Nordhavn 52 Review (2016 Edition) by Aquaholic

On Deck

On the boat deck there is a large crane and a 12-foot rib with a 25 horsepower four-stroke outboard. The flybridge has a canopy top, comfortable seating, and excellent view, and the convenience of being able to move around the entire boat without needing to go through the accommodation is highlighted.

Once on board, Nick expresses his admiration for the "little ship feel" of the Nordhavn. There are deep, walk-around side decks, the control station at the stern, and a spacious cockpit area.

Inside, there is an extensive saloon area with ample seating and high-quality woodwork. A highlight is the various rails around the boat which allow passengers to move around safely when out at sea.

The tour moves onto the lower deck, where the cabins are showcased. The master cabin has large windows, extensive storage, and ensuite bathroom with separate shower cubicle. The guest cabin has double and single beds, generous storage, and ensuite bathroom.  

The galley catches Nick's attention with its domestic size and amenities, surpassing even his home kitchen's standards with a five-burner hob, a proper oven, a large fridge, freezer drawers, a dishwasher, and a trash compactor. These features are evidence of the yacht's suitability for long-term living on board. There is a domestic washer and dryer nearby also.

The bridge is a "classic Nordhavn area", with its watertight doors and spacious seating area. It has comprehensive controls for the main engine, thrusters, and wing engine, all of which are manually controlled to allow for operation even in the event of electronic issues.

As the boat is out of water, Nick points out how deep the boat sits in the water due to its design as a displacement speed cruiser. The boat has stabilizers, propeller, and prop shaft, which are all protected by the keel, a feature appreciated for its practicality.

Nick also addresses a common misconception about the Nordhavn 52. While it might appear to be a single-engine boat, which some suggest is unsuitable for long-distance cruising, Nick explains that there is a backup "wing engine" on a separate shaft, offering an independent backup drive system. He emphasizes this point to highlight that the yacht is indeed suitable for long journeys.

There is massive space in the engine room which holds a John Deere 266hp engine, giving the boat about 9 knots flat out. With the large 6,500-litre diesel tanks, the Nordhavn 52 can achieve up to 3,000 nautical miles of range. There is also a 40-horsepower Lugger wing engine and a Northern Lights generator. 

Overall, Nick appears to be highly impressed with the Nordhavn 52, praising its practical design, comprehensive features, and suitability for long-distance cruising and living on board. He doesn't seem to have any negative comments or criticisms about the yacht.