Okay, the subject of these has recently been raised on another discussion, mentioning the Santa Cruz 33.
There''s one of these for sale on "Mr. Merlin" Bill Lee''s (www.fastisfun.com) website, and also on yachtworld, and I''ve been ogling it for a while. From what little I know of Mr. Lee''s boats, the 33 seems to be different from the "always represent[ing] the minimal life support system needed for a spinnaker" philosophy, embodied by Merlin and later the likes of Antrim 27''s and Olson 30''s.
Does anybody know anything about the 33, and the quality of construction of these boats? Their construction is balsa core with vinylester and e-glass, with ply bulkheads, and minimal added weight, although the 33 seems to be more than just a spinnaker holding device, since it contains a minimal interior and standing headroom. And the tendency of the sleds to continue at unchecked speeds with the bows submerged seems not to be a characteristic of this design, with its flared and higher topsides.
In my inexperienced opinion, this seems like a great boat for fast downhill racing with a racing crew, but also one that is at least minimally acceptable to the fairer sex for local weekend cruises.
Any comments from the list on these boats, or any of the Santa Cruz''s? I know this list is weighted toward the right coast, and these are left coast boats, but they''ve been around awhile, and some of you have been out playing with them, haven''t you?
Best,
-Chad
There''s one of these for sale on "Mr. Merlin" Bill Lee''s (www.fastisfun.com) website, and also on yachtworld, and I''ve been ogling it for a while. From what little I know of Mr. Lee''s boats, the 33 seems to be different from the "always represent[ing] the minimal life support system needed for a spinnaker" philosophy, embodied by Merlin and later the likes of Antrim 27''s and Olson 30''s.
Does anybody know anything about the 33, and the quality of construction of these boats? Their construction is balsa core with vinylester and e-glass, with ply bulkheads, and minimal added weight, although the 33 seems to be more than just a spinnaker holding device, since it contains a minimal interior and standing headroom. And the tendency of the sleds to continue at unchecked speeds with the bows submerged seems not to be a characteristic of this design, with its flared and higher topsides.
In my inexperienced opinion, this seems like a great boat for fast downhill racing with a racing crew, but also one that is at least minimally acceptable to the fairer sex for local weekend cruises.
Any comments from the list on these boats, or any of the Santa Cruz''s? I know this list is weighted toward the right coast, and these are left coast boats, but they''ve been around awhile, and some of you have been out playing with them, haven''t you?
Best,
-Chad