New Nordic Tugs 39

In a piece I wrote for YachtWorld.com this week, I said that the new Nordic Tugs 39, an updated replacement for the NT-37, is a worthy successor.  The couple I interviewed in the story, Donna and Kevin Steele, went through a meticulous process that culminated in choosing the new NT-39 and their experience would serve any new boat buyer well.  Have a look at the piece on YachtWorld.com.

Copyright © 2011 by OceanLines LLC.  All rights reserved.

The NENTOA Nordic Tugs Flotilla in Essex, CT in 2010 - Photo Courtesy of Paul Tortora

If you’ve never been to an owners’ or manufacturer’s or dealer’s rendezvous, you’re missing a great part of the cruising lifestyle. Last weekend’s Northeast Nordic Tug Owners Association (NENTOA) 2010 Rendezvous in Essex, Connecticut, is a great example of how they work and why they’re such a wonderful experience.

The New Nordic Tug 39 Arrives, Captained by NT CEO Andy Lund - Photo Courtesy of Paul Tortora

NENTOA works closely each year with major sponsor Wilde Yacht Sales, the Essex-based Nordic Tugs dealer for the northeastern U.S. NENTOA is an active owners’ group and working with Wilde, they solicit support from industry sponsors and put together a long weekend program. In this case, which is typical of a well-planned rendezvous, the program had a nice mix of social and “educational” activities. Special guess this year was Nordic Tug’s new CEO Andy Lund, who talked about what’s new at the company these days. He skippered the brand new Nordic Tug 39 all the way from Michigan to the rendezvous. Pretty unique.

I asked Paul Tortora of Wilde Yacht Sales for a rundown on the weekend. Here’s his summary. I’m going to ask the couples who made presentations if they would share them with us here on OceanLines. So come on back to see those.  Here are Paul’s comments:

NENTOA Rendezvous Participants Talk Outboard Motors - Photo Courtesy of Paul Tortora

First day is pretty much reserved for arriving and settling in, getting your registration packet, socializing with other owners and culminates with a ‘Rum Party’ followed by a ‘Pot Luck Dinner/Barbeque’ and then a presentation by the owners of Seamantha ( John & Paulette Lee) who have spent the past year traveling on a Nordic 42, and another presentation by Celebration (Brian & Ellen Clarke) who took their Nordic 37 down to the Chesapeake from Essex, CT. Each set of the owners gave a presentation on their trip and experiences including photos and music.

NENTOA Nordic Tugs Rafted at Hamburg Cove - Photo Courtesy of Paul Tortora

Second day was filled with workshops like engine maintenance by Cummins, boat maintenance by Ben Wilde, electronic session presented by Bill Jones of Raymarine, ‘Going Green With Solar Panels’ & Vacuflush Maintenance by Phil D’Anato of Ship Shape, ‘Whats New At Nordic’ presented by Andy Lund (CEO of Nordic) and some other workshops like ‘Crafts on Board’ which was tailored for the Admirals aboard. The neat thing about the workshops this year is that we added several hands-on workshops which were a huge hit. They included ‘How To Properly Use A Fire Extinguisher’ where each attendee got to practice PASS – pull the ring, aim, squirt, side to side. Also Man Overboard drill presented by Bill Boyer and Deploying a Floatation vest which was demonstrated in the pool by Dick Seymour. This day ended with a formal dinner reception featuring steak and swordfish, open bar and then a raffle featuring some great prizes that include overnight stays at Brewers and Essex Island Marina, handheld VHF radios, Maptech Guides and more.

Part of the NENTOA Nordic Tugs Parade - Photo Courtesy of Paul Tortora

Third day was a presentation by Herb Nickles & Wendy Shepherd on their trip on a Nordic 32 – boat name is Snorri. That was followed by a parade on the CT River (all the individual shots of the boats where they are running) and then a raft-up in Hamburg Cove (pictures of boats on moorings, with dinghies, swimming).

The next morning (Saturday), 7 boats departed for a two week Tug Tour from Mystic to 5 ports in MA and then back to Block Island and Greenport, Long Island as the final destinations. Another group of approximately 9 boats went on to do the coast of Maine. (Editor’s note – This is one of the real benefitsof buying from an active, interested dealer like Wilde — these co-hosted rendezvous and group or flotilla cruise opportunities, which are really helpful if you’re a new boater or not used to longer trips.)

Farthest boat this year was from Michigan which was the brand new Nordic 39 at display at the Rendezvous and will be at our docks for the next month for viewing, sea trials and of course is available for purchase. That boat was brought here by Andy Lund himself (not often you see a president of a company roll up his sleeves and spend 14 days bringing a boat to its destination — really gives him an opportunity to test their design changes and interact with people IMO). Second farthest distances this year were from Barry Shapiro & Suzanne Claus on Spray (Nordic Tug 37) and they came from Nashua, NH while Richard and Shirley Righter of Keene, NH brought their Nordic 32 named Olive. We did have owners come from Guezpn, Ontario but they came by car as their boat is currently in the Turks and Caicos.

I created a gallery of some of the photos Paul sent along. You can see it here. Some of the picture sizes are rather large, which is good if you want to look at details on the boat, not so good if you have a slow Internet connection.

We’d like to hear about other rendezvous that took place this summer (or are still planned; we’ll help you spread the last-minute word). Drop me a line here on the Contact page or in the comments to this story and we’ll follow-up with you. Thanks to Paul Tortora and Ben Wilde of Wilde Yacht Sales for the photos and roundup.

Copyright ©2010 by OceanLines LLC. All rights reserved.

The new Nordic Tug 39

Nordic Tugs’ latest model, the 39, will be making its East Coast, U.S., debut next week at Warwick, Rhode Island, Trawlerfest, so we thought it was a good time to give you the details on this boat. While it is the same hull as its predecessor, the NT-37, the NT-39 has significant changes topside, and several new standard features. From the company:

“Nordic Tugs President and CEO Andy Lund described the new vessel as an evolutionary advancement developed to offer a better cruising experience. “We began with an enormously successful design, and then contacted our many Nordic Tugs 37 owners for their feedback on how we could improve it,” he said, adding that many of
the features offered in the new 39 are in direct response to customers’ suggestions.”

Nordic Tug 39 Interior

The 39 is still very obviously a Nordic Tug; the classic pilothouse lines remain, but the look is updated with larger pilothouse and salon windows that make the boat look larger. Obviously, these also brighten the interior and improve visibility. Gone are the thick windshield mullions of the original Nordic Tug pilothouse, with only thin strips dividing the panels into three.

Nordic Tug 39 Helm

The inside of the pilothouse sports a new, wider helm dash that will accommodate big-screen electronics – an extremely welcome change. The captain also gets a standard Llebroc chair for more comfort on longer runs.

Nordic Tug 39 Salon Looking Aft

In the brighter, more open salon, there is a new, long U-shaped settee with “enhanced cushioning” and a pull-out berth like on the 37. The optional overhead-mounted flat-screen TV is opposite the settee, which is nice, since it means everyone on the settee can actually see the TV — not always the case in many salons. The galley now has a Force 10 electric cook top, Sharp convection-microwave oven and top-loading freezer as standard features. There’s also a new Dutch door and two larger sliding windows — all by Diamond Sea-Glaze — in the salon.

Nordic Tug 39 Guest Cabin

Below deck, the guest cabin features a pull-out lower berth that serves as a settee during the day, and a wide bunk at night. The head has been re-designed and now sports a Tecma toilet, a molded shower stall with bench seat.

Nordic Tugs has switched to all-LED lighting for its 2011 models, including interior lights from Imtra, which the company says it chose for their warmer tone. The LED lights use about one-fifth the electricity required by halogen lamps and produce considerably less heat. The boats also now feature LED nav lights, which can last 10 times longer than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs.

Another move that really modernizes the Nordic Tugs line is the incorporation of a full Mareton NMEA 2000 network, extending from stem to stern, and including the engine room, helm station and signal mast.  According to Nordic Tugs, “the network offers “plug-and-play” installation of electronics, gauges and equipment ranging from chart plotters and rudder angle indicators to ultrasonic tank level indicators, depth sounders and the GPS. The system is compatible with the most popular electronics brands for display on the Maretron monitor at the helm.”

Nordic Tugs and Wilde Yacht Sales of Essex, Connecticut, will have the new Nordic Tug 39 on display at the Warwick, Rhode Island, Trawlerfest from July 15-17.  Wilde has supplied a nice brochure on the new boat here.

Nordic Tug 39
Specifications

LOA                             40′ (with anchor roller)           12.19 m
LWL                             37′ 4″           11.4 m
Beam                           12′ 11″         3.9 m
Draft                            4′ 4″            1.3 m
Power                          Cummins QSB 380 hp diesel         283 kW
Weight (dry)              22,600 lbs           10,273 kg
Weight (full)              26,000 lbs           11,793 kg
Fuel                            320 US gal                1,211 L
Range (approx)        1,000 nm @ 8 knots; varies with load and conditions
Fresh Water             144 US gal         545 L
Black Water               32 US gal          121 L
Grey Water                 9 US gal            34 L

Copyright © 2010 by OceanLines LLC.  All rights reserved.

A lineup of the Nordic Tugs Models at Wilde Yacht Sales in Essex, CT

If you live anywhere in the Northeast U.S. and have wanted to get a good look at a Nordic Tug, you’ve got several great opportunities. I’ve tested a 37 in the past and loved it. It’s a great coastal cruiser that will take care of you if the seas come up. It’s being succeeded by a new NT-39, which you can read about here. Several of the models make good Great Loop boats and I would happily live aboard a 42. 

Anyway, here’s what you can look forward to this summer.  First off is a special “Tug Fest” at Wilde Yacht Sales in Essex, Connecticut, this coming weekend, June 19-20. Wilde will have all Nordic Tugs models currently in production, except for the 49, including the recently re-born NT-26. I noticed in their used boat inventory that they’ve got several nice boats, including a flybridge 37 and a flybridge 42.  Some of the old purists don’t like the flybridge on the Nordic Tugs, but I love it. I think it looks like a salty old captain’s cap. By the way, this year is the 30th anniversary of Nordic Tugs.

If you miss the Tug Fest at Wilde this coming weekend, you can see some of the boats at the upcoming TrawlerFest July 15-17, at the Greenwich Bay Marina in Warwick, Rhode Island. Incidentally, if you go to TrawlerFest, make sure you drive over to Oakland Beach and pick up some authentic Rhode Island clam cakes (fritters). They are unlike anything you will ever eat (hint — they actually have clams in them!).

From July 28 to July 31, Wilde will help host the Northeast Nordic Tug Owners’ Association’s 9th Annual Rendezvous and Cruise. NENTOA is an active group with some great cruising blogs linked on its website, along with good information about some owner modifications to their Nordic Tugs.  After the rendezvous, the NENTOA group will begin two cruises — a two-week venture from Essex to Boston, and a three-week cruise to Maine. The cruises have been a huge success in recent years and all those Nordic Tugs cruising together makes for quite a sight.

I’ll update OceanLines readers on other Nordic Tugs events around the country in future posts here. If you know of some, or if you’re with some of the other NTOAs, let us know!

Copyright © 2010 by OceanLines LLC.  All rights reserved.

Ranger Tugs R-25 Trailerable Pocket Trawler

Two prominent Ranger Tugs dealers in the Northeastern U.S. have 2010 models of Ranger Tugs available for sea trials this weekend. Wilde Yachts in Essex, CT, is having an open house this weekend (March 13 and 14) and has the R-21 and R-29 available, as well as the Nordic Tugs 32 and NT-37. Essex is offering 3 years of free dockage and winter storage on some of the models, as well as special incentives and financing. There will be a Ranger Tugs factory rep on-hand, as well. The open house runs from 9-4 each day.

Chesapeake Ranger Tugs in Annapolis has all three Ranger Tugs models available for sea trial — the R-21, R-25 and R-29. Chesapeake is the newest Ranger Tugs dealer in the region and is owned by Chuck Wistar, who is also the owner of the successful Selene Annapolis dealership. Chesapeake Ranger’s formal open house is set for May 15-16, but the boats are in the water now and ready to go.

If you haven’t checked out the Ranger Tugs line yet and you’re looking for a “pocket trawler,” you need to do so. These are truly trailerable trawlers and feature modern, high-tech diesels that sip their fuel and features that make them perfect for overnight cruising in coastal waters. We’ve written about them here on OceanLines.

Copyright © 2010 by OceanLines LLC.  All rights reserved.

Ranger Tugs 29' starboard running

Purchasers of a new in-stock Nordic Tug or Ranger Tug from Wilde Yachts in Essex, CT, will receive three years of free dockage and winter storage at a Brewers Marina near them. And if there’s no Brewers nearby, the deal applies to the local marina of the buyer’s choice. According to Wilde, the new promotion runs until March 15, 2010.

Only the Ranger 21 and Nordic 26, the two babies in the fleet, are excluded from the deal. Given what slip rates are in the northeast U.S., the deal is easily worth five figures. While we all know there’s no free lunch in life, this really is a good deal, especially if you can beat up Ben Wilde on the price of the boat itself (smile).  But seriously, a fair price on the boat and free dockage and storage is an example of how the dealers who survived the recession did so.  They got creative and found ways to solve customers’ problems for them.

Wilde Yachts recently took on the Ranger Tugs line of boats, which we’ve written about here on OceanLines. They’re great “pocket trawlers” with a big following, particularly in the Pacific northwest. I’m betting that with Wilde as the new dealer in southern New England, we’ll see a lot more of these cruising in the northeast. Ranger Tugs has also made some improvements to the 29, which we’ll be covering in an upcoming article.  In the meantime, you can see the Ranger Tugs and Nordic Tugs from Wilde at the Hartford Boat Show January 28, 31, at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Copyright © 2009 by OceanLines LLC

Nord Star 31 Patrol Port Side Running Shot -- Photo: Allen M. Clark/Photoboat.com

I figured I might as well just get it out there up front.  These are boats unlike any others you’ve likely seen.  And although that alone would be reason enough to take a look at them, it turns out when you do see them I think you’re going to like what you see.  They are strong, seaworthy, practical cruisers for couples and families who understand where the real value in a boat is.  Yes, I know that sounds like a ringing endorsement.  It is.  And yes, there are a couple of nits I’ll pick but they’re nothing that can’t be easily fixed and some might just be my own opinions.  Right now you’re going to have to do a little work to see one of these boats, which is one reason we’re covering them here on OceanLines.  But if things continue to go well for Nord Star USA, the boat’s importer for the U.S. market, you’ll soon have a dealer near you no matter where you live.

Builder and Brand

First, a little background on the Nord Star brand.  These boats, which comprise a model line known fully as the Nord Star Patrol series, ranging from 24 feet to 40 feet, are built in Finland by parent company Linex-Boat Oy, the Lindkvist family-owned firm that has delivered more than 3,000 recreational, commercial and government-class vessels.  The patriarch of the Lindkvist family started building wooden fishing and workboats in the 1920′s.  Today’s modern fiberglass production facility is certified to the highest ISO 9001-2000 standards and the boats themselves meet the stringent CE Ocean Class B rating for offshore seaworthiness.  That last standard means, among other things, that the boats will safely handle seas up to 13′ and winds in excess of 40 knots.  Suffice it to say the boat can handle more than you can.

The Nord Star Patrol line has a nearly straight sheer from its sharp bow to wide transom, with its lines dominated by the central deckhouse/pilothouse.  The reverse angle on the windshield serves a very practical purpose in reducing glare and shedding spray, but also lends a working trawler look to the boat.  Sturdy sliding doors on either side of the pilothouse add to that look and also make line-handling a snap, with a mid-ships spring cleat within easy reach.  The boats are diesel-powered with modern, electronically controlled Volvo powerplants, all the way up to the IPS pod drives of the Nord Star 40 Patrol.  The diesels drive beefy Duoprop sterndrives which help maximize efficiency and maneuverability.  More about that later.

The interiors of the Nord Star line feature teak and pin soles and oiled teak cabinetry.  The accommodations are somewhat cozy in the deckhouse but when you have to go outside in a rolling seaway along the extra-wide and deep side decks, you understand the value of that small compromise.  Yes, the house could be a couple of inches wider, but those couple of inches serve the boat and owner better on the side decks.  (Read more about the boat, its performance and price after the jump)

Nord Star 31 Patrol in CT River No-Wake Zone -- Photo: Allen M. Clark/Photoboat.com

In the shot above, photographer Allen Clark from Photoboat.com has caught us returning from our sea trial in Long Island Sound, outside the mouth of the Connecticut River.  We were hosted for the review by Paul Tortora of east coast dealer Wilde Yacht Sales in Essex, CT, and John Uljens, President of Nord Star USA, the boat’s U.S. importer.  The Nord Star 31 Patrol is one of four Nord Star Patrol models, ranging from 24 to 40 feet, built by Linex-Boat Oy in Finland.  We’ll discuss their detailed pedigree in our review later this week, but they are true Sport Utility Vessels (SUVs), and can serve many roles very well.  Be sure to click on all the photos here to see them in expanded formats.

Stern Quarter Shot of the Nord Star 31 Patrol Accelerating -- Photo: Allen M. Clark/Photoboat.com

This is a dramatic shot of the 31 Patrol accelerating away from the photographer.  The boat has a 370 HP Volvo D-6 diesel with a DuoProp sterndrive that really gives you a kick in the pants when you want it to.  We saw a top end speed of around 33 knots with three people and three-quarters fuel aboard, but we got to that speed in only a little over 10 seconds, which is quick.  The Volvo diesel is also happy to putter along at 8-10 knots, sipping around 3 gallons per hour.  Even at 22 knots the boat doesn’t use more than about 10 gallons per hour of diesel.  It is a sterndrive, however, and you have to keep in mind the specific characteristics of that kind of propulsion.  In some ways, it’s similar to jet drives in that you have to use thrust to enhance a turn; something not always intuitive to folks who normally rely on rudders alone.  The truth is, you get far better performance when you can direct thrust — hence the popularity of azimuthing drive pods these days.  In fact, largest model in the line, the Nord Star 40 Patrol, comes standard with Volvo IPS pod drives.

Nord Star 31 Patrol Port Side Running Shot -- Photo: Allen M. Clark/Photoboat.com

This shot shows the pilothouse best, with its reverse windshield rake and nearly constant sheer line.  There are beefy sliding doors both port and starboard.  The helm is on the starboard side and has fantastic sight lines; the helmsman never losing sight of the horizon ahead even during sharp initial accelerations.  You can see the small flybridge topside here, covered with canvas because we didn’t intend to use it in the windy, rough conditions on the Sound that day.  It will hold three adults and has complete instrumentation, normally networked with the pilothouse helm units.  You can also see the bimini canvas over the aft cockpit (not deployed of course).  On the Nord Star, this canvas can completely protect the aft cockpit and with the diesel heating available on the boat, provide a cozy, expanded living space in cooler weather.  New England and Northwest boaters are really going to like that feature.  You can also see the bowthruster, a surprisingly powerful Side-Power unit that makes close-quarters maneuvering a snap.

Nord Star 31 Patrol Idling Along the Waterfront -- Photo: Allen M. Clark/Photoboat.com

Hard chines on the modified-vee  hull keep the Patrol 31 nice and stable at idle speeds around the docks.  Here the boat is quietly sliding upriver past the Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT.  The deep and very wide sidedecks, along with tall stainless rails make for a safe and secure environment for linehandlers and sunbathers alike.  Look for our full review of the boat later this week, in particular, we explore the way it handled a typically unpredictable sea-state and wind combination on the eastern part of Long Island Sound.  We checked out the RPM and cruise speed numbers, tested its handling characteristics in pretty rough seas and gave it pretty thorough workout. 

Copyright © 2009 OceanLines LLC

Nordic Tugs 26 -- Photo: Paul Johnson, Nordic Tugs

Now that the new (old) Nordic Tugs 26 is in production and on its way to dealers, it’s time to have a look at how it turned out and what the price is.  We’ve got a nice photo gallery for you in this story that should give you a good idea of how the interior came together, as well as a current spec sheet and base price listing from one of the largest Nordic Tugs dealers, Wilde Yacht Sales, of Essex, Connecticut.

There is no question that buyers will be attracted to the NT-26.  It’s trailerable, diesel-powered and will comfortably host a couple for extended weekend and vacation cruising.  Nordic Tugs made the interior very light and easy on the eyes to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and the design speaks to functional simplicity.  There is a nice little galley to port in the deckhouse, with a wet head and v-berth forward and below.  There is room for 4 people to overnight with the settee topside converting to a double berth.

The boat has classic Nordic Tugs lines — as well it should, since it was the first model in the line.  See our original story on the re-launch of this model for more of the history.  Nordic Tugs debuted the boat at the recent Seatte Boat Show after it had been in for its initial sea trials. The standard engine is the Volvo Penta D-3, rated at 110 hp.  Nordic Tugs has kept up the standard of equipment and finish on this boat.  An example is the Diamond Sea Glaze windows and doors that are standard.  Initial tests suggest a cruising speed of between 8-12 knots, with a top end around 15 knots.  You can see the specs on the Wilde Yacht Sales boat HERE.

Oh yeah, the price.  the Wilde-configured boat has a base price of $187,500, which is for a nicely outfitted boat that needs only some basic electronics to start exploring.

Copyright © 2009 OceanLines LLC

2008 Nordic Tugs 42-105 Shown on Long Island Sound

It is certainly far too early to call an end to the financial turmoil that has wracked the United States and many other countries for the last several months, but some observers in the financial community are beginning to counsel their clients to start looking for bargains among the detritus of demolished investments.  Potential boat buyers, particularly those looking for good deals on passagemaking-style boats, might consider that advice as well.  There are some stunning deals out there.

For example, Wilde Yacht Sales, in Essex, Connecticut, which is the Northeast regional dealer for Nordic Tugs has an offer on the table for its in-stock tugs that should tempt anyone even thinking about buying.  For starters, Wilde is offering a 2008 Nordic Tugs 42, which normally lists for close to $800,000, for $719,186 (not sure how you get $186, but there you have it).  That is substantially lower than at any time in the last five years, and represents a competitive price for an east-coast, flybridge-equipped 42.  The boat is hull #104 and it’s fully equipped with electronics, and upgraded interior furnishings, including screens on doors and day/night shades.

Wilde is also offering a special deal on Nordic Tug 37-193; a boat that was originally listed at $538, 740, and is now priced at $484,874.  This 37 is also fully equipped both from the factory and with the usual Wilde package of enhancements.  Wilde representative Paul Tortora said today that the dealer also has a 32 on the way that will likely also be elegible for a significant price break.

And if the low price doesn’t quite get you there, Wilde is offering three years of dockage, scheduled maintenance and fuel.  Occasionally, you might get a dealer to throw in a slip at a marina it has a relationship with, for maybe the rest of the summer if you’re buying in Spring, but this deal from Wilde is for three years worth of dockage, wherever YOU dock.  Actually, what they did is take the average of 5-6 marinas on the Connecticut coast, including a Brewers yard that northeast boaters will recognize as a premium yard, and that’s the amount they will give you.  For maintenance, Wilde talked to both Volvo and Cummins representatives and estimated the costs for the first three years of scheduled maintennance tasks.  For fuel, they figured an average of about 115 hours per year, which is about right for a trawler owner in the northeast; it might even be a tad generous given the short seasons.  Wilde calls the incentive “Three Free for Three.”

Nordic Tugs has, like several other manufacturers, been offering factory incentives to help dealers clear out the inventory backlogs.  Even if you’re not interested in a Nordic Tug, check with your trawler dealer of choice; odds are there are some pretty impressive incentives available.  The winter boat show schedule is upon us.  Make some plans to get to one of these shows.  Have a look at the NMMA show database here:

NMMA Boat Show Calendar

Copyright ©  2009 by OceanLines LLC