Nordhavn 63 Review (2017 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Nick began his tour at the yacht's bathing platform, pointing out the substantial build quality of the yacht, evident even before boarding. There is a fridge and a barbecue area in the cockpit. The owner has chosen not to have seating in this area to keep it open for fishing, as evidenced by the presence of rod holders.

Up to the boat deck, the yacht's tender and a small sailing boat are stored, which served both as a life raft and a recreational vessel for the owner's children. A good feature of the Nordhavn 63 is the practical placement of shore power inlets both at the stern and bow, which provides convenience when docking.

Inside the yacht, in the main saloon, a modification has been made by the owner: a larger, non-retractable TV installed for family entertainment, replacing the standard pop-up TV. The boat's design, with ample seating and storage, reflected its purpose for extended voyages.

Moving to the galley, which connects seamlessly with the main deck, there are practical features like a trash compactor and upgraded refrigeration, designed to accommodate the needs of long-term cruising. The yacht's layout, including the side door access, is well-thought-out for functionality.

The forward cabins feature modifications for the owner's young children including extra berths for sleepovers.

In the owner's cabin, there is ample storage and en-suite facilities, which include a separate shower. Nick continued to explore the lower levels of the yacht, showing the utility room with laundry facilities, a freezer, and an additional bed, which could serve as an overflow crew cabin.

Up on the bridge deck, there is another cabin, which was currently inhabited by the couple who managed the yacht. The helm station features comprehensive navigation and communication equipment, including an impressive radar capable of 120-mile range and a night vision camera.

The expansive engine room houses a single John Deere 1690 325 hp engine. Nick stressed that a displacement hull like the Nordhavn 63 has a maximum speed it can achieve, regardless of engine size, and that efficiency at low speeds is key for long-range cruising.  The Nordhavn 63 with its single engine can achieve top speeds of 10.5 knots, cruising at 8.5 knots providing 3,000 nautical miles of range. 

There is also a John Deere 125 hp wing engine, a completely independent backup system with its own controls and fuel supply. Also in the engineering areas, there are generators, dual water makers and backed-up water pumps for redundancy, which are essential for self-sufficient cruising.

In the lazarette, Nick pointed out additional storage for water toys and another generator, emphasizing the yacht's self-sufficiency and its readiness for extended periods at sea. He also illustrated how the yacht's design facilitates maintenance and repairs, with easy access to critical systems.

Throughout the tour, Nick's enthusiasm for the yacht's design, practicality, and readiness for long-distance cruising was evident. He was particularly impressed by the vessel's redundancy systems, ensuring that even in the event of equipment failure, the yacht could safely continue its journey. His detailed account provided a thorough understanding of what makes the Nordhavn 63 an exceptional yacht for adventurers who wish to explore the seas without compromise.