Italia 11.98 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

Owner three-cabin layouts are the more common on the used market, but both are available; ex-charter examples are common. The standard arrangement is a completely symmetrical plan with two spacious aft double cabins, a forepeak double berth of 1.90 m built far into the bow, and two symmetric heads compartments configurable as toilets or showers. Because the cabin superstructure and entire interior are shifted forward for cockpit space, the keel-stepped mast passes through the aft end of the saloon's folding table, and the saloon itself feels narrow to some testers. The Bellissima version brings fine artisan finishes, tall lockers, leather upholstery, and carbon-look paneling; composite furniture sealed in gelcoat dominates, with the only visible wood the large lounge table.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

On the used market a code zero, gennaker, spinnaker, and asymmetric spinnaker are commonly fitted, as are hot water, a swim platform, AIS, autopilot, chartplotter, and a life raft. Twin wheels, double steering, a fixed bowsprit, and furling headsail define the Bellissima sporty-touring kit, while tiller steering and symmetrical spinnaker gear mark Fuoriserie boats, and components were combinable from new. Often-seen additions include an inverter, bimini, dodger, teak decks, cockpit shower, and short-handed setup. Harken winches, blocks, and rails with Spinlock stoppers were standard supplier gear, and multi-adjustable 3D haul points left the yard fitted.

What to Inspect

The deck non-slip was found very effective yet pretty aggressive, a trait to check on any used example for wear or owner modification. The standard lead T-keel has cavities filled with foam and plastered over, and those cavities can be filled with additional lead granulate for extra keel weight, so confirm whether a used boat carries the optional ballast and whether the plaster remains intact. Furniture is only anchored very unstably and can be removed for regattas, so inspect for movement or regatta-driven removal damage. The forward berth is only 1.90 m and set far into the bow, a dimension to verify against your needs, and the slim deep rudder blade sits far below the boat, making steering challenging and warranting close inspection of rudder stock and bearing condition.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

Typical markets for the 11.98 include Lithuania, France, Italy, the United States, Greece, and Germany. For a used purchase, check the keel cavity filler and plaster integrity, confirm rudder stock and bearing condition, assess deck non-slip wear, verify furniture anchoring and any regatta removal, and measure the 1.90 m forward berth against intended crew. Match Bellissima or Fuoriserie equipment to your sailing style, and remember these are sophisticated boats unsuited to novices.