In order to appreciate this boat you have to understand what she is, and what she's intended to do. She's not a sailboat. She's a MOTOR-sailer. Jeff Merrill, who has done some great videos on this boat that are here on youTube, named her correctly. She's really a trawler-sailer. She can do everything that a regular Nordhavn trawler can do with the added enjoyment and economy of off-wind sailing capability. Wanna daysail? Don't choose this boat. Coastal cruising? Nope. She's really too slow for that. BUT. Wanna go anywhere in the world that can be reached by blue water? Now you're talkin'! This boat is a passagemaker. If you, your wife, and another couple want to explore the oceans of the world in consummate comfort and safety, and want the pleasure and satisfaction of sailing thrown-in, I doubt there is a better boat for you than this. How many sailing yachts under 60-ft. would you really feel confident and secure in taking across the Atlantic non-stop? In any weather? Not many, I suspect-if you're honest. Take a look at your choices and think about it. This boat will take you there and beyond. Her range on power alone is about 3000 nm. When you figure-in the marvelous Hundested prop system and the sailing rig, she could easily go 6000 nm or more without touching land, if you have the provisions. There isn't another boat under 100 ft. that can do that with as much safety and comfort, as far as I can see, sail or power. Unfortunately, this superb boat hasn't been generally appreciated by the yachting public and has been one of Nordhavn's few disappointments as far as sales are concerned. That's a shame. Nordhavn had planned to build a larger 68-ft. version of this boat, but those plans have been cancelled due to the soft sales of the 56MS. Another shame. It has been my dream for years to sail from San Diego to Hawaii and then on to Tahiti non-stop and the other islands of French Polynesia. I've been to the island of Moorea, the sister island of Tahiti, twice and it's indescribably beautiful This boat is one of the very few that are manageable by a cruising couple and even remotely affordable that I would consider doing it on. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
+Jeff Puha I think the concept of a Nordhavn Trawler-Yacht was great, but I think the execution of the 56MS was sub-optimal. For instance I think the winch and furler controls should've be accessible without leaving the forward cockpit (on 56MS' that had it), and also repeated inside. (I'd probably want a camera on each forward corner of the pilothouse pointing backwards and up at the mainsail too!) I've read comments that the electricity usage was such that the generator had to be run much of the time when pure sailing (which I find somewhat hard to understand, because what's consuming the power that wouldn't be running on a sailboat anyway?), but a larger battery bank and PV panels along the leading and trailing edges of the pilothouse would help there. (You'd still probably need to run the generator at times, but a larger battery bank would spread those times out further, and anything from the PV would further stretch it out. Alas, there doesn't really seem to be a location where you could install a windgenny too?) *If* I was in the market for a "go explore the world" boat, then a 56MS would definitely be on the shortlist for serious consideration. Alas I'm not! :-( I'll just have to make do with RU-vid!
+palmersperry - I totally agree. The jumping in and out of the "sailing cockpit" in order to control the sails seems a little silly - especially for things that are operated with a button (like a furler). At the very least, they should duplicate the buttons in both locations (cockpit and pilothouse). Then again, this was just hull #2 - so, I'm sure they are learning as they bring on more sailor-owners.
+Jeff Puha Of course other boats can explore the ocean but your right about the confidence and secure part. This is one of the boats that I think would be perfect if someone hasn't been sailing for years and has tons of experience and yet wants to do long trips in. The barrier to entry for this vs a conventional multihull in terms of just feeling safe on it has to be tilted much towards this boats favor but it doesn't matter to a lot of people because they've likely gotten used to the increased and accepted danger of most boats and don't see it as an issue.
Jeff Puha I understand the whish for a 68 footer, it was mentioned to me via a FL Phone conversation. However this is a BOAT, not a floating hotel and if I ever manage to purchase a boat in this range, THIS boat will most certainly be my choice.. One of several items that ideally would be on my add-on list would be to be able to automate the Huntastep prop by say mpg now THAT would be a useful luxury! The forward sailing cockpit is in my view a Must have, however I think I'd rather go with the Bunk berths/dual berth staterooms up forward if that's at all possible. Love the concept of this boat! .. Used to sail our McGregor 26X "motor sailor on Lake Erie where we had at least 16' waves, motoring from Pee Lee Island (Canedian side) to Put In Bay. A Six hour Leg under those conditions but who cares the Mac Gregor 26 X was Virtually " unsinkable" (see my Facebook pictures for image of us) MAGA! 😇
This has been my lottery winner dream boat since it first came out. I know traditional sailors think the trawler look is ugly, but I absolutely love it. I can't imagine a boat I'd feel safer in on the open ocean. If I were the salesman in the video, I don't think I would have come back to port.
After years of searching, I've finally found my dream boat. So nice to watch a performance video, not one that focus's on countertops and cabinetry. Other than the obvious fuel savings, sailing gives you something to do. As someone who has travelled on strictly motor vessels I can tell you it get's a little boring.
Jeff is hands-down my favorite presenter on the topic of trawlers and, in this case, the boat of my dreams, The Nordhavn 56 "Trawlersailer". He knows boats, he lives boats, he loves boats--and it shines through his every presentation. He has certainly sold me (though I first saw this beautfully rigged and appointed craft at a boat show)!
Как это разумно разместить пост внешнего управления в центре лодки! Все видно! Удобно управлять даже одному человеку! Все под рукой! В случае каких-то проблем, ты просто встал и сделал! Не нужно бежать на бак, ют или ползти вверх или низ. Браво конструкторам👏👏👏 Но сейчас уже такого качества не делают 😭😭😭 Псевдо эффективные менеджеры рулят этим миром…
Jeff, you are a GREAT salesman. This is the kind of information every potential buyer appreciates. Thanks for sharing your insight and knowledge with those considering one of these wonderful boats. Take care, your friend, Scott
This is a great cruising machine. I think we have a winner in my next boat. Definitely get the sailing cockpit model. I can see hauling in a lot of fish in that fabulous stern cockpit. SOLD!
I really like this boat! I think I would go for it if I were ready to start cruising. What I really want to see is an actual review of this boat. I love this video but. Capt. Jeff was working for Nordhavn when he made this video. I want a honest opinion and review on this vessel. Not from the salesman point of view. I have scoured the interwebs and have never come across a real review.
Nicely put together video, impressive motorsailer. Realizing it's a relatively new boat, I'd also like to hear/see some experiences in big seas, ocean crossing or a trip AK to HI experience. At first I didn't like the layout, integrated salon/pilot house, but in an ocean crossing you spend a hell of a lot of time in the pilot house... so it isn't really a compromise. I'm not convinced she has enough space, or as thought out as it could be as a live aboard... but need to see one first hand.
i always thought this boat would be really slow and clumsy. after this video i can see it is a gazelle! i was feeling as excited as he was feeling when it hit 18 knots of wind. muscle boat for sure.
The important thing, surely, is that someone, somewhere CAN afford this boat...and therefore it exists. ....And for the rest of us who can't afford it just now, or not yet - well, at least we can still aspire to own one, one day.
So... first upgrade for sailing singlehanded - genoa sheet winches in the sailing cockpit, along with a second autopilot control slave. (That would have made tacking ten times more manageable, not having to jump out of the cockpit, drop a sheet, back into the cockpit to initiate the (uncontrolled) turn, then back thru the pilothouse for the new sheet, etc...) Since it's all hydraulic, it shouldn't be too tricky to add two winches where you need them most. (Yes, this would create lines crossing the side decks, but that's better than leaving the safety of the cockpit over and over again...) Then again, you're not likely to be in a tight tacking war while crossing large bodies of water, so... never mind. ;-)
+I was thinking the same, to much in and out of the cockpit. I would want the cockpit a bit different. I'd get with Jeff to design that area between the mast and pedestal a bit different along with adding a Stidd chair there and controls within arms reach.
I wonder if replacing the winches with reversible ones with controls in the forward cockpit and pilot house would make tacking and trimming easier. You wouldn't have to leave the wheel to trim or tack. I don't know if the reversible would be fast enough though.
I think this makes so much sense. For world travel, it would be tough to beat. With good trade winds, looks like she will sail as fast as other trawlers will motor so.... why burn fuel? The only down side I see is size. Clearly a pure trawler in this size range would be much bigger. I conclude that those with the money for fuel will not look at this. Those with the desire for a trawler type boat, just a bit short of fuel funds, will love this. Those who can only afford to budget $150.00 per day for world travel will go straight sail. The market for this boat will be tiny I'm afraid but I do love her.
Any chance you can elaborate on the $150 per day? Im trying to understand boat ownership costs outside the initial investment, food, etc. So in other words, slip rental? $150 sounds high - thanks
I'm using a number that I once calculated. It is the total cost per day to operate... "on average" the boat plus our needs as we cruise the 7 seas. Major repairs must come from a reserve kitty and not your working capital. That must be held in advance before you leave the docks. The $150.00 covers fuel, food, clothing, insurance for both you and the boat, medical supplies, port fees, bait, air fills for diving, meals out, booze, basic parts, oil, international communication (if you feel the need to talk to others 1000 miles from anywhere?), charts, etc.... Wherever you can think of. All that said..... The amount each day to budget depends on your lifestyle, wants and wishes. There are some I have met that can do it for almost nothing per day but that is a very hard life. I think if you do the math, $150.00 per day is a number that is close to what an average couple would want, if they were very smart with their money, had skills to trade, like to eat fish, like to catch fish. Are fine with eating lot's of canned goods. Run the motor as little as possible (fuel bills can kill). Generator once a day to charge batteries. On, Charge, off. Cycle the radar every 15 minutes. Etc... Live well and the number goes up very fast. And that is sail..... I can get to the Bahamas from say New York for very little sailing our catamaran. A trawler, quick calc for a average trawler, no less than $3000.00 just fuel and oil. Add to that everything else. I would probably get there faster as well. I see trawlers as the perfect boat if you have the money. Like taking an estate with you everywhere. It is just not cheap. Just figure all your costs for a month and go from there. There are many blogs where cost per day is discussed that will give you good numbers, and examples of what those numbers include. You can get pretty close with other feedback. Just start off with a solid boat and reserve funds. Big stuff will break ! Keep me posted now and then.....
thanks - I appreciate all the info. I play music every weekend and until I quit the band thing, my wife wont let me get a new boat (says we will not use it...) Im planning for a few yrs from now when I retire. my heart wants a sail boat but my body wants a trawler....my plan is to cruise somewhere and stay in a nice marina for the season and then move on and not to be continually on the go . that said its so much more money.... by the way - nice gtr!
Life always gets in the way of having fun... Thanks..... you should see my new almost vintage Tele :) "The Monster". What a booming sound it puts out. Be well and stop by now and then..... Door is always open....
SparksMagoo I was looking at BAE system called Hybridrive is hooked up with John Deere engine blocks with Lugger equipment items and such... I know I'm missing something there, but just check out BAE's website... It's pretty cool, but only if it works...
probably more to do with the fact that the boat has a very wide beam and large prop creating drag even though its been feathered. look at the drawing at the start. this vessel is made for comfort not speed
Why not lead the jib sheets closer to the forward cockpit? I see they are very manageable from the pilothouse, but I would suggest adding access forward from the pilothouse to the innovative forward cockpit. Then you could run the jib sheets back forward to the edge of the cockpit. Or, even better, design it as self-tacking (it is a motor sailor, so use a smaller sail and a boom, or even better, push out a bowsprit and possibly counter some of the stern unruliness...) I really like the forward cockpit. Reminds of a Chris White design. I think it's a great way to have a pilothouse that doesn't interfere with view when in tight maneuvering.
This boat looks awesome! but i know nothing about sailing and it seriously looks difficult... And also i wonder how it would preform in a bad weather... also at 10:27, the boat tilt to the left soo much! i wonder if that is normal and will it stay like that for the most part...cuz im sure it will feel pretty horrible down in the galley with everything tilted...
+Kurumi Tokisaki -- Yes, it's normal to lean like that under sail (it's called "heeling"), although when actually cruising the skipper might ease off during meal times. The galley is set up to allow cooking even when heeled, and the berths are arranged so you can sleep when heeled, too. (Usually there are shields called lee cloths that can be pulled up to keep you from rolling out of the berth. In the old days, sailors slept in free-swinging hammocks on the big sailing ships.)
Henrik W. Boserup Do you really think he is on his own? Who is filming then? And there is most certainly another boat alongside taking pictures or films. Do not worry so much!
I'm a bit puzzled, when he switches off the main engine to go sailing, where does he get the power to operate the hydraulic winches?. Nice boat though, wish I could afford one
+James Peggie If you check out the interior tour, you'll see about 8-10 batteries in a giant battery bank. The more I think about it, the more I realize the purpose of the boat - to set and forget, on a single 2,000 mile tack in the tradewinds, not tacking every five minutes. (Plus, you can always crank with a handle if you like...)
Interesting boated would have liked to see some interior but I guess the point was to show its sailing capability. just one mistake, you are on starboard tack so everything gives way to you? Everything except another boat on starboard tack down wind of you, a vessel constrained by draught, a vessel not under command, a vessel restricted in its ability to manoeuvre a vessel engaged in fishing. Well, you did say you are a racing sailor so I wouldn't imagine you have any idea of col regs.
Nice yacht but 1.6 mil new, one available for 1.2 mil hull 9 i believe is too much for this beutie, if pricing was closer to $680K then maybe. Heel seems excessive needs a retractable or extendable centre board keel, like little harbour yachts used to do with there ocean going sailing yachts. Know takes a lot to build one of these, your seeing lots of $ saving by building for $5/hr labour in china, and have a problem supporting that. If it was 100% build in North America would support the over $1 million dollar price tag. thanks.
www.selenetrawlers.com are much more cost effective than Nordhavn's, nice if you can afford a Nord though, better more quality build, Selene also does not offer a 56MS yet, but the trawlers are onpar, usability wise, at 60c to a $1 of a Nord...100% Far East build though, instead of Nordhavns mostly Hull Build in Taiwan why the savings :)
Same as any other boat. Night and day may be different in many ways, but it makes no difference in regards to sailing in my opinion. I like the night for all travel better than the day. Flying at night makes some nervous, I love it as I can see other aircraft much better. Boats, the night sky at sea is reason enough to be up. If you are solo and crossing oceans why stop? Coastal, maybe stopping is what your trip is about?
+SparksMagoo "If you are solo and crossing oceans..." If you're solo and crossing oceans you are in violation of international laws that require a constant watch. If you're sleeping, you're not watching for other vessels. When Joshua Slocum soloed Spray around the world, and even when Robin Lee Graham soloed in Dove, the oceans were a lot less crowded than they are now. Take a friend or two along, or do like Lin and Larry Pardey did and make it a couple's life journey.
+Guess I'd be in violation then, cuz I can't stand the smell of other people's stinky feet, even in a large boat... lol. Besides, at 7-8 kt, and radar alarm set at 10nm and your close proximity alarm at 1 mile, I'm quiet sure I won't be running into anyone.
