- Price : from 30 000 to 80 000 euros
- Built 1,500 units from 1966 to 1997
In the Nauticat family, I ask for the 33! It is the first, the most famous - distributed for 31 years at 1 500 copies! âeuros of the range of the famous Finnish fifties. And up there, beyond the 60ème Nord, we know a lot about coldness, bad weather, gusty winds and short seasâeuros¦ This compact motorsailer is therefore without surprises perfect to face the harshest conditions. The term 33 actually hides two models: the original one, launched in 1966 had wooden superstructures and an optional rear mast.
A model reviewed and corrected in 1979
In 1979, Siltala Yachts decided to revise its best seller from top to bottom. The deckhouse was made of polyester, the aft mast, which provided such a beautiful volume to the aft cabin and a well-defined platform, was generalized, a new luff extrusion increased the surface area of the headsails and the lead keel gained 20 cm of draft. Important modifications that justify a significant price difference between the two versions. All the appeal of this sailboat from another age lies in its robustness âeuros which is not a legend, the samples and the structure are consistent âeuros and in its offbeat look, close to the boats of servitude. A boat quite the opposite of an all-plastic construction at economy.
Sailing and motor !
The diesel is of course a key element on board a fifty; not only is it very much in demand, but its high power represents a very important budget in case of a standard exchange. The engine, before signing, must therefore be imperatively examined closely âeuros with the help of oil analysis and/or a professional. The concept is to hold a cruising speed of 6/7 knots without forcing the revs. As a bonus, a very reasonable consumption of about 3 l/hour. Under sail, the Nauticat 33 expresses itself from 4 Beaufort. In 15 knots of wind, the Nauticat makes good speed at more than 6 knots if you don't try to sail too high.
Honest performance when there is wind, but slow reactions and little steering feel, you are warned. The rigging, which may seem complicated to those used to modern sloops, turns out to be very simple and rich in sail combinations â?" genoa and mizzen for example â?" to spread out heavy weather. The boat is very stable downwind and the weight remains low thanks to the full shape of its hull and its displacement of about 10 tons
An interior wheelhouse
The highlights of this fifty inside? The generous width of the foredeck, the double wheelhouse inside and out - steering, engine and propeller controls - and the long keel that ensures excellent steering balance. The accommodations are not to be outdone. You can share a lunch for eight in the saloon/deck lounge, with a breathtaking 360° view. Everywhere, solid wood - teak - that has mostly aged well, two bathrooms and very careful lighting. We appreciate the two double cabins, each fitted at one end of the boat.
With its many storage spaces and excellent load capacity, the Nauticat 33 is perfectly suited to long voyages in excellent conditions of comfort and safety. The motorsailer concept still has a lot left in it!
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
50 years laterâ?¦ still in the game? In terms of design and hull, frankly, no! The almost long keel with galley return, the Norwegian stern and the ketch rigging belong to the pastâeuros¦ Remains a sailing boat with a strong personality finally pleasant to handle and particularly comfortable. For those who like to eat miles whatever the conditions and appreciate comfort at sea as well as in port, the 33 is a good choice. Provided that you can live with limited performance upwind and in light airs.
Logically, the older generation models are much more affordable than the more recent ones, offered from 60,000 to 80,000 Euros. It is difficult to decide if it is better to be interested in a 1973 model or a 1990 one: it is all a question of condition, maintenance, level of equipment andâeuros¦ budget.
The wooden superstructures of the first models are likely to be attacked by rot if the boat has not been well taken care of âeuros storage in wet areas, varnishes neglected. The 33 more recent models, with their all-polyester decks, are not afraid of anythingâeuros¦ The only thing left is the powerful engines: often and for a long time used, they end up, if they are original, with an impressive number of hours.
The advantages
- Unique vintage look
- Comfort at sea
- Interior wheelhouse
The disadvantages
- Wooden decks of older units subject to decay
- Inconvenient access at swimming time
- Poor performance in light weather
But what is missing?
All the modern attributes of a modern cruiser! But that's not so bad: the vintage side of the Nauticat 33 is not lacking in charm. One regret though, when it comes to swimming. Only a side ladder is suitable for the operation.
The equivalent today?
No sailboat on the market corresponds to this âeuros program and ketches are very rare. The old Bénéteau Evasion, on the other hand, are very similar. But they are not all young either!
