Design and Construction
Italia Yachts built the 13.98 around a vinylester hull laminate using unidirectional and biaxial E-glass over a PVC core, with a cored E-glass deck that is not merely glued but fully laminated stem to stern to the hull's inward-turning flange for exceptional structural unity hull is laminated in vinylester with unidirectional and biaxial E-glass and a PVC core. Inside, a system of carbon frames and stringers is both glued and laminated to the hull to maximize rigidity carbon frames and stringers glued and laminated to the inside of the hull. Below the waterline, an aggressive iron T-keel carries a lead bulb encased in carefully faired fiberglass to preserve an efficient hydrodynamic shape, paired with a powerful high-aspect semi-balanced rudder. With 6,834 pounds of lead ballast in a 20,944-pound displacement and a 14.1-foot beam, the platform is stiff and purposeful.
Rig and Sail Handling
The boat's racing pedigree shows in a commitment to clean decks and go-fast hardware. A standard triple-spreader aluminum spar from Denmark's John Mast is complemented by discontinuous rod rigging, a belowdeck Furlex headsail furler, and Navtec hydraulic backstay control belowdeck Furlex headsail furler. All control lines—halyards, jib sheets, and main sheets—run belowdeck, and the A-sail tack line exits via a stainless stem lead. The recessed main traveler spans the cockpit sole, while lower shrouds lead to the cabintrunk edge and uppers outboard, leaving an unobstructed side passage. A carbon mast and boom remain available for those chasing a further performance edge.
Performance Under Sail and Power
Test sailors found the 13.98 lively and sensitive on the helm with just a touch of weather helm, and excellent sightlines from the twin wheels. In a 9-knot breeze with a full-batten tri-radial Dacron main and high-aspect jib from OneSails, she easily clocked 6.7 knots and touched 8 in gusts. Most striking was the way she held speed with almost no loss when pinched to a 35-degree true wind angle, and bore away to a broad reach at a healthy 8-plus knots in 10 knots without an A-sail. Under the 55hp Volvo saildrive and three-blade Flexofold prop, 1,500 rpm delivered 5.6 knots and 2,600 rpm pushed 8.25.
Accommodations
Below, the layout is conventional yet refined: an owner's cabin forward, mirror-image double quarterberths aft, and the option for stacked singles forward. The port quarterberth can convert to storage for long-distance cruising. Sleek curvaceous joinery reduces corner bumps, door frames carry seals against knocking, and sole panels sit with minimal gaps to limit creaking. The L-shaped galley is a bit small for a 46-foot cruiser yet sufficient, with twin Isotherm fridges and a Techimpex stove. The centerline dining seat slides away, and the table drops to form a large starboard double. Engine access is excellent through the companionway steps and both sides.
Deck and Equipment Details
On deck, a traditional reverse transom carries a large electrically operated drop-down swim platform reached between the split backstay and twin Jeffa helms. Six retractable mooring cleats sit in a low broad toerail, and the anchor deploys on a retractable stainless sprit. Ronstan hardware and Spinlock clutches outfit the boat, while teak cockpit sole and optional side decks are vacuum-bonded to a fiberglass backing. A foldout cockpit table stows under the sole or removes entirely for racing. Multiple fire-suppression units protect the engine space, battery compartment, and electrical panel, and a Philippi digital monitor tracks tankage and batteries.
The Verdict
The Italia 13.98 succeeds as a genuine performance cruiser: a stiff, well-built hull with race-bred deck organization and surprising light-air speed, wrapped around a quiet and considered interior. She is not a voluminous charter hull, and the galley is modest, but the engineering integrity and sailing ability are standout.
Pros
- Rigid vinylester/PVC hull with fully laminated deck and carbon internal structure
- Belowdeck lines, recessed traveler, and rod rigging for clean performance sailing
- Excellent light-air and pinching performance with strong helm feedback
- Thoughtful interior noise and creak suppression; flexible berth and storage options
- Strong engine access and redundant fire suppression
Cons
- Galley somewhat small for the length
- Race-oriented deck gear demands familiarity from cruising crews
