Neptunian 33, yes or no?

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Ellaoc125

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Hello,

I am currently looking at buying a Neptunian 33. I am looking for a boat that is quite compact to change to single-handed sailing and lower mooring fees but has the capability of doing an Atlantic crossing (not single-handed). I have come across a Neptunian 33 for what I consider to be quite a low price, but slightly exceeding my budget already. Do you know of the price points of these boats usually? And I can't seem to find any owner's forums for the boats so if anyone knows of them, what are their pros and cons? Will it achieve offshore sailing or is it more of a coastal cruiser?

I have heard they are quite difficult to manoeuvre. How difficult is difficult and has anybody had any ideas to mitigate this?

So basically, do I take the plunge or not? Your help is greatly appreciated!!
 
I've no personal experience of then, but there's one moored near me and also a Neptune 33, which is the aft cockpit version of the same boat. Both have been in regular use in the same hands for donkey's years, which suggests the owners are happy with them.

The long keel means they're likely to be a bit wilful going astern, and the relatively modest rig means they're unlikely to break any records, and I'd expect them to need a bit of breeze to get going, but the heavy displacement should make them relatively comfortable when things get bumpy
 
A friend has one. He has fully restored his over several years. He is a naval architect so probably knows a thing or two about boats. He didn't choose it by accident.
I would suggest they are optimised for Northern Europe not a transat of cruising the Caribbean, but I am sure they will do the job OK.
 
I have a Neptunian 33 so have a biased opinion.
Pros:
100 gallon water tank means you don't have to marina hop to top up. Similarly, 2 x 50 gallon diesel tanks.
Sheolin has been re-engined and has a Yanmar 4JH3E 50hp donk giving 2.6 l/hr at 6 knots at 2,000 rpm with enough grunt to hit 7.5 at WOT.
Ketch rig means relatively easy sail handling. I have one deep reef in the main, if it needs a second I ditch it and sail under mizzen and furled genoa.
The long flat keel means she can dry out alongside perfectly level.
The solid doghouse is fantastic, particularly when sailing on the wind.

Cons:
She doesn't point as high as most modern craft.
She is a bitch going astern which makes leaving a marina berth 'interesting'.
The cockpit gets a bit crowded with more than 3 or 4 people. Probably not suited for lounging under a tropical sun.

You might be able to see a few pics here Facebook
 
Ellaoc125 said:
Hello,

I am currently looking at buying a Neptunian 33. I am looking for a boat that is quite compact to change to single-handed sailing and lower mooring fees but has the capability of doing an Atlantic crossing (not single-handed). I have come across a Neptunian 33 for what I consider to be quite a low price, but slightly exceeding my budget already. Do you know of the price points of these boats usually? And I can't seem to find any owner's forums for the boats so if anyone knows of them, what are their pros and cons? Will it achieve offshore sailing or is it more of a coastal cruiser?

I have heard they are quite difficult to manoeuvre. How difficult is difficult and has anybody had any ideas to mitigate this?

So basically, do I take the plunge or not? Your help is greatly appreciated!!
Click to expand...
If you like the look of it, and it's in commission, why not?

Get a thorough survey done, try and work out how much you might have to spend on it and what you can do yourself, decide how much you are prepared to pay, and make an offer.

I knew a couple of owners who had Neptuniam 33s. They had owned them for a long time and were happy with them.

Re manouvering astern. There are techniques you can use to get round any difficulties (see Duncan Well's book "Stress-Free Sailing", Stress-Free Sailing: Single and Short-handed Techniques: Amazon.co.uk: Duncan Wells: 9781472907431: Books and his videos ). Other people cope and so can you (y)


1763038953515.pngand his website
 

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#4 from Porthandbuoy sums it up well. A great choice for a solid cruising platform (my Cromarty is similar).

A good engine and newish sails will help avoid big costs. If you plan to singlehand then a good self steering system/autopilot is important. At that age there will always be things to repair or replace but its a good way to understand the boat and its systems.

A long keel ketch will not break any speed records but will look after you in uncomfortable weather.
 
Guess it depends upon your practical skills. Also doing an Atlantic crossing is one thing but coming back W to E is a different thing (it seems, I have yet to do either). Having had long keel boats though I would recommend them as despite not being handy they can still sail quite acceptably in a straight line. For comparison I put the Neptune, Nicholson 32 and Beneteau 323 in to sailboat data and you can see the differing numbers and then you need to make your selection. There are lots of things to make manoeuvring a long keeler easier with spring lines etc. And sometimes you just have to moor somewhere else?

Good luck with your choices.

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Wow, thank you all for the replies. From what I can see, she seems to be a good solid boat. I am not personally looking to set any world records but want something comfortable and safe. The survey is being done in 2 weeks, but as things stand now she appears to have been maintained very well. She had a new engine installed in 2013 and has only had 63 hours on her since (slightly worryingly low), sails are old in age but in great condition. Standing rigging was replaced in 2020 and a new autopilot. It's looking more and more promising. I will wait for the survey and make my final decision. Thank you for your help!!
 
I was looking at one of these on the Clyde, but a Neptune, but didnt buy it in the end due to a number of issues, rotten gunwales, leaking windows, original masts which I didnt fancy replacing. I personally would factor in a bow thruster if you're keeping it in a marina. Nice boats at the right price, but I wouldn't have paid half the asking price for the one I looked at. I notice it's still for sale 12 months on, not surprised, some brokers and owners live in cloud cuckoo land. It's a buyers market just now....
Further, I would only buy a Neptune with the aft cabin, not the Neptunian....
 
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