Nordhavn N51 Review (2024 Edition)

The Nordhavn 51 is a production boat, designed to reduce costs and production time while appealing to buyers who prefer to avoid over-customisation or micromanaging build processes. 

The Nordhavn 51 has reflected its roots in the N41 while addressing a need for more space, an extra head, and a flybridge. It has a separate pilothouse, more in line with the traditional long-range cruising Nordhavns. The interior, however, has kept some of the N41's finishes. The satin-finished walnut in the salon, complemented by teak and ebony laminate soles, is modern without risking the alienation of Nordhavn die-hards. The galley is still positioned amidships - a Nordhavn classic - keeping the cook central to the action and boosting the home-from-home feel.

Accommodation on the Nordhavn 51 is a captain's berth up in the pilothouse, an amidships cabin, and a forward cabin setup. Both cabins could easily be called the owner's, offering a choice based on personal preference - the amidships might be quieter when at anchor but access from the bridge to the forward cabin is very quick.

A significant departure from the norm is the use of twin engines. Usually, Nordhavns have a single engine with a wing engine. This decision for twin engines has come about from extensive research at Nordhavn, including running CFD programs, revealing that twin engines offer the most efficient propulsion for this model. This twin-engine setup also considers reliability, with dual shafts and props for fail-safes.

On deck, there's a lot of white; white fibreglass, white cushions, and more, causing glare under the sun, a minor downside in an otherwise very practical, easy-to-maintain deck area. The stark brightness could be toned down a bit, but these materials are built to last, with durability and ease of maintenance front and centre.

The amidships galley has a proper seagoing setup. Right in the heart of things, the galley provides a home-from-home vibe and is equipped with a big hob and pot clamps to keep them stable if cooking on the move. There's also a large microwave, a wide oven, and a trash compactor for waste management on longer jaunts.

For extended trips away from shore, cooling space is crucial. The saloon has a big fridge, another sizeable fridge, two chest freezers, and additional hidden freezer space, so you’re well-stocked. Moving to the main internal living space, it’s cosy but still benefits from the asymmetric deck, expanding the area to the port side. The main seating area doesn’t convert to a berth, unlike other Nordhavns, but you’ll find an extra leaf to extend the table, accommodating more chairs for dining indoors.

There's a pop-up television and freestanding furniture - though it may block some access to technical areas in the cupboard behind, it's a trade-off for comfortable seating arrangements. The saloon has a good head height and nice lighting, featuring strip lighting, spots, and lights on either side. Handholds are recessed throughout the space, blending into the design until you need them.

Forward Cabin

A large hanging locker is next to the entryway, mirrored by another on the opposite side. Other storage solutions include drawers beneath the bed, hip-level compartments, shallow storage under the TV, and small cubbies. The tall fiddles on bedside sections mean your bits and bobs stay put.

If you're over six feet tall, you might find yourself ducking here and there, especially with the overhang near the bed. The low-set berth, which is a lovely size proves simple to clamber in and out of, and sitting up in bed should be comfortable enough.

The bathroom has a good height as well, though it's a bit narrow. A separate shower cubicle means you won't drench everything while showering, though, and there's a skylight that provides natural light and ventilation for steam to escape. 

Amidships Cabin

The amidships cabin's berths run across the boat, and they can slide together or apart, converting from two twins to a double. Although this cabin doesn't have the same amount of space as the forward cabin and it doesn't have hanging storage either, so the forward cabin might be better as the owner's. There is a sliding door to help mitigate the lack of space and there's clever storage with cubby holes, cupboards, and drawers along the bottom.  

Head height is good, and three hull windows give lots of natural light; it's a bright and inviting space. The bathroom, slightly smaller than the forward one, features a separate shower cubicle and though a bit tight, it still has decent natural light.

If you're just two on board, this cabin offers a handy alternative for sleeping arrangements. If you're anchored or on a buoy with hull slap proving an issue forward, you can move cabins if needed.

For serious passage-making I expect the skipper would stay down at the lower helm, but on a pleasant day, it's wonderful to be up here, especially when entering an unfamiliar port or anchorage. The single helm has an elevated view forward, and a great view aft, so there's a good sense of what's around you. There are twin throttles and a bow thruster; this is a heavy displacement yacht with a reasonable keel section so it should sit nice and steady in the water in marina environments.

You also get a decent dinette table and seating area, making it a delightful spot for guests to chill out on a sunny day. There is the option to cover the area with a Sunbrella bimini top for a bit of shade, and the radar arch, and VHF aerial, complete with navigation equipment, fold down to reduce air draft.

Sitting here is comfortable, with the bow thruster and other controls in easy reach. Cruising at 6 knots with a transatlantic range, this helm station is set up for long travels. Behind the helm, the dinette offers a spot to enjoy the ride or get some work done with a cup of tea. For longer passages, the single pilot berth is a handy addition. It’s a good size, with a curtain divider, light, and an air conditioning vent - a well-thought-out berth close to the bridge.

The cockpit is a clear, open space ideal for water sports or a spot of fishing, thanks to a well-protected design. There's no fixed furniture; anything freestanding is meant to be cleared away when doing the hard yards. The design has allowed for easy drainage, and the lack of teak makes the GRP deck sole a doddle to maintain.

Tall bulwarks and a significant overhang provide a sense of security, and there are lots of strategically placed handholds. The fixed stubby bathing platform, complete with drop-in railings has a shower to rinse off after a dip in the sea. A pop-up tabletop is useful for prepping the day's catch or resting with a drink.

There are rock-solid cleats and enormous fairleads integrated into the topsides for easy mooring. Boarding options include a gate on the port side and stern access. 

Side Decks & Foredeck

The N51 has an asymmetric design, the benefits of which are seen on deck and also inside the saloon. The starboard deck is wide and easy to navigate with good protection from the bulwarks and overhead. There's a boarding gate that will be very useful when docking alongside a higher pontoon. It’s worth noting that the deep deck locker here is ideal for stowing the fenders and other deck gear.

Forward, the first of two side doors gives direct access to the bridge. Next is a big step leading onto the foredeck, where the deck levels out. The foredeck is mainly a leisure area, complete with a cleverly integrated bench forward. Given the N51's main cruising speed of around 8 knots, it should be a lovely spot to sit and take in the ride.

Practicality doesn’t take a back seat either, with the anchor arrangement housed neatly within a well to prevent dirt and water from trailing down the deck. There's ample storage, and the anchor equipment and mooring gear are easy to access and adjust - just as you'd expect.

The raised port side deck leads to the boat deck, with a few level changes. While you can crew from either side, the starboard side is probably where most of the crewing will happen, as it has the boarding gates. The high railings make you feel very secure, although tying fenders may require longer lines.

For a 50-footer, it's great that the engine room access is a full-height door, right off from the accommodation. Stepping inside, there's a washing machine and dryer close to the guest accommodation and the access panels for the ABT Trac fin stabilisers are here too. 

As you move further in, you'll find yourself between the two 160hp John Deere engines. The fuel filters have clear bowls for quick visual checks, and built-in fuel polishing should keep the fuel pristine. Sight gauges also provide a read on tank levels without having to rely on digital gauges.

Further aft, the generator sits in splendid isolation, easy to inspect and work on. A handy hose is also present - ideal for when a wash-down is needed - and clear panels over the shafts offer easy checks on the couplings. The white surroundings will make spotting leaks or oil spills easy.

While the headroom might feel a tad cramped, the setup is good and practical for owner-operators; everything's within reach, with a focus on ease of use even when on the move. However, if major work is required, panels in the deck above can be removed to crane the engines out.

Nordhavn has been quite tight-lipped about the exact costs and specs of the N51 but the boat that we viewed at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was priced at $2,200,000 ex VAT. 

In the context of how capable this boat is and the places it can take you given its size, that price seems reasonable, especially when you consider that Nordhavns tend to come as standard with a good specification.

For example, the N51 comes as standard with an 11.5kW Onan generator, bow thruster, fin stabilisers, Webasto heating, the deck crane, and a full suite of Garmin nav gear and Fusion AV tech, among other things. 

There isn't the need to pore over an exhaustive options list to pick the items you need to create a turn-key package, the N51 is ready to go. Yes, performance is very limited on a boat like this, but those smaller engines also play a part in making the headline price that bit more palatable.