Nord Star 31+ Review (2021 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

The Nord Star 31+ is a walk-around boat with the wheelhouse placed centrally, making deck access clear and uninterrupted all the way around. The cockpit at the stern has wraparound seating with two circular bases for a table, an overhead for lighting and protection, and sturdy rails that run around the boat. Fender storage is integrated and easy to access.

There’s a hatch built into the bathing platform to allow quick access to the outdrive in case of a fouled propeller. The decks are wide and well protected, with handrails positioned for safety. One side gate opens outwards, making single-handed berthing possible by letting the helmsman step straight from the helm to the pontoon. Forward, the foredeck houses an electric anchor winch and a chain locker. Above the forward cabin is a hatch and side windows. A powerful LED light bar is installed for night cruising in archipelagos, lighting up reflectors placed on rocks.

Entry to the saloon is through a sliding door aft and the interior can be opened up completely to the outside thanks to the combination of side doors and a large sliding roof hatch. The inside features a seating area and a table that can be adjusted in height by sliding along a central pole. Opposite this is the galley, with a sink, two-burner hob, cooker beneath, fridge, and storage compartments.

The dashboard uses a soft-touch finish to prevent glare on the forward-sloping windscreen. The layout delivers good visibility and light, with large windows and the glass roof hatch. Lighting is tucked into the ceiling panels for a clean look, and the woodwork throughout is of high quality. A Scanstrut wireless phone charger is installed at the helm.

Owner's Cabin

The forward cabin includes two single berths that convert to a double by pulling out a central section and adding a cushion. There’s an overhead hatch, a front-facing window with both flyscreen and blackout blind, and built-in lighting in the headlining.  

Guest Cabin

A second, more concealed cabin lies aft on the lower deck. Accessed through what appears to be cabinetry, it opens to reveal a sizeable space that can be set up with two single berths or a large transverse double using an infill cushion. There are two windows for light and ventilation, including one that opens.

The engine hatch at the stern is large, almost the full width of the boat, providing clear and easy access to the machinery. This boat is powered by a single Volvo Penta D6 440 - a 5.5-litre straight-six engine. It delivers a top speed of around 35 knots and cruises in the high 20s. Range at speed is about 250 nautical miles. The engine bay also contains the trim tab hydraulics, inverter, and battery charging systems. Twin engine setups are possible, though the single-engine configuration is more common.

The Nord Star 31+ replaced the Nord Star 30 and was launched in 2020. Built in Finland, it follows a design philosophy focused on practical use and functionality. It's set up for easy handling, with full walk-around decks, a thoughtful cockpit, and robust railings. The interior feels light, solid, and user-friendly, with adaptable spaces both above and below deck. The helm is geared for serious cruising, and the engine installation allows straightforward maintenance. This is a boat built for people who want to get out on the water and not have to think twice about it.