Founded in 1946, Egg Harbor Yacht Co. was a vital part of the post-war boatbuilding boom in southern New Jersey. Spurred on by offshore fishing and cruising grounds, the builders of this region produced some of the finest vessels in U.S. boating annals.
With its imposing profile, clean lines, gleaming brightwork and family-friendly cruising layout, the Egg Harbor 33 Sedan was an instant hit with a boating public ready for adventure. After establishing its reputation building wooden hulls, Egg Harbor introduced the 33 Sedan as its first fiberglass boat, in 1971. It was designed as a twin-engine family cruiser that slept four and came fully equipped with home-like amenities.
It featured a two-stateroom layout that’s become a standard arrangement over the years. There was a V-berth forward and a small cabin just aft and to starboard with over-and-under bunks. The head was across the way to port, and the galley-up was placed in the large saloon. (In later models, a galley-down version was offered, and the head compartment was reconfigured with a separate stall shower.) The lower helm was to starboard, with a settee aft and the galley to port. Flybridge versions added a dinette to the saloon layout.
Twin Crusader gas inboards gave the 33-foot, 15,000-pound boat a cruising speed of 17 to 18 mph and a top end of 25 mph. In later models, 210-hp Caterpillar diesels were offered. The modified-vee hull was built of solid fiberglass, and the deck and superstructure were of mahogany. In 1978, construction went to all fiberglass.
The Egg Harbor 33 remained in production until 1981, making it one of the company’s most successful models. In 1982, a newly designed 33 was introduced, with a hull form that improved cruising and top speeds. Its production run lasted until 1989.
This article originally appeared in the September 2016 issue.
