Nordhavn Yachts
Nordhavn Yachts
Jim Leishman, Dan Streech, and Joe Meglen formed a small brokerage in Dana Point, California in 1974, today known as PAE (Pacific Asian Enterprises). PAE began its operations by importing Transpac Yachts from Taiwan. Yacht designer Al Mason was the appointed naval architect for PAE’s first project. The Mason 43 sailboat was the first PAE/Mason design, followed by the M63, M53, M53cc, and M33. Between 1978 and 1985, PAE/Mason built 132 “3” series sailboats.
In the late 1980s, during the decline of the cruising sailboat market, the PAE team began designing the 46 Nordhavn (N46), a new kind of powerboat. The boat was named Nordhavn, Norwegian for “North Harbor” because of its resemblance to the North Sea fishing trawlers. By early 1989, Hull #1 of the N46 was completed and shipped, and in 1993, it was sold to an Indonesian industrialist and delivered to Singapore. PAE’s second Nordhavn design was the N62, which was accepted by Ta Shing in 1991. Luxury tax made it a slow start for the second N62 order. Nearly 18 months later, when the tax was repealed, Hull #2 was ordered, and N46 orders were coming in fast, commencing the “golden 90s.” Steady growth allowed for the launch of the N50, produced by South Coast in 1995, and the N57, built by Ta Shing in 1996.
Year Established
1974
Shipyard Location
Dana Point, California
Boat Construction
Fiberglass
Boat Category
Motorboats, Superyachts, Megayachts
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Nordhavn Yachts FAQs
What is Nordhavn known for?
Nordhavn is best known for building long-range ocean-crossing passagemaker yachts. The brand specializes in displacement trawler-style motor yachts designed for serious offshore cruising, with an emphasis on safety, fuel efficiency, durability, and self-sufficient operation during extended voyages.
Are Nordhavn yachts built for ocean crossings?
Yes. Ocean-going capability is the foundation of the Nordhavn brand. Nordhavn yachts are specifically engineered for offshore passagemaking and have completed thousands of successful Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Ocean crossings. Numerous Nordhavn owners have also completed circumnavigations and other extreme cruising adventures around the world.
What makes Nordhavn different from other trawler yachts?
Nordhavn focuses heavily on long-range reliability and redundancy. Many models feature full-displacement hulls, commercial-inspired engineering solutions, substantial fuel capacities, dedicated pilothouses, and backup systems designed to support extended offshore cruising. This approach differs from many cruising yachts that prioritize speed over range and self-sufficiency.
Who builds Nordhavn yachts?
Nordhavn yachts are designed and marketed by Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE), headquartered in Dana Point, California. The company introduced the first Nordhavn model in 1989 and has since developed one of the world's most respected lines of long-range passagemaker yachts, with models ranging from approximately 41 to 120 feet