I am retiring this year and upgrading my boat to travel 9 months a year with the wife. Plan includes both coast for a few years. I have 45 years of boating and 66 years old.The question i pose to the members is should I buy a 47 nordhavn which is a great boat or go for the 62 nordhavn which gives us more elbow room for live aboard , I am concerned that it is too big for us to handle ,the extra cost to run and the problem of getting slips that big. Thanks jp
New trawler size
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Codger2
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You didn't mention crossing oceans so why are the choices only Nordhvns? If you are going to cruise both coasts, why not look at some of the coastal cruisers, say in the 50' range. There are some great boats out there at far fewer dollars than a Nordhvn. (Roomier too!)
O C Diver
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You have valid concerns that may be complicated by limited experience with that size vessel and personal mobility. Remember, whatever your mobility level is now, it's probably not going to be better in 5 years or 10 years. Only the 2 of you can factor that in.
I solo cruise. With a career in boating, I am very comfortable handling my 45' boat. Time is steadily compromising my agility / mobility. Pretty sure I won't be cruising without help by 70.
Depending on how long you plan to cruise this boat, mobility for a couple on a big boat is a serious consideration. Finally, almost any one can handle a big boat under optimal conditions.
Ted
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If it was me, I would go with the 47. You are my age and as I age I become less strong. Also less ambitious. There is actually a difference between walking 47 feet during a tie down or line adjusting and doing the same task on a 57 foot boat.
Although I almost never have to "muscle" my boat around (36 foot) I have seen inexperienced dock hands try to change the position or direction of my boat, and others simply by pulling on a docking line. It simply "aint gonna happen" without a wrap on a cleat or some leverage. Even a 47 foot Nordhvn probably weighs twice what my Albin weighs.
Another factor to consider is the height above the dock of the main cabin. On my boat I just step one step up and over the gunwale and I am on board. I would guess a 62 foot Nordhvn would be at least six or ten steps up to get on board. Thats a lot of steps when you are carrying groceries.
KISS.. (keep it simple sailor)
pete
Although I almost never have to "muscle" my boat around (36 foot) I have seen inexperienced dock hands try to change the position or direction of my boat, and others simply by pulling on a docking line. It simply "aint gonna happen" without a wrap on a cleat or some leverage. Even a 47 foot Nordhvn probably weighs twice what my Albin weighs.
Another factor to consider is the height above the dock of the main cabin. On my boat I just step one step up and over the gunwale and I am on board. I would guess a 62 foot Nordhvn would be at least six or ten steps up to get on board. Thats a lot of steps when you are carrying groceries.
KISS.. (keep it simple sailor)
pete
You didn't mention crossing oceans so why are the choices only Nordhvns? If you are going to cruise both coasts, why not look at some of the coastal cruisers, say in the 50' range. There are some great boats out there at far fewer dollars than a Nordhvn. (Roomier too!)
I like the quality of nordhavn ,the heavy weather ride quality and the pilot house doubles as a den for needed separation. I looked at hatteras but the size concerned me in less than ideal docking conditions. Thanks for you input. Jp
Pete, you need to go see a N62. The side gate is at dock height, no steps up. The galley is at the same level, no steps up.
The foredeck is 10 ft off the water. Guess where the steps are.
Boatfever
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After having been on this boat every day since December 16th (excluding a ten day trip back home in January) and having anchored most nights, I would consider the ergonomics aspects of each or your possible choices. That would include everything you do on the boat, getting on and off the boat, dinghy handling, anchor handling, daily engine room access, etc, etc. Some folks are partial to Kadey Krogens for their fewer steps up and down for the reasons Ted mentioned. You already know your cruising style so I'm thinking either of the two fit that.
I think I'd be happy with either of your two choices since they are Nordhavns and if the difference in cost of ownership is not a problem.
Good luck with the boat hunt.
I think I'd be happy with either of your two choices since they are Nordhavns and if the difference in cost of ownership is not a problem.
Good luck with the boat hunt.
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You didn't mention crossing oceans so why are the choices only Nordhvns? If you are going to cruise both coasts, why not look at some of the coastal cruisers, say in the 50' range. There are some great boats out there at far fewer dollars than a Nordhvn. (Roomier too!)
He did mention "both coasts"....which requires a significant amount of travel in fairly open ocean. So if he is considering going back and forth on both coasts, I think an ocean capable passagemaker would be a good choice since you would be going all the way to Panama everytime you want to switch coasts.
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Have you considered the 57??? The reason I mention it is it is one of the boats in the Nordhavn lineup that can cruise at slightly faster speeds with still good efficiency....even up to 10kts. Since range is not a huge consideration in your cruising plans, cruising at 10kts would be quite a convenience....and still a bigger boat than the 47 and not quite as big as the 62.
From Nordhavn:
<<The boat's ideal ocean crossing speed is therefore computed by multiplying the square root of the waterline length by l.l or l.2. In the case of the Nordhavn 57, this ideal speed is between 8 and 9 knots, and at this speed it has a range in excess of 2,600 nautical miles. At the more customary cruising speed of l.34 S/L, the 57 will achieve a very comfortable, efficient 9 to l0 knots. Here, the 57's speed is optimum for most long distance voyages. She's running quietly and smoothly, and she's moving along at a speed that covers 240 nautical miles every 24 hours.
Appreciating the needs of today's time conscious owner, P.A.E. worked even further on improving the upper speed range of the 57. With the help of extensive tank testing, the hull design was refined to include the utilization of a parabolic shaped bulbous bow, full sections aft, and a stern which minimizes drag-inducing suction at higher speeds. The results were significant gains in efficiency, allowing the boat to run easily at the S/L of 1.5, or approximately 11.5 knots. At this speed, the Nordhavn 57 has a range of l,400 nautical miles, making it ideal for coastal cruising or wherever a medium cruising range is called for. If an owner wishes even higher speeds, the 57 can be ordered with twin engines. This arrangement will provide cruising speeds of 11 to 13 knots.
Because the efficient speed range of the Nordhavn 57 has been extended to 11.5 knots, the vessel appeals to those who have been considering planing speed motor yachts or semi-displacement "fast trawlers." It offers reasonable speed without all of the costs associated with attaining higher speeds.>>
From Nordhavn:
<<The boat's ideal ocean crossing speed is therefore computed by multiplying the square root of the waterline length by l.l or l.2. In the case of the Nordhavn 57, this ideal speed is between 8 and 9 knots, and at this speed it has a range in excess of 2,600 nautical miles. At the more customary cruising speed of l.34 S/L, the 57 will achieve a very comfortable, efficient 9 to l0 knots. Here, the 57's speed is optimum for most long distance voyages. She's running quietly and smoothly, and she's moving along at a speed that covers 240 nautical miles every 24 hours.
Appreciating the needs of today's time conscious owner, P.A.E. worked even further on improving the upper speed range of the 57. With the help of extensive tank testing, the hull design was refined to include the utilization of a parabolic shaped bulbous bow, full sections aft, and a stern which minimizes drag-inducing suction at higher speeds. The results were significant gains in efficiency, allowing the boat to run easily at the S/L of 1.5, or approximately 11.5 knots. At this speed, the Nordhavn 57 has a range of l,400 nautical miles, making it ideal for coastal cruising or wherever a medium cruising range is called for. If an owner wishes even higher speeds, the 57 can be ordered with twin engines. This arrangement will provide cruising speeds of 11 to 13 knots.
Because the efficient speed range of the Nordhavn 57 has been extended to 11.5 knots, the vessel appeals to those who have been considering planing speed motor yachts or semi-displacement "fast trawlers." It offers reasonable speed without all of the costs associated with attaining higher speeds.>>
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Deepblue, you sound like an experienced boater, but since you're soliciting opinions, let me share mine based on my experience from small boats to living aboard previously on a 65 steel bluewater twin diesel:
"I am retiring this year and upgrading my boat to travel 9 months a year with the wife." Consider this full time living aboard. To give some scale factor, I prefer living below my means in a modest home, but believe that 50ft is the minimum to have a comfortable amount of space, elbow room and a machinery space that you don't have to crawl through/lean over.
"Plan includes both coast for a few years." Although technically following the coastline, consider this ocean-going work. There are long stretches of unprotected coastline where you'll be 25-35 miles offshore and being hit by weather. In heavy weather, bigger is better.
"the extra cost to run" You don't mention anything about budget to purchase, so I can only assume you can afford to buy either. Then why the comment about "extra cost to run?" The costs for insurance, moorage, bottom paint every three years, fuel, etc., are all rather easy to calculate. So forecasting OPEX it should be rather straightforward.
"... a 47 nordhavn which is a great boat or go for the 62 nordhavn which gives us more elbow room for live aboard" What we call the "size" is the cube of the length of a boat. So your 62 is roughly 2-1/2 times larger. That's a big delta. How do you and wife feel when you walk and visit both boats?
"I have 45 years of boating and 66 years old... I am concerned that it is too big for us to handle" That would depend heavily on both your health and fitness levels. Do you partake in cardio classes, are you weightlifters and physical? Modern technology like thrusters can give you a big edge of course, and they don't break down too often.
Unless you're relatively infirm, you should be able to manage it and in some ways the larger boat is easier to get around than the tight confines of the smaller one. Big boats dock easier IMO. One advice is to keep the boat simpler if possible. That's tough to do with a Nordie since they are loaded with systems, but for example, go with a single versus a twin. Less maintenance and a better engine room.
"... the problem of getting slips that big." That's a real issue. When I was in Southern California I faced that issue a lot, including trying to find 50amp dock circuits versus 30amps. Can you focus more on anchoring out rather than tying up? That will save you ten thousand dollars annually. Load up on solar - try to be independent of land.
BTW, there have been several previous threads on this subject over the years, so do a search for other input as well.
"I am retiring this year and upgrading my boat to travel 9 months a year with the wife." Consider this full time living aboard. To give some scale factor, I prefer living below my means in a modest home, but believe that 50ft is the minimum to have a comfortable amount of space, elbow room and a machinery space that you don't have to crawl through/lean over.
"Plan includes both coast for a few years." Although technically following the coastline, consider this ocean-going work. There are long stretches of unprotected coastline where you'll be 25-35 miles offshore and being hit by weather. In heavy weather, bigger is better.
"the extra cost to run" You don't mention anything about budget to purchase, so I can only assume you can afford to buy either. Then why the comment about "extra cost to run?" The costs for insurance, moorage, bottom paint every three years, fuel, etc., are all rather easy to calculate. So forecasting OPEX it should be rather straightforward.
"... a 47 nordhavn which is a great boat or go for the 62 nordhavn which gives us more elbow room for live aboard" What we call the "size" is the cube of the length of a boat. So your 62 is roughly 2-1/2 times larger. That's a big delta. How do you and wife feel when you walk and visit both boats?
"I have 45 years of boating and 66 years old... I am concerned that it is too big for us to handle" That would depend heavily on both your health and fitness levels. Do you partake in cardio classes, are you weightlifters and physical? Modern technology like thrusters can give you a big edge of course, and they don't break down too often.
Unless you're relatively infirm, you should be able to manage it and in some ways the larger boat is easier to get around than the tight confines of the smaller one. Big boats dock easier IMO. One advice is to keep the boat simpler if possible. That's tough to do with a Nordie since they are loaded with systems, but for example, go with a single versus a twin. Less maintenance and a better engine room.
"... the problem of getting slips that big." That's a real issue. When I was in Southern California I faced that issue a lot, including trying to find 50amp dock circuits versus 30amps. Can you focus more on anchoring out rather than tying up? That will save you ten thousand dollars annually. Load up on solar - try to be independent of land.
BTW, there have been several previous threads on this subject over the years, so do a search for other input as well.
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The N47 is probably big enough to 'ease' you into the activities you are planning.
It's also small enough to fit into more marinas and mooring/anchoring choices.
Nordhavns are known to retain their resale value so after a few years cruising the 47
you can sell her and upgrade to something else.
It's also small enough to fit into more marinas and mooring/anchoring choices.
Nordhavns are known to retain their resale value so after a few years cruising the 47
you can sell her and upgrade to something else.
mvweebles
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I delivered a bunch of Nordhavn's in the 1998-2004 time frame. Suggestion to consider the N57 is a good one - strong boat, well built, and relatively fast. I took one from Dana Point to Ft Lauderdale, about 4600 nms in 25-days. She loped along easily at over 9 kts (220 nm days) burning around 6 gph. I also delivered over half-dozen N47s north to OR/WA/BC. A comfortable boat, but a bit slow. Barely does 170 nms days. That extra 50 nms per day makes a big difference - and the N57 has a very low COG and is damn stable. I do not have much experience with the N62 so will not comment, except as other's have said - man, ton of stairs. But what a great looking boat!
If you're not already familiar, yYou may want to read through Ken Williams' blog (www.KensBlog.com) as he owned and cruised the heck out of an N62. He's a prolific writer who sold San Souci for a larger Nordhavn 60+ footer 8 or so years ago so you can find his earlier posts, and I'm sure he compares the two boats. He is having a Grand Banks built to do the Loop, so he may even compare them. Perhaps as importantly, he and his wife cruise over half the year, so a similar lifestyle to what you're considering.
Best regards - great dream.
Peter
If you're not already familiar, yYou may want to read through Ken Williams' blog (www.KensBlog.com) as he owned and cruised the heck out of an N62. He's a prolific writer who sold San Souci for a larger Nordhavn 60+ footer 8 or so years ago so you can find his earlier posts, and I'm sure he compares the two boats. He is having a Grand Banks built to do the Loop, so he may even compare them. Perhaps as importantly, he and his wife cruise over half the year, so a similar lifestyle to what you're considering.
Best regards - great dream.
Peter
Mako, I hope that's not true because I just turned 67 and am only beginning to look!
As far as losing money is concerned, both models the OP mentions only exist on the
used market and are highly sought after.
I would be surprised if a used N47 lost much value at all in a few more years of use.
As far as losing money is concerned, both models the OP mentions only exist on the
used market and are highly sought after.
I would be surprised if a used N47 lost much value at all in a few more years of use.
nemier
Senior Member
Hi JP,
My wife and I have owned our N62 for the last 8 years. We handle the vessel ourselves, and have 29,000 miles under her keel so far. (Vancouver - Australia). We love the boat, and she continues to get better (and smaller) with each passing day. She's a great sea boat, and looks after us. We have hydraulic thrusters, so close quarter maneuvering is easy, and makes me look like a rock star. I work from the boat, and she's also basically our home now. (although we do have a base in Vancouver).
I'm not certain if the N62 will be the best boat for you, but it certainly is for us. As others have said, the N57 is a great boat, and the N47 will make you proud. You can't go wrong. Personally though, we need the space, so we went bigger. Marina slips have never been an issue, but we have totally autonomy for a year on the hook if required.
If you have any N62 (or general Nordhavn questions), I'll be happy to reply here. Best of luck to you!
My wife and I have owned our N62 for the last 8 years. We handle the vessel ourselves, and have 29,000 miles under her keel so far. (Vancouver - Australia). We love the boat, and she continues to get better (and smaller) with each passing day. She's a great sea boat, and looks after us. We have hydraulic thrusters, so close quarter maneuvering is easy, and makes me look like a rock star. I work from the boat, and she's also basically our home now. (although we do have a base in Vancouver).
I'm not certain if the N62 will be the best boat for you, but it certainly is for us. As others have said, the N57 is a great boat, and the N47 will make you proud. You can't go wrong. Personally though, we need the space, so we went bigger. Marina slips have never been an issue, but we have totally autonomy for a year on the hook if required.
If you have any N62 (or general Nordhavn questions), I'll be happy to reply here. Best of luck to you!
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Slider70
Senior Member
I have boated all my life. Now 74. When I looked for my last new vessel four years ago, for cruising and live aboard, I capped my search at 50' length overall. The main reason is boating the PNW once you are over 50' your docking choices are drastically reduced. Also the larger the boat the more challenges docking in marinas. At that time I did a lot of solo boating.
However, with a good skiff one can anchor out & use the skiff as many do. I did not like that scenario.
It really boils down to what you want to do with your vessel along with your present and near future physical condition.
However, with a good skiff one can anchor out & use the skiff as many do. I did not like that scenario.
It really boils down to what you want to do with your vessel along with your present and near future physical condition.
stroutmail
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9 months a year on your boat means it is your primary residence. If you can afford the purchase and operation of the bigger one, get it. If you are on a budget..get the smaller one. Worry about money in retirement will shorten your life.
nemier
Senior Member
Hi Deepblue,
Not sure if you were replying to my post above? If so, answer is 'no' - I have not written a book (yet), but there was one N62 owner who did. James Ellingford (6220 - Pendana). He has since sold the boat, and moved on to other projects.
There is a peach of a N57 available is you are interested. But situated in Hawaii, last I heard. Good luck!
mvweebles
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Ken Williams also wrote a book with his N62 on the cover - he is credited as a co-author on James Ellingford's book. I've never read Williams' book, but have read a number of his blogs (www.KensBlog.com). He's an exceptional writer - a very easy read.
https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Ocean-Under-Power-Anniversary/dp/1484890604
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