Going to sea in a heavily built boat has obvious advantages. When the weather turns bad, having second thoughts about the boat's integrity can be terribly disconcerting. On the contrary, there is really nothing quite so assuring as the feeling of a strong displacement hull powering to weather, with her captain and crew on watch in a comfortable pilothouse. There are many advantages to building a boat to heavy scantlings, and the Nordhavn 57 benefits from all of them. From the beginning, a "no-compromise" approach can be used without regard for saving weight. Consequently, there is no flexing of decks, no movement of bulkheads or cracking of gelcoat finishes even after years of heavy use. This "no compromise" approach starts with the tooling, materials and building procedures. The hull is a single piece, solid fiberglass structure utilizing the finest vinylester resins below the waterline. Forward sections incorporate extra layers of reinforced glass and resins, providing an additional margin of safety. For extra stiffness, cabin sides, tops and decks are cored. The deck is a one piece, molded part from stem to stern; and the entire wheelhouse, Portuguese bridge, saloon, lower deck and bulwarks come off an advanced, multi-part mold in one piece. This approach ensures an extra strong structure, free of potential cracks and leaks. All hardware, including stainless steel cleats, railings and anchor rollers is made from extra-heavy gauge materials, which not only provide an additional level of safety, but also add to the overall feeling of quality and craftsmanship.
Utilizing these commercial-like construction standards and materials results in a boat that will last longer and look like new for years and years.
Nowhere is the offshore pedigree of Nordhavn more evident than in the 57's pilothouse. P.A.E. has created a space that combines commercially inspired features with the luxurious amenities of a megayacht. Visibility is excellent from the centerline helm seat, and the instrument panel and navigation equipment are within easy reach. There is ample room for installing a comprehensive set of electronic instruments as well as the stowing of traditional charts and chart books.
While the captain is running the ship, guests can be nearby, comfortably seated at the settee and table. Optional arrangements provide an off-watch berth and extra stowage.
The location of the pilothouse provides an especially quiet, vibration free area. Running at cruising speeds, sound levels of less than 65 dB are typical. Additionally, its climate controlled environment and the protection from boarding seas by the Portuguese bridge make it a comfortable, safe place to run the boat in all kinds of weather and conditions.
When weather permits, the 57's fly bridge is the place to be. Accessed from the pilothouse or the aft deck, it offers excellent visibility. There is enough space to install a comprehensive NAV station and helm chair, and there is a built-in, L-shaped settee for guests. Aft of the lounge area, there is room for a l4-foot dinghy and a davit system for easy launching. Inside or out, running the Nordhavn 57 is an experience every knowledgeable boater will appreciate. Her captain will feel he or she is in full command of this magnificent vessel.
Throughout the Nordhavn 57 there are design details that add to the crew's safety, comfort and convenience. In front of the Portuguese bridge is a large molded deck box for stowing fenders, lines and deck gear. The protected cockpit area is surrounded by spacious lockers, and the sturdy swim platform provides easy access from the water. Lazarette hatches feature gas shocks for easy opening and closing. Cleats, chocks and hawseholes are oversized and positioned where needed. The side decks are wide, and the hull extends high enough to provide extra security while on deck. Windows are extra-thick tempered glass, and the doors to the cabin and pilothouse are specially designed, heavy-duty Diamond Seaglaze weather-type doors. Stainless steel pulpits and stanchions are l l/4" in diameter and are all thru-bolted with backing plates. The anchor well is recessed and equipped with overboard drains that prevent mud and sand from finding its way along the decks, and a heavy-duty electric windlass is standard. For easy boarding, there are two side boarding doors in addition to the one in the transom. Dual dorade vents on the foredeck assure ventilation during rough weather.
All details, large and small, show the benefit of years of offshore experience by the P.A.E design and engineering staff. For a full appreciation of these design and construction details, please refer to the comprehensive list of Nordhavn 57 specifications. Also, when comparing this boat to others, it is recommended that close attention be paid to P.A.E.'s list of standard features and equipment, as many boat builders consider a large number of these items to be optional.
