1987 Nauticat 521

The Nauticat 521 is a 51-foot fiberglass ketch designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Siltala Yachts in Finland in 1987. Configured as a pilot-saloon staysail cutter, this boat combines bluewater cruising capability with comfortable liveaboard accommodation. The hull features a long fin lead keel with skeg-supported rudder, high freeboard, and a raised pilothouse offering 360-degree visibility. Power comes from an American Diesel Corp 139 hp engine paired with a Borg Warner Velvet Drive hydraulic gearbox and MaxProp with rope-cutter. A Vetus 24vDC bowthruster and 3000w Nilsson anchor/mooring windlass with 75lbs CQR anchor complete the propulsion and ground tackle.

The interior accommodates four cabins with sleeping for up to 12, including convertible dinette and occasional saloon berths. Two full heads are provided, with the forward head fitted with an electric system. The galley includes a 4-burner gas stove with oven and grill, twin under-counter fridge/fridge-freezer units plus chest freezer all seawater-cooled, and a Yanmar 2GM20 diesel generator with 10kva output. A Webasto diesel heating system, washing machine, and comprehensive navigation suite round out the systems.

Rigging is ketch configuration with self-tacking staysail, Harken genoa and staysail furlers, and a diverse sail wardrobe including Sander Sails Vectran and Dacron plus North Sails asymmetric. Standing rigging was replaced in 2010, inspected annually, and partially renewed 2022-24. Teak laid decks with 12mm planking were re-laid in 2010. The hull was stripped and epoxy treated during a comprehensive 2010 refit. Navigation equipment includes full Raymarine instruments from 2010 with twin plotters, radar, AIS transceiver, autopilot, SSB radio, and Iridium Go satellite communications.

Additional equipment includes Simpson davits with Avon 315 RIB and 15hp outboard, sprayhood and bimini, Lewmar self-tailing winches, twin Mastervolt 100amp battery chargers with recently replaced AGM service and engine start batteries, and an HRO Seafari 170 lph reverse osmosis watermaker. The boat is UK-flagged with VAT paid, coded to MCA Category 0 (unrestricted offshore) for six persons and MCA Category 2 for 12 guests and 3 crew, maintained to these standards with annual inspections and five-yearly out-of-water surveys, last completed in 2023.