Nordhavn 96 Rivals

Which yacht is best for you? As always, it’s all about personal choice. Some people choose a yacht on its characteristics (incidentally the N96 has won 1 award, most recently for "Power Yacht (25-40m)"). Some people choose their yacht based on its power credentials and the displacement hull of the N96 delivers speeds of up to 12 knots. Some may even choose their yacht based upon features such as: foredeck stowage for a 20ft tender, main or bridge deck owners’ suite, 13m/43ft of living accommodation on the main deck, 4,000-mile range at 9 knots and separate crew quarters.

Accommodation

If hosting guests overnight is your top priority, then the Nordhavn N96 offers well-appointed accommodation for up to 8 guests with its 4 cabin layout option. Nonetheless, competitors like the Horizon FD100 Skyline and Nordhavn N120 have a slight edge in guest accommodation, with the capacity to sleep up to 10 guests in 5 cabins. This makes them more suitable for those looking to maximize the number of family and friends accommodated onboard. The N96 benefits from a master cabin with a his and hers en-suite bathroom, hull side windows and a skylight is a standout and all cabins have dedicated en-suite bathrooms for family or guest convenience. The Outer Reef Yachts 880 CPMY is tailored for somewhat smaller groups of 6 guests yet can still deliver an outstanding level of comfort for family vacations.

Performance

When it comes to cruising speed, the Nordhavn N96 has been designed for those not in a hurry, with the slowest cruising speed of the group at 10 knots and a top speed of 12 knots. The Nordhavn N96 emphasizes stability and comfort over outright speed and its target audience will be those who enjoy the journey over the destination. The title for the fastest cruising speed goes to the Gulf Craft 95 SUV which has an impressive cruising speed of 17 knots powered by its twin 1,900hp MAN V12-1900 engines and can reach a top speed of 25 knots. This is closely followed by the Outer Reef Yachts 880 CPMY with a notable cruising speed of 21 knots and top speed of 25 knots.

Unique Characteristics

Each yacht also brings unique features to the forefront. The Outer Reef Yachts 880 CPMY impresses with its extensive range of 2,600 nautical miles, ideal for long voyages. The Outer Reef Yachts 880 CPMY, Horizon FD100 Skyline and Gulf Craft 95 SUV all feature shallow drafts for yachts of this size, allowing them to navigate waters inaccessible to deeper vessels.

Summary

Despite stiff competition, the Nordhavn 96 stands out with notable features and design elements. These yachts cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, making the choice a matter of personal taste and specific requirements in the world of luxury yachting.

When considering a new (or indeed used) yacht, it’s certainly important to wonder about the alternatives in the Nordhavn range or indeed its competitors. Browse our hand-picked selection of 5 competing models.