Nauticat 33
Built 1967–? by Siltala Yachts (Finland)
About the Nauticat 33
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1967–?
- Builder
- Siltala Yachts (Finland)
- Designer
- W. Aarnipalo
- Length
- 33.17 ft
- Waterline
- 28.17 ft
- Beam
- 10.67 ft
- Draft
- 5.08 ft
- Displacement
- 17,250 lb
- Ballast
- 5,150 lb
- Hull / keel
- full keel
- Rig
- ketch
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 159 gal
- Water
- varies by year
- Water heater
- 6.6 gal · engine + AC · factory option
- Bow thruster
- often added later
- Stern thruster
- not fitted
- Steering
- hydraulic · Capilano, Teleflex
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
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Fuel 159 gal
“2 x 300 l (2 x 66 imp, 78 US gal)” — owner's manual (boats delivered after April 1984), nauticatassociation.com · “600 l, 132 imp.gall., 158 U.S.gall.” — brochure (1990), nauticatassociation.comTwo tanks, one each side of the engine room, 600 L in total. The builder's manual and 1990 standard spec agree. Figures for pre-1984 boats weren't confirmed.
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Water varies by year
“250 litres (55GB, 65US gallons)” — owner's manual (built before spring 1983), nauticatassociation.com · “in yachts built in the spring 1983 and later: 450 l” — owner's manual (spring 1983 on), nauticatassociation.com · “450 litres (119 U.S.gall., 99 imp.gall.)” — brochure (1990), nauticatassociation.comThe main tank under the saloon floor was 250 L before spring 1983 and 450 L after; an optional 100 L (26 US gal) bow tank could be added. Our earlier 88 gal matches neither (it equals 400 L in imperial gallons), so the page now shows the split by year.
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Holding unknown
The 1984 manual describes Lavac toilets discharging through seacocks, and the 1990 spec lists no holding tank.
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Water heater 6.6 gal · engine + AC · factory option (Raritan, Junkers)
“optional Raritan water heater, a well insulated container (taking 25 litres = 5,5 GB, 6,5 US gallons)” — owner's manual (1984 on), nauticatassociation.com · “Two different water heaters can be installed in a NAUTICAT, either a gas heated Junkers or an engine heated Raritan.” — owner's manual (1984 on), nauticatassociation.com · “Water pressure system: Pressure water in galley and toilet (standard equipment list; no water heater listed)” — builder (1990), nauticatassociation.comThe Siltala boat manual (boats after April 1984) gives either a Junkers W 125 gas instantaneous heater in the galley or an optional Raritan 25 L engine-coolant calorifier with an optional 220 V shore-power element. 25 L = 6.6 US gal (the manual rounds to 6.5). The 1990 standard specification lists no water heater.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
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Bow thruster often added later
“East Coast Bowthrusters recommended a Vetus 7512 for my 1989 Nauticat 33.” — owners' association (1989), nauticatassociation.com · “For all N33 owners - what hp have you got as I am just about to install one. Will a 55kgf be enough?” — owners' association, nauticatassociation.com · “have owned their Nauticat 33 since 2017 and have since fitted a bow thruster, holding tank and lazyjacks” — review, yachtingmonthly.com · “EQUIPMENT (standard specification, Siltala Yachts 1990) - no thruster listed” — builder (1990), nauticatassociation.comSiltala's 1990 standard specification lists no thruster; Nauticat Association owners and a Yachting Monthly owner profile show thrusters being added to several boats. A Vetus 7512 appears on one boat only.
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Stern thruster not fitted
“Standard specification and equipment list - no stern thruster” — builder (1990), nauticatassociation.comNot in the standard specification; the builder's option list was not seen.
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Steering hydraulic · Capilano, Teleflex
“A Teleflex/Capilano hydraulic steering system ... is standard. 1. Steering pump (wheelhouse) Capilano 250 V; 2. Steering” — owner's manual (after April 1984), nauticatassociation.com · “Dual steering stations, one in wheelhouse and one on aft deck, employ the widely known Capilano hydraulic system.” — builder (1990), nauticatassociation.comTwo-station Capilano hydraulic steering (Capilano 250 V helm pumps at wheelhouse and aft deck, Uniflow 50 valve, Teleflex BA 175/7 cylinder), filled with automatic transmission fluid, with an emergency tiller to the rudder stock. Pre-1984 boats weren't checked.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Sources disagree on deck construction, number built, last year — left blank rather than guessed.
Pilothouse ketch motorsailer. Mk I (hulls 1-440, pre-1977) had a long shoal keel and wooden wheelhouse; all-GRP Mk II from 1979; fin keel with skeg-hung rudder optional from 1982. Commonly powered by a 90 hp Ford Lehman. Two owners interviewed by Yachting Monthly had fitted bow thrusters. Replaced by the Nauticat 331 in 1997.
Engines fitted
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Ford Lehman 2722E (Super 90) — 90 hp, diesel, single
standard
Four-cylinder Ford-based diesel; a 1986 boat lists the 2722E Super 90, and another owner post describes the 2722E as the boat's original engine.Sources: midcoastyacht.com · facebook.com · listingsport.com
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Ford Lehman 2712E — 80 hp, diesel, single
standard
80 hp Ford diesel seen on other boats (a listing and a 1979 boat for sale); the guide puts typical power at 80-90 hp.Sources: instagram.com · listingsport.com
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Perkins 72 hp diesel (model not stated) — 72 hp, diesel, single
factory option
An owner describes an original 72 hp Perkins; the guide says Perkins as well as Ford Lehman engines were used.Sources: facebook.com · listingsport.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
The 1990 standard specification gives 12 V DC ship's service only (2 x 160 Ah batteries, 70 A alternator), with no generator or AC system listed, though it doesn't say there is none.
Manuals and brochures online
- Spec sheet Nauticat 33 Motorsailer standard specifications (Siltala Yachts) (1990) — nauticatassociation.com
- Owner's manual Nauticat 33 boat manual (boats delivered after April 1984) (1984) — nauticatassociation.com
Hosted by the builder or an owners' association; they own the copyright.
Known problems for this model
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Soft decks under teak (wet core) deck
Surveyors report soft, flexing decks under the teak where water entered through screw holes and rotted a core; some owners say their decks are solid glass, so construction may vary by year (see disputed).yachtingmonthly.com · sailnet.com · forums.ybw.com
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Mast compression / rotting support bulkhead hull
A surveyor found mast compression on several boats, from under-supported loads or bulkheads rotted by water ingress, with over 10 mm of deck deflection in two cases.yachtingmonthly.com
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Osmotic blistering hull
Surveyors report many Nauticat 33s with osmosis and wet laminate below the waterline.yachtingmonthly.com
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Early wooden wheelhouses and leaking windows deck
Pre-1979 boats had wooden wheelhouses that must be checked for rot and leaks; leaking windows on any boat can ruin interior joinery.yachtingmonthly.com
Engines & parts
Ford Lehman 80 (4D254 / 2712E) parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman 2712E”
Four-cylinder sibling of the Lehman 120, marinized from the Ford Dorset 2712E (base engine built 1964–1984). American Diesel publishes a Lehman 4D254-80 (2712E) spare-parts list; lift pumps, filters and many service parts are shared with the 120 (2715E).
Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Fred Warner Marine & Outdoors, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection)
Maker’s service schedule (16)
| Engine oil & filter change | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 1. Change Engine Oil ... Every 200 hours running ..... 17. Change engine and transmiss” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 18. Change all engine and fuel oil filters.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Change oil in fuel injection pump | 50 hrs | “Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. 14. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. 15. Change” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 3. Adjust valve clearances. ... Every 400 hours running ..... 22. Adjust valve clearan” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Injector test / service | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 21. Remove and service injectors.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 4. Check (exchanger) zinc pencil. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 14. Check (exchang” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Drive belts inspect / replace | 200 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 5. Adjust belt tension. ... Every 200 hours running ..... 16. Adjust belt tension.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 50 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 8. Check cleanliness of intake air filter. ... Every 50 hours running ...... 13. Check” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean fuel lift pump | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 19. Clean fuel lift pump.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Clean injection pump cover filter | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours running ..... 20. Clean injection pump cover filter.” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling | 400 hrs | “Every 400 hours running ..... 23. Remove raw water pump and check drive coupling. Place dab of grease on coupling halves” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Adjust idling speed (if required) | 400 hrs | “After first 15 hours running .... 10. Adjust idling speed (if required). ... Every 400 hours running ..... 24. Adjust id” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check engine/propeller shaft alignment | 6 mo | “After first 15 hours running .... 9. Check engine/propeller shaft alignment. (twice annually, minimum).” — manufacturer (1986), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler | 1,200 hrs | “Suggested replacement is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
| Inspect drive damper | 2,500 hrs | “Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
Service part numbers (3)
| Oil filter | Baldwin B2 | “Lehman - models w/Ford 242 & 254, 363, & 380” — dealer, go2marine.com · “Oil Filter suits Ford Lehman 2712E. Baldwin Filter B2. (Z9)” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au |
| Raw-water impeller | Jabsco 1210-0001 | “2712 E 10950-205 040 3/4" BSP Flange • 10950-2401 SK239 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com · “Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water pump kit Jabsco 10950-205 / 10950-2401 pump, or the Lehman 2C48 replacement pump |
Jabsco SK239 | “2712 E 10950-205 040 3/4" BSP Flange • 10950-2401 SK239 3298 1210-0001” — manufacturer, marineengine.com · “Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Steering
Teleflex / SeaStar (Dometic) — SeaStar hydraulic steering (helms and cylinders) parts: good
Current product line sold by Dometic; helms, cylinders, complete kits and seal kits (e.g., HS5157 front-mount cylinder seal kit) are widely stocked by West Marine, Seatech and others. SeaStar also supplies the replacement parts for discontinued Hynautic and Capilano components.
Parts sources: Dometic (SeaStar hydraulic steering), West Marine, Seatech Marine Products
Common problems (2)
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Leaking helm or cylinder seals steering
Weeping at the helm shaft or cylinder seal glands is the most common complaint; seal kits restore them.seaknights.com · westmarine.com
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Air in the system / spongy steering steering
Spongy or wandering steering usually means a leak has let air in; owners bleed the system (often with a long-hose method) after fixing the leak.greatgrady.com · facebook.com
Capilano — Inboard hydraulic steering (e.g., 250V/275 helms) parts: limited
Capilano is now a Dometic brand and current Capilano inboard helms are still sold (West Marine). Older 1970s–80s units can be resealed: seal kits come from SeaStar (e.g., HC5182 inboard cylinder kit) or bearing houses, hydraulic shops rebuild cylinders, and SeaStar cylinders such as HC5373-3 replace several old Capilano and Hynautic cylinders.
Parts sources: West Marine (Dometic Capilano helms), Seatech Marine Products (Capilano cylinders)
Common problems (2)
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Hard or sluggish steering steering
Boats that have sat often have stiff steering at both stations; after bleeding and greasing rudder bearings, the cylinder is often found binding and needs a rebuild or replacement.trawlerforum.com · samsmarine.com
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Leaking old helm pumps steering
1970s-era Capilano helms leak with age and are either resealed with kits or replaced with current Dometic helms.trawlerforum.com · westmarine.com
Teleflex / Morse (SeaStar Solutions) — Mechanical rotary/rack cable steering incl. NFB (no-feedback) helms parts: good
Mechanical helms and SSC-series steering cables, including NFB 4.2 rotary kits and Safe-T helms, remain in production and are sold by Jamestown Distributors, Marine Parts Source and most chandleries.
Parts sources: Jamestown Distributors (Teleflex NFB), Marine Parts Source
Common problems (2)
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Stiff or seized steering cable steering
Corrosion inside the outboard tilt tube or the cable itself makes steering stiff or locks it; the usual cure is cleaning the tilt tube and replacing the cable, often together with the helm.noreast.com · facebook.com
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Torque feedback at the wheel steering
Older helms transmit engine torque to the wheel; NFB helms with a clutch mechanism are the common upgrade.jamestowndistributors.com · marinepartssource.com
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Other Nauticat models
- Nauticat 38 1975–?
- Nauticat 44 1974–?
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.