 Every
decade or so a yacht is designed that is extraordinarily successful
by all measures. Lines and proportion are wonderfully pleasing, while
at the same time highly functional. Aesthetic attraction is universal,
performance is exemplary, and the ideal balance between subjective
and objective qualities is achieved. One design having all of these
characteristics is rare, and it invariably becomes a classic by which
others are measured. In the highly specialized world of oceangoing,
recreational power vessels, the Nordhavn 46 has achieved the legendary
status of a modern day classic. Born from the driving passion of the
founders of Pacific Asian Enterprises, P.A.E., the 46 was from the
very beginning a design that broke the marketing and styling rules
of the day. Challenging the popular trends of the marine industry
for light, go-fast boats, the Nordhavn 46 immediately attracted an
ardent following of sailors and power boaters who shared a common
desire to travel the oceans of the world. Many had read Robert Beebe's
Voyaging Under Power and were searching for their ideal passagemaker.
Others had simply become tired of the discomfort of voyaging under
sail and the dependence on fair wind and good weather. The P.A.E.
team, already developing and marketing the beautiful, oceangoing line
of Mason sailboats, saw this opportunity and introduced the Nordhavn
46 to the enthusiastic response of experienced cruisers. What may
have seemed like a cult following at first has grown to a worldwide
family of boat lovers who enjoy the comfort and simplicity of voyaging
under power.
From the very beginning, the Nordhavn 46 has stood out from all
other "trawler yachts.'' There was nothing on the market that
could compare with its offshore ability, economical operation and
luxurious accommodations. In production for over ten years, the
Nordhavn 46 has continued its position of prominence, benefiting
from hundreds of innovative refinements inspired by owners cruising
throughout the world. Interior layout details have been finessed
to increase the boat's level of comfort and convenience. Superior
systems have been developed and engineered for improved dependability
and performance. New materials like fiberglass fuel tanks, vinylester
resins and Divinicell cores have been used to increase the life
expectancy of components. Engine room sound insulation materials
have been upgraded; new, quieter mufflers are being used; and even
engine air intakes have been designed to be quieter. The dry exhaust
system has been suspended to mechanically isolate it from the rest
of the boat, and by extending it to the top of the mast, the exhaust
is quieter and cleaner. Fine-tuning the prop specifications has
resulted in a more efficient, quieter ride at all speeds. And because
today's modern cruising vessel depends more and more on electrical
accessories and appliances, the Nordhavn 46's electrical system
has undergone a series of upgrades. All wiring is done with fully
tinned, marine grade wire and an easy-to-see, custom designed AC/DC
distribution panel is installed in the wheelhouse. A heavy-duty
inverter system is now standard, as is a foolproof charging system
for all
battery banks. Detail after detail, the Nordhavn 46 has enjoyed
the benefits of its popularity among cruisers who have collectively
helped to make each one a better, more refined version of the original.
Of course, a true characteristic of a classic is its everlasting
quality and long term popularity. Jeff Leishman, the 46's naval
architect, and the rest of the P.A.E. team, continue to be delighted
at the ever-increasing popularity of this vessel. What specifically
is the reason for this timeless acceptance? It's really quite simple.
The Nordhavn 46 delivers on its promise to safely, comfortably and
economically take owners and their families, even those with modest
boating skills, anywhere in the world. No other production boat,
sail or power, has experienced as many successful circumnavigations
or ocean crossings as the Nordhavn 46. And while not all owners
plan to take their 46 around the world, they cruise in confidence,
knowing their boat has the ability to safely cross oceans. Even
if they don't have such ambitious plans, they know their Nordhavn
46 can take them across the bay, down the coast, through the canal
and across the stream.
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