Nordhavn Brings Back the Boat That Started It All

Image Source: Nordhaven

Nearly 40 years after the original Nordhavn 46 helped establish a new category of long-range motor yachts, the California-based builder is bringing the concept back. The Nordhavn 46 MK II explorer yacht is an entirely new design inspired by its predecessor, retaining the same ocean-crossing ambitions while incorporating four decades of engineering and real-world cruising experience.

Measuring 46 feet 3 inches with a 15-foot 9.5-inch beam, the new model trades the original's single-engine arrangement for twin 135-horsepower Nanni diesels. Fuel capacity increases by more than 30 percent to 1,200 gallons, while a redesigned underwater profile improves steering and efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics helped shape the new hull, replacing the traditional tank-testing approach used during the original model's development.

Inside, Nordhavn has made significant changes for owners who spend extended periods aboard. A near walk-in engine room improves maintenance access, while lithium-ion batteries, proportional thruster controls, air conditioning, diesel heating, stabilizers, and a full-size washer and dryer are included in the standard specification. The exterior is cleaner and more contemporary, abandoning the traditional Portuguese bridge to reclaim valuable interior space.

Built at Nordhavn's South Coast facility in Taiwan, the 46 MK II follows a philosophy that made the original famous: a manageable, capable passagemaker intended for couples who want to cross oceans without a professional crew. The technology has changed considerably. The mission hasn't.

Check out the full details at Nordhavn.

FAQ's

1. What is different about the new Nordhavn 46 MK II?

   1. The Nordhavn 46 MK II is a completely redesigned version of the original Nordhavn 46, introduced nearly 40 years earlier. Major changes include twin engines instead of a single engine, increased fuel capacity, updated hull engineering, lithium-ion batteries, and a more spacious interior.

2. What are the Nordhavn 46 MK II specifications?

   1. The Nordhavn 46 MK II measures 46 feet 3 inches overall, with a 15-foot 9.5-inch beam and 4-foot 9-inch draft. It features twin 135-horsepower Nanni diesel engines, a 1,200-gallon fuel capacity, and a displacement of approximately 57,498 pounds. Nordhavn has not published a verified cruising range on the referenced model page.

3. Is the Nordhavn 46 MK II designed for ocean crossings?

   1. Yes. The Nordhavn 46 MK II is designed as a full-displacement, long-distance cruising yacht capable of offshore passages. Its twin-engine configuration, substantial fuel capacity, stabilization system, and onboard living amenities are intended to support extended voyages operated by a couple.