NAUTICAT 33
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.17 ft |
| LWL | 28.17 ft |
| Beam | 10.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.08 ft |
| Displacement | 17,250 lb |
| Ballast | 4,078.5 lb |
| Material | 33’ 1”10.1 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.1 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 40.7 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 13.7 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 35.1 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.2 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 20.51 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 8.04 ft |
| FLforestay | 13.7 ft |
| Mainsail | 491.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 278.8 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 474 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 6 |
| Heads | 5 |
| Water | 66 L |
| Fuel | 158.5 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
Engine
| Commonly | Yanmar, Volvo Penta |
About the NAUTICAT 33
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.
Designed by W. Aarnipalo and built by Siltala Yachts (FIN) from 1967–1996, the Nauticat 33 is a robust masthead ketch with 1160 hulls produced. Its heavy displacement of 17250.0 lb and full/long keel provide exceptional stability and seakeeping, though owners frequently report significant maintenance challenges regarding the deck core and rudder systems.
- Best for:
- This vessel is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and conservative bluewater sailors who prioritize safety and comfort over speed, particularly those willing to undertake substantial mechanical and structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a D/L ratio of 344.49 and a capsize ratio of 1.65, the Nauticat 33 is inherently stable and well-suited for offshore passages, provided the critical rudder and deck core issues are addressed.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the Tartan 34 and Valiant 40 due to similar heavy-displacement, full-keel designs from the same era that prioritize motion comfort and offshore capability over planing performance.
Performance
Images
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
21 listings · boat years 1974–1991 · median $66,873
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.17ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
30 reported issues across 9 systems for the NAUTICAT 33, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a NAUTICAT 33? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 30 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your NAUTICAT 33?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Westerbeke, Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the NAUTICAT 33
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