New Boat: Schaefer V33

The first in a new line of open, outboard-powered boats is ready for anything.

By Charlie Levine

November 23, 2021

Schaefer V33

Walking up to the Schaefer V33 for the first time at the Miami International Boat Show, I took a pause. Was I in the right spot? The sleek, dark hull with its plumb bow and Euro-styled hardtop certainly didn’t look like a Schaefer. For the last 25-plus years, Schaefer has built a global reputation for constructing vessels up to 83 feet. All of their manufacturing takes place in Brazil, using the latest technologies and materials available. Most of the company’s boats fall in the cruiser or motoryacht designation, with a more classic look and lots of liveaboard space. The boat I had just set eyes on is most definitely not that. It’s a center-console-slash-dayboat, with plenty of deck space to entertain on and a comfortable cabin down below should you want to sneak off for a weekend.

The dark hull matched nicely with the teak deck and light gray upholstery. Though the color choices are up to the owner, I liked this combo. The openness of the boat welcomed me aboard thanks to an open transom layout and a roomy swim step that extends to the rear of the outboards. A recessed ladder and teak deck across the splashwell makes the V33 a great boat to park on the sandbar or drop the hook in a quiet cove and go for a swim.

Powered with twin 300-hp Mercury outboards, the V33 is sporty and responsive. She hops up on plane and will shoot you off for a fun-filled day of exploration. At wide-open throttle the V33 will comfortably hit 45 knots. Take her down to 4,000 rpm and, according to the builder, you’re looking at a 28-knot cruise burning 19 gph.

Schaefer offers a range of cockpit options so you can set it up for family cruising with seating and tables or choose a more entertaining vibe with an aft sunpad and room for toys. Under the shade of the hardtop is an outdoor galley with grill, fridge, sink and storage.

The helm has seating for two. The windscreen does not connect to the hardtop so air will flow freely (but the rain will, too). Sightlines are clear and while the hardtop protects you from cooking away in the sun, you still feel like you’re running an open boat with your hair flying in the wind. The sliding door to the cabin is on the port side of the helm. It’s not the largest door, but I do prefer a door in this position as opposed to the side of the console which always makes for a tricky entrance because of the gunwale. Stepping into the cabin, I was impressed with its overall size, which felt even larger because of the light pouring in from several windows. A V-berth forward and full head make this a cozy space that could comfortably sleep two for a weekend in the Bahamas.

Forward of the helm is a large sunpad. At first glance, I thought it had seatbelts. Turns out the straps are a stylish way to keep the cushions in place. (The boat doesn’t bump around enough to warrant seat belts.) The forward lounge offers a quiet space to enjoy the ride, or a book, for that matter.

The V33 certainly has a contemporary look to her, but she’s built with the same detail and finish you’d expect from Schaefer. This model is meant to be treated as an empty slate that owners can use to create their do-everything boat. You can fish it, entertain on it, take the kids out, overnight in comfort or use it as a tender. There’s even an inboard diesel option for those looking to keep her in a megayacht garage.

“I don’t know what you can’t do on it,” said Nils Kah, Schaefer Yachts CEO. I tend to agree with him.