Tell me about the Nordic Tug 54

[RabigAngel]

Having just joined the site, I hope it's ok to start out by asking questions. The thing that brought me here is research for a new boat. I have narrowed my options a bit already but I don't know everything that's out there.

The requirements are comfort for full-time living (2 people), high reliability, and seaworthiness for trips of up to 2000NM at a time (possibly more).

I am looking at a Nordic Tug 54 right now but as an admittedly inexperienced boater who has 4 years to educate himself before casting off, can anyone tell me the good or bad of the NT54?

All help is most appreciated.

[keysdisease]

As an inexperienced boater with 4 years to kill before casting off you might think about buying a 30- 40ft trawler to get some experience in this type, even if its just as a day boat or weekender. Another option is chartering.

A 54' anything is a lot of boat for a beginner, suggest you think about using the next 4 years to work up to it. By then your experience will make you much more prepared to make the right choice.

Steve

[taniwha]

Originally Posted by RabigAngel

Having just joined the site, I hope it's ok to start out by asking questions. The thing that brought me here is research for a new boat. I have narrowed my options a bit already but I don't know everything that's out there.

The requirements are comfort for full-time living (2 people), high reliability, and seaworthiness for trips of up to 2000NM at a time (possibly more).

I am looking at a Nordic Tug 54 right now but as an admittedly inexperienced boater who has 4 years to educate himself before casting off, can anyone tell me the good or bad of the NT54?

All help is most appreciated.

Www.passagemaker.co.za 48ft full time live aboard for three people, very fuel efficient. 4000 miles range, 250 000 euros. Beautiful lines.Just pm me if you want info.

[RabigAngel]

I know I'm inexperienced and I have jumped into things in the past that were huge in scale. I'll be educating myself thoroughly on this but because of my research, I already know the scale of boat that I will require. That's why I'm interested in feedback on the Nortic Tug 54 or perhaps the Nordhavn 47.

Any info on the pros and cons of these boats would be greatly appreciated.

[taniwha]

Nordhavn 47 is a great boat and in my opinion the best that was ever made by Nordhavn. Obviously a company with lots of experience in the field. Do yorself a favor and get Roberts Bebes book cruising under power and do not forget to compare the consumption rates of the various trawlers.

[RabigAngel]

Another question: If I picked up a 1994 model boat vs a 2010 model boat, what would I be losing out on?

I'm assuming an engine rebuild or replacement as part of initial costs so mostly, I'm wondering about electronics or other, newer features that the '94 might not have.

[sean9c]

I think the first couple of 54's were twin screw with the props behind big skegs. I seem to remember that this didn't work out so well. Boat was reintroduced with a single engine.
It's a big ol' block of a boat, Don't really see it as a distance cruiser, I'd be surprised if it has your range.. Look at a Nordhavn

[WestVanHan]

IIRC top speed of 15-17 knots and 600 hp+ = semi displacement= choose your weather windows carefully.

I'm sure if you google it you can find tests online.

[RabigAngel]

Originally Posted by WestVanHan

IIRC top speed of 15-17 knots and 600 hp+ = semi displacement= choose your weather windows carefully.

I'm sure if you google it you can find tests online.

I have found reviews aplenty on the Nordhavn 47, which is currently the front-runner for me. Not so much on the Tug.

[Milehog]

The Nordic Tugs owners I've talked with love 'em though I haven't spoken to anyone with a 54.

[Tad]

There are "reviews" of the Nordic 52/54 at Power & Motoryacht and Yachting. These are really editorial adds and are not in the least critical. The Yachting reviewer mentions that with twin 480HP Cummins "her sweet spot is 14 knots and a miserly 27gph"!!! Without the generator that's 3857 usgal for your 2000 mile trip, at $3.50/gal that's only $13,400 for fuel........I don't understand that kind of consumption........

[RabigAngel]

Originally Posted by Tad

There are "reviews" of the Nordic 52/54 at Power & Motoryacht and Yachting. These are really editorial adds and are not in the least critical. The Yachting reviewer mentions that with twin 480HP Cummins "her sweet spot is 14 knots and a miserly 27gph"!!! Without the generator that's 3857 usgal for your 2000 mile trip, at $3.50/gal that's only $13,400 for fuel........I don't understand that kind of consumption........

You think it's bad fuel economy? Or good?

[Tad]

Originally Posted by RabigAngel

You think it's bad fuel economy? Or good?

It's identical to the "economy" of the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 and close to the Grand Banks Aleutian 53.

I think it's an extraordinarily selfish use of resources. The same boat will use less than 5 gph at 9 knots, and optimized for 9 knots with correct hull form and power she would do better. So you could cover the same 2000 miles using about 1/4 the fuel.........An optimized shape could get 10mpg vs 0.5.......And why does one need to cover 2000 miles on a holiday? There's lots to see and do closer to home....honest.....

[RabigAngel]

Originally Posted by Tad

It's identical to the "economy" of the Beneteau Swift Trawler 52 and close to the Grand Banks Aleutian 53.

I think it's an extraordinarily selfish use of resources. The same boat will use less than 5 gph at 9 knots, and optimized for 9 knots with correct hull form and power she would do better. So you could cover the same 2000 miles using about 1/4 the fuel.........An optimized shape could get 10mpg vs 0.5.......And why does one need to cover 2000 miles on a holiday? There's lots to see and do closer to home....honest.....

Ok, now I see where you're coming from. Yes, I thought it seemed pretty outrageous as well, but I'm about 99% green to boating (so far).

[WestVanHan]

Originally Posted by RabigAngel

You think it's bad fuel economy? Or good?

My boat isn't a trawler,but at 53' over all that 27 gph will put me at about 17 knots...and .63 mpg. But I can go to 30+ knots and it's still at about .52 mpg.

At 10 knots I'm at 9 gph..but I stay in my area so really use little fuel in a year.

Is 'seaworthy for 2000 miles at a time" involve coastal cruising,or maybe running to the Caribbean?

A semi displacement boat is adequate for coastal cruising,I know many "non trawlers" island hop the Caribbean...but I don't know about the weather there so maybe someone who does can chime in.