[3] The design was commissioned from Harwood Ives by Hans Christian Yachts founder John Edwards circa 1979.
In 2004 production moved again to a New Zealand-owned company, Pantawee Marine, still in Thailand, using the model name Traditional 33.
It has a cutter rig, a spooned raked stem, a bulbous rounded transom, a keel-mounted rudder controlled by a wheel, an optional bowsprit and a fixed long keel.
The dinette table does not convert to a berth, but the starboard settee does, for a total sleeping accommodation for five people.
[3] In a 1992 review Richard Sherwood wrote, "this is a small ocean cruiser that evolved from the Hans Christian 38 and 42.
"[9] A 2017 used boat review by Jack Hornor in the SpinSheet concluded, "The Hans Christian 33 is a stout, safe, and comfortable bluewater cruiser that is reasonably priced.
If your love of this style overwhelms your practical side, she will also make a very handsome coastal cruiser or day sailer.