Nauticat 38

1982 Nauticat 38 – Proven Offshore Cruiser, Extensively Upgraded and Ready to Sail

This Nauticat 38 isn’t just a sailboat—it’s a capable cruising home with the bones of a classic and the systems of a modern passagemaker. With her powerful ketch rig, extensive upgrades, and rock-solid build quality, she’s ready to carry you in comfort and confidence from quiet anchorages to open ocean.

Lovingly maintained and smartly refit by an experienced owner, she’s a turn-key opportunity for anyone looking to cast off the lines and go.

Vessel Specs

• Year: 1982

• Make: Nauticat

• Model: 38

• Length: 40’

• Beam: 11’ 9”

• Draft: 6’ 0”

• Engine: Single Ford-Lehman 90hp diesel

• Engine Hours: Approximately 8,000

• Hull: Full keel, solid construction

Accommodations

Step below deck and enter a space of rich woodwork, functional layout, and seagoing comfort. This Nauticat features:

• 2 private cabins

• 2 heads

• Large windows in the pilothouse and salon for light and visibility

• Cozy, liveaboard-friendly layout perfect for extended cruising

Galley

Designed with offshore practicality in mind and upgraded for safety and health:

• Double stainless sink

• Dedicated filtered drinking water faucet

• Acuva UV LED water sterilization and carbon filtration system

• Oven and stove combo

• Microwave

Everything you need to cook well underway or at anchor.

Power & Electrical Systems

Modern power systems give this boat serious independence from the dock:

• 400W solar array feeding a Victron 150V solar charge controller (Bluetooth capable)

• Victron 3000W inverter/charger (2021)

• Five Firefly Carbon Foam 120Ah house batteries (600Ah total, new 2021)

• Victron battery monitor (2021)

• Whisper 3.5kW diesel generator

• Bidirectional fuel transfer system with built-in fuel polishing filtration (2022)

Water & Sanitation

• Seawater Pro 40 GPH watermaker plumbed to fill primary water tank

• 2 heads for crew comfort

• Filtered, UV-sterilized drinking water at the tap

Navigation & Electronics

Professionally equipped with a full suite of modern navigation tools:

• Raymarine 12" MFD (chartplotter)

• Raymarine Quantum Radar (2022)

• Raymarine hydraulic autopilot with wireless remote and display

• Raymarine wind instruments and display (2022)

• Depth-speed-temperature sensors

• VHF radio

• FURUNO SSB radio (newly installed)

Rigging & Sails

This ketch is rigged for efficient handling and cruising versatility:

• Ketch rig with self-tacking jib

• New jib boom installed

• Three new sails (2024) – jib, mainsail, and mizzen, still in original packaging

• Six self-tailing winches (all new in 2022)

Hull & Propulsion

Upgrades below the waterline ensure efficiency and peace of mind:

• Maxprop 22” feathering prop (2022)

• Propshaft line cutter (2020)

• PMI Pro dripless shaft seal (2020)

• Galvanic isolator installed

Comfort & Safety Equipment

Prepared for real-world cruising:

• Diesel forced-air cabin heat (2022)

• Mantus 65 lb anchor with 200’ of 3/8” chain (2021)

• West Marine 10’ RIB tender (2022)

• New 5hp outboard motor for dinghy (2024)

Conclusion

This 1982 Nauticat 38 is a rare blend of Nordic pedigree and modern upgrades, offered in good running and maintained condition by an owner who spared no detail. She's offshore-capable, liveaboard-comfortable, and truly ready to sail now. Whether you're planning your first coastal adventure or eyeing a transoceanic passage, this boat is a serious contender.

Turn the key, hoist the sails, and go. Your next chapter starts here.