2002 Nordhavn Trawler

Step aboard and you immediately feel why Nordhavns have a cult following. The heavy layup, secure walkaround decks and deep bulwarks invite you to move about in a seaway with confidence. In the pilothouse, the commanding helm position, big windows and proper watch berth make night passages far less tiring. Down below, a surprisingly generous engine room lets you actually get to what you need to service, instead of just staring at labels through finger-width gaps. Storage is everywhere—under settees, in cleverly placed lockers and in the utility spaces—so provisioning for months, not days, becomes realistic. This is a boat that rewards slow, thoughtful cruising, with a motion that feels more like a small ship than a pleasure yacht.

A Nordhavn trawler shines in these waters, where conditions can shift from calm to contrary chop in a single tide change. The full-displacement hull, deep draft and substantial weight translate into a steady ride when afternoon winds pipe up or swell stacks against current. Long-range fuel capacity and miserly burn let you stretch between far-flung harbors and quiet anchorages without hunting for fuel docks. The high bow, stout railings and protected cockpit are ideal when you’re running exposed stretches or threading inlets with confused seas. With its efficient passagemaking speed and comfortable liveaboard layout, this Nordhavn makes an excellent home base for exploring both sheltered waterways and offshore routes throughout the region.