The Sun Odyssey 33i is a cruising sailboat produced by the shipyard Jeanneau and designed by architect Marc Lombard. Launched in 2009, it is part of the Sun Odyssey range, intended for cruising. With a length of 9.74 meters and a width of 3.34 meters, this monohull positions itself as a family-friendly, seaworthy, and well-designed boat, capable of satisfying sailors looking for a boat to sail as a couple or with family.
The 33i stands out for its ergonomic deck layout, secure cockpit, and optimized interior arrangements for a boat of this size. It was produced until 2014-2017, with approximately 500 units built, making it a common model on the second-hand market.
Key Points
- Architect: Marc Lombard, known for his high-performance and balanced hulls.
- Builder: Jeanneau (Vendée, France).
- Production Period: 2009 to 2014-2017.
- Number of Units Produced: Approximately 500.
- Launch Price (New): €83,180 excl. VAT (2009).
- CE Category: A (offshore).
- Target Audience: Family cruisers, couples, or small crews looking for a comfortable, secure, and easy-to-handle boat.
- Strengths: Stability, ease of handling, surprising habitability for its size, good performance/comfort ratio.
- Weaknesses: Hardware sometimes criticized, interior finishes considered average by some, cockpit with low backrests that some users find uncomfortable.
History of the Sun Odyssey 33i
The Sun Odyssey 33i was unveiled at the Düsseldorf Boat Show in 2009, during a challenging economic period for the boating industry. Jeanneau, cautious about taking excessive risks, opted for a measured evolution of its Sun Odyssey 32i, also drawing inspiration from the positive feedback of the Sun Odyssey 30i. The “i” in its name refers to a modernity injection in its design, with particular attention paid to ergonomics, safety, and comfort.
The hull, designed by Marc Lombard, is intended to offer a good balance between performance and stability. The 33i retains the Sun Odyssey range’s hallmarks: clean lines, secure cockpit, and a bright interior. The construction is in fiberglass, with a cast iron keel (1,500 kg) ensuring good stiffness in the sail.
The 33i’s program is clearly focused on coastal and offshore cruising, with a Performance version available for those seeking more sporty sensations. This version features a taller mast and an increased sail area (55.3 m² vs. 51.5 m² in the standard version), as well as optimized settings for speed.
In terms of competitors, the 33i measures up against similar-sized models of the time:
- Beneteau Oceanis 34: More spacious and modern, but often more expensive.
- Dufour 325: Known for its finishes and comfort, but with a higher purchase price.
- Bavaria 32 Cruiser: A German alternative, often cheaper but with finishes sometimes less refined.
- Hanse 325: Sleek design and decent performance, but less suited for family cruising than the 33i.
The 33i stood out for its value for money, ease of handling (ideal for single-handed or short-handed sailing), and good sea behavior, even in rough conditions.
Interior Layout
The interior of the Sun Odyssey 33i is designed to maximize space and comfort in a compact volume. The saloon is bright, thanks to numerous portholes and light upholstery that visually expands the space. The chart table is functional and integrated into the navigation station, while the open galley (or kitchenette) is equipped with a sink, stove, and clever storage. The saloon can accommodate 6 people around a central table, with comfortable benches.
The 33i is available in 2 interior layout versions:
- 2-cabin version: A spacious owner’s cabin aft (for a boat of this size) and a forward cabin. The head, very large for its category, is equipped with a separate shower, sink, and marine toilet.
- 3-cabin version (optional): The aft cabin is divided into two, slightly reducing the owner’s cabin space but offering more berths.
Storage is plentiful and well-designed: lockers under the benches, cabinets in the cabins, and a large cockpit locker.
The headroom (1.87 m) allows for easy movement for most crews.
The finishes are good for the range, with light woodwork, durable fabrics, and stainless steel details. However, some owners note that the materials used (particularly the accordion doors and some furniture) age less well than on competing models like the Dufour 335 or Oceanis 34.
Sailing Qualities
The Sun Odyssey 33i is first and foremost a cruising boat, but it surprises with its sailing qualities. Its hull, designed by Marc Lombard, offers a good balance between stability and performance. The ballast/sail ratio (29) and ballast/weight ratio (0.32) make it a stiff boat, capable of holding the wind well and pointing high effectively, especially in the Performance version.
When sailing, the 33i is easy to helm and responsive, even in rough seas. The sail controls are accessible from the cockpit, making single-handed or short-handed sailing easier. The deck layout is secure, with wide side decks and well-placed cleats.
Performance is respectable for a cruising boat:
- Cruising speed: 6 to 8 knots.
- Maximum speed: 9 to 10 knots (depending on conditions and sail plan).
- Downwind performance: Very good, especially with a symmetric spinnaker or gennaker (some owners discourage the use of an asymmetric spinnaker, which is less suited to this type of hull).
The cockpit is ergonomic, with accessible winches and a control panel within reach. However, some users criticize the bench backrests, which are too low and uncomfortable on long sails.
In rough seas, the 33i performs well, with good stability and reassuring course-keeping. The lifting keel versions (PTE) with a reduced draft (1.45 m) allow access to shallow anchorages while maintaining good performance.
Owners’ Reviews
Feedback from Sun Odyssey 33i owners is overwhelmingly positive, with a few minor reservations.
Commonly cited strengths:
- Robust and safe boat: Many highlight its reliability and solid construction. The latest models (2014-2015) benefit from improvements made over the years, reducing early teething issues.
- Excellent habitability: The interior comfort and space are often praised, especially for a boat under 10 meters. The aft cabin is spacious, and the head is highly appreciated for its size.
- Good performer: In the Performance version, the 33i outperforms many boats of the same size, especially upwind and downwind. With good sails and proper tuning, it can compete with more sporty models.
- Ease of handling: The boat is easy to helm and can sail without a pilot for a few minutes if the settings are correct. Ideal for single-handed or short-handed sailing.
- Good value for money: The 33i is often considered an excellent compromise between performance, comfort, and budget, especially on the second-hand market.
Weaknesses or areas to watch:
- Hardware: Some owners criticize the average quality of the hardware (winches, pulleys) and recommend budgeting for replacements after a few years.
- Interior finishes: The accordion doors and some furniture can creak or age prematurely. The fabrics and upholstery are not always up to the expectations for a boat in this price range.
- Cockpit: The bench backrests are too low for some, which can make long sails less comfortable.
- Condensation: As with many sailboats, condensation can be an issue in the forward and aft cabins, especially in humid weather.
- Storage: Although plentiful, some owners find that storage for kitchen equipment (pots, pans) is limited.
Overall verdict:
The Sun Odyssey 33i is a highly appreciated sailboat for its versatility, comfort, and respectable performance. It is perfectly suited for family cruisers or couples looking for a boat that is easy to handle, secure, and well-equipped. The Performance versions will delight fans of more sporty sailing, while the lifting keel versions (PTE) allow exploration of shallow areas.
Sun Odyssey 33i Technical Specifications
| Category | Sun Odyssey 33i (Standard) | Sun Odyssey 33i (Performance) | Sun Odyssey 33i (PTE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shipyard | Jeanneau (France) | Jeanneau (France) | Jeanneau (France) |
| Architect | Marc Lombard | Marc Lombard | Marc Lombard |
| Launch Year | 2009 | 2009 | 2009 |
| End of Production Year | 2014-2017 | 2014-2017 | 2014-2017 |
| Number of Units Produced | ~500 | Included in total | Included in total |
| Overall Length | 9.96 m | 9.96 m | 9.96 m |
| Hull Length | 9.74 m | 9.74 m | 9.74 m |
| Waterline Length | 9.16 m | 9.16 m | 9.16 m |
| Beam | 3.34 m | 3.34 m | 3.34 m |
| Draft (Standard Keel) | 1.90 m | 1.90 m | – |
| Draft (PTE) | – | – | 1.45 m |
| Draft (Deep Keel) | 2.20 m (optional) | 2.20 m (optional) | – |
| Light Displacement | 4,645 kg | 4,645 kg | 4,645 kg |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (cast iron) | 1,500 kg (cast iron) | 1,500 kg (cast iron) |
| Air Draft | 15.16 m | 15.16 m | 15.16 m |
| Headroom | 1.87 m | 1.87 m | 1.87 m |
| CE Category | A (offshore) | A (offshore) | A (offshore) |
| Number of Cabins | 2 (standard) / 3 (optional) | 2 (standard) / 3 (optional) | 2 (standard) / 3 (optional) |
| Number of Berths | 6 (4+2) | 6 (4+2) | 6 (4+2) |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 160 L | 160 L | 160 L |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L | 140 L | 140 L |
| Waste Water Capacity | 80 L | 80 L | 80 L |
| Standard Engine | Yanmar 3YM20 (21 hp) | Yanmar 3YM20 (21 hp) | Yanmar 3YM20 (21 hp) |
| Optional Engine | Volvo D1-20 (18 hp) | Volvo D1-20 (18 hp) | Volvo D1-20 (18 hp) |
| Sail Area (Standard) | 51.5 m² | – | 51.5 m² |
| Sail Area (Performance) | – | 55.3 m² | – |
| Mainsail | 26.5 m² | 28.5 m² (taller mast) | 26.5 m² |
| Genoa | 25 m² | 26.8 m² | 25 m² |
| Spinnaker | 100 m² | 100 m² | 100 m² |
| V/P Ratio (Sail/Weight) | 11 | 12 (Performance) | 11 |
| L/V Ratio (Ballast/Sail) | 29 | 27 (Performance) | 29 |
| LP Ratio (Ballast/Weight) | 0.32 | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| ZV Index | 29 | 30 (Performance) | 29 |
Notes on Ratios:
- The V/P ratio (sail/weight) of 11-12 indicates a balanced boat, neither too sail-heavy nor too heavy.
- The L/V ratio (ballast/sail) of 27-29 shows good stiffness in the sail, ideal for cruising and light racing.
- The LP ratio (ballast/weight) of 0.32 confirms good stability.
- The ZV index (29-30) places the 33i in the upper mid-range of cruising sailboats of its size.
Conclusion
The Sun Odyssey 33i is a versatile sailboat, combining comfort, safety, and respectable performance. It wins over sailors with its ergonomics, optimized interior space, and ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for family cruisers or couples. The Performance and PTE versions further expand its possibilities, whether for light racing or exploring shallow anchorages.
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-designed boat with a good price/performance ratio, the Sun Odyssey 33i deserves special attention, especially on the second-hand market where it remains highly sought after.