 During
the past 15 years, the name Nordhavn has become synonymous with power
vessels capable of crossing oceans. Superior seaworthiness and ranges
of 2,000 to 3,000 nautical miles and higher have been their signature
characteristics, all made possible by their ruggedly built, full displacement
designs. With models ranging from 40 to 62 feet, the Nordhavn line
of passagemakers has become the preferred choice of knowledgeable
cruisers who have ambitious, blue water plans. In fact, no other production
boats today are so uniquely qualified to take a couple or family around
the world in such comfort and safety.
Now, Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) brings its passion for building
exceptionally seaworthy vessels to the world of semi-displacement,
moderately fast passagemakers. Because of the increasing demands of
today's busy lifestyles, there has been a growing popularity of trawler-styled
yachts that reach speeds in the 12 to 15 knot range. More and more
cruisers, many of whom are avid sailors, have found their cruising
horizons significantly widened if they can economically travel at
speeds in the low to mid teens. Indeed, the term "fast trawler"
has become a popular marketing category. Naturally, with increased
speeds comes a higher rate of fuel consumption and a consequent decrease
in range. Yet it is the compromising seakeeping ability of many popular
"trawlers" that ultimately limits them to close range, coastal
cruising. With the introduction of the Nordhavn 35 Coastal Pilot,
PAE raises the bar for seakeeping performance of today's moderately
fast coastal passagemakers. Utilizing many of the design features
and building techniques that have allowed Nordhavn owners to safely
cross oceans and circumnavigate the globe, the 35 Coastal Pilot is
unlike other currently available semi-displacement boats. The only
limitation of this vessel is the result of its fuel carrying capacity
(a still generous 590 gallons), not its ability to handle rough seas
and heavy winds.
The first in a series of Nordhavn Coastal Pilots was designed to
provide two people with comfortable, spacious accommodations, since
in reality most passagemakers are run by a couple with only occasional
overnight guests. Without the need for additional staterooms, the
35-foot size range was found to be ideal. One large, private stateroom;
one household-sized head with a stall shower; a workable, fully
equipped galley; a spacious saloon with a dining table for four;
and a helm seat built for two are the highlights of the 35's inviting
interior. This boat is at once friendly, cozy and serious in purpose.
To sailors used to being "below," it is spacious, airy
and full of natural light. To those familiar with the ubiquitous
"teaky trawlers," it represents a refreshing approach
that combines low maintenance practicalities with the romance of
salty, work boat aesthetics. Like all Nordhavns, the 35 is a perfect
balance of form and function designed by those who have spent a
good part of their lives at sea.
Realizing that the majority of today's cruising is done well within
300 to 400 miles of fuel stops, the 35 has a range of 400 nautical
miles at its top speed and a range of over 900 miles at a comfortable
8 knots. Throttle back to 7 knots, and the range climbs to over
2000 miles, giving her owner a wide variety of options. When threatening
weather or time deadlines require a quick transit, the 35 can get
up and go. When sea conditions dictate slowing down or schedules
allow, the 590 gallon fuel capacity will provide ranges approaching
that of her full displacement sisterships.
The overall size and dimensions of the 35 will appeal to those
who are making the transition from sail to power. Interior volume,
the cockpit and the deck space are greater than most 40-45 foot
sailboats. The owners will appreciate the all-around visibility
from the main saloon as well as the protected, interior steering
station. Experienced power boaters with larger, more complex and
expensive-to-maintain trawlers or planing vessels will also be attracted
to this unique vessel. "Downsizing" to this very capable
boat that is easily run by two people without a lot of fuss and
expense will make sense to many seasoned cruisers.
An added bonus of the 35's overall dimensions is that it can be
economically transported over land to one's favorite cruising grounds.
Think of all the possibilities, such as spending a summer in the
Northeast, having the boat trucked to Florida to spend the winter
in the Keys and Bahamas, and then shipping it to the Pacific Northwest
to experience the beauty of the San Juan Islands on the way to an
Alaskan adventure. Returning to one's original port via an exploration
of the Great Lakes is very possible with a vessel of this size and
capability.
PAE continues to embrace the advantages of heavily constructed,
full displacement designs for those who dream of crossing oceans
in comfort and safety, and it is passionately devoted to building
its current line and developing new, oceangoing models. It also
recognizes that many knowledgeable boaters would love to own a vessel
of Nordhavn's overall quality yet do not require the extended range
of a full displacement design. Likewise, many boaters today are
not in the position of having the time to take long, offshore voyages.
Instead, they could get a lot more use out of their boat if it could
cruise in the 10 to 12 knot range. For all these reasons, PAE has
introduced the 35 Coastal Pilot, the first in a series of highly
capable, semi-displacement power vessels.
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