Truant 33 Offshore Pilothouse Sailboat – "Velleity"

Designed by the legendary William Garden, the Truant 33 Offshore Pilothouse Sailboat is a small but seaworthy vessel built for year-round cruising in the cold, turbulent waters of the Pacific Northwest. Rare for a boat of this size, the Truant 33 features a spacious pilothouse, offering both protection from the elements and a thoughtfully designed interior.

History & Design

First built in 1977 on Saltspring Island, British Columbia, Truant Marine produced approximately 30 vessels before selling the molds to Saturna Yachts in 1981. Throughout the 1980s, Saturna continued production of the nearly identical Saturna 33, eventually passing the molds on to Wiggers Yachts in Ontario.

With her prominent bow, canoe stern, and pilothouse, the Truant 33 stands out in any harbor. Despite her heavy displacement, she sails exceptionally well, providing a reassuring sense of security and seaworthiness even in rough conditions. The 30-inch-wide side decks and high bulwarks ensure safe and easy movement around the deck. Beneath the waterline, she features a long fin keel with a skeg-mounted rudder.

Exterior & Cockpit

"Velleity" boasts a secure and comfortable cockpit with seating cushions and a canvas enclosure with removable sides. Matching canvas covers protect the barbecue, outboard motor, sails, and other equipment.

A solid door with a window swings open from the cockpit, leading into the pilothouse via two large steps. Owners praise this feature for its easy access, especially for pets.

Pilothouse & Interior

Inside, the pilothouse exudes warmth and timeless charm with its solid wood deck-head, teak and holly flooring, and panoramic windows that allow natural light to flood the space.

• Seating is available on both port and starboard sides, offering ample storage behind and convertible sleeping areas. The port side accommodates an adult-sized berth, while the starboard side, though ideal for a child, can be expanded for a larger sleeping space.
• A folding table is cleverly stored for convenience.
• The helm station is located forward on the starboard side, equipped with a swiveling chair.
• Pilothouse windows provide a 360 Degree view from Helm Station.

Galley & Living Space

Stepping down into the open galley on the port side reveals a well-appointed U-shaped cooking area, featuring:

• Sink, fridge/freezer, ample storage, and a diesel stove (dual-purpose for heating and cooking)
• A built-in navigation/chart desk with a swing-out stool adjacent to the galley.

Forward, the stateroom includes a twin/double bed on the port side with built-in drawers. Nearby, additional storage and a hanging locker provide practicality.

The head (bathroom) is located in the bow, featuring:

• Excellent natural lighting from a hatch
• A clean and bright composting toilet (odor-free and simple to use)
• A sink with a pull-out nozzle for a wet shower and hot water.
• The anchor locker is positioned behind the toilet.

Key Features & Equipment

Engine & Power:

• 2020 Volvo Penta D1-30F Direct Drive Diesel Engine (147 hours) with a 100-amp alternator.
• 1000W inverter, 12V tiller pilot self-steering system with wired remote control.

Anchoring & Rigging:

• 35 lb CQR anchor (main) with 100 ft of 3/8" galvanized chain and 225 ft of ¾" 3-strand rope.
• 35 lb Danforth backup anchor.
• 12V electric windlass with dual capstans (rope/chain & rope only).
• Self-tailing winches (2 halyards, 2 jib sheets) and standard winches (main sheet, reefing).
• Roller furling jib, North Sails cruising mainsail (2 reef points), North Sails 110% cruising jib.
• Backstay-mounted radar reflector.

Navigation & Electronics:

• Raymarine 24-mile radar with GPS info screen
• Raymarine bidata depth/knot meter with an inside repeater.
• Garmin GPS (fixed mount & handheld versions).
• Built-in compasses, shoot-through-the-hull backup depth transducer.

Comfort & Amenities:

• Flat-panel TV with digital antenna, stereo system
• Nova Kool 12V fridge/freezer compartment.
• Dickinson Bering diesel stove with 2.5-gal day tank and 12V electric fuel pump
• Nature’s Head composting toilet with a spare liquid waste tank.
• 5-gal 120V water heater, 12V water pump, shower sump with automatic pump
• 2 automatic bilge pumps, 1 manual bilge pump.
• Two 6V golf cart batteries (house bank), one 12V start battery, 15-amp smart battery charger.

Additional Gear:

• 7-ft Seamax PVC inflatable dinghy (2015) with both inflatable & solid aluminum floors, aluminum oars.
• 4HP Honda outboard motor (2019), jib arm for lifting outboard motor.
• Cockpit enclosure, sail cover, fenders, pike pole.
• 50-gal diesel tank, 80-gal fresh water capacity (35-gal port forward, 45-gal starboard aft).
• 50-ft 30-amp shore power cord.
• Hydraulic steering system at the inside helm station.
• Assorted touch-up paints and wood stains.
• Jack lines and safety lanyards.

Final Thoughts

"Velleity" is an impressive, well-built, and thoughtfully designed vessel, perfect for offshore sailing in comfort. Her seaworthiness, smart layout, and extensive features make her an excellent choice for those looking to explore the open waters safely and comfortably.

Note: Private Yacht Club Moorage not transferrable