Elan 333 (sailboat) for sale

Built in 2003, she has been continuously improved by her current owner, with substantial investment in her rig, sails, engine, electronics, safety equipment and general onboard systems.

The Elan 333 “Big Z” is a particularly well-equipped and extensively upgraded example of this highly capable performance sailing yacht. Built in 2003, she has been continuously improved by her current owner, with substantial investment in her rig, sails, engine, electronics, safety equipment and general onboard systems. The result is a yacht that is ready to be enjoyed rather than one that requires a long list of immediate upgrades.
Big Z is particularly interesting for sailors looking for a genuine performance yacht for club racing, competitive sailing and fast coastal cruising. Her standing rigging was completely renewed in 2023, and her running rigging was upgraded in 2022 with Premium Cruiser XTS ropes. The mainsail was replaced in 2016, while the sail inventory also includes a 2015 high-aspect furling headsail and a spinnaker.
What really distinguishes Big Z from many other Elan 333s currently on the market is the level of recent investment in the boat. The engine received a major programme of upgrades in 2022, including a new tachometer, new instrument panel, new exhaust pipe elbows and a new propeller. This was followed by further work in 2025 and 2026, including antifouling, a new freshwater pump, new starter motor and solenoid, new batteries and a new alternator belt. The freshwater pump was also replaced in 2023. These upgrades significantly reduce the amount of immediate work a new owner is likely to face and demonstrate that the boat has been actively maintained rather than simply kept in service.
The electronics package is another major strength. Big Z received a Garmin UHD SV chartplotter/fishfinder with transducer in 2023, while her communications and safety equipment were substantially upgraded in 2022 with a Horizon Eclipse GX1400GPS/E VHF, a Horizon HX mobile floating VHF, a Nauticast B2 AIS transponder and an Ocean Signal EPIRB1. For a yacht intended for serious sailing, this combination of navigation, communication and safety equipment provides a particularly comprehensive setup.
There has also been significant investment in the boat's deck equipment and cruising systems. A Quick Prince DP2 100 W anchor windlass was fitted in 2024, while the steering wheel received new leather in 2022. The boat benefits from a new hatch, new Elan window frames, new mosquito frames, sprayhood and Bimini, all renewed in 2015. A Zodiac Zoom roll-up tender from 2014 is also included, adding further versatility for cruising and days at anchor.
Below deck, Big Z offers a practical two-cabin layout with two double berths, an additional single berth and accommodation for up to six people. Heating, hot water, an oven and refrigerator make her perfectly capable of comfortable cruising after a day of racing or sailing. The combination of performance-oriented sailing characteristics and genuine cruising accommodation is one of the key attractions of this particular Elan 333.
For a prospective owner, the appeal of Big Z is therefore not simply that she is an Elan 333. It is that this particular example has already had many of the expensive and time-consuming areas of ownership addressed. The standing rigging has been renewed, the running rigging upgraded, the mainsail replaced, the engine comprehensively refreshed, the freshwater system upgraded, the electronics modernised, the communications and safety equipment improved, and important deck equipment renewed.
Big Z is consequently a very interesting proposition for a sailor looking for a competitive and rewarding yacht without taking on a project. She retains the performance and sailing character that makes the Elan 333 so appealing, while the extensive list of upgrades means the new owner can concentrate on what this yacht is designed to do best: sailing fast, racing competitively and enjoying time on the water.
Why Big Z stands out2026
New freshwater pump
New starter motor and solenoid
New batteries
New alternator belt
Further engine maintenance and servicing
2025
Antifouling
Intercooler cleaned
Continued engine maintenance
2024
New Quick Prince DP2 100 W anchor windlass
2023
New Garmin UHD 92 SV chartplotter/fishfinder with transducer
Flexiteek cockpit
Standing rigging completely replaced
2022
Premium Cruiser XTS running rigging
Saildrive seals changed
New exhaust elbow
New propeller
New instrument panel
New tachometer
New steering wheel leather
2017/18
Interior re-upholstered
2015
New hatch
New sprayhood
New Bimini
2016
Mainsail replaced
2014
Zodiac Zoom roll-up tender included with the boat

Main Specifications
Make: Elan
Model: 333
Boat Name: Big Z
Year: 2003
LWL: 8.75 m
Length on Deck: 9.99 m
Cabin Headroom: 1.90 m
Hull Material: Polyester / Fiberglass
Dry Weight: 4,500 kg
Displacement: 4,200 kg
Fuel Tank: 77 L
Fresh Water Tank: 177 L
Holding Tank: None
Water Heater: 10 L
Maximum Passengers: 8
HIN: SI-ELA33326C303
Location: Malahide

Engine & Performance
1 x Volvo Penta MD 2030
Engine Year: 2003
Power: 29 hp
Drive Type: Saildrive
Hours: 311 since renewal
Propeller: 3-blade
Propeller Material: Aluminium
Last Inspection: June 2026

The engine and saildrive have received substantial maintenance, including replacement of the saildrive rubber bellows, cleaning of the saildrive, a new tachometer and instrument panel, new exhaust elbows and a new propeller. Further recent work in 2026 included a new starter motor and solenoid, new batteries, oil changes and additional cooling-system maintenance.

Accommodation
2 cabins
2 double berths
1 single berth
1 twin berth
1 bathroom
Accommodation for up to 6 persons
1.90 m cabin headroom
Heating
Hot water
Oven
Refrigerator

The interior provides a practical cruising layout with comfortable accommodation for weekends away or extended coastal cruising. The cushions have been professionally reupholstered, while new window and mosquito frames and a replacement hatch have also been fitted.
Navigation & Electronics
Garmin UHD 92 SV chartplotter / fishfinder with garmin transducer 2023
Raymarine ST60 instruments
Depth sounder
Log-speedometer
Wind speed and direction
Autopilot ST4000+
Compass
GPS
Navigation centre
Pioneer radio / CD system
Cockpit speakers

The yacht has a comprehensive electronics package combining sailing instruments, chartplotting, autopilot, VHF and AIS, making her well suited to coastal cruising and longer passages.
Interior Equipment
Manual bilge pump
Heating
Hot water
Oven
Refrigerator

The galley and accommodation spaces are equipped for comfortable cruising, with heating and hot water adding useful comfort during colder-weather sailing.
Electrical Equipment
Shore power inlet
Inverter
Battery
New batteries fitted in 2025/2026

The electrical system has benefited from recent maintenance and battery replacement.

Exterior Equipment & Extras
Flexiteek cockpit decking
Cockpit cushions
Swimming ladder
Cockpit shower
Outboard engine bracket
Liferaft
Tender
Cockpit table
Depth instrument
Wind instrument
Navigation lights
Fire extinguisher
Fenders
Bruce anchor
Quick anchor windlass
Zodiac Zoom roll-up tender
Yamaha 4 hp outboard
Sprayhood
Bimini

The cockpit has been upgraded with Flexiteek decking and renewed comfort features, while the sprayhood and Bimini provide useful shelter underway and at anchor. A Zodiac Zoom tender and Yamaha 4 hp outboard are included with the yacht.
Sailing
Seldén mast
Seldén rig
Furlex furling system
5 sails
Mainsail – Wittevrongel, 2016
High-aspect furling headsail – Bezemer / Wittevrongel, 2015
UV strip
Rolfok cover in acrylic
Genoa
Spinnaker S2
Old mainsail as spare
New standing rigging fitted in 2023
Premium Cruiser XTS running rigging

The standing rigging was replaced in 2023, representing a significant recent upgrade. The primary mainsail and furling headsail are recorded as being in good condition, while additional sails are included as part of the inventory.
Maintenance & Recent Upgrades Big Z has benefited from considerable investment in maintenance and equipment over recent years. Notable works include:
New standing rigging in 2023
Last inboard engine maintenance check Jun 2026
Last outboard engine maintenance check 2024

New sweet water pump in 2023

Flexiteek cockpit decking 2023... whole text » less text