Nordhavn 68 Review (2022 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

Boarding is straightforward via a side gate, with easy step-across access from a pontoon. The stern holds a bathing platform with a fold-down ladder and a discreet shower tucked below. The cockpit is geared for relaxed time at anchor, with a curved seating area and a fold-out table for bigger gatherings. A griddle, fridge and sink are built into the wet bar.

This yacht has an asymmetric layout. The lack of a port side deck means more space inside and a wider starboard deck. Wing stations sit on both sides for close-quarters manoeuvring, giving full control over the main engine, thrusters and rudder.

Up on the aft upper deck, there’s shaded seating with a wide view over the stern. Normally, a 68 would have a flybridge here, but the owners decided to leave it off. They’re heading for Scotland and don’t expect to use a flybridge, so the space has been left open. It now gives better mast access and adds headroom inside the pilothouse.

The boat deck carries a 5m tender launched by hydraulic crane. It’s a large enough space for extra gear—jet skis or a sailing dinghy, for example. At the bow, there’s a 150kg anchor on a hydraulic winch with 130m of chain and a deep anchor locker.

Wheelhouse doors can be split to open just the top half. Sliding bug screens are fitted, and deck vents for the fresh air system can be closed off in heavy weather. Storage lockers line the deck edges, with ladder access down to the tender.

The saloon benefits from the asymmetric design, gaining considerable width. There's a Hi-Lo TV, wine cooler, and extensive storage. Chairs and a slide-out dining table were chosen by the owner, with a small desk area for work. Overhead handrails make movement at sea safer.  

The galley is open plan, with a microwave, hob with pan retainers, oven, trash compactor, and storage throughout. Two emergency escape hatches link to guest cabins below. A pantry and a substantial refrigeration bank are adjacent. There's also a day head on the main deck.

From the galley, stairs lead up to the pilothouse and down to the accommodation deck. Below the saloon is a utility room with extra storage, Miele washer and dryer, and underfloor access to plumbing and wiring.

Owner's Cabin

Located on a half deck, the owner's cabin has large windows, opening hatches, and storm shutter fittings. Dual systems for air conditioning and diesel heating are installed, with a separate ventilation circuit. Storage is abundant, with cedar-lined wardrobes, dovetailed drawers, and service access panels.

The ensuite has twin sinks, a large shower, mirrors on the ceiling for a sense of space, a separate toilet, and storm shutters. Beneath the floor is access to the forward bilge with the 50hp bow thruster, labelled sea cocks, fire extinguishing gear, and a water polishing system that circulates and cleans fresh water in the tanks.

Guest Accommodation

There are two main guest cabins. The VIP guest cabin includes a double bed, cedar-lined wardrobe, and an escape hatch to the galley. There's an en suite with a hip bath, walk-in shower, storm shutters, and sink.

Cabin three has another double bed with storage and its own en suite. It also has a ladder-accessible escape hatch leading up into the saloon. Each cabin has independent controls for air conditioning, heating, and ventilation.

The aft guest cabin layout is configurable, depending on whether it's needed for children or adults.

The engine room has full headroom and space to move around. The main engine is a 400hp John Deere, continuous-duty and built for long-distance running. Top speed is just over 10 knots, but the boat cruises comfortably at 8, using only around 25 litres per hour. That gives a 3,500-mile range.

There’s also a 135hp John Deere wing engine with its own fuel, controls, and electrics which is completely separate from the main. It’ll push the boat along at 5-6 knots if needed.

The engines use a dry exhaust and keel cooler, avoiding raw water intake. Hydraulics run the thrusters, anchor winch, stabilisers, and more. If the main engine is idling and not producing enough pressure, the wing engine can take over.

Fuel is held in three tanks with protected sight gauges and isolating valves. Fuel can be transferred between tanks and run through a polishing system to remove any impurities.

The two generators (26kW and 16kW) are located with sound and space in mind. The smaller unit is aft in the lazarette, far from accommodation for quieter nights. An oil change system makes servicing the engines and generators straightforward.

Both main and wing engines can be lifted out through the saloon without dismantling the boat. Fire suppression is installed throughout, monitored by alarms. There’s also a camera feed to the helm.

Each zone has its own air conditioning unit. Steering is fully redundant with two independent autopilot systems. A manual tiller can also be deployed if needed.

This Nordhavn 68 NFB was commissioned by an experienced owner who plans to run it without crew. That choice shaped the design - there’s no crew cabin, so the pilothouse is larger and more open, with a daybed for off-watch rest. It’s the first 68 to be built without a flybridge. For cruising in the North Sea, the owners preferred to keep that area enclosed. The result is more space in the pilothouse and better mast access.

Everything has been built with practicality and self-reliance in mind. Systems are clearly labelled and accessible. There are backups for critical systems, escape routes in every cabin, and enough service access to maintain the boat without specialist help.