As part of our ongoing search for our next boat I took a closer look at a boat I first went aboard in 2007. I never let go of this make/model since being impressed with it during my short time aboard despite continuing to build our second Nordhavn 40, almost building a Kadey Krogen
then purchasing our third Nordhavn (N3522). My interest in this boat was fueled by learning that two previous Nordhavn owners purchased this same boat after selling their Nordhavn's but still wanted a boat with similar quality and reliability, capable of serious coastal cruising at an affordable price.
As luck would have it the weather was unusually favorable with clear skies, little wind and temperatures in the low 80's (hate when that happens) and didn't allow for everything I wanted in a sea trial but we managed. Up until now my experience with this boat was through knowledgeable owners and two previous trips to look at the boat and other models tied to the docks.
First impressions of the boat upon walking up to it was that this is a large boat for its LOA. Boarding the boat through the swim step confirmed my need for port and starboard boarding doors (no problem adding) and welcomed me to a large protected aft deck. Entry into the salon provided a nice size with very functional galley. A few steps forward lead me to the oversize pilothouse and one of the best features of this boat. The forward single OSR with separate shower and head compartments offered nice space and very functional. Up top the flybridge and aft deck was much larger then what I was use to and well designed.
The sea-trial provided more then I expected despite the calm conditions (you can get a feel how a boat will handle cutting against and taking beam cells from other large boats) combined with other maneuvers. The sound level of the newer electric diesel was a nice surprise compared to the Lugger and Yanmar we were use to. Handling and visibility was also a step above what we were accustomed to.
So in the end I walked away asking myself if I had found our next boat that meets our 90% rule (live aboard and serious coastal cruising - San Diego to PNW and Cabo San Lucas).
Time will tell as we continue our research and still look closely at building one more Nordhavn but now there is a serious contender in the equation.
We should make our decision within the next 30 days and will advise. I hope this was "fun" to read as it was not intended to play games but provide readers with something different while at the same time some insight into what goes into purchasing a new boat. As always we welcome comments and input in a positive nature to help all of us on this great site see what goes into finding their right boat.
John T.
N4050 - Former Owner
N4061 - Former Owner
N3522 - Former Owner
Dreamer of next boat
then purchasing our third Nordhavn (N3522). My interest in this boat was fueled by learning that two previous Nordhavn owners purchased this same boat after selling their Nordhavn's but still wanted a boat with similar quality and reliability, capable of serious coastal cruising at an affordable price.
As luck would have it the weather was unusually favorable with clear skies, little wind and temperatures in the low 80's (hate when that happens) and didn't allow for everything I wanted in a sea trial but we managed. Up until now my experience with this boat was through knowledgeable owners and two previous trips to look at the boat and other models tied to the docks.
First impressions of the boat upon walking up to it was that this is a large boat for its LOA. Boarding the boat through the swim step confirmed my need for port and starboard boarding doors (no problem adding) and welcomed me to a large protected aft deck. Entry into the salon provided a nice size with very functional galley. A few steps forward lead me to the oversize pilothouse and one of the best features of this boat. The forward single OSR with separate shower and head compartments offered nice space and very functional. Up top the flybridge and aft deck was much larger then what I was use to and well designed.
The sea-trial provided more then I expected despite the calm conditions (you can get a feel how a boat will handle cutting against and taking beam cells from other large boats) combined with other maneuvers. The sound level of the newer electric diesel was a nice surprise compared to the Lugger and Yanmar we were use to. Handling and visibility was also a step above what we were accustomed to.
So in the end I walked away asking myself if I had found our next boat that meets our 90% rule (live aboard and serious coastal cruising - San Diego to PNW and Cabo San Lucas).
Time will tell as we continue our research and still look closely at building one more Nordhavn but now there is a serious contender in the equation.
We should make our decision within the next 30 days and will advise. I hope this was "fun" to read as it was not intended to play games but provide readers with something different while at the same time some insight into what goes into purchasing a new boat. As always we welcome comments and input in a positive nature to help all of us on this great site see what goes into finding their right boat.
John T.
N4050 - Former Owner
N4061 - Former Owner
N3522 - Former Owner
Dreamer of next boat