S/Y Maja is a 1982 Nauticat 38, hull number 156, built by Siltala Yachts in Finland. Below you will find the key dimensions and technical data for the Nauticat 38, together with the specific figures that apply to our boat.
These numbers help explain why the Nauticat 38 works well as a long-distance liveaboard motorsailer: solid displacement, moderate draft, good tank capacity and a protected skeg-hung rudder.
Main Dimensions
| Specification | Metric | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 11.43 m | 37.5 ft |
| Length Waterline (LWL) | 9.24 m | 30.3 ft |
| Beam | 3.40 m | 11.2 ft |
| Draft | 1.80 m | 5.9 ft |
| Displacement | approx. 11,000 kg | approx. 24,200 lbs |
| Ballast | approx. 2,380 kg | approx. 5,250 lbs |
| Hull speed (theoretical) | 7.4 knots | 7.4 knots |
Note: Slight variations exist between different sources and individual boats. The figures above are the most commonly published standard values for the Nauticat 38.
Hull & Construction
- Hull type: Semi-long keel with skeg (fin with rudder on skeg)
- Material: Solid fibreglass (GRP)
- Designer: Kaj Gustafsson / Siltala Design Office
- Builder: Siltala Yachts, Finland
- Production years: Approximately 1972/1975 – 1997
The semi-long keel with a protective skeg gives good directional stability and protects the rudder — one of the reasons many owners choose the Nauticat 38 for longer passages.
Rig
- Rig type: Staysail Ketch (cutter-style staysail + genoa on the forestay is common)
- Reported sail area: approx. 66 m² (712 ft²)
More detailed information about the rig, sails and how we handle them will be found on the Rig & Sails page.
Engine, Tanks & Systems on Maja
| Item | Specification on Maja |
|---|---|
| Engine | Volvo Penta D2-75 (installed 2017) |
| Fuel capacity | 2 × 300 litres = 600 litres |
| Fresh water capacity | 450 litres |
| Steering | Hydraulic (with emergency options) |
The original engines on Nauticat 38s varied (Ford Lehman, Yanmar and others were common). Many boats, including Maja, have later received modern replacements.
What these numbers mean in practice
The Nauticat 38 is a heavy, comfortable displacement boat rather than a light performance cruiser. Key characteristics that follow from the numbers above:
- Good load-carrying ability for long-term living aboard
- Moderate draft that still allows many European and Mediterranean harbours
- High comfort ratio (around 46) — typical for a solid motorsailer
- Reasonable tank capacity for extended cruising without constant marina stops
We will expand on real-world performance, heavy-weather behaviour and systems in the other technical pages.
Related videos
On our YouTube channel you will find several videos that show how these dimensions translate into real sailing and liveaboard life. (We will embed the most relevant ones here as the page develops.)