Revisiting the No-Nonsense Nordic Tug 44, an American Classic 

The Nordic Tug 44 is one of those classic cruising boats that will never go out of style. Introduced in 2017 and still in production, the 44 is an upgrade and replacement for the NT 42, which was and is a terrific coastal cruiser.

But there were a couple of issues in the 42 that owners and the builders wanted to address. The 44 is the result of their input and labors. A two-cabin, two-head design, the 44 has a larger master cabin and the salon has been extended by a couple of feet. This additional space makes a lot of difference.

One of the serious changes from the 42 is the interior staircase to the flying bridge. On the 42 this was on the outside and led up to the bridge from the cockpit. While this is not unusual, and works well in good weather, the outside ladder can be almost dangerous in wet and wild conditions. The new, neat wood stairs inside make all the difference; you can move from the salon to the bridge in complete safety.

The extra length of the 44 also makes for a large flying bridge deck that can accommodate a larger dinghy and mechanical crane. This has always been the best way to carry a dinghy at sea and the improvement is noteworthy.

The 44 has the brand’s jaunty, tug-boat lines with a sweeping sheer, plenty of flare at the bow and a classic pilothouse. The look has always exuded a no-nonsense, workboat ethic and still does.

But Nordic Tugs and the 44 are anything but rough and ready work boats. They are built-in-America yachts with finely finished joinery, handsome fabrics and plenty of US-made hardware and equipment. The words honest and wholesome comes to mind when you step aboard.

The engine room of any power boat says a lot about the builder and their desire to do things right.  The 44 is powered by a Volvo D11 rated at 670-horsepower. This is enough to give the boat a top end of about 15 knots. With her tanks topped with 1,300 gallons of diesel, the 44 will be able to run 2,600 miles at eight knots. This one feature is enough to convince many cruisers, with live-aboard and long-range plans, that a Nordic Tug one of the most sensible cruising boats afloat.

Looking back since we first review the then new NordicTug 44, we have to admit that it is still an America classic built for exploring the world near and far.