With options galore, including sterndrives or IPS propulsion and the choice of adding a flybridge, the Cruiser variant introduces a leisure-centric layout that doesn't skimp on luxury or utility.
Priced competitively, considering its top-spec offerings and under £750,000 including VAT, the Nord Star 42+ has a compelling top-spec package which is pretty good going whether you opt for the flybridge or not, with two cabins and separate bathrooms.
Nord Star 42+ Key Facts
- LOA 43.963ft
- Model Year 2023
- Cabins 2
- Max Speed 42 knots
- Status In Production
- Yacht Type Wheelhouse
- Use Type Cruising
Test & Review Video
Around the Marina
Like other Nord Stars, the 42+ has a full walk-around design, so it feels safe and it's great for ease of movement - a real plus for docking. You have your side doors on both sides and a cleverly placed guardrail that flips back and a neat cut-out in the bulwark - moving from helm to pontoon is a breeze, turning what could be a complex dance into a simple step. This design is a boon, especially when you're cruising solo.
Now, let's talk tech. The joystick control paired with the Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) propels the Nord Star 42+ into a realm of handling previously dominated by Volvo's IPS systems. The gap has well and truly closed, with sterndrives now offering a slow-speed driving experience that's right up there. You don't get the stern sneaking ahead of the bow when you attempt a sideways shuffle and the boat responds to joystick commands with precision.
The DPS, a feature that first made waves with IPS, now works on the sterndrive engines, holding the boat steady in position with uncanny accuracy. It’s like having an invisible hand keeping the boat perfectly placed as you ready the lines and fenders.
Engine Room
When getting to the engine spaces, the test boat was customised with a cool box and bait well at the end of the seating area and didn't feature the full opening deck hatch typically found on the 42. Instead, we had quick access hatches. The hatches are a clever solution but are a much more compact entry point for thorough engine checks.
Diving into the specifics, even with this alternative setup, access isn't a huge bother. Clambering down, I could comfortably inspect the engines - even if headroom was a tad snug over the motors themselves. For those opting for the variant with the hatch that fully opens, there will be no complaints.
Standing within the engine well, it's clear there's more than enough room for essential kit storage, with the generator neatly tucked on the starboard side. For those thirsty for more range, an additional 500 litres of fuel can be accommodated here, or perhaps a Seakeeper, if stabilisation is on your wishlist - and yes, there's still room to spare for these hefty additions.
On the day-to-day, routine checks are perfectly easy. From belt tension to water strainers and fuel filters, everything is within easy reach, ensuring that keeping the Nord Star 42+ in top shape is not so much of a chore.
At Sea
Driving the Nord Star 42+ is very easy. At the helm, the boat feels like it's almost piloting itself, with the engines humming quietly in the background as you slice through the water at a steady 25 knots. The integration of trim assist on the sterndrive legs and the Zipwake system set to auto means that the boat is doing most of the work for you. The only thing left to do is steer and make sure you don't run into anything, but when it comes to trim and positioning in the water, it's as simple as choosing your speed.
Pushing along into a slight chop at speeds of 30/32 knots presents no issues and the driving position is excellent. The optional Grammer shock-absorbing helm seat soaks up the bumps and slides close to the helm so the major controls all really easily to hand. You adopt a very relaxed posture, leaning back in the seat, arm draped over the armrests in the sort of position you'd be in if you were cruising your car on the motorway. It feels like very easy miles.
The hull makes light work of the conditions even when crossing the wash. There's no need to adjust the throttles, maintaining a steady 2,500rpm and 25 knots, consuming just 80lph across both engines. Genuinely impressive.
Choosing between sterndrive and IPS presents an interesting dilemma and there are good arguments for both. The IPS may offer slightly sharper joystick control, but the efficiency and fun of the sterndrive, with its slender design minimising drag, are hard to beat.
The twin 440hp engines demonstrate remarkable fuel efficiency at cruising speed. At slow speeds, the difference between sterndrive and IPS joystick control narrows significantly, with sterndrives offering the added benefit of leg adjustment for shallow work, making them an appealing and, quite possibly, more efficient option.
Handling
Despite its sturdy appearance, the Nord Star 42+ responds with enthusiasm to inputs from the helm. The steering is light but not overly so, allowing for precise navigation whether cruising straight or maneuvering through challenging conditions. The boat's ability to execute quick turns and navigate the troughs of waves with a sharp angle of heel shows off its how nimble it is.
All these features contribute to the Nord Star 42+'s ease of operation and cruising comfort. The combination of advanced electronics, a comfortable driving position, and the refined handling over chop allows for a relaxed cruising experience. There's confidence in the yacht's capabilities, partly due to the DNA it shares with the slightly larger Nord Star 49+, which has proven itself in much more challenging conditions during one of our test.
The interior salon has floor-to-ceiling glass and a light oak finish, and feels bright and open - a rare feat in vessels of this size. Opting out of a flybridge in favour of a sunroof has brought about the bonus of maximising the interior light. The U-shaped dinette integrates with the cockpit through sliding doors.
The galley, stretching along the starboard side, is stylish and practical. While the sink and fridge freezer is compact, the thoughtful allocation of storage and the inclusion of a surprisingly sizable oven mean it should be comfortable for longer stints on board.
The split bathroom concept in the owner's cabin is a stroke of clever design, enhancing both function and privacy. Meanwhile, the amidships cabin, accessible through a hidden entrance beneath the navigator bench, offers an unexpectedly spacious and versatile guest space, complete with its own bathroom.
The bathing platform, protected by a rubber rubbing strake, along with the practical cockpit designed for both relaxation and fishing, showcases the boat's dual nature. The inclusion of a fixed bathing platform and ample storage for essentials like fenders and life rafts build into the boat's strength as an owner-operated proposition.
The exterior, from the cockpit to the side decks and foredeck, is designed with safety and utility in mind. Double access steps into the cockpit, high guard rails, and full walk-around capability ensure ease of movement and safety on board. The foredeck, while utilitarian in this instance, offers some potential for customisation.
This genre of boat simply doesn't have accommodation to rival a traditional flybridge or sportscruiser of a similar size.
The standard single side door and the central sliding doors open up the interior to natural light, with floor-to-ceiling glass and full wraparound windows, further enhanced by a skylight hatch above. These all combine to flood the wheelhouse with daylight, accentuated by the light oak wood finish - it's lovely and bright. Handy for ventilation too.
And how about the layout in here? Differing from the Targa and Sargo, it offers a more leisure-focused arrangement with a U-shaped dinette, paired with a versatile table that extends to accommodate more guests - it's a highlight. The push-button floor section raising to meet the bench is a brilliant addition, ensuring everyone has a spot at the table. The backrests on the navigator's bench can be pushed forward or back - adding more seats to face the table.
The TV placement might not win any style awards, but it's a practical solution given the space constraints. The pulldown screen is a handy feature for those sunny days at sea, so you don't have to completely rely on your sunglasses.
Moving to the galley, it's positioned opposite the dinette and stretches generously along most of the starboard side. The layout gives decent countertop space, though the sink isn't enormous. The absence of a dishwasher in this model isn’t a deal-breaker, as there’s provision to add one, nestled beneath the hob. Storage is a strong point here, with plenty of under-counter options to stash away goods, making it suited for those extended stays on board.
The fridge freezer is a bit slim but there's a reasonable amount of space in there and it is double height - allowing for more undercounter space. The oven is larger than what you might expect on a craft of this size.
Owner's Cabin
Beyond a central lobby area, you have the owner’s cabin - with a good-sized double bed with ample space to sit up and indulge in a bit of bedtime reading. While the portholes don’t give you masses of natural light, the yacht’s bright colour scheme, particularly the light oak option, does a great job of brightening up the space. An overhead hatch helps as well adding a bit of ventilation and a glimpse of the sky.
Something that works well here is the split bathroom - on the port side, you have just a shower cubicle and the toilet on the other. The toilet has two points of entry - direct access from the owner’s cabin and another access to the central lobby. So if you have got people sleeping in the saloon - there is the option to have a berth up at the dinette area of the saloon - you just have a bit more privacy, which is key on a boat of this size. And splitting the shower and toilet means that someone can shower, and someone can use the loo, meaning there are no queues in the morning.
Secret Amidships Cabin
Moving to the amidships cabin, Nord Star has tucked away a surprise under the navigator bench - a sneaky, secret guest cabin. The entrance, accessible by lifting the navigator bench, is wide and welcoming, with shallow steps leading down into a cosy yet very usable guest area.
The headroom is a little restricted over the berth but there is enough space for getting dressed or simply sitting about. The separate bathroom for this cabin for me is a clever bit of design, giving guests total privacy and eliminating the need for nighttime treks to the forward facilities. And there's flexibility as well, with the option to change from twin singles to a huge double bed. A very useful second cabin.
You can probably picture it now, one hand on the wheel, casually leaning back on the fantastic Grammer suspension chair - the driving experience is basically effortless. Everything you need is within easy reach, ensuring that adjustments can be made swiftly and without having to stretch.
Front and center is the enormous Simrad MFD, fully touchscreen and with manual switching located conveniently below. Touchscreens are great, but when it's a bit bumpy, the tactile feedback of physical switches is reassuring.
You are insulated from the elements. The sterndrive configuration, with engines placed far back in the hull makes it incredibly easy to speak without having to compete with the noise of the engines or the hull going over the water.
The driving position is commanding, elevated, and surrounded by glass, offering panoramic views that is excellent. Even in tight maneuvers, sightlines remain clear thanks to the cleverly integrated glass sunroof, ensuring that you can always keep an eye on the horizon. You do get a bit of glare in this window when it's really, really shining brightly - for those days, the pull-down screen minimizes glare, allowing you to maintain focus without being blinded.
The Nord Star 42+ has a sizable bathing platform, a neat spot that can either come fixed or, for those inclined, a hydraulic version is available - though, mind you, that's a treat reserved for the IPS variant only. If you want to store a tender this would be the place for it - but if you want to store the tender elsewhere the 42+ is brimming with options to keep this space uncluttered.
A noticeable feature seen from here is the protective rubber strake encircling the vessel for your peace of mind when docking. The sterndrive version has an inspection hatch allowing for a visual check-up of the props - if anything's tangled around them, you might not have to go under the boat to sort it.
Cockpit
The cockpit has double access steps up from the bathing platform on both sides, leading to a welcoming U-shaped seating arrangement. Nord Star could have gone for L-shaped seating giving wider access on one side but this double setup works well, giving symmetry and quick access to whichever side of the boat you are on. The cockpit is tailored to angling, dotted with rod holders and with bait wells integrated into the seating. The seating doesn't monopolise the space, keeping the deck free for fishing. The test boat had a simple fibreglass table, practical for fishing - Nord Star does allow for custom table finishes to suit.
The whole area can be enclosed and coupled with the larger aft doors, for an indoor-outdoor flow, and can be used regardless of the weather.
Side Decks & Foredeck
The 42+ reveals a symmetrical, full walk-around deck, typical of Nord Star. Ample handholds and nice, high guardrails make you feel very, very safe, with the design focusing on effortless access from the helm to the pontoon.
The foredeck setup leans towards utility over leisure - no sun pads here. There are essential hatches/ventilation from the bathrooms and straightforward mouldings. This area, much like the rest of the deck, is designed with Scandinavian sensibilities in mind - particularly the easy step on/step off from the bow - something they very much like to do in those countries.
For those looking to propel themselves at sea with twin 440 horsepower engines on sterndrives, the base price hovers just shy of £483,000 excluding VAT (correct at time of writing). For our test, we had a particularly high-spec version, with extras adding up to a hefty £125,000, coming in at just shy of £623,000 excluding VAT.
The key cost options featured on the test boat were teak decks (£10,888), forward anchor winch (£5,123), cruiser layout (£5,851), Volvo Penta joystick (£11,564), Volvo Penta DPS (£9,111), Zipwake trim system (£1,548), generator (£12,506) and a 24in Simrad MFD (£11,313).
Our Verdict
It's a very capable boat, slotting in as the second largest of the Nord Star fleet, yet it doesn't feel daunting for a solo captain or a pair to command - helped by its walk-around decks and joystick control. The flexibility on offer here is something to applaud—from the option to add or forego a flybridge to choosing a cruiser arrangement, the 42+ can adapt to its owner's lifestyle. Also with the very clever layout on the lower deck - the secret cabin being a highlight for me.
The idea that you're getting all of that, to a very high specification, for south of £750,000 is something that really makes the Nord Star 42+ a remarkable package.
Reasons to Buy
- Agile and fun handling
- Practical and spacious cockpit
- Ample storage solutions
- Great helm position
- Easy and safe deck movement
Things to Consider
- TV placement incongruous
- Limited natural light in the cabins
- Restricted engine room access
Looking to own a Nord Star 42+? Use YachtBuyer’s Market Watch to compare all new and used Nord Star 42+ Boats for sale worldwide. You can also order a new Nord Star 42+, customized to your exact specifications, with options for engine choice and layout configuration. Alternatively, explore our global listings of new and used boats for sale and find your perfect boat today!
Rivals to Consider
When it comes to versatile accommodation, the Targa 37 offers a simpler one-cabin layout - it’s ideal for open-water adventures, and can handle the occasional overnight escape. The 42+'s maximum guest capacity of four does mean more room for friends and family, perfect for weekend getaways. The Targa 37 features a customisable design, offering options like a Hi-fly flybridge and various forward cabin layouts to suit different needs.
The Sargo Boats 45 stands out with its extensive range of 440nm. However, the Nord Star's design focuses on versatility and comfort, which may prove more attractive for shorter, more frequent trips. It also has the edge when it comes to handling, with its solid construction and deep-V hull delivering a ride that feels composed even in choppier waters, making it a reassuring choice for those who prefer a balance between range and seakeeping. The Sargo 45 is equipped with wide side doors for easy access and a bright, modern pilothouse with a large sliding roof hatch.
Shallow drafts make the Marex Boats 440 Marex, Sundeck Yachts 430 Cruiser, and Marex Boats 440 Scandinavia appealing to for exploring shallower waters. The Nord Star 42+ might find itself hemmed in by its slightly deeper draft in certain locales, while these rivals can venture where others can't. Though the 42+ has the advantage of greater offshore capability, so while it may not squeeze into the same hidden coves, it can take on rougher seas with confidence. Notably, the Marex 440 Gourmet Cruiser option has the largest kitchen in its class, featuring an enormous U-shaped layout equipped with modern appliances.
The Targa 41 has an impressive top speed of 42 knots and a cruising speed of 35 knots. It's a real powerhouse on the water, proving that speed can be as significant as comfort and versatility. However, while the Targa 41 might dominate in terms of raw speed, the Nord Star 42+ has a more balanced experience, combining credible performance with a lovely array of features that cater to both day and overnight boating needs. The Targa 41 also has a spacious aft cabin with a large window, enhancing onboard comfort and providing ample natural light.
Considering a new boat? Explore Nord Star's entire current range to find the model that best suits your needs, and compare it with alternatives from competitors to ensure you make the perfect choice.
Specifications
- Builder Nord Star
- Range Pilothouse
- Model 42+
- Length Overall 43.963ft
- Beam 11.483ft
- Hull GRP
- Cabins 2
- Berths 4
- Yacht Type (Primary) Wheelhouse
- Use Type (Primary) Cruising
- Cruising Speed
- Max Speed
- Fuel Capacity 396 Gallons
- Fresh Water Capacity 92 Gallons
- Engine Model 2x Volvo Penta D6-400/DPI
Nord Star 42+ Layout
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Main Deck
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![Main Deck Nord Star 42+]()
Side doors on both decks makes moving around the boat really easy when crewing
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Lower Deck
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![Lower Deck Nord Star 42+]()
The private bathroom for guests amidships is great for privacy
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