Nordhavn 55 

In the often-hectic, predictably unpredictable, and unequivocally enthralling world of travel, there are few pleasures as singularly captivating as the open sea. Let me introduce you to the Nordhavn 55 - a vessel that commands respect, not just for its unabashed presence, but for the promise of an experience that is truly sublime.

The Nordhavn 55, by all standards, is a yacht that woos you with a compelling blend of elegance and adventure. She's no ostentatious showboat, but rather, a gracefully sculpted titan with an air of quiet confidence. You see, this seafaring dame has a soul, and it resonates with the rhythmic lullaby of the deep blue.

Recently, the crew at Sea Magazine got an enviable opportunity that made even my seasoned heart skip a beat. We were invited to take this beauty for a sea trial during the Miami International Boat Show. Miami, a city that throbs with life, where the sun shines brightly, casting shimmering reflections off the turquoise waters, set the stage for our rendezvous with this maritime marvel.

The Miami International Boat Show, if you've not had the pleasure of attending, is a nautical cornucopia of the industry's finest. A place where maritime dreams take physical form, where the air buzzes with the palpable excitement of enthusiasts, dreamers, and veterans alike. It's a show that teases your senses, where the salty sea breeze intermingles with the intoxicating scent of varnished teak and fresh fiberglass. It's a spectacle to behold, one that lures you in and holds you captive with its promise of maritime adventures waiting just beyond the horizon.

In the midst of this nautical cacophony, the Nordhavn 55 stands her ground, her majestic silhouette gleaming under the Floridian sun. There's an air of anticipation as we approach her, an unspoken understanding that we're about to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary.

It's not just about a boat, or a sea trial. It's about savoring the finer details of a journey, about acknowledging the story woven into the hull, about embracing the allure of the open sea and its promise of uncharted adventures. That's what we're here to experience, and the Nordhavn 55, my friends, is our ticket to that adventure.

Stay tuned, because this is going to be one hell of a ride.

The Nordhavn 55 yacht is a luxurious and well-crafted vessel that has been designed to provide the utmost in cruising luxury and security. The towering profile and quality construction of this full displacement trawler make it a highly sought-after vessel for those who want to explore the open seas in style and comfort. With its high bow and higher deck, the Nordhavn 55 provides extra buoyancy in large head seas and takes on less water when the going gets rough.

Nordhavn Yachts is a company that has been producing high-quality, long-range cruising yachts since 1973. The Nordhavn 55 is one of their most popular models, and for good reason. This vessel is designed for serious cruising, with a commercial-like pilothouse that provides excellent, 360-degree visibility and a full-sized helm chair that puts the captain comfortably in command of his ship. With all electronics and controls within sight and reach, the Nordhavn 55 is a vessel that inspires confidence and allows for safe and enjoyable cruising in all conditions.

Design

The Nordhavn 55 is a long-range, full-displacement trawler yacht that is designed to provide the utmost in cruising luxury and security. The yacht's towering profile and quality construction make it an impressive sight on the water.

Hull Design

The Nordhavn 55's hull design is optimized for ocean cruising. The yacht features a deep centerline keel that provides excellent stability and tracking, even in rough seas. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, which provides excellent durability and strength. The yacht's high bow provides extra buoyancy in large head seas, and its higher deck takes on less water when the going gets rough.

Accommodations

The Nordhavn 55's accommodations are designed to provide maximum comfort and luxury for extended cruising. The yacht features teak and holly flooring, teak paneling, and high-quality finishes throughout. The yacht's spacious interior includes a large saloon, a full galley, and three staterooms. The master stateroom is located amidships and features a queen-sized berth, ample storage, and an en-suite head. The two guest staterooms are located forward and share a head.

The Nordhavn 55's accommodations are also designed to provide excellent privacy and comfort for guests. The yacht's layout includes a separate crew cabin aft, which features a single berth and a head.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55's design is optimized for ocean cruising, with a focus on stability, durability, and luxury. The yacht's hull design, keel, and rudder provide excellent stability and tracking, while its accommodations are designed to provide maximum comfort and privacy for extended cruising.

Specifications

The Nordhavn 55 is a long-range, full-displacement passage maker yacht that incorporates the company's newest styling and heightened focus on enhanced interior accommodations. This yacht is considered by many to be the smallest "large" Nordhavn and has proven to be incredibly popular and remains in high demand.

Dimensions

The Nordhavn 55 has a length overall (LOA) of 55 feet, a waterline length of 49 feet, a beam of 18 feet, and a draft of 6 feet 6 inches. The yacht's displacement is approximately 120,000 pounds, and it has a fuel capacity of 2,250 gallons, a water capacity of 600 gallons, and a waste capacity of 120 gallons.

Propulsion

The Nordhavn 55 is powered by a single John Deere diesel engine, which produces 173 horsepower. The yacht has a five-blade propeller (42LH30) and a Spurs line cutter. The propulsion configuration is standard single main with wing, and a separate aft hull mold was developed with built-in skegs for twin-engine editions.

Equipment

The Nordhavn 55 is equipped with a range of features and equipment that make it a comfortable and practical yacht for long-range cruising. The yacht has a Reverso oil change system, a Water Fixer UV sterilizer, a 24V backup water pump, and an isolation transformer. The yacht also has a 60 Hz - US style - 50 amp service for house and air conditioning, Glendinning aft controls, and a range of electronics, including radar, autopilot, and GPS.

In summary, the Nordhavn 55 is a well-designed and well-equipped yacht that is ideal for long-range cruising. With its comfortable interiors, practical features, and reliable propulsion, this yacht offers a comfortable and safe cruising experience.

Comfort

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht is designed to provide exceptional comfort and luxury for its passengers. The yacht is well-equipped with modern amenities and features that ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. The yacht's interior is designed to provide ample space and storage, making it easy to move around and store personal belongings.

Galley

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht's galley is located amidships, which provides easy access from both the salon and the cockpit. The galley features a large counter space, a breakfast bar, and plenty of storage for food and cooking utensils. The galley is equipped with modern appliances, including a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and microwave, making it easy to prepare and cook meals while on board.

Main Salon

The main salon of the Nordhavn 55 Yacht is located on the starboard side of the vessel and features a large settee and comfortable seating for all passengers. The salon is designed to provide a cozy and comfortable environment, with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The salon is also equipped with modern entertainment systems, including a TV, DVD player, and stereo system, making it easy to relax and unwind after a long day at sea.

Guest Cabin

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht's guest cabin is located forward of the salon and features a comfortable double berth and ample storage space for personal belongings. The guest cabin is designed to provide a comfortable and private space for guests, with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The cabin is also equipped with modern amenities, including a TV and stereo system, making it easy to relax and unwind in privacy.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55 Yacht is designed to provide exceptional comfort and luxury for its passengers. The yacht's interior is well-designed and equipped with modern amenities, making it easy to relax and enjoy the journey. Whether you're cruising the open seas or exploring new destinations, the Nordhavn 55 Yacht is the perfect vessel for those who value comfort and luxury.

Flybridge

The Nordhavn 55 yacht features a spacious flybridge that is perfect for outdoor entertainment and relaxation. The flybridge is accessible from the cockpit via an internal staircase, which makes it easy to move between the two areas.

The flybridge is designed to provide ample space for guests to sit and enjoy the views while cruising. There is also enough space for a full-size helm station, which makes it possible for the captain to navigate the yacht from the flybridge.

The flybridge features a large U-shaped seating area with a table, which is perfect for dining and entertaining. There is also a wet bar with a sink, refrigerator, and ice maker, which makes it easy to prepare and serve drinks and snacks.

For those who want to soak up the sun, there is a sunpad on the flybridge that provides a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the warm weather. The flybridge also features a bimini top that provides shade on hot days.

Overall, the flybridge on the Nordhavn 55 yacht is a great place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the views while cruising. With its spacious seating area, wet bar, and sunpad, it is the perfect place to spend time with friends and family while on the water.

Aft Cockpit

The Nordhavn 55 yacht features a spacious aft cockpit that provides an ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. The cockpit is easily accessible from the salon through a large sliding glass door, and it is protected from the elements by a sturdy hardtop.

The cockpit is designed with comfortable seating and a teak table that can be adjusted to different heights, making it perfect for dining or enjoying cocktails. The table can also be lowered to create a large sunpad for lounging.

The cockpit is equipped with a wet bar that includes a sink, refrigerator, and ice maker, making it easy to prepare and serve drinks and snacks. The wet bar is conveniently located next to the seating area, so guests can easily access refreshments without having to leave the cockpit.

The cockpit is also designed with ample storage space, including lockers under the seating and a large lazarette that can be used for storing water toys, fishing gear, or other equipment.

Overall, the aft cockpit of the Nordhavn 55 yacht provides a comfortable and functional space for enjoying the outdoors while cruising or at anchor.

Pros	Cons
Spacious and comfortable seating	Limited visibility when docking
Adjustable teak table	Limited protection from the sun
Wet bar with sink, refrigerator, and ice maker	Limited storage for larger items
Ample storage space

Pilothouse

The Nordhavn 55's pilothouse is a commercial-like space located amidships for minimal motion at sea, providing excellent 360-degree visibility. The full-sized helm chair puts the captain comfortably in command of the ship, with all controls and electronics within sight and easy reach.

The pilothouse also features a private stateroom, which can be used as a crew quarters or as an additional guest cabin. The space is equipped with a double berth, a hanging locker, and an ensuite head with a shower.

The pilothouse controls include a complete set of electronics, including radar, GPS, autopilot, depth sounder, and VHF radio. The Nordhavn 55's pilothouse is designed to be operated by a single person, with all controls and instruments within easy reach.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55's pilothouse is a well-designed space that provides excellent visibility and comfort for the captain and crew. It is a commercial-like space that is well-suited for long-range cruising and offshore passages.

Performance

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht is a long-range, full-displacement passage maker that offers exceptional performance for its class. This section will cover two important aspects of the Nordhavn 55's performance: range and fuel consumption.

Range

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht has a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles, making it an ideal vessel for long-range cruising. The range of the Nordhavn 55 is dependent on several factors, including fuel capacity, efficient hull speed, and fuel consumption.

Fuel Consumption

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht has a fuel capacity of 1,700 gallons, which allows for extended cruising without the need for frequent refueling. The fuel consumption of the Nordhavn 55 is dependent on several factors, including efficient hull speed, squatting, and pitch motion.

At an efficient hull speed of around 8 knots, the Nordhavn 55 Yacht has a fuel consumption of around 4 gallons per hour. However, at higher speeds, the fuel consumption increases significantly. For example, at a speed of 10 knots, the fuel consumption increases to around 8 gallons per hour.

It is important to note that squatting and pitch motion can also affect fuel consumption. Squatting occurs when the stern of the boat sinks down into the water, which increases drag and reduces speed. Pitch motion occurs when the boat pitches up and down in the water, which also increases drag and reduces speed.

In conclusion, the Nordhavn 55 Yacht offers exceptional performance for its class, with a range of up to 3,000 nautical miles and a fuel consumption of around 4 gallons per hour at an efficient hull speed of around 8 knots. However, it is important to consider factors such as squatting and pitch motion when determining fuel consumption at higher speeds.

Construction

The Nordhavn 55 is built with a solid fiberglass hull, reinforced with vinylester resin to prevent osmosis. The cabin side is cored with foam for insulation and weight reduction. The deck and cabin top are also cored with foam for stiffness and insulation. The hull-to-deck joint is bonded with 3M 5200 adhesive sealant and through-bolted on 8-inch centers with stainless steel bolts.

The Nordhavn 55's toughness is further enhanced by its heavy-duty construction and high-quality components. The boat is fitted with a ZF transmission, which is known for its reliability and durability. The propeller shaft is made of Aquamet 22 high-strength stainless steel, and the propeller is a four-bladed bronze unit. The rudder is also made of bronze and is supported by a stainless steel rudder stock.

The Nordhavn 55 is built by South Coast Marine in Xiamen, China, which is known for its high-quality boatbuilding. The company has been building Nordhavn yachts since 2002 and has a reputation for producing strong, seaworthy vessels. The factory is ISO 9001 certified, which ensures that the boat is built to the highest standards.

The Nordhavn 55 has a displacement of 110,000 pounds and a gross weight of 135,000 pounds. The boat's weight and construction make it a capable long-range cruiser, capable of handling rough seas and adverse weather conditions. The boat's fuel capacity is 1,700 gallons, which gives it a range of over 3,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 8 knots.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55 is a well-built, sturdy yacht that is designed to handle the toughest conditions. Its construction, components, and build quality are all top-notch, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a long-range cruiser.

Safety

The Nordhavn 55 Yacht is designed with safety as a top priority. The boat's high bow provides extra buoyancy in large head seas, and the higher deck takes on less water when the going gets rough. The vessel is also equipped with a dry exhaust system that eliminates the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In addition to these features, the Nordhavn 55 has a water capacity of 500 gallons, which allows for extended cruising without the need to stop and refill. This feature is especially important in remote areas where fresh water is scarce.

The Nordhavn 55's specifications include a displacement of 120,000 pounds, a length overall of 57 feet, and a beam of 18 feet. The boat is built by Pacific Asian Enterprises, a company known for its high-quality construction and attention to detail.

Noise and vibration are also important safety considerations on any vessel. The Nordhavn 55 features a well-insulated engine room and a sound shield that keeps noise levels to a minimum. The boat's advanced stabilizers also reduce vibration and provide a smooth ride in rough seas.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55 Yacht is a safe and reliable vessel that is designed to handle a wide range of sea conditions. Whether cruising offshore or crossing oceans, this boat provides the utmost in cruising luxury and security.

Marketing

The Nordhavn 55 is a long-range, full-displacement passage maker designed and built by Pacific Asian Enterprises (P.A.E.). The yacht has been marketed as a luxurious and secure vessel that provides the utmost in cruising comfort and safety.

Marketing efforts for the Nordhavn 55 have been focused on highlighting the yacht's key features, such as its range, seaworthiness, and spacious interior. The yacht's ability to travel long distances without refueling has been a major selling point, particularly for those who enjoy extended cruising.

In addition to its range, the Nordhavn 55 has been marketed as a vessel that can handle rough seas with ease. Its high bow provides extra buoyancy in large head seas, and its higher deck takes on less water when the going gets rough.

The yacht's interior is another major selling point. The Nordhavn 55 features a spacious salon, a fully-equipped galley, and comfortable staterooms that can accommodate up to six guests. The yacht's luxurious finishes and attention to detail have also been highlighted in marketing materials.

P.A.E. has marketed the Nordhavn 55 in various regions, including the North Sea. The yacht's seaworthiness and long-range capabilities make it an ideal vessel for cruising in this region. Marketing efforts have focused on highlighting the yacht's ability to handle the harsh conditions often encountered in the North Sea.

Overall, the Nordhavn 55 has been marketed as a luxurious and secure vessel that is capable of traveling long distances in comfort and safety. Its range, seaworthiness, and spacious interior have been key selling points, and marketing efforts have been focused on highlighting these features to potential buyers.