Boat Review - Dusky 33

Dusky proudly carries a reputation for building rugged, dependable fishing boats over the span of 50 years in south Florida. The cornerstone of the brand is the fact that each boat is built to order, factory direct by the user. The Brown family works on a personal level with each new Dusky owner providing all of the features you want and none that you won't need. Their Flagship model, the Dusky 33 Open is a bear of an offshore fishing boat built to handle the needs of serious heavy weather offshore fishermen.

The Dusky 33 is offered in many configurations depending on your taste. The model we tested featured some options which really took this boat to the next level. Starting forward with a massive fish box, large enough to accommodate two whole swordfish on a recent outing. The hold featured freezer plates that would turn your catch into popsicles without the need for ice. An additional large drink box in the forward console seat also contained refrigerator plates for keeping beverages icy cold. If these features weren't enough to impress you Dusky added refrigerated drink holders to the seat backs at the helm. This is certainly a far cry from the Dusky of 1967.

The 33 Open is not all flashy options however; she is made for serious fishing. She features a roomy deck layout for 360-degree fish-ability built around a solid performing 35/25/20-degree deadrise, ventilated step hull built to stand up to the harshest conditions you throw at it. The classic Dusky lines are evident from the massive wave eating high sheer line forward to the lowered freeboard in the cockpit allowing easy access to the water for landing or releasing a fish.

Standard equipment includes a 40-gallon transom live well but our test boat had an optional giant well double that size. A fiberglass tackle center with two rows of storage trays behind the wide helm seating is also standard. The forward seating option creates an elevated platform along with a large additional storage area beneath. The 33 features Dusky's unique fiberglass Dusky Drive bracket which improves maneuverability and stability, while allowing the security of a closed full transom. This model is designed for day trips or extended day runs to the Bahamas and will carry your entire crew and lots of provisions there safely and comfortably.

For the boater who is ready to build a serious offshore machine, part by part, beginning with the bare boat and power, Dusky offers a “Build Your Custom Boat” tool on their website (www.dusky.com) that shows you dollar for dollar your cost to build. Without a dealer network and working factory direct with the company you might be surprised at the cost savings available to the consumer.

Dusky 33 Open specifications:

Length: 33 feet

Beam: 10 feet 10 inches

Draft: 18 inches (hull only)

Deadrise: 20-25-35-degrees

Weight: 6700 pounds (hull)

Max Horsepower: 900

Fuel: 260-Gallons

MSRP: Base Hull w/ 3-300E Suzukis- $169,500.00