Schaefer Yachts V33 Sport Fish (2025-)

• All deck hardware produced in 316L stainless steel
• Helm w/laminated glass windshield mounted on fiberglass structure
• Cockpit ice box and gourmet station with sink, faucet, storage space, trash bin and cupboard
• Stainless steel and leather marine steering wheel 
• Helm seats with flip up bolsters
• Stainless steel swim ladder
• Transom shower
• Stern safety gates
• Anchor wash down
• Convertible Sofa/bed (v-berth) in bow w/ventilation/escape hatch above
• Head w/electric toilet, sink and faucet, handheld shower
• 2 x 2000GPH 12v bilge pumps, with automatic and manual activation, flood alarm

• 2 x Mercury FourStroke 300 V8 with power steering, 2 x Mercury Verado 300 V8, 2 x Mercury Verado 400 V10, Joystick for Mercury Outboards (Verado Only)
• 1 x GPS Axiom 12" + Plotter + Sonar + VHF + Antenna + 7" engine display, 1 x GPS Simrad 12" NSS12 evo3S + Plotter + Sonar + VHF + Antenna, 2 x GPS Simrad 12" NSS12 evo3S + Plotter + Sonar + VHF + Antenna, 2 x GPS Garmin 12" + Plotter + Sonar + VHF + Antenna + Mercury SmartCraft Connect, Marine Radar (closed dome)
• Vetus bow thruster w/Mercury IPO integration
• Windlass kit w/articulated support and handheld remote
• Electric trim tabs
• 4-kW generator
• Cooling plate for ice box, cockpit refrigerator, electric BBQ grill, microwave
• Hot water system for head
• Electric reel outlets
• Aft shade
• Reverso engine flush system
• Autopilot
• Bow shade
• Sionyx NightWave night vision camera
• Seakeeper2 gyro 

With the model lineup ranging in size from 33 to 83 feet, all Schaefer boats and yachts have something in common: A highly effective approach to construction using only the most up-to-date materials and state-of-the-art computer programs and techniques along with a worldwide dealer network and an expert work staff of some 700 employees. One step aboard the V33 SF and her DNA is quite obvious.

The shipshape, walk-around deck results in a space that is quite suitable for her serious fishing profile as well as providing the kind of room when family and friends are aboard for a day out on the water. In addition, with a forward stateroom and head, she will deliver a break for both the fishing crew as well as offer travel opportunities for a couple on an extended coastal cruising weekend. In this presentation, we are featuring the V33 SF’s fishability as our crew takes her out in search of some exciting hook-ups.

Bow

The action starts up in the bow with an anchoring system utilizing a special arm that safely positions the anchor up and away from the bow. When you are ready to bring the anchor in after a day on the hook, the whole arm will swing up and everything will be concealed in the anchor locker. 

Helm & Cockpit

Everything abord the Schaefer V33 SF is designed for ease of handling any kind of fishing action. From her wide walkaround to her long lists of standard and optional angling equipment, this is one serious horizon-chasing platform

Aft

Bristling with rods and reels at the ready, the aft section on our Schaefer V33 SF was set up for any kind of action.

Given her size, the Schaefer V33 SF does provide modest accommodations, with pleasing décor and a continuation of her exciting, modern design, for a spur of the moment overnight stay or even an extended weekend cruise for the adventurous couple.

The following performance data has been provided by Scheafer during their own sea trials. Equipped with a pair of Mercury 300-hp Verado outboards, their Schaefer V33 SF reached a top speed of 51.8 mph/45 kts. Fuel burn at that rate was reported to be 46 gph with a 10% fuel reserve of 184 gallons. Her range came in at 162 nms. At cruise, she clocked in at 42.6 mph/37 kts mph with a fuel burn of 25 gph and a 10% reserve. At that rate her range was 245 nms with a 10% reserve.

Fishability was the prime directive on our day offshore of Miami where we set out kites for sails and fished weed lines for mahi. Both were productive and our crew was successful on all fronts.

The Schaefer V33 SF made the search for fish anything but tedious. She is quick on the throttles and with her open deck and walkaround design, made for easy movement, whether forward on the bow, fishing from amidships, or aft, while the action was happening. The pair of large in-deck fish boxes came in handy with aft one insulated. 

We also found the Schaefer V33 SF to also be able to do double duty as a family day boat, able to provide proper lively performance, accommodations such as seating on the bow, cockpit, and aft along the transom, that amidships on-deck galley, and her wide open deck plan, including wide walkways, for easy fore and aft transiting. And with her forward stateroom and head, a couple could very well decide on some casual weekend coastal cruising.

If a multi-functional center console boat is up on your radar screen, the Schaefer V33 SF should be on your short list of must-sees. Your visit and sea trial will be time well spent.

Remember, life is better on a boat!

Overview

Captain Tripp reviews the Schaefer V33 SF off the coast of Miami. This model marks Schaefer Yachts' first step into designing a vessel targeted toward offshore fishing while maintaining day-cruising comfort and luxury for family and non-anglers on board.

Cockpit & Fishing Features

Rod & power access: Numerous rod holders line both port and starboard gunwales, along with transom rod/cup holder combinations. Equipped with four electric reel outlets in the cockpit.

Storage & bolsters: Integrated under-gunwale rod storage and thick coaming bolsters extending continuously around the cockpit all the way to the bow.

Transom & livewells: Features two transom bait livewells, an open transom layout for landing fish without step obstruction, a safety boarding gate, and a tow bar for watersports.

In-floor storage: Dual underfoot fish boxes — a smaller, insulated aft box and a larger forward compartment used for PFDs, dock lines, fenders, helium tanks for kite fishing, and stored table pedestals.

Washdown system: A single, centralized washdown station on the starboard gunwale, featuring a valve that switches between salt and fresh water through a single hose.

Galley & Entertainment Amenities

Mezzanine galley station: Located under the hardtop behind the helm seats, featuring an electric grill, an ice/cooler box (with an integrated ice plate), and a compact prep sink.

Flexible seating: Includes a fold-down rear-facing bench seat built into the galley module and a pull-out forward-facing bench along the transom.

Sunshade system: Features a retractable cockpit sunshade, extended via removable support poles anchored into the aft rod holders.

Refrigeration: Pull-out refrigerator drawers located along the port walkway, beneath pop-up cleats and cup holders.

Helm & Engine Configuration

Propulsion: Powered by twin Mercury 300-horsepower V8 Verado outboard engines.

Helm console: Features dual Simrad multi-function displays, Mercury SkyHook digital anchoring/joystick control, a bow thruster joystick, autopilot, electric windlass controls, an out-of-the-way VHF radio mount, and a Fusion audio system.

Seating: Bench-style bolster helm seats with two-tier footrests and integrated storage bags underneath.

Bow Area & Anchoring System

Seating: Forward dual lounger with flip-up armrests/headrests, drop-down side boarding steps, and strap hold-downs to secure cushions while underway.

Unique windlass mechanism: Concealed catapult-style anchoring system where the arm swings up and fully retracts the anchor inside the forward anchor locker.

Forward service hatch: Features foot-pedal windlass controls and an additional fresh/raw water washdown hose inside the anchor locker.

Cabin & Accommodation

Interior space: Air-conditioned lower deck featuring a convertible V-berth with a pedestal table receptacle, four natural light side windows, overhead cabinet storage, and dedicated space under the entry steps.

Head & galley: Enclosed dedicated head compartment alongside a small lower galley area.

Deck access hatch: The forward cabin roof/bow lounger section hinges open for direct ventilation, ambient light, or loading gear into the cabin.

Overview

Captain Tripp introduced the boat as "somewhat [the builder's] first step into designing something that is targeted towards fishing, but not [only] can it fish, but it's also fantastic for those in your life and those aboard who may not be totally into fishing." He characterized the design language: "A sexy style that these [Shafer] boats bring... but when looking for something that can fish as well, this boat checks those boxes." The day's outing targeted sailfish, mahi, tuna, kingfish, and wahoo via kite fishing, offshore of Miami.

Live Bait / Fishing Setup

The livewell was stocked with herring, goggle-eyes, and pilchards. Kite fishing was conducted using live bait with helium-assisted balloons to keep the kites aloft in light wind conditions.

Washdown System

Captain Tripp specifically praised a design detail at the starboard washdown station: "What I like about this is you have a valve where you can control whether you're washing with salt or fresh water... there's not two different hoses, one for salt, one for fresh water. They're all right here, contained in one spot."

Cockpit — Fishing Features

• Rod holders along both port and starboard
• Four electric reel outlets in the cockpit — Captain Tripp noted this is more than most anglers would need: "I think we could get by with two easily, or most people fishing would get by with two."
• Storage in both gunwales
• Bolsters running the full length from cockpit to bow, useful when fighting fish

Aft Console / Under Hardtop

Beneath the countertop: an electric grill, an insulated ice box/cooler (fitted with an ice plate, used during the outing to keep drinks cold), and a small sink (used for tackle storage during the trip). A pop-up/flip-down seat is located just below — kept in the upright position during fishing mode to maximize cockpit space.

Fish Boxes

Two large fish boxes underfoot. The aft box (smaller of the two) is insulated; the forward box is not insulated but offers substantial space — used during the trip for PFDs, dock lines, fenders, and the helium tank for the kite balloons. Two additional receptacles are located here as well.

Table Storage

A table and legs are stored below, insertable into a receptacle for use as a dining surface when the aft seating is in the down position.

Transom

A bolster above the transom seat allows comfortable fish-fighting when the seat is in the up position. Two baitwells are built into the transom (both stocked and in active use during the outing). Additional rod holders and rod holder/cup holder combos are located here. A closeable boarding gate provides safety for kids or crowded conditions, and a tow bar is fitted for towing water sports. Captain Tripp praised the openness of this area for landing fish: "There's no steps or things to bring it over... we were just kind of flipping some mahi up in here earlier today. So that works really well."

Swim Ladder / Propulsion

A telescopic swim ladder is concealed under a hatch on the starboard side underfoot.

Engines: Twin Mercury 300s. Captain Tripp's assessment: "These things, they're smooth, they're quiet, and there's no exhaust. Everyone wants that."

Transom Convertible Seating

The seat converts from an upright bolster position (cushioned for leaning support) to a forward-facing deployed seat by lifting the top, pulling the seat bottom out, and flipping the backrest down.

Hardtop

Rod holders line the backside, with a deployable shade extension. Additional features: push-button-activated floodlights, JL Audio speakers, and grab handles. Port-side switches allow electric opening of hatches for access to mechanical spaces.

Fishing Results (Day Log)

The outing produced multiple mahi caught off a floater, followed by a hooked sailfish that was fought and landed/released, and later a double hookup (two sailfish simultaneously) — both successfully fought and released, described in-conversation as the day's most exciting stretch.

Post-Fishing Amenities Tour

Captain Tripp noted explicitly: "This boat is not just a fishing machine. You can be comfortable on here as well."

Port side of hardtop: A pull-out refrigerator underneath, cup holders, a pop-up cleat along the side, and fuel/water fill points.

Helm

Seating: Bolstered bench-style seating across the helm, run in the up position for the full day.

Additional comfort features: Two-tiered footrests, a small storage bag, and a cover for the Fusion audio system (tested and praised during the day). Two Simrad displays were used throughout the outing.

Controls: Bow thruster; joystick with Skyhook and autopilot — Captain Tripp noted autopilot's value on longer runs and the joystick's value for tricky docking. Numerous push-button switches cover frequently used functions, with additional controls available through the Simrad units. Windlass controls are within easy reach; the VHF is positioned out of the way but still accessible — a placement Captain Tripp said he liked.

Bow

Boarding: A flip-down boarding step is fitted on both port and starboard.

Bow seating: The bolster used throughout the day, plus rod holders under the gunwale running forward, and a dual lounger. A hatch beneath provides access to the cabin below.

Cushion retention: Captain Tripp praised Shafer's use of straps across the bow cushions rather than snaps alone: "That way it's not just snaps or something that's holding it down that you're not really sure if they're gonna hold while you're underway. Those straps, you're gonna be holding." Additional features include flip-up armrests/headrests and a perimeter rail.

Anchor System

Captain Tripp highlighted the anchoring mechanism as distinctive, based on prior experience with it: "Shafer has a fairly unique anchoring system... it essentially deploys the anchor like a catapult, and whenever you bring it in, the whole arm is going to swing up and conceal the arm and anchor down within the anchor locker. It's really a pretty innovative system they have there."

Additional bow features: A rinse-down hose offering both raw and fresh water, accessed under a nearby hatch, with windlass deployment controls positioned on the floor at the bow.

Sunshade Setup

Poles stored in rod holders are used to set up an aft cockpit shade, extending coverage beyond the hardtop itself. Captain Tripp praised the arm design allowing this extension, noting its value at a sandbar, mooring, or while snorkeling.

Cabin

Captain Tripp noted this as an unusual feature for the category: "Oftentimes a 33-foot fishing boat isn't gonna have a cabin of this magnitude, so this is gonna provide you a place to get out of the heat and into the air conditioning."

Features: A generously sized berth, storage (under the steps, a small overhead cabinet, lower storage on the starboard side, and additional storage under the galley), a dedicated head, and a small galley. Four windows admit natural light. The center cushions can be removed to reveal a pedestal receptacle for a table, allowing the space to serve as a lounge, workspace, or dining area.