. . . . . . . . .THE F-33 SPORT CRUISER
A new Farrier design, the maxi trailerable F-33 is a production design that incorporates many new and unique features
. . . . . . . . .THE F-33 SPORT CRUISERA new Farrier design, the maxi trailerable F-33 is a production design that incorporates many new and unique features
Peter Wesley's F-33 SHADOWFAX (the first F-33 launched) on the beach in Sydney harbor
...and sailing off the Australian coast
The F-33 began as a 'one off' project boat for Seattle's David Miller, who was looking for a custom built F-9AX to replace his F-9A (a custom built version of the F-31). However, the time was right for something a little larger that could still be trailered, so it was decided to do a completely new design.
The F-33 is a limited volume, premium quality boat, fully trailerable via the Farrier Folding System™, and designed with an ocean going capability in mind. It is only available as a production boat - plans alone are not available. However, the new F-32 plans (with F-33 features incorporated) will cater for home builders who prefer to build from scratch, or from a kit.
Two models are available as follows:
F-33 Sport Cruiser
The perfect high performance easily trailerable very roomy cruiser,
and available in both aft cabin and aft cockpit versions.F-33R Sport Racer
A very high performance version, with a more basic interior, and
taller carbon mast. Also available in both aft cabin and aft cockpit versions.
The F-33R has the potential to outperform any other cruiser/racer, the advanced epoxy construction system and materials giving a weight saving of over 400lbs (180kg) compared to any equivalent polyester/gelcoat production boat.
Construction
The F-33 has all epoxy foam core hulls, epoxy carbon/glass fiber beams, all extensively vacuum bagged, and finished with a two pack linear polyurethane (LP) finish. The F-33R uses more carbon fiber in selected structural areas, for the maximum cost/weight benefit.
Construction is controlled by the same extensive production control system that were originally developed by Ian Farrier for the Farrier F-27, but further enhanced and improved. This includes fully colorized laminate guide sheets, with every laminate color keyed, to ensure nothing is left to chance or omitted. Assembly is then guided by an extensive checklist system, coupled with many full color guide sheets, to ensure everything goes where it should, and is done correctly.
Pete Pattullo's F-33R sailing in Texas.
Sailing on Sydney harbor
Technical Details
The F-33 features many technical improvements including:
An improved Farrier Folding System with a more integrated structural support system. The beam recesses (notches) in the center hull deck have been eliminated, for a cleaner deck, while also eliminating any interior intrusion. All folding system metal brackets have been replaced by special integrated carbon fiber anchors, the beam anchors now also being internal, reducing windage, weight and complexity. Folding struts are thus set higher, keeping them further away from wave tops.
Beams are of a new shape, being more streamlined to direct any water down and under the boat, while also being slimmer and higher at outer ends for less drag. The inner beam end to main hull connections are now external, for easier setup and maintenance, which also allows shorter beams for a lower trailering height (2" or 50mm less in fact than the F-9A/F-31), and giving less windage on the road. Trailering beam is 9' 6" (2.9m), which is legal in most areas without any significant restrictions.
The all epoxy construction has a number of advantages, besides the superior strength and water resistance of the epoxy resin itself. The greater adhesive qualities makes seamless construction easier and more practical, and thus hull join flanges can be eliminated for that clean low drag look. The two pack LP finish coating used with epoxy is lighter, harder and more durable than gelcoat, and will retain its higher gloss for considerably longer.
Brian Haynes' F-33R in the UK
The epoxy/LP construction system is a more expensive process, but is now considered essential for a true high performance boat, and is the only system used by top racing sailboats, including America's Cup boats.
The F-33 float bow tips are designed to be sacrificial, similar to a car crumple zone, and will absorb any float bow heavy impact, to help prevent more extensive damage that can result from collisions. The float will remain watertight, and still sailable in most collision situations. A new bow is simply glued on to repair.
Metal use is being minimized wherever possible, with all chainplates being carbon fiber, and all rigging will be synthetic.
The retractable bow pole has a new stop system, eliminating any pin wear problems, and enabling the bob stay to be easily tensioned.
Cockpit seating area is higher to give better visibility forward, and more room underneath, but still low enough so that one still has a good sense of security from sitting more in the boat rather than on it.
Daggerboard control lines are now flush, to reduce deck clutter around the mast. This also creates an easily accessible under deck area right at the mast base, and ideal for mast connector plugs, thus keeping them below deck level, drier, and eliminates any risk of damage from being walked on.
An safety access hatch is standard
Sigi Steimer's F-33 in Canada
Specifications (may be subject to change)
L.O.A................................. 33' (10.06m)
B.O.A................................. 23' 5" (7.14m)
L.W.L................................. 31' 4" (9.55m)
Folded beam.......................... 9' 6" (2.9m)
Approx. bare weight ................ 2800 - 3700lbs (1270 - 1680kg) depending on model
Load Carrying Capacity ......... 2900lbs to 3300lbs (1320 - 1500kg) depending on model
F-33 rotating mast ...................44.7' (13.62m) aluminum or carbon mast
F-33 sail area (main & jib)......... 673sq.ft (62.56sq.m.)
F-33R rotating mast .................47.2' (14.38m) - carbon mast
F-33R sail area......................717sq.ft (66.65sq.m.)
Stability ...............................59,000ft.lbs (F-9A/F-31 is 47,000ft.lbs)
Draft (board up)...................... 1' 5" (0.43m)
Draft (board down).................. 5' 11" (1.8m)
Aft Cabin Cockpit length............5' (1.52m)
Aft Cockpit length....................7' 7" - 9' 10" (2.3 - 3m)
Interior Headroom ...................6' 2 to 6' 6" (1.88 - 2m) depending on interior layout
All bunks can be a minimum of 6' 6" (2m) long or longer if required.
Auxiliary.............................. Outboard or Inboard optional
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(all of the above are Adobe Acrobat PDF files)
"The F-33 is possibly the most exciting new development for Farrier Marine since the original and now classic F-27. I still recall telling early buyers that the F-27 represented the most advanced boat they could buy, and the best value, and was proved correct over time, with many still selling for their original price, or even more. The new F-33 is another leap forward, and once the value of all the new aspects being incorporated in the F-33 are realized, ranging from structural to new easy maintenance features, I believe it will have an even greater impact on the market, and prove to be even better value than the original F-27".
Ian Farrier
The F-33s of David Miller and Sigi Stiemer' at Desolation Sound, Canada
To Summarize:
The F-33 is a technically advanced new maxi-trailerable design being built to very high quality standards.
Like all Farrier designs, it is designed as a roomy and very safe true cruising design, but one that also just happens to be very fast.
It trailers at 9' 6" wide, which will just require a simple yearly permit in most areas, and this is usually a simple process.
Pete Pattullo's F-33R #9, having just been delivered in Texas
The strong Australian dollar of the past year has made it uneconomical at the current time to build the F-33 Down Under for export to other countries. The currency exchange fluctuations have in fact been unusually large the past two years, something no one can control, and have effectively ambushed the F-33, making it just too expensive for most markets. The only alternatives are speeding up the implementation of mass production, or to move production elsewhere, but the necessary funding is not available at present.
The F-33 has thus been put on hold for now, with no more deposits or orders being accepted, until the necessary financial backing is found, or exchange rates improve and stabilize. The F-33 molds have now been shipped to the US where they are being used to build a special all carbon fiber custom racing version of the F-33, while various production possibilities continue to be investigated. If interested in receiving future F-33 updates, or hearing when F-33 production resumes, then register your interest with an email to:
The F-33 is certainly a great boat and has raised the bar far higher than earlier designs while outdating all the competition. It has been a fun and challenging project, and I'm sure that the ten boats built will carry the flag very ably until full production can resume. In the meantime, the new F-32 design for amatuer builders is a great economical alternative, can be built anywhere by anyone (eliminating shipping costs), while also avoiding any unfavorable exchange rate movements.
Ian Farrier
* * The Initial Launching Report * *
plus many more details!
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F-33, and F-33R are trademarks of Farrier Marine, Inc.