nauticat 33 sailboat

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Nauticat 33 motorsailer: ‘classic and solidly built’

• Duncan Kent
• June 8, 2021

Duncan Kent looks at this classic and solidly built motorsailer, the Nauticat 33, which promises comfort and reliable passage making

Solid and study, the Nauticat 33 was modelled on a traditional Nordic fishing boat. Credit: David Harding

Product Overview

The Nauticat 33 comes from a generation of yachts intended for sailors who prefer the comfort of helming inside and the advantages of motorsailing to reach your destination on time.

Although her wheelhouse is a veritable cocoon, its huge windows and hatches keep the crew in touch and in control.

Being a ‘double-ender’ with a generous, almost constant beam throughout her length, she is surprisingly roomy, making them popular liveaboard boats with both blue water cruisers working their way around the world and those closer to home just seeking a comfortable, spacious and characterful yacht.

Design history of the Nauticat 33

Nauticats were built by Siltala in Finland for 50 years up to 2018.

When asked by local sailors to build a 10m motorsailer able to cope with the worst ravages of the stormy Baltic, they created the Nauticat 33, its hull closely resembling a traditional Nordic fishing boat.

The MkI boats (pre-1977 with hull numbers 1 to 440) had a long shoal-draft, encapsulated keel and a wooden wheelhouse.

The following 59 retained the latter but had a raised poop deck with a second helm.

In 1979, an all-GRP MkII version was introduced (numbers 500 on), and from 1982 a deeper fin keel and skeg-hung rudder were offered.

In total, some 1,100 were launched over the boat’s 31 years in production.

Below decks

The Nauticat 33s are bestowed with warm hardwoods, creating a cosy feel below.

Rarely were two boats the same as Nauticat were happy to personalise the layout.

At the time, the Nauticat 33 had a larger internal volume than almost any other similarly sized yacht, which was, to many, its primary attraction.

Her beam remains fairly constant for two-thirds of her length, allowing enough room for two spacious cabins and heads.

Wheelhouse entry is via sliding side doors, which makes her vulnerable to breaking waves should you leave one open.

Entering from leeward when heeled isn’t easy either as the narrow side decks leave you leaning out over the rail.

Once inside, though, you are protected from the elements and large windows keep you in touch with the outside.

A spacious wheelhouse makes the Nauticat 33 an attractive choice for all-year-round cruisers. Credit: Nicholas Clegg

The Nauticat 33 has a wheel on the centreline and although her bulwarks rise going forward, they don’t restrict your view ahead.

An eye-level instrument console makes them easy to monitor and the engine controls are to hand.

There are wipers on all forward-facing windows and a clear hatch above for checking mainsail trim. In addition to the helm station, there’s a small table that can double as a cockpit table, surrounded by an L-shaped settee, and a single pilot’s seat opposite.

Beneath the sole is the powerful engine, commonly a 4.1 litre, 90hp Ford Lehman diesel, driving a fixed three-blade prop through a conventional shaft.

Service access is obtained by lifting the sole boards.

Steps down aft lead you into the aft cabin, which has a 2.1m/6ft 10in-long offset double berth and an ensuite head/shower.

Early models had a desk/vanity unit with a sink inside, but this was soon moved into the heads.

The hull sides were often planked and there is an abundance of stowage.

Lockers, shelves and drawers are plentiful in the linear galley. Credit: Nicholas Clegg

Three opening ports provide light and ventilation, but there was no overhead hatch as a means of escape from an engine fire.

Some had them retrofitted, despite creating a trip hazard in the cockpit. A modern ‘flush’ hatch would be ideal.

Stepping down forward from the wheelhouse brings you into the dinette-style saloon.

Early models had transverse settees each side of the table but this was later changed to a U-shaped settee to provide more seating and an optional double berth.

Headroom in the Nauticat 33 is 1.83m/6ft or more and stowage abounds in deep lockers above the seating, and in cavernous bins below.

A 450 litre/88 gallon freshwater tank is located under the cabin sole.

Opposite is a linear galley, comprising a deep sink with drainer, tall fridge and full-size, gimballed cooker/oven. Lockers, shelves and drawers are plentiful.

Moving forward brings you to the main heads/shower, opposite which is a large hanging locker.

The forecabin has two singles or a vee-berth, plus standing headroom without the infill. Again, there is bags of locker stowage above the bunks.

The Nauticat 33 has reassuringly high bulwarks, inspiring confidence when moving around the decks, although they’re a little narrow beside the wheelhouse.

Her foredeck features a large, planked bowsprit keeping the forestay well clear of her substantial ground tackle and bow rollers.

Cleats and fairleads are equally chunky and the chain locker is accessible from on deck.

Moving aft past the wheelhouse you step up onto the raised afterdeck which, in all but the first few boats, has its own wheel and engine controls, plus all the sail control lines and winches.

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Halyards and mainsail reefing lines were generally left at the mast, leaving just the headsail sheets running aft to the poop deck and the mainsheet track within reach on the wheelhouse.

Some had removable benches or fixed seats, others were bare.

Later models had a proper cockpit with moulded GRP seating.

Both mainmast and mizzen are deck-stepped, stoutly engineered, and well stayed.

You need to be quick when close-quarter manoeuvring as her high topsides generate considerable windage.

She accelerates quickly, though, thanks to her big prop, and gives steerage almost instantly, but you need a plan for the prop walk!

She needs a solid Force 4 to really start sailing, but then she’s quicker than she looks.

Helming under sail from the poop deck is a little unnerving, due to the height above the water and the inability to see past the genoa, but the sturdy guardrails offer some reassurance.

The lead of the jib sheets rising up from the deck to the wheelhouse-mounted winches isn’t ideal, though, and you must remember to duck when tacking to avoid the mizzen boom!

Despite her hefty looks she only has a 29% ballast ratio, so isn’t as stiff as you might expect.

An ample beam gives plenty of space down below. Credit: Steve Klietz

When reaching the long-keel version in gusts over 20 knots, she feels a bit tender, despite tracking straight with her helm light and positive.

In these conditions she is better balanced with just her mizzen and jib hoisted.

With the long keel, tacking in light airs requires the headsail to be held aback until her bows are through the wind.

She heaves-to nicely, though, gently bobbing with the wind just forward of the beam.

The fin-keel version is stiffer, tacks quicker and the semi-balanced rudder reduces weather helm.

Off the wind, the drag from her substantial underwater surface area requires all the canvas you can muster.

Helming from the wheelhouse is easy, although you have to venture outside to trim the sheets.

In summary, the Nauticat 33 is an attractive and solid motorsailer that will cruise at around 5 knots.

Her high, bluff bows keep the decks dry and, should the weather turn nasty, there’s always that cosy, warm wheelhouse.

www.nauticatassociation.co.uk

Owners experiences of the Nauticat 33

S/y darika (1986).

According to her owner, Steve Klietz, Darika is probably the only Nauticat 33 in Southeast Asia.

‘Being a late model, she has the GRP wheelhouse, fin keel, skeg-hung rudder and taller mast. My mizzen has a slightly raised boom to accommodate a custom-made GRP bimini,’ he explained.

‘She has one hanked-on headsail, the other furling, and my mainsail is manually hoisted with one reef that I’ve never used. I can also hoist an asymmetrical spinnaker in lighter winds.

‘ Darika is a great passage-maker. With 15 knots of wind, I can sail at five knots, more in favourable conditions. She also has a Ford Lehman 90hp diesel with which I can comfortably motor at eight knots (hull speed). In a 5-10 knot wind 30° off the bow, with just the main and mizzen up she will motorsail through anything at 7 knots/1500rpm.

‘ Darika has been retrofitted with two 300 litre stainless fuel tanks, giving her a range of 600 miles. Then I can add four 25 litre cans of fuel/water on custom foredeck fittings, plus two more in the engine compartment. She came with 450- litre freshwater tanks and I can carry another 100 litres in cans that can be refilled ashore.

Darika is a later model and has a taller mast. Credit: Steve Klietz

‘Along with a bag of rice and a fishing rod I can carry provisions for a month. I have added insulation and a water-cooled compressor to the under-counter fridge/freezer and ice maker, and I’ve fitted a full-size, front-opening refrigerator where the forward clothes locker was.

‘I have removed the wheelhouse pilot seat and added a bathroom to the rear cabin with toilet, sink and hot shower. Some of the space gained now contains three more house batteries (giving me a total of four 120Ah deep-cycle house batteries) plus solar/wind charging controllers and extra switches and fuses.

‘My engine has a 160A alternator and I have five 120W solar panels, a wind generator, a 40A shore power charger and a 2kW/220V portable Honda generator. Normally, my solar panels run for 12 hours a day here in Thailand and my wind generator runs at night, keeping my batteries fully charged. I rarely start the generator.’

S/Y The Boat of Laughter and Forgetting (HN 1072, 1989)

Bruce, 60, and Shari, 56, Goldman have owned their Nauticat 33 since 2017 and have since fitted a bow thruster, holding tank and lazyjacks, plus renewed the sails, running rigging, anchor and chain, most of the plumbing and gas lines, and changed all the lights to LED.

Previous owners fitted dinghy davits, behind-the-mast mainsail furling, a wind generator and solar panels, and replaced the fuel tank and water hoses.

‘I started sailing in the 1960s with my parents on a 23ft Pearson Ensign and got my own boat, a 30ft Beneteau racer/cruiser, in 1997,’ says Bruce.

‘After 20 years, we wanted a slightly bigger and more cruising-friendly boat. Shari and I frequently day sail with friends and family on Lake St. Clair but we’re now outfitting and planning for summer cruises in the Great Lakes.

‘Even though the owner’s manual states that she sails best in a ‘fresh breeze’, she is surprisingly slippery and will make way in all but the lightest airs. In heavier airs, she’s perfectly fine under jib and jigger, sailing on her lines. The ketch rig allows for an easily handled combination of sails.

Bruce finds mooring difficult when sailing singlehanded. Credit: Bruce and Shari Goldman

‘Although she’s a great boat for two I frequently sail singlehanded. The most difficult part is mooring. All sail controls except the vang are led to the aft helm station. The main and genoa are furling, and the mizzen has lazyjacks. Tacking in light airs can sometimes require a gybe instead or use of the bow thruster, and steering in reverse under power is always an adventure.

‘She’s very comfortable and the layout makes her seem much bigger. She’s airy and bright with four hatches, sizable ports and windows throughout, plus doors on both sides and a sunroof in the pilothouse. She has ample storage and the galley is spacious. We have diesel heating for the early/late season chills and aircon throughout for the summer. If cruising further we would install a bigger fridge/freezer, add a gate and swimming platform at the stern, and improve the aft deck with seating.

‘Nauticat 33s have distinctive ‘little ship’ good looks and are substantially over-built, providing a sense of security. She’s also very comfortable under sail and at anchor.

‘Her only negatives are the hydraulic steering, which gives no feedback, and the headsail sheets running from midship up to winches on the pilothouse roof. Also, other than in the aft cabin, our portlights don’t open.’

S/Y Artemis of Wareham (HN 518, 1979)

Nicholas Clegg, 64, has owned Artemis for the past nine years and still reckons she’s a superb vessel.

He started sailing in dinghies in his youth and then owned a motorboat before buying Artemis .

He now cruises the UK South Coast regularly with friends and is happy to sail single-handed, although he finds manoeuvring into a marina berth tricky due to her high windage.

Artemis is a MkII model with a full cockpit and wheel on the poop deck. Credit: Nicholas Clegg

Just after buying her, Nicholas stripped her interior down to bare bulkheads before installing a new galley, bunks, and wheelhouse seating.

He also fitted a bow thruster, together with new wiring and a modern electrical management system.

‘She’s a compromise between sailing performance (not being able to point too close to the wind), comfortable and spacious accommodation and the ability to motor well in light airs,’ noted Nicholas.

What the experts say about the Nauticat 33

Nick Vass B,Sc B,Ed HND FRINA MCMS DipMarSur YS,

Marine Surveyor www.omega-yachtservices.co.uk

Nauticats hold their prices well and represent good value for money when you consider the vast quantity of fibreglass and hardwood required to build them.

Vessels of this type are rare these days due to massive build costs and availability of teak and mahogany, so investing in and maintaining a Nauticat 33 could be considered quite environmentally friendly.

Fitting a new engine to a Nauticat is often more sensible than refurbishing a lighter constructed yacht that has become worn and tired.

Many of the Nauticat 33s that I have inspected have suffered from osmotic blistering.

I have also found softness and flexibility underfoot on the decks of several, especially around the forward and aft ends of the superstructure.

The Nauticat 33 will cruise at around 5 knots in most conditions. Credit: Duncan Kent

In these cases, the balsa core sandwich stiffening material had absorbed water and begun to decay, causing it to compress and not bounce back when walked upon.

Water enters the core sandwich through the teak decks’ slat screw holes.

Teak decks are expensive to replace so make sure that all the slats are sound, free of movement and rot, and that the caulking between the slats is good to keep the water out.

Also, ensure the windows are not leaking as water ingress can cause massive damage to internal joinery.

Some early 33s had timber superstructure so make sure that it is sound and free from leaks and decay.

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor and full member of the Yacht Brokers Designers & Surveyors Association (YDSA)

www.bensutcliffemarine.co.uk

The Nauticats were certainly in a class of their own, and they do vary quite a bit in terms of fit out, finish and layouts.

I’ve surveyed several that all had a common fault of mast compression; the causes of which can be manifold.

The boats I examined all had a slight lack of suitable support for the loadings; some just had a bulkhead that had suffered from overloading.

The ketch rig makes it easy to handle a combination of sails. Credit: David Harding

Water ingress had caused the bulkhead to start rotting. Two had compressions of over 10mm on deck.

My advice is to look carefully before buying; faults will be obvious if it is raining!

As Nick highlighted, many Nauticat 33’s suffer with osmosis and dry laminate under the waterline so care is needed at survey.

I’ve also looked at many which had soggy decks under the teak finish.

This is not a cheap problem to solve.

Alternatives to consider

High bulwarks make the Fisher 34 a solid cruiser. Credit: David Harding

The popular Fisher 34 was first launched in 1978.

Designers David Freeman and Gordon Wyatt teamed up in 1969 to produce a range of boats that had the seaworthiness of a North Sea fishing boat and the sailing abilities of a long-distance cruising yacht.

The Fishers all had canoe sterns and long keels for directional stability, plus a deep-vee entry and pronounced sheer with high, flared bows and deep bulwarks to keep the waves out.

Renowned for their build quality, Fishers are all hand-laminated and incorporate a long keel with encapsulated cast iron ballast.

Hulls are solid GRP, while the deck is a balsa sandwich.

Bulkheads are laminated to the hull and deck, and the raised bulwarks are part of the deck moulding, topped off with 25mm-thick teak capping.

The deck/hull join is through-bolted and then laminated over for strength and water tightness.

The Fisher 34 has a traditional, cosy wheelhouse from which the vessel may be steered under power or sail, the latter made possible thanks to a large transparent sliding hatch in the wheelhouse roof.

As standard she was ketch rigged, but a sloop option was available with double doors opening aft into the cockpit.

She has a generous sail plan that, given a good Force 4 breeze, allows her to be sailed quite competently.

When the going gets rough and making way to windward is mandatory, however, she also boasts a powerful 75hp Yanmar diesel engine driving a large fixed 3-blade prop via a conventional shaft.

Below, they were fitted out to a high standard with oodles of lovely warm wood in the cabin and wheelhouse.

No space was wasted, with locker and stowage fitted into every nook and cranny.

Every Fisher was built to order, so a degree of customising will be apparent between boats.

The 34 can sleep up to six comfortably with a double forecabin, and double aft quarter cabin set under the wheelhouse and a double berth in the saloon.

Over 100 were launched in three models, the final MkIII being launched by builders, Northshore, in 1995.

Colvic Watson 34.5

The largest of these renowned Colvic Watson motorsailers, the 34.5 is a canoe-sterned, long-keeled ketch loosely derived from one of Watson’s lifeboat designs.

The hulls were moulded by the prolific Colvic yard on the UK east coast and the large majority were fitted out by their owners, so the finish quality can vary considerably.

Her decks have high bulwarks and a sturdy teak-capped handrail all round.

Ground tackle is usually substantial, with a massive windlass and samson post on the foredeck.

Unlike the Fisher, she has no cockpit or outside steering position, but this is rarely a problem with this type of vessel.

A few boats had fitted seating on the poop deck for relaxing outside at anchor.

Although not dissimilar in displacement terms to the Fisher 34, she has another 2ft of beam so her internal volume is extremely generous.

All featured a cosy wheelhouse with a raked screen, coffee table, wheel steering and chart shelf.

Layouts varied, but most had a spacious double cabin aft, a well-equipped galley, dinette-style saloon, and a twin or double-bunked forecabin.

Quite often they were cutter rigged with a long bowsprit plank, increasing her sail area and sail plan flexibility for ocean passages.

They certainly aren’t the quickest under sail, due mainly to their considerable wetted surface and heavy displacement, and neither are they very close-winded.

Her barn door-style rudder also results in a good deal of weather helm.

But her ample beam adds considerable form stability and stiffness under sail, and she loves gentle motorsailing to windward with her large diesel humming quietly at little more than tickover revs.

Beneteau Evasion 34

A masthead sloop/cutter rig sail plan came as standard on the Beneteau Evasion 34. Credit: David Harding

Launched in 1984, the 34 was the most popular Evasion built and was lighter and roomier than the earlier Evasion 32.

For a motorsailer she had a fairly performance-orientated hull shape with a long fin keel (or centreboard) and a skeg-hung rudder.

She has a good size cockpit with a full depth locker.

As with most wheelhouse motorsailers the decks are on the narrow side, but access is secure thanks to the high guard wires and well-placed grabrails.

There’s also plenty of clear flat areas for lounging at anchor and enough room on the foredeck for handling the substantial ground tackle.

Anchoring is easy with stout twin bow rollers, windlass, and deep chain locker.

Though not built for speed, her masthead sloop or cutter rig sail plan was large enough to provide an acceptable sailing performance, particularly as she was comparatively light for a motorsailer.

Plus, her 50hp diesel engine and shaft-driven, 3-blade fixed prop ensured she could be motored against a foul tide with ease, and over a good range thanks to her 200-litre fuel tank.

Down below, she is spacious and practical, with her extended wheelhouse containing a well-equipped galley, dinette that seats six and converts into a useful double berth, and an inside helming position with an aft-facing chart table.

Headroom is a generous 1.90m/6ft 3in.

Steps down from the wheelhouse lead to three cosy double cabins and a single heads with shower and wet locker forward.

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• Nauticat 33

The Nauticat 33 Sailboat

The Nauticat 33, a popular live-aboard ketch, was designed by W. Aarnipalo and built in Finland by Siltala Yachts.

Published Specification for the Nauticat 33

Underwater Profile:  Long keel

Rig:  Ketch

Length Overall:  33'2" (10.1m)

Waterline Length:  28'2" (8.6m)

Beam:  10'8" (3.3m)

Draft:  5'1" (1.6m)

Displacement:  17,250lb (7,824kg)

Ballast:  5,150lb (2,336kg)

Construction:  GRP (fiberglass)

Built by:  Siltala Yachts (Finland)

Designed by:  W. Aarnipalo

First Built:  1967

Published Design Ratios for the Nauticat 33

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  11.4

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  29.9

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  344

4. Comfort Ratio:  38.4

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   1.7

read more about these all-revealing numbers...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the  Nauticat 33

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of just 11.4 suggests that the Nauticat 33 will need a stiff breeze to get her going. In light conditions, unless you've got plenty of time on your hands, motor-sailing may be the way to go.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 29.9 means that unless the bulk of the ballast is concentrated in a bulb at the foot of her keel, the Nauticat 33 will have a tendency to heel excessively in a gust, and she'll need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze. 

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 344, tells us the Nauticat 33 is clearly a heavy displacement cruising boat. You can load her down with all your cruising gear and equipment and it will hardly affect her waterline. Not an ideal choice for coastal sailing, but she'll come into her own on an offshore passage in testing conditions.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 38.4 suggests that crew comfort of a Nauticat 33 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.7 tells us that a Nauticat 33 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

A Few FAQs...

Is the Nauticat 33 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The Nauticat 33 is no longer in production. The last Nauticat 33 was built in 1996 after a production run of almost 30 years, during which more than 1200 Nauticat 33s were built.

What, if any, alternative versions of the Nauticat 33 were built?

There were two main versions of the Nauticat 33: the MkI and the MkII. The MkI boats (pre-1977 with hull numbers 1 to 440) had a long shoal-draft, encapsulated keel and a wooden wheelhouse. The MkII boats (post-1977 with hull numbers 441 to 1265) had a shorter fin keel with a skeg-hung rudder and a fibreglass wheelhouse. In addition, some MkII boats had a raised aft deck as an option. An updated model, the Nauticat 331, was introduced in 1997.

What is the difference between the Nauticat 33 and the Nauticat 331?

The Nauticat 331 is a newer and slightly larger version of the Nauticat 33, built by the same Finnish company, Siltala Yachts. It has a length of 10.4 m (34'1") compared to the Nauticat 33's 10.1 m (33'2"). It also has a deeper fin keel with a draft of 1.48 m (4'10") compared to the Nauticat 33's 1.4 m (4'7") or 1.8 m (5'11"). The Nauticat 331 has a similar layout and design as the Nauticat 33, but with some modern updates and improvements. The Nauticat 331 was built between 1999 and 2018, while the Nauticat 33 was built between 1966 and 1994.

How did the sailing press review the Nauticat 33?

The sailing press generally gave positive reviews to the Nauticat 33, praising its quality, comfort, and seaworthiness. For example, Yachting Monthly described the Nauticat 33 as "an attractive and solid motorsailer that will cruise at around 5 knots" and "a boat that will look after you in all weathers" . 

What is the history of the builders of the Nauticat 33 and is the company still in business?

The builders of the Nauticat 33 were Siltala Yachts, a family-owned company founded by Pentti Siltala in Finland in 1964. Siltala Yachts specialised in producing motorsailers under the brand name Nauticat. The company was one of the leading manufacturers of motorsailers in Europe, with more than 2800 boats delivered to over 40 countries. Unfortunately, Siltala Yachts ceased operations in 2018 due to financial difficulties.

How many people can sleep on board a Nauticat 33?

The Nauticat 33 can sleep up to six people on board, depending on the layout. The standard layout has two double cabins: one forward with a V-berth and one aft with an offset double berth. There is also a convertible dinette in the saloon that can be turned into another double berth. Some boats may have different layouts, such as a single berth in the aft cabin or a U-shaped dinette in the saloon.

What keel options, if any, are available for the Nauticat 33?

The Nauticat 33 has two keel options: a long keel and a fin keel. The long keel is found on the MkI boats and has a draft of 1.4 m (4'7"). The fin keel is found on the MkII boats and has a draft of 1.8 m (5'11"). The long keel offers more stability and directional stability, while the fin keel offers more maneuverability and performance.

What is the Nauticat 33 like to sail?

The Nauticat 33 is not a fast or agile sailboat, but rather a steady and comfortable one. It is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds with ease, thanks to its heavy displacement, high freeboard, and powerful engine. It is also well-balanced and easy to sail, with good visibility from both the cockpit and the wheelhouse. The Nauticat 33 is ideal for long-distance cruising, coastal hopping, or living aboard.

What is the average cost of a secondhand Nauticat 33?

The average cost of a secondhand Nauticat 33 varies depending on the age, condition, equipment, and location of the boat. According to YachtWorld , the current price range for a used Nauticat 33 is from £29,950 to £79,950, with an average price of £49,950.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

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• Sailboat Guide

Nauticat 33

Nauticat 33 is a 33 ′ 2 ″ / 10.1 m monohull sailboat designed by W. Aarnipalo and built by Nauticat - Siltala Yachts between 1967 and 1996.

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• 9 / 12 Stuart, FL, US 1986 Nauticat 33 $59,900 USD View
• 10 / 12 Stuart, FL, US 1986 Nauticat 33 $59,900 USD View
• 11 / 12 Stuart, FL, US 1986 Nauticat 33 $59,900 USD View
• 12 / 12 Stuart, FL, US 1986 Nauticat 33 $59,900 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Thee NAUTICAT 33 was the first boat produced by Siltala and one of the most successful. In 1977 the raised aft deck was offered as an option and a number of other changes were made to this design during it’s production run. An updated model, the NAUTICAT 331, was introduced in 1997.

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Nauticat 33

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 17th March 2020

Nauticat 33's main features

Nauticat 33's main dimensions, nauticat 33's rig and sails, nauticat 33's performances, nauticat 33's auxiliary engine, nauticat 33's accommodations and layout, nauticat 33's saloon, nauticat 33's fore cabin, nauticat 33's aft cabin.

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Nauticat 33

The nauticat 33 is a 33.17ft masthead ketch designed by w. aarnipalo and built in fiberglass by nauticat - siltala yachts between 1967 and 1996., 1160 units have been built..

The Nauticat 33 is a heavy sailboat which is under powered. It is reasonably stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a bluewater cruising boat.

Nauticat 33 for sale elsewhere on the web:

Main features

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Accommodations

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Review of Nauticat 33

Basic specs..

The boat is typically equipped with an inboard Ford diesel engine at 90.0 hp (67 kW), which gives a max speed about 9.2 knots.

The transmission is a shaft drive. A shaft drive will in the long run require less maintenence than other types of drive e.g. a sail drive.

The fuel tank which is made of stainless steel has a capacity of 600 liters (158 US gallons, 131 imperial gallons).

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Nauticat 33 is 1.68, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 7.1 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Nauticat 33 is about 187 kg/cm, alternatively 1051 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 187 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 1051 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

Maintenance

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's changes, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

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Edwards Yacht Sales

• 866.365.0706

1986 Nauticat Motorsailer

• Motorsailer
• Fort Lauderdale, FL, US

Yacht price

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Just arrived in Fort Lauderdale!!

New to the market and a rare "find". "Spirit In The Sky"" is a two stateroom , two head, pilot house ketch. She performs well under sail or under power with her low time "bullet proof" Ford Lehman 90 HP diesel. Heavily built for the everyday conditions of the North Sea, she is ready to cruise in complete comfort and safety. Set your course for "the islands" or a leisurely week-end cruise through the Keys.

This NC33 hull number 959 has an all fibreglass deck with teak decking attached with adhesive and screws.

The Nauticat 33 has now been in production for over forty years, but she still continues to surprise and delight all owners, both experienced yachtsmen and those venturing afloat for the very first time. The effortless operation, superb comfort and careful arrangement of interiors, making use of all available space to the best advantage, has created a demand for this boat.

Siltala Yachts made a lasting impact in setting the trend for motorsailers, bringing more and more comfort to family sailing throughout the world. This design is more suited to the yachtsman looking for more versatility than the average motorsailer concept allows. In addition, she has the very popular 4'1" shoal draft.

Specifications

Descriptions, basic information, dimensions & weight, tank capacities.

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The Nauticat 33 has a wonderful interior pilothouse that is ideal for four-season cruising or a winter cruise to the Caribbean. The pilothouse area has panaramic view and full interior controls and instrumentation. What makes the pilothouse so popular is the seating areas with table, all with a great view out for the crew. Imagine eating a casual breakfast in the spacious pilothouse while watching dolphins on the way....this does not happen in most sailboats!  "Spirit In The Sky" has the classic NC-33 layout featuring an aft owners-cabin with in-suite head, fabulous storage and large double size berth. The vee-berth is a nicely sized double with great ventilation and light. Aft of the vee-berth is a second head with shower. The lower dinette also converts to a double berth, and the pilothouse has a single convertible pilot berth.

The linear galley is located opposite the dinette. There is a Force 10 LPG Stove & Oven, an Adler Barbour 12V refrigerator, and a Waeco 12V/110V AC freezer. A stainless steel sink has both hot & cold pressure water. This galley features a lot of storage and is arranged to keep a chef happy! 

Xantrax Dr. Series power inverter charger (2009)

Xantrax Monitor system

(4) x 6V/DC, & (2) 12V/DC batteries, all combined & rewired with fuses, etc (2009)

Kiss wind generator

Victron 2500 watt inverter & 120 amp Converter

30 amp/ 110 Volt shore power

Pilothouse boats are ideal for the navigator. "Spiriy In The Sky" has a spacious chart table that is sized for full size charts. Electronics are layed out above the chart table and at the forward edge. This arrangement allows the helmsan a clear view while staying organized.

Deck-stepped aluminum main and mizzen masts

Aluminum boom vang

Stainless steel wire standing rigging

(2) Anderson #10 one speed winches

(2) Lewmar #30 two speed winches

Dacron main and mizzen sails

Dacron 120% genoa

Profurl roller furling

All running rigging routed to aft helm

Ideal anchor windlass, Bow and aft helm controls

Bimini top with custom made screens

Deck awning w/ drop sides enabling rainwater collection to water tank

(1) 30# Hydrobubble anchor w/ 150' Galvanized chain (sized for 44')

(1) Danforth anchor

(1) Folding Fortress anchor

Solar vents

Horseshoe Bouy

Custom port and starboard boarding ladder

Magma propand BBQ, connected to ship's propane system

Stainless steel dinghy davits

Caribe Inflatable dingy w/ Honda 2 HP outboard

Vetus bow thruster

Ford Lehman Super 90 FWC engine

Racor fuel/water separator

3 blade fixed prop

Hydraulic steering

Reverse cycle A/C & heat

Emergency tiller

Manual and automatic bilge pumps

(3) fire extinguishers

The Nauticat 33 traditional motorsailer has now been, after several modifications, in production for over 45 years.The effortless operation, superb comfort and careful arrangement of interiors have created a demand resulting in over 1290 hulls built to date. This sturdy classic will surely keep on sailing smoothly and steadily for another 45 years.

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Whether you are buying or selling your next boat or your first boat, one of Edwards Yacht Sales 45+ Professional Yacht Brokers throughout the Southeast are here to assist. Since 2003 we have acted as our clients trusted advisor throughout the entire process from shopping, to making an offer, to sea trial and survey, to closing.

Corporate Office: 510 Brookside Drive Clearwater, FL 33764

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 727.449.8222 Toll Free: 866.365.0706 Fax: 727.298.0456

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NAUTICAT 33 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of NAUTICAT 33. Built by Nauticat - Siltala Yachts and designed by undefined, the boat was first built in 1967. It has a hull type of Long Keel and LOA is 10.11. Its sail area/displacement ratio 11.43. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Ford Lehmann, runs on Diesel.

NAUTICAT 33 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about NAUTICAT 33 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, contributions, who builds nauticat 33.

NAUTICAT 33 is built by Nauticat - Siltala Yachts.

When was NAUTICAT 33 first built?

NAUTICAT 33 was first built in 1967.

How long is NAUTICAT 33?

NAUTICAT 33 is 8.59 m in length.

What is mast height on NAUTICAT 33?

NAUTICAT 33 has a mast height of 10.7 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

Nauticat yachts are returning

The history dates back to the late 1950s, when the founders cast the first small fiberglass boats. in 1966, local sailors asked them to build a comfortable 10-meter motor sailboat with a suitable wheelhouse. nauticat 33 was born, and the designer of this yacht was v. aarnipalo, a finnish engineer. the overall shape of the hull was not something exceptionally new, it was very reminiscent of the sturdy scandinavian structures that were often seen fighting through the stormy baltic sea or decorated with flowers and good mood during festivities under the midnight sun. as nauticat 33 became more and more popular and the company was developing, the demand for larger boats was natural. nauticat 44 and 36, developed by v. aarnipalo, later accompanied nauticat 33. due to the international cooperation, another nauticat 38 motor sailboat was born in 1975., in the early 1980s, nauticat 52 was launched. it was the largest yacht built by the shipyard, and later the model 52 was replaced by the nauticat 521, and this exceptional offshore yacht received younger sisters called 43 and 40. all three yachts were created on the sparkman & stephens drawing board. these yachts were very different from the traditional nauticat, both in terms of design and performance. these yachts were the first steps in the direction of sailing yachts with the wheelhouse, which were to be presented later. the wheelhouse was lower than before, the hull looked more like a sailboat, and the entrance was in the cockpit, and not from the side of the wheelhouse, as before. the models 521, 43 and 40 were designed to cross the ocean, and this is easy to see if you look, for example, at the capacity of the fuel tank and the water tank. for some time in the early 1980s, the plant even produced ordinary s-series nauticat sailboats, such as the s-300, s-320, s-340 and s-380. the s-300, 340 and 380 were previously called finnsailer and after renamed nauticats when nauticat yachts bought the forms and rights to these beautiful yachts..