NAUTICAT 52
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 51.16 ft |
| LWL | 39.58 ft |
| Beam | 15 ft |
| Draft | 7.16 ft |
| Displacement | 56,000 lb |
| Ballast | 15,198.4 lb |
| Material | 52’ 2”15.9 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 63.25 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 19.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 56.67 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 13.58 ft |
| PYmizzen luff | 37.2 ft |
| EYmizzen foot | 9.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 19.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 1,032.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 616.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 1,048.4 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 3 |
| Berths | 6 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 435.9 L |
| Fuel | 414.8 L |
| CE category | About880 000€(2017) |
About the NAUTICAT 52
S&S #2207. Molds were purchased from Nautor that built an earlier version (SWAN 50MS/NAUTOR 50). The NAUTICAT 521 is an updated version introduced in 1986.
The Nauticat 52 is a robust, heavy-displacement ketch designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Siltala Yachts in Finland, with production records indicating a build year of 1981 and an unknown total hull count. This vessel is characterized by its substantial 56000.0 lb displacement and 15.0 ft beam, reflecting a design philosophy centered on stability and offshore comfort rather than speed.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for experienced bluewater cruisers and families seeking a stable, comfortable platform for long-range coastal and offshore passages, particularly those who value the ease of handling provided by the masthead ketch rig.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a high displacement-to-length ratio of 403.19 and a low capsize ratio of 1.57, the Nauticat 52 is inherently stable and well-suited for serious offshore cruising, though its 7.16 ft max draft may limit access to shallow anchorages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Hallberg-Rassy 42 and the Tartan 4200, as they share similar heavy-displacement characteristics, Sparkman & Stephens or equivalent conservative design philosophies, and a reputation for safe, seakindly offshore performance.
Performance
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the NAUTICAT 52 yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 51.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 5 systems for the NAUTICAT 52, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a NAUTICAT 52? 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 6 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 52?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the NAUTICAT 52
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…