Nordhavn 46

Hi, new user here.

I am toying with the idea of spending part of my retirement cruising various parts of the world. I have considered both power and sail, and am leaning (at least at this point in time) towards power - specifically the full displacement "trawler" format.

In my research, I have "discovered" the Nordhavn 46, and it seems to fit the bill for a long range, passage-making vessel, in terms of seaworthiness, range etc.

This model features a dry exhaust, with engine cooling via a keel-mounted heat-exchanger (not sure if using the correct words to describe such an arrangement).

Any thoughts, ideas, info or tips on that manufacturer, model, exhaust/cooling setup would be greatly appreciated.

That is a pretty broad question. The N46 is a capable boat for extended offshore cruising. Now maybe more specifics...like what are you really going to do with the boat? What kind of experience do you have? But other than that, a great boat capable of doing what you want. Almost all of the Nordhavn line fits that bill.

Open-d said:

Hi, new user here.

I am toying with the idea of spending part of my retirement cruising various parts of the world. I have considered both power and sail, and am leaning (at least at this point in time) towards power - specifically the full displacement "trawler" format.

In my research, I have "discovered" the Nordhavn 46, and it seems to fit the bill for a long range, passage-making vessel, in terms of seaworthiness, range etc.

This model features a dry exhaust, with engine cooling via a keel-mounted heat-exchanger (not sure if using the correct words to describe such an arrangement).

Any thoughts, ideas, info or tips on that manufacturer, model, exhaust/cooling setup would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

I had a 1986 (?) N46. Dropped in the boat yard, drove port stabilizer into the owner's stateroom, determined to be a construct loss. Was bought, repaired and the guy, used it in the NE, for another 2-3 years before putting it back on the market. I upgraded the bow thruster to make it usable in the wind while docking. I had totally reworked the forward stateroom and made my "then" wife happy. You know the drill, large cedar lined fully hanging closet, more drawer on the starboard side. Raised the port berth up about 5 inches allowing me to store more boat related stuff. Starboard side of fwd stateroom, as I remember I totally raised that berth to permit 6 good size drawers for the wife and a hanging file for all the documentation etc. Of course that meant one needed a ladder to get up to the berth. LOL
That brief history said, the 46 design and construction, tough as nails. I know my hull # was in the first 10. I was happy with all the upgrades that I did. The naturally aspirate Lugger was totally reliable.
Rode more than a few nights outside while bringing it down from Long Island. A fair amount of heavy water hitting the forward pilot house window. It is the right size boat for long distance cruising..... for either for one or two couples. Every time I went to the yard for bottom painting, I had the keel cooler removed sent to a radiator shop for boiling out and then replaced the gasket between the keel cooler and the rest of the cooling system. This may have been unnecessary but.... just something I elected to have done.
I wonder why the Nordhavn folks decided to drop that line.
Understand, the 46 and larger are built as semi custom so the best you can hope for is general guidance from the builder. I cannot tell you how many unused wires and wire ties myself and other workers removed while upgrading the various electrical systems. Each night, a fair size bag went to the trash.
I had a teak swim platform designed and installed so I guess by today's standards it could considered a 49 ft Nordhavn.

Conclusion, if I were younger and I found a well maintained N46, I would happily buy it and start all over. The boat will survive heavier weather than you and I can survive.

Dont let the fuel tank and distribution manifold valving over power you. Sit down, trace out the system, drawing it out on paper. I had a fuel polishing and transfer system installed so that added extra valves.
The fresh water manifold, a piece of cake to learn. I added a 12 volt 150 gpd water maker to keep the tanks topped off.

If you buy it, you will enjoy it once you add stuff to make the boat yours. Keep us informed. There maybe a Nordhavn users group. Hunt around the internet for it.

Baker said:

That is a pretty broad question. The N46 is a capable boat for extended offshore cruising. Now maybe more specifics...like what are you really going to do with the boat? What kind of experience do you have? But other than that, a great boat capable of doing what you want. Almost all of the Nordhavn line fits that bill.

Click to expand...

Offshore cruising in either Pacific or Atlantic, or, possibly the Med. Perhaps to Tahiti and surrounds. No specific destination that must be visited, just a desire to do some cruising with my spouse

Any thoughts on Luggers?

Also, I've noticed that many examples have teo hinged "booms", like huge outriggers, that seem to be more suited to a fishing boat. I don't want to sound stupid, but other than at-anchor stabilization, I have no idea what they would be for.

Open-d said:

"booms", like huge outriggers, that seem to be more suited to a fishing boat. I don't want to sound stupid, but other than at-anchor stabilization, I have no idea what they would be for.

Click to expand...

Paravanes.

They serve the same function when underway, stabilization w/o through-hull machinery. There are some designs that are strictly for use at-anchor ("Flopper-stoppers," though the names get interchanged commonly).

You can tell the difference between the two by examining the robustness of the mount and gear, as well as the shape of the plates underwater. The paravanes will have hydrodynamically designed "fish" that are clearly meant to move, the flopper-stoppers simple hinged plates or drogues deployed vertically that aren't shaped to be towed or move efficiently..

Re the Nordhavn 46ft trawler.

Open-d get a cup of coffee, sit down and get comfortable.

I had a 1986 (?) N46. The boat was dropped in the boat yard, drove port hydraulic stabilizer into the owner's stateroom. The boat was determined to be a "constructive loss." Was bought, repaired and the guy, used it in the NE, for another 2-3 years before putting it back on the market. I upgraded the bow thruster to make it usable in the wind while docking. I had totally reworked the forward stateroom and made my "then" wife happy. You know the drill, large cedar lined fully hanging closet, more drawer on the starboard side. Raised the port berth up about 5 inches allowing me to store more boat related stuff. Starboard side of fwd stateroom, as I remember I totally raised that berth to permit 4 good size drawers for the wife and a hanging file for all the equipment documentation etc. Of course that meant one needed a ladder to get up to the berth. LOL Not MY problem.

That brief history said, the 46 design and construction, tough as nails. I know my hull # was in the first 10. I was happy with all the upgrades that I made.

The naturally aspirate Lugger was totally reliable and needed little attention.

Rode more than a few nights outside while bringing it down from Long Island to Miami. A fair amount of heavy water hitting the forward pilot house window, at night. It is the right size boat for long distance cruising..... for either for one or two couples.

Every time I went to the yard for bottom painting, I had the keel cooler removed sent to a radiator shop for boiling out and then replaced the gasket between the keel cooler and the rest of the cooling system. This may have been unnecessary but.... just something I elected to have done.

I wonder why the Nordhavn folks decided to drop that line.
Understand, the 46 and larger are built as semi custom so the best you can hope for is general guidance from the builder. I cannot tell you how many unused wires and wire ties myself and other workers removed while upgrading the various electrical systems. Each night, a fair size bag went to the trash.

I had a teak swim platform designed and installed so I guess by today's standards it could considered a 49 ft Nordhavn.

Conclusion, if I were younger and I found a well maintained N46, I would happily buy it and start all over. The boat will survive heavier weather than you and I can survive.

Dont let the fuel tank and distribution manifold valving over power you. Sit down, trace out the system, drawing it out on paper. I had a fuel polishing and transfer system installed so that added extra valves.
The fresh water manifold, a piece of cake to learn. I added a 12 volt 150 gpd water maker to keep the tanks topped off.

If you buy it, you will enjoy it once you add stuff to make the boat yours. Keep us informed. There maybe a Nordhavn users group. Hunt around the internet for the user's group.

I will confess, I downsize to 34/36 American Tug. It is not considered a long distance, blue water boat. Now, you want to talk about that boat, I will be happy to discuss that with you too. My first recommendation is buy the 41 ft AT with two staterooms.

Open-d said:

Hi, new user here.

I am toying with the idea of spending part of my retirement cruising various parts of the world. I have considered both power and sail, and am leaning (at least at this point in time) towards power - specifically the full displacement "trawler" format.

In my research, I have "discovered" the Nordhavn 46, and it seems to fit the bill for a long range, passage-making vessel, in terms of seaworthiness, range etc.

This model features a dry exhaust, with engine cooling via a keel-mounted heat-exchanger (not sure if using the correct words to describe such an arrangement).

Any thoughts, ideas, info or tips on that manufacturer, model, exhaust/cooling setup would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

Rest assured that boat can take more than you unless you're a well seasoned commercial sailor. The specs on that boat will vary somewhat with years. It would be best to pop the hood on one and get some detailed info or specs. Overall, I don't think you can go wrong with a well cared for N46 that surveys well.

Civilitas said:

Paravanes.

They serve the same function when underway, stabilization w/o through-hull machinery. There are some designs that are strictly for use at-anchor ("Flopper-stoppers," though the names get interchanged commonly).

You can tell the difference between the two by examining the robustness of the mount and gear, as well as the shape of the plates underwater. The paravanes will have hydrodynamically designed "fish" that are clearly meant to move, the flopper-stoppers simple hinged plates or drogues deployed vertically that aren't shaped to be towed or move efficiently..

Click to expand...

The terminal gear is a large galvanized "paper airplane" on the end of a chain. To be honest, I really would like to dump that stuff. I've never seen it on other trawlers. except those out for shrimp. Fishing off the stern would be impaired.

Get yourself a copy of "Voyaging Under Power", and be sure to get the 4th edition. It's less preachy, and more up to date. It will give you a really good baseline of info to work from. I'm not meaning to discourage you from asking questions, but rather think it will help jump start you faster.


The 46 is a great boat and had probably done more world cruising than any other boat it's size. And the Lugger is one of the best engines you could have.

Also check out the Fleming 55 which may have a better long distance cruise range:


Also check out the Fleming series of cruises, this link only gives you one of many Fleming cruises:

Norderhavn 46

Nordhavn 46’s have 3,000 NM range. Fleming 55 have 2,000 NM range at a much higher burn rate.

I would strongly recommend if you are going to do long distance traveling, hydraulic stabilizers are necessary

Open-d said:

The terminal gear is a large galvanized "paper airplane" on the end of a chain. To be honest, I really would like to dump that stuff. I've never seen it on other trawlers. except those out for shrimp. Fishing off the stern would be impaired.

Click to expand...

Which will seem like a good idea until you leave the dock and your wife turns green as the vessel rolls through 60 degrees in a beam sea. Then, stabilization will seem like a splendid idea.

95% of the trawlers you see that are designed to go where you say you want to go will have stabilization, either passive, like you describe, or active like you will see on vessels longer than 50 feet or so. The recommendation to read Beebee's book is very good advice.

Open-d said:

Hi, new user here.

I am toying with the idea of spending part of my retirement cruising various parts of the world. I have considered both power and sail, and am leaning (at least at this point in time) towards power - specifically the full displacement "trawler" format.

In my research, I have "discovered" the Nordhavn 46, and it seems to fit the bill for a long range, passage-making vessel, in terms of seaworthiness, range etc.

This model features a dry exhaust, with engine cooling via a keel-mounted heat-exchanger (not sure if using the correct words to describe such an arrangement).

Any thoughts, ideas, info or tips on that manufacturer, model, exhaust/cooling setup would be greatly appreciated.

Click to expand...

That's the way I would go if I needed a blue water trawler. I really like the 46 even more so than the 43. The Nordhavn 46 is one of the original passage makers. For the money I think it's the best thing available for a trawler.

Happy Trails!

Delfin said:

95% of the trawlers you see that are designed to go where you say you want to go will have stabilization, either passive, like you describe, or active like you will see on vessels longer than 50 feet or so. The recommendation to read Beebee's book is very good advice.

Click to expand...

And think about stabilization while at anchor... learned that lesson the hard way.


20+ years ago I went to a used book "detective" over in Newport Beach area and hunted down an original copy of Beebe's book. I like it better than all the new and upgraded editions which seem like Passagemaker advertising.

The 46 is a great boat.. it is a bit slow but its bulletproof. I have a lot of blue water miles on one and I would take it anywhere.. and it will go there. Most all have had a lot of owner upgrades.. no two are really alike and this includes mods to the fuel system, electrical,plumbing and anchor handling. If you find one you like find a really good surveyor.. it will be money well spent.

HOLLYWOOD

I think we all agree the N46 is a fantastic boat.
Nordhavn briefly built a 47ft boat. Not sure of the difference other than 1 ft in length.
IMO, it is sort of sad that Nordhavn elected to stop production on the 46. I can only guess they made more money on the larger boats. SHRUG

I bought mine in Long Island, took it outside and ran it WOT as much as possible when outside. If the temp got high, pulled back the throttle until the temp returned to a bit below normal.
The natural aspirated Lugger may be a bit slow but, it will run forever with normal maintenance.

I did have the transmission rebuilt once when the oil went out of specs.

OldDan1943 said:

Nordhavn briefly built a 47ft boat. Not sure of the difference other than 1 ft in length.

Click to expand...

The 47 was in production for a good 10 years, and is one of the highest volume models build with around 60-70 of them sailing around. It's stretched variation, the 52, is still in production and as a family, the 47/52 out number the 46's built. The 55/60 now also outnumbers the 46.


Roughly speaking, there are three generations of designs from Nordhavn. The 46 and 62 are the original design. Then came the 50 and 57, with lines more like a power boat than a sail boat. Then came the 55, 47, 43, and 40 all with similar hull designs and a more modern interior. And I think around the same time the 64, 68 and 76. Maybe those should be considered a 4th gen, but who knows since we are "roughly" speaking.

The only flaw I found was a 90degree fitting in the line from the toilet to the holding tank. In my case, the line was under the shower drain pan. I replaced it with a 45 and the problem totally disappeared.

Interesting reading here. Not one post that speaks badly about the N46 and I completely agree! Why, then does not one of the posted previous owners still have an N46? I was on one many years ago in the sea of Cortez and found it to be as previously described. Capable, bullet proof, etc. I also found the interior to be cramped and the cockpit too small for enjoying fishing and just hanging out in the sea air. Nope, If I were to seriously consider crossing an ocean, it would be in something larger where the cabin fever isn't so severe.

Codger2 said:

Interesting reading here. Not one post that speaks badly about the N46 and I completely agree! Why, then does not one of the posted previous owners still have an N46? I was on one many years ago in the sea of Cortez and found it to be as previously described. Capable, bullet proof, etc. I also found the interior to be cramped and the cockpit too small for enjoying fishing and just hanging out in the sea air. Nope, If I were to seriously consider crossing an ocean, it would be in something larger where the cabin fever isn't so severe.

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If my N46 had not been dropped in the yard, I would still have it. MAYBE I would have had the topside painted by now. LOL

Delfin said:

Which will seem like a good idea until you leave the dock and your wife turns green as the vessel rolls through 60 degrees in a beam sea. Then, stabilization will seem like a splendid idea.

95% of the trawlers you see that are designed to go where you say you want to go will have stabilization, either passive, like you describe, or active like you will see on vessels longer than 50 feet or so. The recommendation to read Beebee's book is very good advice.

Click to expand...

I will get a copy of the book and read it.

I'll look into the stabilization issue further, but I don't think I could own a boat with such an installation. Fishing outriggers like on sport fishers, would be great, but I can't see having a boat that needs such an ungainly, ugly, and potentially-dangerous contraption. It's definitely a deal-killer for me.

Codger2 said:

Interesting reading here. Not one post that speaks badly about the N46 and I completely agree! Why, then does not one of the posted previous owners still have an N46? I was on one many years ago in the sea of Cortez and found it to be as previously described. Capable, bullet proof, etc. I also found the interior to be cramped and the cockpit too small for enjoying fishing and just hanging out in the sea air. Nope, If I were to seriously consider crossing an ocean, it would be in something larger where the cabin fever isn't so severe.

Click to expand...

You hit the nail on the head.

I have not owned a N46 but seriously considered one.

They seem to be great boats for the purpose of world exploration. Some would say they are the epitome of small passagemakers.

If you do not need that capability there are other choices that have larger (read more comfortable) interiors for the same or less money.

Trawler ownership seems to start with a dream of cruising the world. For those that after looking really closely at their lives, still want to, or are able to fulfill that dream the N46 would be a fine choice. The reality is that most of us are not going to cruise the world, and we make other choices based on that reality.

Open-d said:

I will get a copy of the book and read it.

I'll look into the stabilization issue further, but I don't think I could own a boat with such an installation. Fishing outriggers like on sport fishers, would be great, but I can't see having a boat that needs such an ungainly, ugly, and potentially-dangerous contraption. It's definitely a deal-killer for me.

Click to expand...

Then active fins or a gyro would be a better option for you. But I wouldn't necessarily reject the idea of passive fins either. People cruise the world with them and I've really never heard anyone with them think they are dangerous. Like any piece of equipment on a boat they can be misused, and I suppose that scene in The Perfect Storm where the skipper crawls out onto the boom in force 10 winds and 40' seas is possible, but not likely.

I installed active fins when I refit my boat because I'm lazy. Push a button and relax has more appeal to me than hefting the fish over the side and then having to retrieve them.

If you did want active fins and are looking in the used boat market, I doubt you'll find many on boats less than 50', but trust me. You want stabilization of some sort.

Here is s good video on deploying paravanes on a Nordhavn 46.

https://youtu.be/bkT4fgo6VIY

Open-d said:

I will get a copy of the book and read it.

I'll look into the stabilization issue further, but I don't think I could own a boat with such an installation. Fishing outriggers like on sport fishers, would be great, but I can't see having a boat that needs such an ungainly, ugly, and potentially-dangerous contraption. It's definitely a deal-killer for me.

Click to expand...

There are pro/con to both types of stabilization, One takes more effort to deploy, one costs more to service/repair. I personally owned and cruised a displacement boat that had paravanes and I loved them.. they worked really well. I also have 1000's of miles aboard a N57 that had active and they worked really well offshore also.. the ability to adjust them for conditions at a touch was really nice... but when you catch something with them... and you will it's a pain in the ...



Delfins comment about the "perfect storm" scene wold scare off anyone that didn't know better.. but that was all hollywood B.S.


If you get a true bluewater boat that is not a cat it will be stabilized in some form.


HOLLYWOOD

The 47 replaced the 46 for good reason. As noted by Codger, the 46's tightness needed changing in the eyes of many. The crowded feeling was largely eliminated as a complaint by this model change. Any 46 is now an old boat and if considering serious off shore work the re-fit costs and owner noted upgrades could prove time consumptive and expensive.

A great read on the 46 is covered by the logs, journals and book about N46 "Egret." The owners clearly used this boat and helped to establish the well deserved reputation the 46 has earned.

rsn48 said:

Also check out the Fleming 55 which may have a better long distance cruise range:

Click to expand...

I would personally prefer the Fleming, but you're entirely backwards on the cruise range. Nordhavn has significantly more range.

Codger2 said:

Interesting reading here. Not one post that speaks badly about the N46 and I completely agree! Why, then does not one of the posted previous owners still have an N46? I was on one many years ago in the sea of Cortez and found it to be as previously described. Capable, bullet proof, etc. I also found the interior to be cramped and the cockpit too small for enjoying fishing and just hanging out in the sea air. Nope, If I were to seriously consider crossing an ocean, it would be in something larger where the cabin fever isn't so severe.

Click to expand...

If I was looking at Nordhavn for crossing oceans as the OP stated his plans, I would go at least 60'.

Airstream345 said:

Here is s good video on deploying paravanes on a Nordhavn 46.

https://youtu.be/bkT4fgo6VIY

Click to expand...

I wonder how many fingers have been lost to such a rig!!