Nordhavn 46MKII

NOTE: THIS MODEL IS AVAILABLE FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION. THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR A BROKERAGE BOAT.

Nearly 40 years ago, PAE launched the boat that would inspire a whole new segment of cruising. The Nordhavn 46 was the first full displacement boat marketed as a go-anywhere cruiser for couples seeking ocean adventure in safety and comfort. It spawned a new and exciting way for folks of retirement age to spend their post-work lives. To this day, more Nordhavn 46s have crossed oceans and circumnavigated the globe than any other production motoryacht in history.

Decades later, we set out to create a new version of the N46 that reflects how far we’ve come—but how do you reintroduce a boat that was already ahead of its time? The answer is the Nordhavn 46 MK II—an all-new design that builds on the original’s legacy with enhanced performance, smarter systems, and modern comfort throughout.

The N46 MK II combines everything we learned from the original N46—and millions of sea miles gained across the entire Nordhavn fleet—with the advantages of modern engineering. The result is a next-generation N46 built for today’s cruisers.

The mission with the N46 MK II remains the same as it was all those years ago when the company launched the N46: to create a boat that a couple can safely navigate through a seaway in the harshest of conditions. The concept of an honest boat, purpose-built for safe cruising adventures, made the legacy Nordhavn 46 such a success. In that case, there is no difference between the two models—the 46 II maintains the same set of goals of safety, capability, efficiency, hull strength, and comfort.

While the original Nordhavn 46 was groundbreaking in concept and marketing, the N46 MK II is a step forward in market research and technological innovation. Traditional model test tank analysis has been replaced with our in-house Computational Fluid Dynamics program, allowing us to optimize hull efficiency with precision. The design has also been updated, as features that worked on the original no longer make sense today. Plus, a greater focus has been placed on creature comforts and interior styling to meet the expectations of current buyers. “The N46 is always going to be a classic,” said Chief of Design Jeff Leishman. “But the old version feels out of place among today’s Nordhavns.”

The main differences emerge from the advantages of experience, wisdom, and state-of-the-art technology that come with time. That means the new N46 II will be better in many ways. She’ll be equipped with twin engines that won’t reduce efficiency but offer better safety and reliability than her predecessor’s single screw. The newly designed underbody improves steering, while modern materials increase hull strength and provide a quieter ride. Newly thought-out space planning has resulted in a near walk-in engine room and fuel tanks with over 30% more capacity for greater range at higher speeds. The evolution of the electrical system, along with the incorporation of lithium-ion batteries, means proportional controls for thrusters and longer stretches away from power hook-ups without needing to run the generator. The new 46 II also includes as standard a full-size washer/dryer, air conditioning, diesel heat, and stabilizers. As the demographic skews younger, and with more people working and living aboard for extended periods or even full-time, there’s a greater demand for space, comfort, and modern conveniences. The 46 II delivers.

Another clear difference between the two models is in the exterior lines of the boat. Certain aspects couldn’t be replicated, said Jeff Leishman. For instance, although older Nordhavns are synonymous with the Portuguese bridge, that feature would dramatically reduce interior space on the 46 II. The lines of the new model are sleeker and more in keeping with the newest Nordhavns. For those who appreciated the salty North Sea look of the iconic Nordhavn 46s, the Leishmans understand the appeal, but that design reflects a different time. “We wanted to make the exterior a little more contemporary,” offers PAE vice president Jim Leishman. “You will know looking at it that it’s a Nordhavn. We’ve been super careful to try and retain the aesthetics.”

Built at our South Coast factory in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the 46 II will follow in the wakes of the Nordhavn 41 and 51 models, incorporating a complete spec; only a dinghy and watermaker are not included. This means buyers can expect a smoother, faster build process that leads to more cost-effective pricing.

For PAE’s design team, the 46 II represents a significant advancement over the original N46 in nearly every technical respect. With approximately 700 ocean-going yachts designed and built, that opinion carries weight. Says Jim Leishman: “We are taking a tried and true boat and updating it by nearly forty years to be the best it can possibly be. She will be the safest, most efficient and capable Nordhavn under fifty feet ever built.”