33 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

The Ranger 33 features a high-performance sail plan, with a large mainsail and a high aspect ratio jib. The boat’s rig is designed to provide excellent performance and easy handling, even in heavy wind conditions. The mast and boom are made from lightweight aluminum, which helps to reduce the boat’s weight and improve its performance on the water. While the default sailplan is still a good choice for many Ranger 33 owners, your boat may have been modified, or the location you plan on sailing in may mean the design and options need to change. It’s best to talk to a sail consultant about your upcoming sailing plans so we can tailor a design and quote for your specific needs.

Construction

The Ranger 33 is constructed using a high-strength fiberglass hull and deck, with a balsa core for added stiffness and insulation. The boat’s construction is of the highest quality, with a focus on strength and durability. All of the boat’s hardware and fittings are made from marine-grade materials, ensuring long-lasting durability and resistance to corrosion.

The interior of the Ranger 33 is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of headroom and ample storage space for extended cruises. The boat features a large V-berth forward, a comfortable salon with a dinette, and a galley with a sink, stove, and refrigerator. The aft cabin has a double berth and plenty of storage space, making it an excellent choice for families or couples who want to spend extended periods of time on the water.

The Ranger 33 is a classic sailboat that has been updated with modern amenities and features, making it an excellent choice for sailors who appreciate a classic look with modern performance. This sailboat was first introduced in 1973 and quickly gained popularity due to its spacious interior and excellent sailing capabilities. The Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull, a well-known naval architect who is responsible for some of the most popular sailboat designs of the 20th century. Mull’s design for the Ranger 33 emphasized speed and performance, with a sleek hull shape and a large sail plan that allows the boat to sail fast and efficiently in a wide range of wind conditions.

Performance

The Ranger 33 is a fast and nimble sailboat that performs well in a wide range of wind and sea conditions. The boat’s sleek hull shape and high-performance sail plan allow it to sail efficiently and reach impressive speeds even in light wind conditions. In heavier wind conditions, the Ranger 33 remains stable and easy to handle, thanks to its well-designed rig and responsive steering.

The boat’s high aspect ratio jib provides excellent upwind performance, allowing the boat to sail close to the wind and maintain a high degree of speed and control. The large mainsail provides ample power and performance, allowing the boat to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind conditions. A wide range of radial laminates and dacron materials are available for those wanting to increase their performance, and cross cut options are available for those hybrid cruisers looking for longevity.

Overall, the Ranger 33 is a classic sailboat with modern amenities and features that make it an excellent choice for sailors who appreciate a classic look with modern performance. Whether you’re planning a long-distance cruise or a day sail with friends and family, the Ranger 33 offers excellent performance and comfort on the water. Its sleek hull shape, high-performance sail plan, and responsive steering make it a fast and nimble sailboat that is easy to handle in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

Recommended Sails For Your Ranger 33

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your Ranger 33. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and what makes our designs stand out by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Request a Ranger 33 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Ranger 33? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will send you a preliminary quote based on information we have gathered from sailors similar to you.

We will give you a call in order to narrow down the options on your quote and improve the accuracy. If you want us to call you at a specific time, feel free to schedule a time on our calendar!

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself and your boat. Our team will reach out to offer some suggestions and get started on finding you the perfect sail!