Nauticat Boats: A Comprehensive Guide for Enthusiasts
Nauticat Boats is a renowned yacht manufacturer known for its high-quality, comfortable, and durable vessels. The company offers a variety of boat sizes, ranging from 33 to 53 feet, and focuses on providing a smooth sailing experience with minimal shaking and seasickness. With options for both full and fin keels, Nauticat caters to a wide range of preferences and budgets, allowing boaters to save on insurance and maintenance costs when choosing a smaller vessel up to 40 feet with a fin keel.
The company's history dates back to the popularity of the Nauticat 33, which paved the way for the development of larger models such as the Nauticat 44 and 36. With international cooperation, the Nauticat 38 motor sailboat was later introduced in 1975. These robust and well-crafted motor sailboats have earned a reputation among sailing enthusiasts for their excellent performance and classic design.
One of the key features of Nauticat boats is their spacious and comfortable wheelhouses, which offer a cocoon-like experience for sailors who prefer helming inside. The wheelhouses boast large windows and hatches that maintain a strong connection with the outdoors and allow for better control while sailing. As a result, Nauticat boats are an excellent choice for those seeking a blend of comfort and practicality on the water.
History of Nauticat Boats
Siltala Yachts
The beginnings of Nauticat Boats date back to the late 1950s when the founders first began producing small fiberglass vessels. Over time, the company evolved into Siltala Yachts, which was based in Finland. In 1966, local sailors requested a comfortable 10-meter motor sailboat with a wheelhouse, leading to the creation of the Nauticat 33, designed by Finnish engineer V. Aarnipalo. This yacht closely resembled a traditional Nordic fishing boat.
Nauticat Yachts eventually became a prominent manufacturer of traditional ketch-rigged motorsailers and pilothouse sailing yachts. Over the years, their range of boats expanded to include vessels from 33 to 53 feet in size, ensuring comfortable well-being during long journeys without seasickness.
Latvian Entrepreneurs
In recent years, a group of Latvian entrepreneurs took over the brand, forming Nauticat Yachts SIA. Despite the change in ownership, the company maintains the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship that has been associated with their yachts since their early days in Finland.
Under the new ownership, Nauticat Yachts continues to be a pioneer in the sailing industry, producing various models adapted for different sailing conditions and lifestyles. This ensures that Nauticat yachts remain versatile and practical, meeting the needs of experienced sailors and enthusiasts alike.
Popular Nauticat Models
Nauticat 33
The Nauticat 33 is a classic motorsailer model that was introduced in the 1970s. This sturdy, reliable vessel features a traditional pilothouse design and is typically rigged as a ketch. With a hull length of 33 feet, the Nauticat 33 offers comfortable accommodations for cruising or living aboard. The boat has a draft of approximately 5 feet, making it suitable for various sailing conditions.
Nauticat 44
The Nauticat 44 is a larger, more luxurious motorsailer with a pilothouse design. Boasting a LOA of 44 feet, this model offers ample space for extended cruising or liveaboard situations. Like the Nauticat 33, the 44 is often rigged as a ketch, providing versatility under sail. The boat's displacement and draft lend stability and seaworthiness perfect for longer journeys.
Nauticat 32
The Nauticat 32, sometimes referred to as the Nauticat 321, is a compact motorsailer designed for easy handling and maneuverability in various conditions. The pilothouse design and smaller hull length make this model a popular choice for those seeking a versatile and affordable cruiser. The Nauticat 32 has a shallow draft of approximately 4 feet, making it ideal for exploring coastal waters and marinas.
Nauticat 331
The Nauticat 331 is a successor to the Nauticat 33. This updated model features a more modern hull design and increased performance under sail or power. Like its predecessor, the 331 showcases a pilothouse layout for comfort and convenience in various weather conditions. As a motorsailer, this boat is well suited for those seeking a blend of sailing performance and motor cruising capabilities.
Nauticat 43
The Nauticat 43 is a spacious motorsailer with a pilothouse design, offering plenty of room for extended cruising or living aboard. With a LOA of 43 feet, this model provides ample space for onboard amenities and storage. Rigged as a ketch, the Nauticat 43 offers versatile sailing options in various conditions. Its deeper draft ensures stability and seaworthiness for long voyages.
Nauticat 38
The Nauticat 38 is a versatile motorsailer known for its comfortable accommodations and practical design. This model features a pilothouse layout, spacious interior, and hull length of 38 feet, making it an appealing option for those seeking a cruising boat with ample space. The Nauticat 38 offers a variety of configurations, including ketch and sloop rig options, allowing for sailing adaptability in diverse conditions.
Each of these popular Nauticat models offers unique advantages for owners seeking a high-quality motorsailer or cruiser. The combination of comfort, reliability, and performance characteristics found in Nauticat boats make them a popular choice among sailors and cruisers alike.
Design and Construction
Hull Materials
Nauticat boats are known for their solid and durable construction. The hull of these yachts is primarily made from fiberglass, a material that offers excellent strength and resistance to harsh marine environments. Fiberglass is also low maintenance, allowing owners to spend more time enjoying their time on the water.
Deck Saloon
The deck saloon is a standout feature on many Nauticat boats. Designed with comfort and functionality in mind, the deck saloon provides a spacious and well-lit area for relaxation and socializing. Large windows offer panoramic views, while the clever use of space creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Wheelhouse
The wheelhouse or pilothouse on Nauticat boats is another notable feature of the design. It provides a convenient and sheltered space for navigating and controlling the boat, offering protection from the elements in rough weather conditions. The wheelhouse typically includes advanced navigation and communication equipment, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for all on board.
Rigging
Nauticat yachts are renowned for their rigging options, allowing owners to choose the setup that best suits their needs and preferences. With several available configurations, including sloop and cutter rigging, these boats can be tailored to perform well in a variety of sailing conditions. The well-designed rigging systems not only provide optimal sailing performance but also enhance the overall safety and ease of handling for the crew.
Features and Comfort
Aft Cabin
Nauticat boats are designed with comfort in mind, providing spacious and cozy aft cabins for their passengers. In most models, the aft cabin offers excellent headroom, ample storage space, and comfortable berths. Nauticat 37, for example, features a well-designed layout that ensures maximum use of space.
Engine Installation
The engine installation in Nauticat boats is designed for optimal performance and reliability. The inboard engines are carefully fitted, ensuring easy access for maintenance and repairs. The combination of these high-quality engines and the Nauticat 33' hull design contributes to the vessel's seaworthiness and overall sailing experience.
Seaworthiness
Nauticat boats are known for their seaworthiness, thanks to their solid construction and well-designed hulls. The Nauticat 33 motorsailer, for example, boasts high bulwarks and a classic design that inspires confidence even in rough waters. Furthermore, the fin keel option available in certain models helps to save on insurance and maintenance in marina ports, making them a more economical choice.
Comfort
One of the key aspects of Nauticat boats is the focus on comfort during long journeys. This is achieved through their attention to interior design and layout, such as the Nauticat 525, which utilizes ample space, ergonomic furniture, and excellent ventilation. Additionally, Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio is a measure of a boat's motion comfort, and the Nauticat range scores well in this regard, minimizing seasickness and ensuring a pleasant trip.
In summary, Nauticat boats offer a range of features that cater to both sailing performance and passenger comfort. From spacious aft cabins to reliable inboard engines, these vessels provide a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.
Safety and Performance
Nauticat boats are known for their reliability, safety, and performance. Designed with a focus on comfort and ease of handling, they offer a variety of models to suit different sailing preferences and requirements.
One of the key safety features of Nauticat boats is their robust hull construction, which is made from marine-grade 5086 aluminum to withstand rough seas and potential impacts. This type of hull construction found in SAFE Boats helps in displacing kinetic energy while the boat is underway, ultimately providing a more stable and secure ride.
The performance of Nauticat boats is also noteworthy. For example, the Nauticat 515 model comes with a central cockpit, specifically designed to handle ocean crossings, combining both style and power, as mentioned in Nauticat's website. This particular model can be built with an open cockpit in a Mediterranean style, ensuring adaptability for different sailing conditions.
Nauticat's designing approach pays attention to both traditional motorsailers and higher performance bluewater cruising sailboats, as explained in the SailNet Community forum. This allows for a wide range of options for those who prioritize safety and performance in their sailing experience.
In summary, Nauticat boats provide reliable, safe, and high-performance sailing solutions, thanks to their sturdy hull construction, versatile design, and attention to different sailing preferences. Whether you are a motorsailer enthusiast or a bluewater cruiser, Nauticat boats ensure a secure and enjoyable journey on the water.
Buying a Nauticat Boat
New Nauticats
Nauticat offers a range of boats, varying in size from 33 to 53 feet. Buyers can choose from different keel types like full or fin keel. Smaller boats up to 40 feet with a fin keel result in savings on insurance and marina port maintenance. Nauticat designs ensure a comfortable experience for long journeys, with minimized shaking and seasickness.
Used Nauticats
There are plenty of used Nauticat yachts available for buyers looking to save on their purchase. YachtWorld lists 43 yachts for sale, including 42 used yachts in countries such as the United Kingdom, France, United States, Italy, and Spain. The sizes of these boats vary from 32 feet to a more extensive range.
Purchasing a used Nauticat offers the advantage of lower prices compared to newer models. To provide a general idea of the pricing range, Daily Boats has listed used Nauticats with prices starting from $20,222 up to $731,650.
Boat Dealers
When looking to buy a Nauticat, potential buyers can explore various dealers specializing in new and used boats. Some popular websites to start the search include:
- YachtWorld
- boats.com
- Daily Boats
These dealers offer Nauticat boats of various models, sizes, and hull types. Potential buyers can browse these platforms and compare prices, location, and specifications to make an informed decision when purchasing their Nauticat boat.
Nauticat in Different Regions
United Kingdom
Nauticat boats have a strong presence in the United Kingdom, with many owners appreciating their solid construction and comfortable wheelhouses. The Nauticat 33 is a popular model in this region, offering sailors the advantage of motorsailing, which is ideal for the UK's ever-changing weather conditions.
France
In France, Nauticat boats are valued for their comfortable design and reliable performance. French sailors take advantage of the spacious interiors and pilothouse models to cruise the coastal waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Nauticat's diverse range of boats appeals to a broad range of sailors, including those who demand quality construction and comfort in their yachts.
Spain
Spain, with its extensive coastline along the Mediterranean Sea, is a prime destination for sailing enthusiasts. Nauticat boats are highly regarded in this region for their combination of sailing performance and onboard comforts, such as the pilothouse models. Spanish sailors appreciate the stable and rugged nature of these boats, especially when navigating the diverse coastal waters and islands.
Sweden
Swedish sailors are known for their appreciation of high-quality craftsmanship and practical design, making Nauticat boats well suited to the Swedish market. The Scandinavian influence on Nauticat's design and construction, such as the pilothouse sailing yachts, reflects the shared values and preferences among sailors in this region.
Washington
Nauticat boats are highly appreciated in Washington State due to the often-unpredictable weather conditions and challenging waterways. The pilothouse models, such as the Nauticat 44, provide sailors with protection from the elements while maintaining excellent sailing performance. Washington boaters benefit from the durability and comfort that Nauticat has to offer.
Stuart, Florida
Located on the Atlantic coast of Florida, Stuart is a popular destination for boaters who appreciate Nauticat's ability to comfortably navigate both inland waterways and open oceans. Florida sailors can explore the Intracoastal Waterway, Gulf Stream, and the Bahamas while enjoying the comfort and stability of their Nauticat boats.
Revival of Nauticat Yachts
Nauticat Yachts SIA
In 2018, Nauticat Yachts Oy declared bankruptcy and their assets were offered for sale. However, in 2022, a group of Latvian entrepreneurs decided to revive the production of these iconic vessels under the new name, Nauticat Yachts SIA. The new company aims to continue the rich legacy left by Finnish engineer and designer Kaj Gustafsson, who was behind the creative minds of the well-known Nauticat models, including the popular Nauticat 35, Nauticat 40, and Nauticat 441.
Sunlight Sailing Yacht School
One of the key players in the revival of Nauticat Yachts is the Sunlight Sailing Yacht School, founded by Dmitry Muratov. With a passion for recreational boating and the practical design of pilothouse sailing yachts, Muratov and his team have committed to reviving the production of the classic Nauticat line. Their dedication to preserving the closed wheelhouse design and attention to detail in rigging and monohull construction make them a prime organization to lead the Nauticat resurgence.
Future Plans
Nauticat Yachts SIA has big plans for the future. Alongside the existing popular models, the company is working on the development of new Nauticat vessels, such as the Nauticat 321 and the Nauticat 515. Some of the key features of these new models include:
- Improved length and beam ratios for better performance
- Updated rigging systems for ease of handling and increased sailing capabilities
- Modernized styling while preserving the classic Nauticat aesthetic
The secondary market for Nauticat yachts remains strong, with enthusiasts of the brand looking for well-maintained and upgraded vessels. Areas such as Seattle have seen a consistent demand for these classic, well-built yachts. With the backing of experienced industry professionals like Pentti Siltala and the continued guidance of Kaj Gustafsson's designs, Nauticat Yachts SIA is poised to thrive in the competitive world of recreational boating and solidify their legacy in the maritime industry.