Nordhavn 96

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

Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) has expanded the Nordhavn line with the addition of the Nordhavn 96. This new design looks to serve as a stepping stone between the large cruiser and megayacht categories. For the enthusiast who is seeking megayacht-like style and features in a boat that is still able to be managed with no – or minimal – crew, the Nordhavn 96 is the ideal solution.

She is based on the hull of the very successful Nordhavn 86, and incorporates a 10-foot cockpit extension that allows for space bumps in several areas of the boat including below decks in the crew area and lazarette; at main deck level in the cockpit and saloon; on the pilothouse deck with a larger sky lounge or upper master stateroom (depending on layout); and an even more capacious fly bridge. Fuel capacity remains the same, although slight gains in fuel burn are likely due to the N96’s longer water line. Displacement also stays virtually the same. “It is a fairly easy procedure to extend the molds,” says Jeff Leishman, PAE’s Chief of Design. And it is an efficient way to give a customer the additional space they are seeking without the drastic cost of building an entirely new hull. Nordhavn has employed this method of thinking with several of its other models including the N52 (based on the N47 hull), the N60 and 63 (based on the N55 hull), the N68 (based on the N64 hull) and the N76 (based on the N72 hull), and the approach has been a hugely successful one. The stretched out models proved themselves to be so advantageous that, as a result, they have become more popular than their predecessors. And contrary to published reports, there is zero downside to adding hull extensions. Says Leishman: “These types of modifications have actually demonstrated to enhance performance.”

Imagine having access to the luxuries of a 100-foot boat at a smaller boat investment. With the Nordhavn 96 it’s possible: using the already enormous N86 hull as a jumping off point, the amplified superstructure of the 96 ups the ante in interior volume with accommodations that are nothing short of remarkable. The saloon and galley measures 43 feet in length and the combination of wheelhouse, captain’s cabin and sky lounge measure almost 34 feet in length. She includes a vast, full-width owner’s suite in addition to the captain’s cabin, three guest staterooms with ensuite heads, plus the spacious crew wing which comprises a roomy cabin and head aft with exterior entrance. A laundry and utility room are also provided. The luxurious and functional interior is finished with fine hardwoods, beautiful moldings and raised panels combined with stone floors, granite countertops, the finest hardware, lighting and fixtures. Like the N86, the interior of the Nordhavn 96 is customizeable to the owner’s personal vision.

Driving the hull are twin MTU Series 60 engines rated at 600 hp each spinning 48-inch propellers through 4.59 to 1 reduction gears allow a transatlantic cruising speed of 10 knots. With over 7,000 gallons of fuel aboard and throttled back to the 9 knot range, this new design can run roughly 4,000 miles before refueling. The twin configuration includes integral skegs and two large attached rudders for maximum directional control and propellers that are protected within their own apertures. The advanced high-pressure, common rail, electronically injected engines are fitted with wet exhaust, commercial rated transmissions with large reduction gears and offer efficiency and reliability never before possible.

An extensive list of standard machinery details includes central hydraulics with 20-square-foot stabilizers, 50 hp bow and stern thrusters, hydraulic bilge pumping and anchor wash downs, dual Onan generators, a universal AC electrical system for worldwide use, 3,500 lb. Marquipt davit, chilled water air-conditioning system, 2000 gallons-per-day water maker, automatic engine room and lazarette fire system with ventilation dampeners, an on-deck Jacuzzi and much more.

The Nordhavn 96 truly is the ideal boat for the yachtsman looking to step up his game. For one busy N86 owner looking to move up, it was the layout and roomy, separated crew quarters of the N96 – ideal for his full-time four-person crew – that cinched the deal over other similar-sized boats. The Nordhavn 96 gave him the bigger boat he needed and the brand he trusted.