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Discoverer

Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2025
Messages
17
Location
Vancouver, BC
Hi everyone,
I’ve been sailing and racing for over 30 years and have owned few sailboats, but I’m now considering making the switch to a trawler. As I’ve gotten older, dealing with the elements has become more challenging, and I’ve realized that most of my cruising is already done under power anyway. Speed isn’t a factor for me, but comfort and fuel consumption are. So, I’m exploring this transition and looking forward to learning from those who’ve been down this path before.
 
Hey Discoverer,
Been down the same path a few years back, used to own a 37 foot sailboat (in Nanaimo) , and moved to a Nordic Tug 37. For my wife and I, Nordic Tugs, American Tugs, and Helmsmen checked off most of the boxes. On our NT 37, we cruised at 7-8 knots and used 2 gallons per hour. People's needs, wants, even the way they use the boat are personal, and each person must decide what is "best" for them based on the above, as well as budget. Make some feature lists to identify: must haves, nice to haves, and DON'T WANT.
Take your time, and my best advice is (not an original): "buy your last boat first".
Good luck, and enjoy all aspects of your journey,
Tom
 
Hey Discoverer,
Been down the same path a few years back, used to own a 37 foot sailboat (in Nanaimo) , and moved to a Nordic Tug 37. For my wife and I, Nordic Tugs, American Tugs, and Helmsmen checked off most of the boxes. On our NT 37, we cruised at 7-8 knots and used 2 gallons per hour. People's needs, wants, even the way they use the boat are personal, and each person must decide what is "best" for them based on the above, as well as budget. Make some feature lists to identify: must haves, nice to haves, and DON'T WANT.
Take your time, and my best advice is (not an original): "buy your last boat first".
Good luck, and enjoy all aspects of your journey,
Tom
Hi Tom,

Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences - it’s always helpful to hear from someone who’s been down a similar path. I was just onboard the NT42 at the boat show last week, and it seems like a solid, quality build. However, it only has one stateroom, which will make cruising with extended family a bit challenging. Additionally, a helm on the flybridge is on my "nice-to-have" list.

Thanks again, I’ll keep your insights in mind as I navigate this journey.
 
Welcome, I made the switch 4 years ago. lots of great information here
 
Discoverer,
Nordic Tugs 37 and 42 usually have 2 staterooms (I do know of one or two NT 37's that were only 1 cabin however these are rare as Hen's teeth :)) and some do have flybridges. Ours had bunk beds in the 2nd cabin, so in theory could sleep 3 in that space. Our galley seatee could be made into a double as well. For us, the NT 37 was a great cruising boat for a couple with occasional guests (2) for short visits. It only has 1 head.
Like most boats without active stabilization, our NT 37 did not like beam seas!! However, with course changes, speed changes, and also avoiding "nasty" weather as much as possible, we found Pilitak to be good in most sea conditions. We have crossed the Georgia Strait (dating myself) several times in 1 - 2 meter short chop (stacked up) following seas (winds plus 20 knots) without a worry, although there were some uncomfortable moments usually when a wave pushed us toward a beam sea position more than I would like creating additional momentary roll. One time we were in a channel up near Ocean Falls going into 30+ knot headwinds with no issues or discomfort. All in all, I would say that NT's are good coastal cruisers and can handle most (reasonable) sea conditions. They have been taken down the coast to Mexico (I know of 3 AT 34's that left our area and ended up in the Carribean/South Florida area), so with good weather routing this has been done. We cruised our Tug at 7+ knots, but at WOT and fully loaded with supplies, she could make 15 knots. I feel that having the option of additional speed and power when wanted was a great feature giving more options especially in lumpy seas.
 
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