NAUTICAT 38
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 37.5 ft |
| LWL | 30.33 ft |
| Beam | 11.17 ft |
| Draft | 5.92 ft |
| Displacement | 24,200 lb |
| Ballast | 6,834.3 lb |
| Material | 38’ 8”11.8 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 44.5 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 17.2 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.1 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.8 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 27.9 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 7.49 ft |
| FLforestay | 17.2 ft |
| Mainsail | 625.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 382.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 650.6 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 4 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 105.7 L |
| Fuel | 158.5 L |
| CE category | About317 000€(2016) |
About the NAUTICAT 38
Designed by Kaj Gustafsson and built by Siltala Yachts in Finland, the Nauticat 38 is a robust cruising ketch with a production run starting in 1975. With a displacement of 24200.0 lb and a beam of 11.17 ft, this vessel is characterized by its heavy construction and staysail ketch rig, though the exact total hulls built remains unverified in available data.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for serious coastal and offshore cruisers who prioritize comfort and stability over speed, particularly those seeking a spacious interior for long-term liveaboard or extended passage-making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a high displacement of 24200.0 lb, a low capsize ratio of 1.55, and a fin keel, the Nauticat 38 is well-regarded for offshore stability and seakeeping, though owners frequently report structural stress in the keel sump area.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 38 and the Hallberg-Rassy 36, as they share similar heavy-displacement Scandinavian build quality, ketch or cutter configurations, and a focus on safe, comfortable offshore cruising.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
11 listings · boat years 1978–1994 · median $98,000
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 37.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 10 systems for the NAUTICAT 38, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a NAUTICAT 38? 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 22 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
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Used sails that fit the NAUTICAT 38
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