Design and Construction
Both hull and deck are molded in fiberglass, with lead ballast of 7,055 pounds carried in a fin keel that draws between 6.00 and 6.30 feet depending on load anchor. A ballast ratio of 43 percent and a capsize screening value of 1.80 place her in the stable cruiser class, while her displacement-length ratio of 264 earns the "moderate racer" label. The beam of 11.48 feet against 36.74-foot length gives a length-to-beam ratio of 3.20. Her wetted surface is about 398 square feet and immersion 1,214 pounds per inch.
Rig and Handling
The 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, and Motion Comfort Ratio is 30.5. The skeg-hung rudder and moderate fin keel give directional stability without racing spade twitchiness.
Accommodations
A 30.35-foot waterline and 11.48-foot beam yield saloon and aft quarters consistent with a Baltic cruiser of the era. Tankage of 74 gallons water and 53 gallons diesel supports extended passages.
Known Issues
The 6-foot-plus draft restricts her to major marinas. The modest sail plan demands attentive reefing in strong airs.
Refits and Ownership
Owners should expect a Volvo Penta MD22 diesel of 48 horsepower on direct drive. The 1994–2001 build window means rigging and through-deck fittings are due renewal with age. Teak decks where fitted dominate refit scope.
The Verdict
The Najad 361 is a quietly competent Baltic cruiser: narrow enough to sail well, heavy enough to be safe.
Pros
- 43 percent ballast ratio and 1.80 capsize screen mark her as a stable offshore hull
- Fiberglass hull and deck from a Swedish yard
- 74-gallon water and 53-gallon diesel capacity for passagemaking
Cons
- 6-foot-plus draft limits marina access to major harbors
- Modest sail area demands active sail management
- Each hull stands on its own survey
