Nauticat 38 Ketch

Description

The Nauticat 38 is a Finnish-built pilothouse motorsailer designed by Kaj Gustafsson and first produced in 1975 by Siltala Yachts in Pietarsaari, Finland, as a substantial mid-range evolution in the brand's storied lineup—succeeding the Nauticat 33 and 35—emphasizing heavy-displacement seaworthiness, panoramic all-weather visibility from its raised deck saloon, and luxurious liveaboard comfort for couples or small families on extended coastal or bluewater cruises, with the staysail ketch rig providing balanced sail power and short-handed versatility through main, genoa, staysail, and mizzen configurations. Constructed from solid fiberglass with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder for protected stability and agile tracking, it displaces 24,200 pounds with 5,250 pounds of ballast, measures 37.50 feet LOA, 30.33 feet LWL, 11.17 feet beam, and 5.92 feet draft, achieving a hull speed of 7.38 knots and 712 square feet of sail area under its masthead staysail ketch setup powered by a robust 80-110 HP Ford Lehman or Yanmar diesel engine with 131 gallons of fuel and 88 gallons of water capacity for impressive motoring range. Renowned for its tank-like build quality, 360-degree saloon views, warm teak-trimmed interior with 6'3" headroom across two or three cabins sleeping up to six (including an aft owner's suite), U-shaped galley, dedicated nav station, and dual helms for inside/outside control, the Nauticat 38 was produced through 1997 with approximately 250 units built, remaining a timeless favorite among traditionalists who prize unhurried reliability, serene heavy-weather poise, and Finnish craftsmanship on voyages where endurance and elegance surpass velocity.