Return of the Nordic Tugs 26
Nordic Tugs said last week it will re-introduce its very first model, the Nordic Tugs 26. The classic 26 made its original debut at the Seattle Boat Show in 1980 and was last built in 1997. “The Nordic Tug 26 is as popular today as it was in the 80s. We consistently receive inquiries about whether we would consider building the boat again, and with the current state of the economy, we’re seeing a shift in consumer interest from our larger to our smaller models,” said David Goehrin, Nordic Tugs executive vice-president/COO.
Rendering of the New Nordic Tugs 26
Nordic Tugs has been exporting to the European market for the last year and the company believes the “new” 26 could be popular there, too. According to Goehring, “The Nordic Tug 26 is the ideal size to navigate the shallow canals and low bridge clearances in Europe.”
Nordic Tugs is offering special pre-build pricing on the first models, but declined to disclose the suggested retail price. For reference, a used 26 from the last year of production, 1997, which appears to be in very good condition externally, is listed on Boattrader.com for $115,000 in Dana Pt, California. Even older 26s have held their value remarkably as well. A 1982 edition is listed for sale at $75,000.
A Vintage Nordic Tugs 26 Cruises
The “preliminary” specifications for the new-build 26 include:
- LOA 26′ 4″
- LWL 25′ 2″
- Beam 9′ 6″
- Draft 32″
- Power 110 HP Volvo Penta D-3 Diesel
- Weight (dry) 6, 800 pounds
- Fuel 75 gallons
- Fresh Water 40 gallons
- Black Water 20 gallons
- Gray Water auto-sump
- Sleeps 4
Copyright © 2008 by OceanLines
James L Riley | Oct 18, 2008 | Reply
I have been yearning for a Nordic Tugs 26 for several years, and finally, I will be able to afford one. I certainly hope production resumes on this model.
Alan | Feb 7, 2009 | Reply
How trailerable is a 9′6″ beam? and wouldn’t it be faster and more fuel efficient if it were narrower as well as more trailerable? What I would like to see is a trailerable displacement powerboat that’s 8′6″ by about 35′, with about the same power or even a little less.
Tom | Feb 9, 2009 | Reply
Alan – your comment about the “trailerable” beam is well-taken. I think we should probably consider it “transportable” but since most states require at least a special permit for anything over 8′ 6″, it is NOT easily trailerable. As far as economy goes, a more fine hull might indeed be more fuel efficient, but would have less initial static stability. If you’re really talking full displacement, that changes the stability factor even more, not to mention eliminating the “fast cruise” option which many of today’s “hybrid” trawlers are capable of. Certainly there is a market for slow, full-displacement, high-efficienty travel; but this boat is not designed for that. As a weekend “trawler” that can step it up to 12-15 knots to make it back home from the islands on Sunday evening, it’s probably still a good deal. Let’s agree that we’re probably not going to trailer it. Good comment! Thanks for contributing.
mike | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
Do you know deadrise angle=?
Bob Shamek | Nov 25, 2009 | Reply
Hello Mike
We do not publish the dead rise for Nordic Tugs product. The hull is extremely flat at the stern as it is a semi displacement hull shape and has no relevance to performance like a planning V bottom hull.
Bob
Greg | Dec 17, 2009 | Reply
So excited that my dream boat is back in production! I hope I can get one when I can afford it! It’ll be sure to turn some heads on the adriatic!