Dana Point, Calif.-(April 15, 2003)- Building on the success of the recently launched Nordhavn 47, Pacific Asian Enterprises (P.A.E.) introduces the Nordhavn 43, a long-range, full-displacement passage maker that incorporates the popular features of larger Nordhavns, in a smaller, less-expensive vessel designed for easy handling.
“During the Nordhavn 40 Around the World Voyage, we spent a great deal of time exploring ways to refine all of our designs,” said Jim Leishman, vice president of P.A.E. “We incorporated those improvements into the Nordhavn 43 to make it a comfortable, efficient and durable long-range cruiser.”
Generous accommodations
Crew comfort, whether on deck or below, is one of the most important and often-overlooked facets of long-range cruising. P.A.E. paid special attention to modifications to make onboard living pleasant in any climate. On the Nordhavn 43, key accommodations have been moved out of the places where pitching and noise are at their most extreme. Hence, the owner’s cabin is amidships and guest accommodations fairly far aft. A second guest head and stall shower are located all the way forward. The huge wheelhouse allows adequate space for a large helm chair and a 6-foot 4-inch settee and pilot berth. Beneath the settee are full-size chart drawers and added storage space. The dash and helm configuration have been carefully designed to allow easy maneuvering and to accommodate a complete complement of electronics.
As proper ventilation is paramount, the wheelhouse includes a Lewmar overhead hatch and Diamond Seaglaze front windows with opening lower panels. Wheelhouse windows have been enlarged for maximum visibility and are of half-inch tempered glass. Heavy-duty, double-dogged Dutch doors further enhance this exceptional pilothouse. Entrance to the saloon is through a Dutch door and three of the five half-inch thick saloon windows open.
For the most serious cruises an additional 5 cubic foot, top-loading freezer is included opposite the galley. Locker space abounds in the galley and, beneath the port and starboard settees in the saloon, is space for months of supplies. The spacious saloon settees not only provide comfortable lounging space for up to eight people but also can be used as extra berths.
The 54-square foot aft deck has port and starboard boarding doors and an access door to the integral swim step. The overhanging boat deck allows the area to be enclosed for cruising in inclement weather. Below, a large lazarette, accessed through a weather-tight hatch, provides abundant storage.
Long-range performance
With three more feet of waterline and 300 more gallons of fuel than the Nordhavn 40, the Nordhavn 43 offers greater range and speed as well as extra interior space. Following the underwater lineage of the 40, 47, 50 and 57, P.A.E.’s innovative MFD™ hull form achieves superior sea-keeping qualities, longer range and greater speed than other full-displacement vessels of similar size. The MFD™ hull design features full stern sections to minimize pitching motion and to maximize weight-carrying capacity. The unique shape of the stern section also helps extend the upper end of cruising speeds by reducing the drag caused by “squatting” common to full displacement hulls running at high speed-to-length ratios. The MFD™ hull design includes a slight tunnel area for the propeller, allowing a large diameter prop to be used without increasing draft. This large diameter prop increases efficiency and reduces cavitation, creating a quieter running boat.
The venerable LUGGER L668D powering the Nordhavn 43 has been fitted with a Twin Disk 506 transmission in a reduction gear of 3.79 to 1 that spins a 2-inch Aquamet shaft and 32-inch propeller.
“That reduction is an incredible asset,” said Leishman. “It significantly increases efficiency and reduces noise.”
An exceptional fuel system dramatically simplifies operation and increases reliability by delivering 1,200 gallons of fuel from molded fiberglass fuel tanks to a central supply reservoir. The reservoir allows for fast and precise fuel consumption checks (both for the engine and generator) and collects water. A water sensor in the reservoir alerts the crew to any problems long before water reaches the separators in the Racor filters. A petcock drains water and debris from the sump.
Laid out for cruising
Other on-deck features typical of the Nordhavn line have been added with long-range, short-handed cruising in mind such as the raised anchoring platform with a Maxwell 3500 windlass and a heavy-duty double bow roller. Integral deck storage boxes are molded-in forward of the Portuguese bridge. An 18-inch wide starboard side deck allows exterior access from the cockpit to the Portuguese bridge. The boat deck accommodates tenders up to 12.5 feet with additional room for kayaks or water toys.
“Many of the Nordhavn’s most important features aren’t readily apparent,” said Leishman. “You will find them in details like the choice of tinned wiring that has the greatest corrosion resistance available. Incorporating these features is part of the reason that Nordhavns are so reliable and hold their value so well.”
The new NORDHAVN 43 will prove to be a highly refined world cruiser that offers exceptional range and comfort underway and for dockside living. Built to the highest standard of quality and designed using the knowledge gained to date this addition to the Nordhavn fleet may prove to be the most popular yet.
Nordhavn 43 Specifications:
| LOA | 43’0” |
| LWL | 38’4″ |
| Beam | 14’10” |
| Draft | 4’11” |
| Displacement | 53,540 lbs. |
| Water Capacity | 300 gallons |
| Fuel Capacity | 1,200 |
| Engine | Lugger L-668D |
| Horespower | 140hp |
| Range (approx.) | 2,800nm @7.8 kt. |
