Design and Construction
The hull and deck are molded in fiberglass. A fin keel carries 7,055 pounds of lead ballast and draws between 6.00 and 6.30 feet, depending on load.
Her ballast ratio is 43 percent, and a capsize screening value of 1.80 places her in the stable-cruiser class. A displacement-length ratio of 264 earns the “moderate racer” label. With an 11.48-foot beam and 36.74-foot length, she has a length-to-beam ratio of 3.20. Wetted surface is about 398 square feet, and immersion is 1,214 pounds per inch.
Rig and Handling
The Najad 361 carries a masthead sloop rig with 699 square feet of sail area. Her theoretical hull speed is 7.4 knots, with a calculated maximum near 7.0 knots. The Motion Comfort Ratio is 30.5.
A skeg-hung rudder and moderate fin keel provide directional stability without the twitchiness of a racing spade rudder. The modest sail plan demands attentive reefing in strong airs.
Accommodations and Tankage
A 30.35-foot waterline and 11.48-foot beam provide saloon and aft quarters consistent with a Baltic cruiser of the era. Tankage comprises 74 gallons of water and 53 gallons of diesel, supporting extended passages.
Engine, Refit, and Ownership
Owners should expect a 48-horsepower Volvo Penta MD22 diesel with direct drive. Given the 1994–2001 build window, aging rigging and through-deck fittings will be due for renewal. Where fitted, teak decks will dominate the scope of a refit.
The 6-foot-plus draft restricts the boat to major marinas, and each hull stands on its own survey.
The Verdict
The Najad 361 is a quietly competent Baltic cruiser: narrow enough to sail well and heavy enough to be safe.
Pros
- A 43 percent ballast ratio and 1.80 capsize screening value mark her as a stable offshore hull
- Fiberglass hull and deck built by a Swedish yard
- 74-gallon water and 53-gallon diesel capacity for passagemaking
Cons
- Draft of more than 6 feet limits marina access to major harbors
- Modest sail area requires active sail management
- Each hull stands on its own survey
