Design and Construction
Italia Yachts builds the 13.98 with a vinylester hull laminate using unidirectional and biaxial E-glass over a PVC core. The cored E-glass deck isn't merely glued in place; it is fully laminated, from stem to stern, to the hull’s inward-turning flange, creating exceptional structural unity.
Inside, carbon frames and stringers are glued and laminated to the hull to maximize rigidity. Below the waterline, an aggressive iron T-keel carries a lead bulb encased in carefully faired fiberglass to maintain an efficient hydrodynamic shape. It is paired with a powerful, high-aspect, semi-balanced rudder.
The boat carries 6,834 pounds of lead ballast in a displacement of 20,944 pounds. With a beam of 14.1 feet, the result is a stiff, purposeful platform.
Rig and Sail Handling
The 13.98’s racing pedigree is evident in its clean decks and performance-oriented hardware. The standard rig is a triple-spreader aluminum spar from Denmark’s John Mast, complemented by discontinuous rod rigging, a belowdeck Furlex headsail furler, and Navtec hydraulic backstay control. A carbon mast and boom are available for sailors seeking a further performance edge.
Halyards, jib sheets, and mainsheets run belowdeck, while the A-sail tack line exits through a stainless stem lead. The recessed mainsheet traveler spans the cockpit sole. Lower shrouds lead to the edge of the cabintrunk, with the uppers led outboard, leaving an unobstructed passage along the side deck.
Performance Under Sail and Power
Test sailors found the 13.98 lively and responsive at the helm, with just a touch of weather helm and excellent sightlines from the twin wheels. In a 9-knot breeze, carrying a full-batten, tri-radial Dacron mainsail and a high-aspect jib from OneSails, the boat easily made 6.7 knots and touched 8 knots in the gusts.
Most striking was its ability to retain speed when pinched to a 35-degree true-wind angle, with almost no loss. Bearing away onto a broad reach, it maintained a healthy 8-plus knots in 10 knots of wind without an A-sail.
Under power, the 55hp Volvo saildrive turns a three-blade Flexofold propeller. At 1,500 rpm, the boat made 5.6 knots; at 2,600 rpm, it reached 8.25 knots.
Accommodations
Belowdecks, the layout is conventional but refined. There’s an owner’s cabin forward and matching double quarterberths aft, with an option for stacked single berths forward. For long-distance cruising, the port quarterberth can be converted to storage.
Curved joinery reduces the chance of bumping into sharp corners. Door frames incorporate seals to prevent knocking, and the sole panels fit with minimal gaps to reduce creaking. The interior is carefully considered, with details intended to reduce noise and creaking.
The L-shaped galley is somewhat small for a 46-foot cruiser, but it is sufficient and includes twin Isotherm refrigerators and a Techimpex stove. The centerline dining seat slides away, while the table lowers to create a large double berth to starboard.
Engine access is excellent through the companionway steps and from both sides.
Deck and Equipment
A traditional reverse transom incorporates a large, electrically operated drop-down swim platform, reached between the split backstay and twin Jeffa helms. Six retractable mooring cleats are set into a low, broad toerail, and the anchor deploys from a retractable stainless-steel sprit.
Ronstan hardware and Spinlock clutches outfit the boat. The cockpit sole is teak, while teak side decks are optional; both are vacuum-bonded to a fiberglass backing. A folding cockpit table stows beneath the sole and can be removed entirely for racing.
Multiple fire-suppression units protect the engine space, battery compartment, and electrical panel. A Philippi digital monitor tracks tank levels and battery status.
Verdict
The Italia 13.98 succeeds as a genuine performance cruiser. Its stiff, well-built hull and race-bred deck layout deliver surprising light-air speed, while the quiet, thoughtfully finished interior provides cruising comfort.
It isn’t a voluminous charter hull, and the galley is modest for a boat of this length. Even so, its structural engineering and sailing ability stand out.
Pros
- Rigid vinylester/PVC hull, fully laminated deck, and carbon internal structure
- Belowdeck control lines, recessed traveler, and rod rigging support clean, performance-focused sailing
- Excellent light-air and close-winded performance, with strong helm feedback
- Thoughtful suppression of noise and creaks
- Flexible berth and storage arrangements
- Excellent engine access and redundant fire suppression
Cons
- Galley is somewhat small for the boat’s length
- Race-oriented deck gear demands familiarity from cruising crews
