Nauticat 52 Information, Review, Specs

The Nauticat 52 began production in 1981, marking a significant step for Siltala Yachts, who were already well-established for their sturdy motorsailers like the Nauticat 33. Unlike many of Nauticat's in-house designs, the 52 was a creation of the prestigious American naval architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens, identifiable by its S&S #2207 hull number. This collaboration aimed to produce an exceptional offshore yacht that blended Nauticat's commitment to robust construction with Sparkman & Stephens' reputation for performance.

The design of the Nauticat 52 notably utilized molds acquired from Nautor, which had previously built a version known as the Swan 50MS/Nautor 50. This lineage suggests a design with a strong sailing pedigree. The builder, Siltala Yachts, was known for its early adoption of fiberglass (GRP) construction, ensuring consistent and durable hulls, a philosophy that extended to the Nauticat 52. An updated version, the Nauticat 521, was introduced in 1986, indicating minor refinements or modernizations during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nauticat 52 is rigged as a ketch, a versatile rig for a vessel of its size, allowing for flexible sail plans and easier handling, particularly in varying wind conditions. With a displacement of 56,000 lbs and a waterline length of 39.58 feet, she falls into the heavy displacement category, as indicated by a Displacement-Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 403. This ratio suggests a powerful, seakindly motion, well-suited for offshore passages rather than light-air racing.

Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio stands at approximately 11, which is relatively low and typical for a motorsailer or heavy cruiser. This indicates that while capable of sailing, she might require more wind to achieve significant speeds and is not designed for high-performance sailing. The Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.27 is also moderate, further supporting the character of a comfortable, stable cruising platform rather than an aggressively stiff performance yacht. The combination of a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder contributes to good directional stability and a degree of maneuverability. Owners have described the Nauticat 52 as a "well made boat, solid". However, some anecdotes suggest she may not be fast and can be challenging to tack easily, indicating her design prioritizes comfort and stability over nimble handling and speed under sail alone.

Accommodations and Layout

The Nauticat 52 offers a spacious and well-appointed interior, designed for comfort during extended cruising. As a pilothouse yacht, a key feature is the elevated interior helm station, providing excellent visibility and protection from the elements, a hallmark of Nauticat's design philosophy.

Typical interior layouts often include multiple cabins, accommodating 8-10 berths, making her suitable for larger crews or families. The main salon is generally expansive, often featuring a dedicated galley area and ample seating. Descriptions mention the boat being equipped with a substantial water capacity (530 gallons), indicating suitability for long voyages without frequent stops. While specific headroom figures are not readily available in the provided data, the overall impression is one of generous living space. The finish quality is generally considered robust, with Nauticats known for solid construction and a comfortable, secure feel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nauticat 52 frequently praise its solid construction and seaworthiness, often highlighting the sense of safety and reliability it instills, especially during long passages. The pilothouse design is a recurring point of appreciation, offering comfortable, protected steering and panoramic views, which is highly valued for extended cruising in various weather conditions. Many owners appreciate the yacht's capability as an offshore vessel.

However, some owners note that while capable of sailing, the Nauticat 52 is not a high-performance sailboat and may require significant wind to move efficiently under sail alone. Its heavy displacement can also make it less responsive and more challenging to singlehand or maneuver in tight quarters without relying on the powerful 135 hp Ford Lehman diesel engine. Despite these sailing characteristics, the overall sentiment remains positive regarding its suitability for comfortable, long-distance voyaging.