Nomad Willy
Guru
Marin wrote re the Nordic Tug;
"and their boat models seem ideally suited for cruising these waters, by which I mean from Puget Sound on up the coast through BC into SE Alaska."
Heard that many many times and usually wonder what is it about the boat that makes it so good for the PNW.
My knee-jerk reaction is that a heavier deeper boat more like a Willard would be more appropriate. But there's a lot of space in the PNW and almost all of the waters are protected so perhaps a much lighter and faster boat Like Sabre or a Beneteau Swift would be better. Sailboats are a very poor choice but it's a run what you brung situation. Most of the time the sky's are overcast keeping the sun generated winds at bay so even 18 to 22' OB boats can do well if the crew leans a bit toward camping.
For dealing w waves most trawlers (especially the NT) are a bit light w a very fwd located wheelhouse so hours into head seas can be stressful or even dangerous. Trawlers don't have air bags.
Mr Cook has probably logged the most cruising miles on this coast and does it w a small Bayliner.
So why is the NT considered such a great boat for the PNW? One could probably include the GB, CHB and the others of the type.
But for most the best boat to go north in is the boat they have .. because it's available. Just do a little re-fit, buy some groceries and go.
"and their boat models seem ideally suited for cruising these waters, by which I mean from Puget Sound on up the coast through BC into SE Alaska."
Heard that many many times and usually wonder what is it about the boat that makes it so good for the PNW.
My knee-jerk reaction is that a heavier deeper boat more like a Willard would be more appropriate. But there's a lot of space in the PNW and almost all of the waters are protected so perhaps a much lighter and faster boat Like Sabre or a Beneteau Swift would be better. Sailboats are a very poor choice but it's a run what you brung situation. Most of the time the sky's are overcast keeping the sun generated winds at bay so even 18 to 22' OB boats can do well if the crew leans a bit toward camping.
For dealing w waves most trawlers (especially the NT) are a bit light w a very fwd located wheelhouse so hours into head seas can be stressful or even dangerous. Trawlers don't have air bags.
Mr Cook has probably logged the most cruising miles on this coast and does it w a small Bayliner.
So why is the NT considered such a great boat for the PNW? One could probably include the GB, CHB and the others of the type.
But for most the best boat to go north in is the boat they have .. because it's available. Just do a little re-fit, buy some groceries and go.