Hi All,
I am considering the purchase of a 1984 Nauticat 33 and would appreciate any information anyone has on these boats. Ive done what internet research I can, as well as searched these and other forums. They seem to be well-loved boats by their owners, much-maligned for sailing abilities by many others. Yes, I know it is a motor-sailor, that it is slow, and that it is not a "true" sailboat. I'm ok with that, as we were considering going fully to the dark-side and going with a small trawler/tug, so this is a nice compromise. My last boat was a 50' Cutter and it just got to be too much upkeep and expense, plus I had to keep it at a marina because the draft was 6'. I have 5' at a dock behind my house, and want something I can keep right there for easy access.
We live on the Potomac river, so will mostly be using the boat for Chesapeake Bay trips, with maybe a trip down the ICW and out to the Bahamas one day. My wife is new to sailing, I have sailed since 2007. I have lived on a 46' sailboat for a few years, and have single-handed every boat I have owned quite a bit. I am looking for a small boat with a big cabin, which can be easily handled. I don't care about going fast, but I do want a sea-kindly motion. I had never considered the Nauticats before, but after looking at this one at the suggestion of a friend, I started researching them more and think it may fit the bill. Any additional info anyone has as to what I should look, specific to the Nauticats, before making an offer for and any gotchas is appreciated.
I am considering the purchase of a 1984 Nauticat 33 and would appreciate any information anyone has on these boats. Ive done what internet research I can, as well as searched these and other forums. They seem to be well-loved boats by their owners, much-maligned for sailing abilities by many others. Yes, I know it is a motor-sailor, that it is slow, and that it is not a "true" sailboat. I'm ok with that, as we were considering going fully to the dark-side and going with a small trawler/tug, so this is a nice compromise. My last boat was a 50' Cutter and it just got to be too much upkeep and expense, plus I had to keep it at a marina because the draft was 6'. I have 5' at a dock behind my house, and want something I can keep right there for easy access.
We live on the Potomac river, so will mostly be using the boat for Chesapeake Bay trips, with maybe a trip down the ICW and out to the Bahamas one day. My wife is new to sailing, I have sailed since 2007. I have lived on a 46' sailboat for a few years, and have single-handed every boat I have owned quite a bit. I am looking for a small boat with a big cabin, which can be easily handled. I don't care about going fast, but I do want a sea-kindly motion. I had never considered the Nauticats before, but after looking at this one at the suggestion of a friend, I started researching them more and think it may fit the bill. Any additional info anyone has as to what I should look, specific to the Nauticats, before making an offer for and any gotchas is appreciated.