1984 Nordic 44 - Thoughts?

[pwilliams]

We're looking at a 1984 Nordic 44 and I'd like to hear from anyone who has an opinion about it.

It was designed by Robert Perry (my favorite designer). The Nordic seems to be a faster version of a Valiant 42.

We want to go blue water cruising and I'm short on research material for this boat. We're not racers, so I don't want to get too far away from the market niche the Valiant is aimed at.

Help!

Thanks
Pat

[Curmudgeon]

Well, there is a page in Perry's book on the Nordic 44. He did a bunch of 44 footers in the late 70's, including the Lafitte and another one for Cheoy Lee. They're all designed to be cruising boats but I have no hands on experience with any of them.

[Sluce]

We have a 1986 Nordic 40 that we've owned for a year and are very happy with it. Before we bought it we took a serious look at a Valiant 40 before deciding to pass. It was a nice boat, but the Nordic is nicer. More storage - especially in the lazerettes, and better performance (at the cost of a foot and a half of draft).
The Nordic is a very well built boat, our surveyor kept pointing out how solid and well designed it was. they stopped making them in the early 90's but have started again last year. Check out their web site at www.norstaryachts.com

[nordic-beluga]

Hi,

I am the proud owner of the nordic 44 hull # 1. She was delivered to her first owner in 1980 and was called " Jay Bird ". I am now the third owner and baptised her " Beluga " . We sail her since 2000 . Our sailing area is mainly the North Sea and the Dover strait which is not really a calm sea . Beluga behaves extremely well in rough seas . She has a new mast since shortly before we bought her with a height from waterline to the top of just over 20 meters.
If you are not aiming for racing I consider her as a perfect fast cruiser which gives you a tremendous feeling of safety in rough seas over 6 Bft. We sail her just the 2 of us without any problems under main and 120% genoa .
I would be glad to give you more info so do not hesitate to contact me .

Sincerely,

Jack

[nordic 44]

pwilliams,are you still looking at Nordic 44? I have owned and sailed mine for over 20 years,and have it completely fitted out for the tropics(twin A/C ) or for Northern climes,diesl forced air. Cutter rigged twin radar,davits,solar panels,genset,new Yanmar 75t engine,icemaker deepfreeze(icecream) and so much more. Hard dodger is a great asset. she is for sale because of health,but she is ready to go anywhere. Ph 503 285 8778

[pwilliams]

Sorry, we ended up buying a 2000 Outbound 44.

[ronbo1]

pwilliams

Please check your PM box for a message.

Ronbo

[Harry Thompson]

I am looking for a Nodic 44.

[nordic 44]

Harry Thompson,thanks for the post. If you are looking for a Nordic 44,and would like to contact me,call 503 254 2652(work) 503 285 8778 (evenings)PST My 1980 Nordic 44 is for sale. Just when I had her ready to go to Mexico and South Pacific,or to Alaska!!! The most complete shorthanded(wife and myself)boat out there.Solar panels,new 75 hp Yanmar,Heat ,Air conditioners,davits,gen set,double radar,deep freeze,fridge,sprit for asymmetrical chute,Electronic personal Mob, oversized auto pilot,solid custom dodger,etc .email contact bonicael@teleport.com. My background is ex offshore racing,international level,and as a cruiser for over 20 years in our Nordic.

[Allaban]

My wife and I have sailed our Nordic 44 for 60,000 miles over the past 11years.
Last year we sailed from Japan to Bellingham via Alasks. The builders (now Norstar Yachts) are still in Bellingham.
We are now wishing to sell the boat, so if you are interested please contact me davemenis@hotmail.com.

[darkaegisagain]

How well does the Nordic 44 sail single handed? I like to go out in the winter and sail around puget sound on those cold windy days and a 44 is on the upward bounds of what I would want to handle, but I have a family and they need the room also.

[Allaban]

We have found the Nordic 44 to sail well under all conditions. We have sailed extensively inshore and offshore doublehanded. This means that you sail singlehanded a lot of the time that on extended passages.
Ours is equipped with Harken ball bearing track on the mast for the mainsail making it easy to raise and more importantly, easy to reef which can be done by one person. We also have a powerful auto helm that allows one person to do all the maneuvers with one person.
We also have an Espar cabin heater to keep the passengers warm!
Give me a call with any questions, the boat is in Bellingham.
Dave 843 793 9278

[darkaegisagain]

Thanks Dave, its a toss up between the Nordic 44 and a HR 42 right now…. both have heaters, it gets cold here in the winter and complaints from the crew are no fun. I am taking my time on this one, but both are good boats.

[Cheechako]

The HR42 didnt feel very big to me when I looked at a '99. Doesnt the Nordic feel a lot bigger and nicer finished?

[Allaban]

The HR are well made boats and very seaworthy. But if you are looking for a boat that sails well and is much faster under sail then the Nordic outclasses the HR.
As for the size, the newer boats all seem to be much beamier. This gives you more room and in some cases a huge stateroom aft but causes the boat to have less ideal sailing characteristics especially in ocean waves.
It's all a compromise and you have to make your own choices. For us the sailing is more important than a queen size aft cabin.