Nauticat 56/60 Information, Review, Specs

The 56 and 60 were often delivered as ketch rigs, a configuration favored by shorthanded cruising couples for its ability to break the sail plan into smaller, more manageable pieces. While the Nautical Development 56 was the core production model, the 60 was typically a factory extension of the same hull, providing a larger aft deck and increased storage in the lazarette. These boats were marketed toward the "ultimate cruising" demographic—sailors who demanded a vessel capable of crossing oceans while maintaining a high average speed.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nautical Development 56 is frequently noted for its surprising agility given its displacement. While technical data for these specific hulls is rarely found in modern databases, historical reviews from the period suggest a hull designed for "sea-kindliness," a term referring to its ability to handle rough water without punishing the crew. The boat's performance is characterized by a moderate-to-heavy displacement-to-length ratio, providing a stable platform that resists the "hobby-horsing" common in lighter vessels.

One of the most significant performance claims for the 56 is its ability to point as high as some dedicated racing boats of the 1980s. This is largely attributed to a well-proportioned keel and a balanced sail plan. When configured as a ketch, the Nautical 56 excels in reaching conditions, where the addition of a mizzen staysail can significantly boost boat speed. In heavy air, the boat tracks exceptionally well, requiring less input from an autopilot or helmsman than the flatter-bottomed designs that followed in the late 1990s. The steering is typically described as heavy but communicative, providing the "big boat" feel that blue-water sailors equate with safety.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Nautical 56/60 was designed for long-term habitation, featuring a layout that prioritizes privacy and heavy-weather functionality. As a large-volume cruiser, the most common configuration includes a massive center-cockpit layout which allows for a palatial master stateroom aft. This aft cabin usually features a centerline queen berth and an en-suite head, often with a dedicated bathtub—a luxury rarely seen in modern 50-footers.

The main salon is typically characterized by high-quality teak joinery and a large U-shaped dinette. Because these boats were often semi-custom builds, variations exist in the galley and forward cabin arrangements. Some versions feature a "pass-through" galley located in the starboard or port walkway leading to the aft cabin, which provides a secure place for the cook to brace themselves while underway. The Nautical 60 variant often utilized its extra length to expand the engine room or provide a dedicated workshop space, a feature highly prized by circumnavigators. Headroom throughout the vessel is generous, often exceeding 6'5", catering to the North American market where many of these hulls were sold.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Nautical Development 56 or 60 should focus their inspections on the specific challenges associated with 1980s Florida-built fiberglass yachts.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the 56 used a balsa-cored deck. Over forty years, hardware bedding can fail, leading to water intrusion. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a percussion "tap test" around stanchion bases, windlasses, and the mast step to check for delamination.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: The original tanks were often integrated or made of materials that may now be reaching the end of their service life. Given the yacht’s complex interior, replacing these tanks can be a "cabinet-pulling" endeavor.
• Chainplate Inspection: On a ketch of this size, the chainplates are under immense load. Because they are often glassed into the hull or hidden behind cabinetry, they require a thorough inspection for "crevice corrosion," particularly where they pass through the deck.
• Grid System Bonding: While the "grid construction" was a selling point, a surveyor should verify that the internal grid remains securely bonded to the hull, especially in the bilge area near the keel bolts and engine mounts, where historical groundings could have caused stress fractures.

Community & Resources

While there is no formal "Nautical Development Owners Association" in the style of larger brands like Catalina or Hunter, owners of these vessels often congregate in broader cruising communities. Information is frequently shared through the Nautical Development Corp. threads on general sailing forums like CruisersForum or SailNet, where legacy owners discuss technical specifications and refit projects. Because the 56/60 models are rare, technical support often relies on the "tribal knowledge" of the Florida boat-building community, particularly those familiar with the Largo region's history.

The Verdict

The Nautical Development 56/60 is a "sailor’s cruiser"—a robust, heavy-displacement yacht that refuses to sacrifice sailing ability for dockside aesthetics. It is an ideal candidate for a live-aboard couple planning a circumnavigation or extended Caribbean cruising.

Pros:

• Robust Construction: The grid-based build offers a stiffness and durability suited for high-latitude or blue-water sailing.
• Superior Pointing: Performance-oriented hull design allows it to outperform many contemporary cruising ketches of the same weight.
• Massive Interior: The center-cockpit design provides exceptional privacy and one of the largest aft cabins in its class.

Cons:

• Age-Related Maintenance: Systems from the 1980s will likely require significant updates unless a previous owner has performed a major refit.
• Orphan Brand: With the builder out of business since 1987, there is no factory support, making technical documentation difficult to source.
• Maneuverability: Like most long-keeled, heavy yachts, the 56 can be a handful in tight marinas without a powerful bow thruster.