A recent assignment provided the opportunity to survey a well-regarded example of a Finnish-built motor sailor
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
A recent assignment provided the opportunity to survey a well-regarded example of a Finnish-built motor sailor — a Nauticat 331 — combining a full structural inspection ashore with operational assessment during sea trial. These projects are always interesting, not only because of the vessel itself, but because they highlight the importance of understanding builder heritage, real-world performance, and condition in context.
The Nauticat range, built by Siltala Yachts in Finland, established a strong reputation over decades for robust construction, practical engineering, and comfortable long-distance cruising capability. Unlike high-volume production yachts, these vessels were designed with durability and seakeeping in mind. Their solid laminate structures, protected helm arrangements, and conservative engineering philosophy have contributed to enduring buyer confidence and continued demand in the brokerage market. Surveying such a vessel benefits greatly from understanding this lineage — it provides context for construction methods, expected structural characteristics, and known strengths of the type.
The survey process itself began with a comprehensive inspection ashore, examining hull structure, keel configuration, underwater appendages, and through-hull installations. Internal inspection followed, including structural members, machinery installations, domestic systems, and safety equipment. As with any professional inspection, the focus remained objective — documenting condition, identifying defects where present, and assessing overall maintenance history through observable evidence rather than assumption.
Sea trial forms a critical part of the pre-purchase process. A vessel secured alongside can present well, but operational testing reveals behaviour that static inspection cannot. During the trial, propulsion performance, steering response, onboard systems, and general handling characteristics were assessed under realistic loading conditions. The engine performed smoothly with stable response and no abnormal mechanical indications. Steering and manoeuvring characteristics were consistent with vessel design expectations, and auxiliary systems functioned as intended within inspection limits. Minor operational observations were recorded for inclusion within the final report, but nothing arose that would materially detract from overall vessel suitability.
One of the key outcomes of this particular survey was the clear impression of responsible ownership and ongoing maintenance. Structural elements showed no concerning indicators within accessible areas, machinery spaces were orderly, and domestic installations were consistent with a vessel actively maintained rather than neglected. No yacht of this age should ever be described as maintenance-free, yet the absence of significant defect findings reinforced the impression of a well-kept example of the class.
Surveys such as this underline an important point for prospective buyers: condition assessment is not simply about finding faults. It is about forming a balanced understanding of the vessel — construction quality, operational behaviour, maintenance history, and realistic future requirements — allowing informed decision-making based on professional observation rather than assumption.
With the inspection completed and sea trial findings incorporated, the final report provides the purchaser with a comprehensive technical overview and clear recommendations. In this case, the results reflected positively on the vessel and demonstrated the continued appeal of well-built Scandinavian motor sailors when properly maintained.
Steven Truss MIIMS
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