Nordhavn, worth it??

[Deepblue c]

I am going to jump into the 9 knot world and extensively cruise for the forseeable future. I have looked at most of the trawlers and Nordhavn seems to be right for my needs. (47 or 62) Though expensive. Does anyone have an alternative opinion? All the press and such is so glowing, which scares me. I do intend to ultimately, while starting slow and god willing, cross deep deep water. So I need a really stout,comfortable ship.<br />Any thoughts,<br />Thank you so much

 

[Sans Souci]

Re: Nordhavn, worth it??

Can't beat them. They are excellent vessels suitable for just about any sort of ocean crossing.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Nordhavn, worth it??

Nordhavn boats are quality stuff. I don’t know how they compare to all of the competition, but they’re certainly better than the few others I’ve seen. Fwiw, there are Caribbean and trans-Atlantic cruises organized for Nordhavns; accompanied by a re-fueling vessel for the smaller trawlers making the voyage.<br /><br />If I were considering a Nordhavn, I would also consider a custom made vessel. I tend toward the utilitarian side more than the shine/pretty side of boats. I may be able to get more boat for less money with a custom made boat. But then I don’t live on a boat either, might feel differently if I did. Fwiw, having a boat made (hull, deck, cabin, engine(s)/drive) may not be nearly as expense as you think it is. On the other hand, having a boat ‘finished’ (fittings, interior) could cost a billion times more than you think.<br /><br />Also, refurbished boats are a great value as opposed to buying new, especially when you are looking at larger vessels. If you have an eye on a used Nordhavn, you might be able to pay someone from the factory fly out and assess/survey the vessel. It is not an unusual service of boatyards that make the bigger boats. Good luck! Please post back and let us know what you decided.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Nordhavn, worth it??

The current issue (#2) of Power Cruising magazine (a new publication) has a short article about problems encountered by a 40-ft Nordhavn participating in this year’s Nordhavn Atlantic Rally. She was the smallest vessel out of a group of 18 boats that did the mid-summer crossing of the Atlantic. 40-ft boat, 12-ft seas, 25-knot winds, 50-knot gusts, and a loss of electrical power for the stabilizers...and she made it.

 

[BillP]

Re: Nordhavn, worth it??

I have no personal experience with them but have seen them around for many years. Owners are generally well seasoned yachtsmen who know about boats.