Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid fiberglass, and the keel is a fin type cast in lead. With a beam of just over 10 feet on a 32-foot length, the length-to-beam ratio comes to 3.12, a figure that leaves the boat roomier than 58 percent of comparable designs yet still narrow enough to keep her a recognizable cruiser rather than a barge. The displacement-length ratio of 292 places her firmly among "heavy cruisers," though 34 percent of similar designs are heavier still. A 30 percent ballast ratio is modest by offshore standards — higher than only 8 percent of similar sailboats — but the lead fin keeps the center of gravity low for the profile. The wetted surface runs about 30 square meters, and immersion is roughly 177 kg per centimeter, so she sits deeply and changes trim slowly with load.
Rig and Handling
The sail plan is served by substantial running rigging: jib and genoa sheets are estimated at 10 meters with 12 mm diameter, the mainsheet at 25 meters, and spinnaker sheets at 22 meters, all in 12 mm line. Under power, the boat may carry a Yanmar 3GM30F diesel rated at 27 hp, delivering a calculated maximum of about 5.5 knots against a theoretical displacement-hull speed of 7.0 knots. The capsize screening value is 1.78, and the Motion Comfort Ratio of 30.7 is more comfortable than 82 percent of similar sailboat designs — a number that explains much of the boat's reputation as a stable, predictable sea boat rather than a lively performer.
Accommodations
Below, the Nauticat 32 is fitted with three cabins and six berths, a galley, and a toilet facility. The interior is finished in teak, consistent with period Scandinavian practice. Fresh water capacity is 440 liters with a 100-liter waste-water capacity, and the fuel tank holds 250 liters. The draft is about 1.60 to 1.70 meters depending on load, which keeps her able to enter most marinas despite the lead fin.
The Verdict
The Nauticat 32 is a heavily built, comfort-oriented pilothouse cruiser from the early nineties, produced by Siltala Yachts with Kaj Gustafsson as its designing architect. Her modest ballast ratio and heavy-cruiser displacement argue for predictable motion and easy load carrying rather than sparkling speed, and her interior volume is competitive for the size. She is a sensible choice for couples or small families who value enclosed steering and steady behavior over racing pedigree.
Pros
- Motion Comfort Ratio superior to 82% of similar designs
- Three cabins and six berths with teak interior
- Lead fin keel with moderate draft for marina access
- 250 L fuel and 440 L water capacity for extended cruising
Cons
- Ballast ratio of only 30%, lower than 92% of comparable designs
- Calculated engine max speed of 5.5 knots against 7.0 knot hull speed
- Classed as a heavy cruiser by DL-ratio, implying modest sail performance
