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Should I buy a Nautical Development 56?

18K views 16 replies 11 participants last post by  Ed Heil 
#1 ·
The Nautical Development 56 Ketch appears to be a very seaworthy , weii-built vessel. I'm looking for a good roomy ship to cruise the Carribean. Any one with any experience sailing or owning these yachts, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
Depends on how comfortable you want to be !

I have owned a nautical 56 for 15 years. Bought her in Puerto Rico in 1991, have sailed her all thru the Antilles to Venezuela once, back to the BVI back and forth to St Barths and PR a few times, back to Florida, all around the Bahamas many times. Over to Bermuda and back. Back down to the BVI for three or four years and then back to Florida where she is now. I could tell you just about anything you want to know about one. I am thinking about selling mine as work is seriously getting in the way of my time at sea in this phase of my career.....yucchhhh. Want to chat, call me at 404 550 9013 any time.

Nat
 
#3 ·
Nautical

I spent a few weeks this year on a Nautical 60 cruising from the Dominican Republic to the Bahamas.
It definitely is a comfortable and beautiful boat. When we had to motor we held a steady 6 kts at 1800 rpm on the Ford Lehman 120 hp motor. For one day there were 6 footers about 20 degrees off the starboard bow. Sleeping in the forward berth, was catching air every 6 seconds or so.
Not a very fast boat but definitely will go anywhere
On this boat the steel water tanks rusted out. One issue with older big boats is that each owner fills her up with the latest and greatest electronics, electrical goodies, etc. but most of them do not remove the old wiring and plumbing. It becomes a nightmare to trace everything. Pumps that have not been used for a decade were everywhere with hoses and wires that went nowhere. If you get a big boat like the Nautical be prepared to spend lots of money or be very handy to get everything in order.
 
#7 ·
they were based out of largo, fl. which is between st. pete and clearwater in the tampa bay area. i lived on a nautical 56 for 4 years in ft. lauderdale and cruising the bahamas.the boat had also been through a hurricane when my friend was on it and sailed right through it. i was on it through a few night squalls,and the way she just cuts through just makes u love her.having lived on her for 4 years i can say it is a very comfortable boat.any boat unless u buy it brand new takes a lot of work and money,and of course the less it is used the worse that will be.i wouldn't think twice about buying 1. also i am 99% sure that the owner died and that's why the company closed. so sad...she is an awesome boat.and a beautiful one.
 
#8 ·
Designer Comments

I talked to Stephen Seaton, the designer of the Nautical 56. He was generous and helpful. I was and am still trying to put together a review of these yachts. I have a not so good draft with some juicy information from Seaton.

I guess I have to post 2 times before I can post the link...
 
#11 ·
Re: Depends on how comfortable you want to be !

have you noticed that there are 2 nautical 56 cabin layouts? One is a 4 bedroom and the other is completey flipped around with a 3 bedroom and the 4th bedroom taken up by the workshop. I have made and offer on the one with 3 bedrooms. Do you know if there is any major advantages to on or the other?
 
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