Najad 511 Information, Review, Specs

Designed to offer both exceptional living space and superb handling characteristics, the Najad 511 appeals to sailors seeking a sophisticated cruising experience without compromising on performance or ease of ownership. Her reputation as a capable and comfortable passage maker reflects Najad's enduring philosophy of building yachts for confident and enjoyable long-distance cruising.

History and Design

The Najad 511 entered the market in 2003, representing a significant evolution from the successful Najad 490 model. Her design, a collaboration with Judel/Vrolijk & Co., aimed to combine Najad's well-established reputation for robust, handcrafted yachts with modern, efficient yacht design principles. This partnership ensured that the 511 was not merely a larger vessel, but one optimized for blue-water cruising with a focus on both performance and the comfort of its occupants. Production of the Najad 511 continued until 2011, with some later models being rebranded as part of the Aphrodite series around 2008.

Najad Yachts, steeped in a heritage of meticulous boat-building on Sweden's Orust island, emphasized safety, user-friendliness, and durability in all their constructions. The 511 reflects this ethos with its solid fiberglass hull and deck construction. While specific design variations like MkI or MkII are not widely noted for the 511, some vessels were built with a 2-cabin layout in addition to the more common 3-cabin configuration, offering flexibility to owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Najad 511 is characterized as a relatively fast cruising yacht, featuring a fine, sharp bow, a deep bilge with a bolted lead keel, and a skeg-hung rudder, all contributing to its predictable handling and seakeeping abilities. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.34, the 511 demonstrates good light-air performance, indicating she can move well in lighter breezes, a desirable trait for a cruising vessel. Her displacement to length ratio, around 220.6, places her firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing stability and load-carrying capacity with respectable speed.

While her ballast to displacement ratio of roughly 33.16% is on the moderate side, the deep lead keel and robust hull construction provide a solid platform, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners and reviews consistently praise the Najad 511 for its superb handling and comfort at sea, often noting its suitability for easy handling even by a small crew. The standard masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and powerful sail plan.

Accommodations and Layout

Below deck, the Najad 511 lives up to its reputation for luxury and meticulous craftsmanship. The interior is distinguished by an exclusive and beautifully finished mahogany, creating a classic, warm, and inviting atmosphere. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.5 feet, the saloon feels open and spacious.

Typical interior arrangements often feature a well-appointed owner's aft cabin, complete with an en-suite heads and shower, providing privacy and comfort for long voyages. The main saloon usually includes a comfortable dinette on the port side and two single settees, creating a versatile living area for dining and relaxation. A longitudinal galley is a common feature, designed for efficient use at sea. Forward of the mast bulkhead, which is robustly laminated to the hull and deck, are typically two guest cabins: one with a V-berth and another with bunk beds, ensuring ample accommodation for crew or guests. Storage is abundant throughout the boat, with numerous wardrobes and lockers. Many Najad 511s are also equipped with both air conditioning and separate heating systems, enabling comfortable cruising in a wide range of climates, from Nordic waters to the tropics. The vessel also boasts a substantial fresh water capacity of 166 US gallons, supporting extended periods away from shore.