Showing posts with label Nord West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nord West. Show all posts

July 20, 2013

News: Nord West July 2013

The Aquistion
Wednesday, 10th of july, Runo Gillholm could with great pleasure announce that the purchase of the North West and Najad was a fact.  "It is with great joy and anticipation we can participate in the reconstruction of the Nord West and Najad's brand," said Runo Gillholm, owner and founder of Gill Holm Marina since 1992. "Both Nord West and Najad are respected brands and we will do our best to manage it. How the production will proceed and what size it should be is not yet set, time will tell."  Najad was founded in 1971 and has since that time produced over 2000 yachts. After major expansions in the company between 2005-2007 and with the financial market the organization went bankrupt in August 2011. At the end of the same year, the boat manufacturer Nord West together with a consortium bought the Najad brand. Nord West was founded in 1985 by Benny Martinsson and has produced reputable motorboat models. Nord West and Najad was manufactured under the same roof at Vindön, but in early 2013 called for Nord West and Najad declared bankrupt due to financial problems in the company.  Gillholms Marina is driven with the goal to always create good quality and service for the customer. We at Gillholms Marina always cares about our customers, we want to create a good contact with them to be able to help the customer to meet their unique needs. Gillholms Marina was founded by Runo Gillholm 1992 and has the agency for Windy and Minor, two well-known brands of high quality in western and southern Sweden. Gillholms Marina is a full-service shipyard where all facilities are available regarding winter storage as well as accessories and installation of additional equipment. We handle vessels with a width of up to 6 feet and weighing up to 55 tons. As an authorized Volvo Penta workshop we also have service and repair facilities at the marina.
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February 7, 2013

New Model: Nord West 430 Flybridge

 
Nord West will launch a brand new 430 Flybridge motor cruiser at the boat show in Gothenburg taking place from the 2 till the 10th of February. The yard is well known for its production of high quality boats and will now launch a new, slightly larger powerboat to the multi prized 420 with the same high standard, smart design and luxurious comfort that can be expected from the Orust production builder. The 430 will feature the latest in technology installed: twin Volvo Penta IPS engines with joystick control for easy manoeuvring and through a touch of a button or the intuitive DPS system holding the boats position through a series of GPS signals. Nominated as the ‘Motor Boat of the Year’ in both 2007 and 2008 the Nord West 420 has been the inspiration for the now bigger sister together with the 430 SportsTop, which is the yards latest newest model with its successful sports design.  For the first time the yard will now present the new Nord West 430 Flybridge in the same generous hull as the SportsTop and with the remarkable seagoing capabilities and low fuel consumption of the famed 420.  To put it short the 430 hull is a tweeking and slight improvement of the 420 praised underwater shape.  The yard would also like to highlight improvements they have been working with such as reduced sound levels and vibrations. Much of the equipment onboard which normally is extra options on most other manufacturers are in fact standard on all Nord West models. This makes the Nord West 430 Fly on of the most comfortable boats on the market today. The 430 Fly represents the first new model that has been developed since the acquisition of Najad and the interior design will demonstrate how the merging of two strong brands lift each other to new levels of perfection in both design and technique. Smart solutions and spacious storage facilities and a fantastic craftsmanship is the hallmark of this yard. The owner of the yard, Mr. Benny Martinsson, who stands behind the design together with the yards own and very capable development team, have put emphasis on the social space in the cockpit, saloon and on the flybridge. Well sized cabins with more natural light invites for a more comfortable and harmonic atmosphere, and at the same time the new Fly is developed for an active boating life where you can feel comfort for a very long time. Power from this new Nord West model comes from Volvo 370, 400, and 435hp units in both stern drive or IPS pod propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44ft)
Length - 12.8 m
Beam - 3.9 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 13 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 600 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 15
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 400hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo DPH dual propeller stern drive, or IPS with forward looking dual props
Project - Benny Martinsson
Certification - CE B15

December 26, 2012

News: Nord West December 2012

OPENING TIMES
During the Christmas break Nord West showroom will be open on 27-28 december, and 2-4th January 2013. As usual Nord West welcomes you to come and discuss a new boat or look at the many second hand brokerage boats, cruisers, and yachts available.
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MOTOR BOAT OF THE YEAR
Nord West 430 Sports Top has been nominated to the Motor Boat of the Year 2013 in the category powerboat up to 45 feet. If you missed the test of the Nord West 430 Sports Top in the December issue of the magazine Motor Boats and Yachting we suggest you to check it out.  
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BOAT SHOWS IN WINTER 2013
Nord West and its sister sailing brand Najad will be present at the following upcoming boat shows.  The World class Dusseldorf boat show in Germany from the 19 to the 27 January with a Nord West 430 Sports Top, and a 370 Coupe.  Gothenburg on the 2 till the 10 February with a Nord West 430. Frederica in Denmark during the weekend of 22 till the 24 February with a Nord West 430 Sports Top. Alvsjo in Stockholm on the 2 to the 10 March also with a Nord West 430.  Indoor show in Oslo, Telenor starting the 13 till 17th March with a Nord West 430.  Book your dates.  
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October 24, 2012

News: Nord West October 2012

REFURBISH IT AND SELL
The fall is upon us and winter is soon at our doorstep and it is perhaps time to take your boat into winter storage. Many of you who had plans to change boats for next season have seen the advantage of changing already at this time, as it saves you the time and effort to handle it and instead letting Nord West take care of the refurbishing and placing it in the showroom to sell. Therefore you will find many boats in our harbor at this time waiting for their turn in our refurbishing department, thus giving you a perfect chance to seatrial the models you perhaps are interested in. If you have any specific model you are interested to test please contact your sales contact at Nord West and Najad to make an appointment before all boats are taken out of water. We would also like to mention that we have many new exciting brands for sale if perhaps a refurbished second hand boat could interest you.
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HANSEBOOT
Nord West welcomes you to stand A1 A260 at the international Hamburg show on the 27 to the 4th of November. Exhibit boats will be a new Najad 440CC and a Nord West 430 Sports Top.                                                                                          
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OPEN ON SATURDAY
Nord West will have the show room open on Vindön on the following Saturdays. We will have new Najad sailingboats, new Nord West powerboats and refurbished second hand boats on display and for sale.  The opening Saturdays are 20 and 27 October, and third November.
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WEBSHOP
Nord West is very excited over the launch of its webshop with boat equipment and spareparts and accessories. The assortment will increase as we come along in time. Create your own login and order goods with delivery all over the world.
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SECOND HAND SALES FIGURES
During last season’s second hand boat sales from August 2011 till August 2012, Nord West sold second hand refurbished boats for 131 million SEK. In our website you can look at which boats were sold during the last year. With the sales we already have had during this fall we are optimistic that the coming year will be at least as good and hopefully better.
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23000 LIKES
Nord West is happy that it now has more than 23.000 Likes on the official Nord West & Najad AB facebook page.                                                                                           
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September 15, 2012

Nord West New Web Site

Nord West from Sweden presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  The current Nord West story starts in 1985 when Benny Martinsson sets his own shop after coming from a previous ten years carrier, working with other boat builders. After doing a lot of sub contracting work in 1989 Benny Martinsson decides its time to start building his own boats and he buys the Nord West brand from Norway including two models, a 900 and 1100.  These models will be improved by Benny himself and will later be joined by two other models; the 1000 and 380 Trawler.  In 1996 a huge set back occurs to Nord West when the factory in Orust burns to the ground.  Contrary to normality this set back also creates expansion for Benny Martinsson and Nord West as he buys the Vindo shipyard, and sets up a project to improve and expand the range.   The Vindo shipyard in Orust is today regarded among the most advanced in Sweden.  In 2000 Nord West launches the innovative 390 who in its premiere launch in Stockholm won Boat of the Show.  This model will be the inspiration for the future of Nord West who does it again in 2007, launching its most successful 420 Flybridge which since then has sold to over one hundred units in its first three years of production, and received the title of Motor Boat of the Year twice, in 2007 and 2008.  A year later to the 420 presentation Nord West launches the 370, first in the Coupe and Flybridge variants, and in 2008 as Sport and Sportstop models.  The Nord West 370 will win a list of awards; Scandinavian Boat Innovation Award in Stockholm, Boat of the Year in England, European Powerboat of the Year and Motorboat of the Fair in Finland.  In August 2009 Nord West opened its brand new showroom in Orust, a live set up where new and refurbished used boats are sold all year round.  Nord West latest model has been the new 430 Sport and Sportstop presented in 2011 and sold in over thirty units.  In that same year Nord West has also acquired sailing boat builder Najad founded in the late sixties by Berndt and since then building over two thousand boats.  Nord West current range features eight models from the 370 Sport to the 560 Flybridge.  Nord West new web site is available in English, Swedish, Italian, and Chinese language and takes you around with the following buttons; Motorboats, Sailing Yachts Najad, Company, For Sale, Enjoy Boating, and Webshop.  The new Nord West site also features direct link to the company official social networks hubs; Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.    
Production History;
900 1989-96
1100 1989-96
1000 1990-96
380 Trawler 1990-1996
330 1997-2001
355 1997-2005
410 1997-2001
390 2000-09 (171)
560 Flybridge 2003-13
420 Flybridge 2005-12 (100+)
370 Coupe 2008-13
370 Flybridge 2008-13
370 Sport 2008-13
370 Sportstop 2009-13
430 Sport 2011-13 (30+) includes Sportstop and Flybridge
430 Sportstop 2011-13 (30+) includes Sport and Flybridge
430 Flybridge 2013 (30+) includes Sport and Sportstop
*production stopped in 2013

July 6, 2012

News: Nord West July 2012

SUMMER OPENINGS
Summer openings Sales and service for our customers is open all summer, Monday-Thursday 8.00-16.30 and Friday 8.00-15.00. Our showroom is open this Saturday for the last Saturday this summer before our big exhibition “Open Yards”. On July 7th 10 am to 2 pm Peter Isaksson wishes you a very warm welcome this Saturday. Show room views can still be arraganged by appointments.
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MEDITERRANEAN INVASION
This year, several new Nord West boats have gone to the Southern Europe. One Nord West 370 SportsTop went directly to Port Grimaud on the French Riviera, two 370 SportsTops have been launched in Slovenia and have numerous adventurous journeys ahead through the Croatian islands, towards Cyprus and Cannes. A Nord West 420 Flybridge is on tour and has since delivery driven through Göta Kanal, into St. Petersburg and via the canals in Russia and finally reached the Black Sea. Next stop will be in the Mediterranean Sea before the journey continues up to Scandinavia again.
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BEST PHOTO COMPETITION
Take the chance to compete for 2012 best photograph in one in of the two categories offered: Najad and Nord West. The Swedish company looks forward in seeing your photos of all the exciting surroundings and all the lovely moments with family and friends.
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OPEN YARD AT ORUST, VINDON
Open Yards on Orust is a boat show held in conjunction with Sweboat and the major yards on the Swedish West Coast. Nord West welcomes you, along with family and friends to its facilities in  Vindön / Orust. Nord West will also have the possibility of guided tours, show new models and all boats for sale. Open Yards is one of the year's most popular boat shows, where you will receive an insight into the shipyards how they build their boats, the opportunity to meet with over eighty accessory suppliers and see over 150 boats and yachts in their right element. While you are on the west coast and the season draws to an end, take the boat or car to some of the best places on the west coast. You will not be disappointed!     
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UPCOMING PARTICIPATING BOAT SHOWS
Sailing Festival in Helsingborg from August 10 to 12, Ega Show in Denmark from 17 to 19 August, Uiva in Helsinki 16 to 19 August, Stockholm in Water Boat Show from 31 August to 2 September,  Amsterdam HISWA 4 to 9 September, Bater-i-Sjoen Scandinavia at Aker Bryyke in Olso 6 to 9 September, and Southampton Boat Show 14 to 23 September.
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www.nordwest.se                                                                                       

April 27, 2012

News: Nord West April 2012

FULL ACTIVITY 
At the factory in Vindön there is full activity in the harbor as the many families are taking delivery of their new boat. Despite a little setback with the weather, which took a turn to a little colder temperatures, Nord West and Najad have already delivered over 50 boats, which means they have more than half still left to deliver. As a client this is a great opportunity for a factory visit if you are interested in the many different Nord West models with different layouts and engine configurations. It is at this time of year all models and layouts can best be viewed and if you are curious please don’t hesitate to make an appointment and Nord West will look forward in welcoming you and showing around.
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SHOWROOM OPEN IN SUMMER
Nord West advise that the show room is open every Saturday from 10-14 during the spring! Here you can view many of there new models and the refurbished second hand boats available at the time. Exception is midsummer 23 June where showroom will be closed.
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LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
On certain places around the world Nord West & Najad have a specific amount of selected representatives which functions as an extension to its sales and service team. The local representative can give interested clients a smoother contact point for those who feel more comfortable speaking with a native and its language. However, Nord West advises that all clients are welcome to phone us directly if they wish to do so.
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MAXI BRAND
During the acquisition of Najad the Maxi brand was included in the purchase. As the production of Maxi did not suit production facilities, Nord West took the decision to find a new harbor and owner for Maxi.
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OSLO BOAT SHOW
On the 26-29th of April Nord West exhibits a 430 Sport Top and a Najad 440CC on Tjuvholmen in the central Oslo right next to Aker brygge. Jimmie, Staffan and Benny will welcome you onboard, and explain or there is to know of these models! 
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KALMAR BOAT SHOW
On the 25 to the 27th of May Nord West will exhibit a 370 Sport and a Nord West 430 Sports Top at the floating boat show taking place in Kalmars guest harbor.  Patricia, Johan, and Peter welcome you onboard and look forward in meeting with you all and explaining these two successful Nord West Models.
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ANCORA BOAT SHOW
On the first on the  third June Nord West will exhibit a 430 Sports Top and a Najad 570 and perhaps a Najad 440CC depending on availability in Ancora Marina in Neustadt/Germany. Patricia, Staffan, Magnus and Johan all welcome you on board.
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LATE SUMMER SHOWS
During the end of summer and after the summer Nord West will participate in a number of floating shows in Råå, Helsinki, Egå marina, Open yard Vindön, Gustavsberg Stockholm, HISWA, Sandvika Oslo and Southampton. Please contact regarding the models Nord West will exhibit at the many different shows.                                                                                   
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December 21, 2011

News: Nord West December 2011

POSITIVE FALL 2011
Nord West had a very positive sales period here at the yard since this summer. Our sales figures of both new and second hand boats are in line with the numbers from last year. Apart from keeping up the numbers Nord West has also acquired the Najad yard and the goal since the takeover in middle of October was to quickly introduce the brand at the boat shows, meet with the owners directly and potential clients. It started directly with participation of two important shows, the “Hanseboot” in Hamburg and the Stockholm Boat Show – with both Nord West motorboats and Najad sailboats. An overwhelming interest came in for both Nord West and Najad where the latter was met with an incredible relief to see it back on track. At the yard, incredible enough it started the production of the very first Najad boats sold after only six weeks that will be delivered in the spring as the first “in-house” built, to the very happy new owners.  Nord West and Najad now look forward towards the New Year and will start it off with many exciting boat shows where it hopes to meet with you and your family. If you would like to know more about the models or perhaps would like  to specify a boat after your wishes, please contact Nord West or Najad preferably even before the shows to enable your visit to be as rewarding as possible.
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DUSSELDORF BOOT
On the 21 to the 29th of January opens the Boot 2012 its gates!  Nord West Group will be there with two stands showing a Najad 440CC and Najad 440AC in hall 17, stand C55 and a Nord West 370 Flybridge and a Nord West 430 Sports Top in hall 5, stand D22 . Magnus Lundgren, Staffan Asp, Patricia Bornfleth, Johan Stübner, and Jessica Stenlund look forward in meeting with you on the stands!
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GOTHENBURG BOATSHOW
This incredibly well visited show is the start of the Swedish boating season, and it commences from the fouth to the 12th of February . A huge variety of over 100 000 people see this as a popular entertaining show and makes it an outing worthwhile for the whole family.  Nord West & Najad truly enjoy being at its most local show with a “home ground” advantage. The companies will participate with two Najad models 410, and 355 and three from Nord West; 370 Flybridge, 370 Coupe, and a 430 Sports Top. The whole sales team will be there and look forward in meeting all of the visitors!
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October 27, 2011

News: Nord West October 2011

SCANDINAVIAN BOAT SHOW
The Scandinavian Boat Show is the only indoor show in Scandinavia in the fall of this year between 9th to 13th November, a show especially aiming to represent powerboats and sailing boats over 7 meters. In the Nord West Najad stand AMD:05 the whole sales team of the Swedish boat builder will welcome you, and onboard the exhibits Nord West 370 Flybrige, Nord West 430 Sports Top, Najad 440CC and Najad 355. The show is the most exclusive indoor boat show and whether you have a boat or not you will find many exciting accessories like new marine fashion clothing and cozy and pleasant environments to spend your time in, like the popular Yacht Club. Stockholm City also offers many fun and exciting activities and also joining the boat show two more shows open up their doors on 10th-13th November: Allt för hälsan (All about your health) and Det goda köket (The Good Kitchen), which means there is something for everyone!
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HANSEBOOT IN HAMBURG
On the 29th of October Hanseboot 2011 will commence and will continue up until the 6th of November. Nordwest will be present with a 370 Coupe, 370 Sports Top, and a Najad 440 CC.  Magnus Lundgren, Staffan Asp, Patricia Bornfleth, Johan Stübner and Birgitta Andersson look forward in meeting with you at the Nord West stands in Hall B6 Stand A111 where the 370 Coupe and Sports Top will be exhibited.  If you would like to know more about any of the Nord West models or perhaps would like a specification prepared according to your own wishes of how you would like your boat equipped, please don’t hesitate to contact the five staff personnel to make your visit as efficient as possible.
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NAJAD AQUIRED
A consortium consisting of the boat manufacturer Nord West and Orust Yacht Service has acquired Najadvarvet, which went into liquidation on 9 August. The acquisition applies to the entire operation in Henån on the Swedish island of Orust, with production, winter storage and service. During the last fiscal year, Najadvarvet produced 25 high-quality sailing yachts and also had a significant level of service activity at the facilities in Henån on Orust. North West operates on nearby Vindön and last year they manufactured 37 high-quality motor boats.  Nord West foresees significant synergies resulting from the merger. The companies have the same industrial base and have grown out of the craftsmanship and maritime expertise established in Orust over generations.  Benny Martinsson founder and owner of Nord West said he is very pleased of this acquisition, and also advised he intends to continued the expansion of Najad line of sail boats from 35 to 57 feet.  Najad’s harbour facility has been managed by Claes Samuelsson for many years and he will now work with entrepreneur Bertil Karlsson to make an even greater effort in the areas of winter storage, servicing and insurance repairs in Henån in order to meet customers wishes for a comprehensive solution for boat users. Najadvarvet was founded in 1971 and has manufactured over 2,000 yachts. The company became bankrupt after a vigorous expansion in 2005-07, during which the company’s product development, investments and sales doubled. After the peak year of 2007, when sales exceeded SEK 300 million, the company was hit by the financial crisis in 2008, when sales fell sharply. Despite significant capacity reductions, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy in early August 2011.  The new owners wish to sincerely thank the lawyer Jan Save from the law firm Hammer, lawyer Lars Zetterberg and his colleagues at the consultancy Ackordscentralen and also Najadvarvet’s previous owner, Animatrix Capital, for their professional work to close the deal, thereby safeguarding Najad’s long-term future and the possibility of regain its position as one of the world’s leading yacht manufacturers along with Nord West.  Nord West was founded in 1985 by Benny Martinsson and has 130 employees. Sales last year amounted to about SEK 360 million. The company is family owned and consists of boat building and maintenance at Vindön/Orust, as well as a facility in Lysekil for hull construction and plastic fittings. Today the boatyard is one of the most modern in Sweden and sells boats around the world.  According to Claes, the work of winter storage has already started and, if you have not yet decided where to service your boat this winter, both motor boats and yachts are welcome at Orust Yacht Service. Benny explains that new boat production will begin shortly, and the team looks forward to re-launching Najad at the autumn boat shows in Hamburg and Stockholm.
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September 16, 2011

News: Nord West September 2011

SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW 2011
Once more Nord West looks forward to the opportunity of meeting up at this top United Kingdom show. For Nord West this will be the ninth consecutive Southampton show and the Swedish boat builder is very much looking forward to the opportunity of showing you its latest addition to the range. Nord West in fact has chosen Southampton Boat Show as the first international show to demonstrate the new 430 Sports Top! This version will have one of three interior design options that is available for this model and is  equipped with the new stern drive Volvo Penta D6 400hp and joystick control. Also at the show we will have the still best selling Nord West 420 Flybridge!  2011 has been another successful year for Nord West sales in our home market and several European markets; however the builder appreciate the concerns with regards to currency rates and recessional pressures which have been difficult for its UK customers. Nord West is still very keen to do business with clients in the UK and is able to arrange flexible finance packages and open to discuss sensible part exchange values.  Nord West believes in the importance of the Southampton show and hope to secure successful business. Nord West will also introduce and welcome new staff Richard Samuelsson, who will be joining Johan Stubner and will be doing first Southampton Boat Show.  Nord West will be on Marina Berths M232-233.
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NEGOTIATIONS TO AQUIRE NAJAD
A syndicate around the powerboat producer Nord West, intend to place a bid on the Najad sailing company who recently filed for bankruptcy on the 9th of August 2011. This last production year the Najad yard produced 25 high quality sailing yachts, and had a significant service operation around the establishment in Henån on the island of Orust. Nord West has their production facilities and main offices nearby on Vindön and has produced 37 high quality powerboats.  The Najad yard was founded in 1971 and has since then produced over 2000 sailing yachts. The company filed for bankruptcy after an intense period of expansion from 2005-2007 when the companies investments and sales escalated rapidly. After the financial turmoil of 2008 the sales decreased significantly and despite the following years production cuts, the company was forced to file for bankruptcy in the beginning of August.  Nord West was founded in 1985 by Benny Martinsson and has today over 130 employees with an annual turnover of approximately 350MSEK this last production year. The company is family owned and includes the production yard at Vindön, Orust and a moulding & tooling company in Lysekil. The yard is one of the most modern boatyards today in Sweden and sells their products all over the world.
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February 18, 2011

New Model: Nord West 430 Sport

Thanks again to Nord West we are again proud to present the exclusive preview of the 430 Sport. This new model was presented together with the 430 SportsTop at the Gothenburg boat show, and as with the smaller 370 of the same designation we see Nord West again challenging itself to a more Mediterranean type design, which is also very much appreciated up North in colder climates. The 430 Sport is identical minus the hard top to the SportsTop version, same choices of three different layouts below which can sleep from four up to six in two or three cabins, and stern drive or IPS pod propulsion. An owner choosing the Nord West 430 has a total of eight choices including the important between an open environment which can be closed with a canopy, or a more enclosed hard top choice which makes it easier to use all year round even when the weather doest not look good. To be honest if I had this choice in my hands I would still be confused between the two new Nord West 430 as both look awesomely beautiful with the open version looking that extra bit sexy and sportier. Powering the 430 Sport which has the Benny Martinsson multi prized series four hull as used for the 420 Flybridge is Volvo Swedish engines with a standard twin 370hp stern drive propulsion, and going up to an optional 435hp and IPS pods.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 12 t
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 575 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths in 2 cabins, 6 + 2 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo DP Stern drive, Volvo IPS pod drive
Project - Benny Martinsson, JIB Design Tooling
Certification - CE B
www.nordwest.se

February 7, 2011

New Model: Nord West 430 SportsTop

A very anticipated and expected debut from Sweden's Nord West which present the 430 model in both its forms; SportsTop with hard top and Sport open at the Gothenburg, Swedish boat show. Here at PowerYacht we show you the exclusive first pictures of the 430 SportsTop which as is usual to Nord West will challenge its other European competitors for the versatility of this sport cruiser, and the choice it gives to the owner. This starts from propulsion in stern drive or IPS pod, to a two or three double cabin interior choice. The choice of the interior of the 430 is also impressive offering three choices. From the standard two en-suited cabins layout, three cabins with cabin three being a single berth with personal head ideally suited if you carry a crew, and last a three double choice with a single shower head. For the exterior looks of the 430, designer but also company owner Benny Martinsson took a lot from the successful 370 SportsTop model with everything being bigger and more spacious. The hull is also same as the multi prized Nord West 420 Flybridge which has been acclaimed as one of the best handling IPS propelled boats around. The 430 SportsTop is powered by twin Volvo 370 or 435hp engines, this last available only with IPS600 pods, with the standard smaller unit available as both stern drive and IPS500.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 12 t
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 575 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths in 2 cabins, 6 + 2 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo DP Stern drive, Volvo IPS pod drive
Project - Benny Martinsson, JIB Design Tooling
Certification - CE B

December 20, 2010

News: Nord West December 2010

ON TARGET
Nord West has with its new boat sales met its 2010 target, whilst second hand, used boat sales soured with 81 completed sales to a value of 179 million SEK, more then 40 million SEK than last year. A fantastic job done by the Nord West staff and perhaps also due to the investment in the new boat show room at Vindön. If you havn’t allready seen Nord West permanent exhibition of both new and second hand boats we hope you have the chance to do so soon. Nord West Vindon showroom is open all weekdays and the first Saturday of every new month between 10-14, with exception of New Years day when we instead choose to have open on Thursday the 6th and Saturday the 8th of January. Any other times can be booked with any of our sales staff. This fall and winter, sales have been strong of both new and second hand boats. Nord West is also seeing international sales successs. Last week another new Nord West was sold to Japan, which will be the first 370 Flybridge that will be seen in Asia. Home harbour will be in the Osaka area. Russia is another exciting market where we Nord West has sold additional boats this year.
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NEW SUPPLIER
Flexideck Sweden AB and Nord West have begun a partnership. Nord West will from the production year 2011 offer Flexideck for those customers who prefers an alternative to the traditional teak deck on the surfaces that today has traditional teak. Nord West is very excited over the newley started collaboration says Rolf Skånberg CEO at Flexideck Sweden AB. The collaboration shows that Nord West wants to offer its clients the best of what the market has to offer! First out will be a new Nord West 370 Flybridge with a mounted Flexideck on all outer surfaces. This means that the client will have a maintanence free deck all years without losing its new golden colour. Nord West CEO Benny Martinsson believes that it is very important to be able to offer clients different alternatives in the fitting out of each model. Flexiteek has proven to deliver the high quality that Nord West seeks on the boats it produces.
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NEW ARRIVALS
Nord West show which accommdates 25 boats, advises that in recent times over half of the stock has been changed. The new arrivals have all gone through the refurbishing department, before being presented to the general public. So if you are looking for a used boat with new like condition the Nord West showroom is surely worth a visit. Visit the site for models, specifications and picture gallery to each of the boats for sale.
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December 9, 2010

Boat Review: Nord West 420 Flybridge

Presentation
A total different flybridge cruiser under the waterline, this is how Nord West set to build its 420 Flybridge model launched in the fall of 2005. The start for the launch of this model could not have been better being awarded Boat of the Show at Stockholm, Scandinavia in 2005, and two years later to this taking Motorboat of the Year Flybridge under 50ft for twice in a row in 2007, and 2008. So far no other boat has managed to take the IPC Awards from Motor Boat and Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly twice since they started them in 2000. The revolution of the 420 Flybridge is its accommodation, handling, economy to run, and very good top speed thanks to efficient Volvo stern drive or IPS pods propulsion. Many will tell you that stern drive are not good for flybridge but thanks to its length, good hull efficiencies, and new technologies Nord West managed to over come this obstacle and create a unique model in this size. This uniqueness in the 420's hull which was also the first flybridge boat to be equipped with IPS pods, and thanks to this also created a three cabin interior with all the berths being non bunk. Something still hard to find today and impossible in 2005 for a boat measuring thirteen meters.
Accommodation
Interior comfort is a big selling point to any motor cruiser, and thanks to its propulsion use Nord West creates unique spaces in the lower deck of the 420 Flybridge. But cosiness is predominant in all areas here, is also part of the Nordic nature of the 420 Flybridge. Welcoming you with a huge bathing platform aft where is possible to stow a large tender, two steps up lead you to a very cosy cockpit where an L-shaped settee is to be found to port side. To starboard is an integrated stairway which leads to the extended flybridge which has a central helm station with two co-pilot seats at both sides, and a spacious again cosy U-shaped settee aft. Worth of note is the luxurious unusual wood fitting out found in the exterior with the thick teak railing and toe rails aft being a feature of the Nord West 420 Flybridge.
Going inside into the main deck living area you find the saloon which is entered via a two part stainless steel patio door. Here natural light is abundant thanks to the all around windscreen windows which makes well for interior driving as well to create a nice atmosphere with the rich selected and varnished mahogany wood finishing. A C-shaped dinette to port, galley opposite with hidden wash basin and hob, entertainment area with flat TV on top, and the lower interior fully equipped helm station to starboard makes for the inside plan of the main deck.
A central corridor with three steps leads from the main to the lower deck, this having the three double cabins, and two heads. Forward is the owners suite; which features a central island double berth and personal shower head. Looking to aft and located to mid ship are two identical double cabins; which impress for the size, headroom and comfort. A guest second shower head with cubicle shower which is identical in size to the owners en-suite completes the spacious cabin sleeping area.
Performance
A big selling point for the Nord West 420 Flybridge is its performance which is to say the least, efficient, fast, and handles like a dream. This is so thanks to a different propulsion choice for what concerns a flybridge motor cruiser, and a lightly narrower to the usual beam. Two engines, and two propulsion choices characterize the 420 Flybridge. You can have it with Volvo D6 370hp in stern drive or IPS pod drives, or D6 435hp in IPS600 version only. Being a flybridge I would prefer the IPS version versus the stern drive especially for what concerns close quarters marina manoeuvring. Although latest generation modern stern drive which feature joysticks giving independent movement, and a powerful bow thruster will surely make things easier with this configuration, and some gains at the pump. The fastest and most efficient choice is the stern drive twin 370hp which gives a top speed of 36 knots, and a best cruise of 26 knots giving 345 nautical miles of range. My preferred 435hp IPS600 choice with 65hp more horses per engine gives a one digit less 35 knots top speed and a best economy cruise of 24 knots giving a 301 nautical miles range. The IPS500 370hp top speed is still fast giving a 32 knots, and a very efficient best cruise at 26 knots giving 298 nautical miles. Handling of the Nord West 420 Flybridge is impeccable and if you want a sports boat steering on a flybridge its very hard to do better then this.
Positive
Performance and Handling
Three cabins interior
Cozy well protected exterior areas like aft deck and flybridge
Fitting out
Negative
nil
Competition
Surely if I did the review for the Nord West 420 Flybridge in 2006 the list below will be a lot less and will only feature shaft driven cruisers with a third bunk cabin. But in the last two years some builders are following Nord West putting IPS on flybridge models, and this is creating some interesting competition. Criteria here is for a flybridge motor cruiser measuring over all thirteen meters and with three cabins.
Absolute 43 Fly - new in 2010, Med modern minimal looks, fixed hard top on fly
Astondoa 44 Fly - shafts or IPS, spacious main deck, Med looks
Carnevali 130 - shafts, more a two cabin boat, third cabin option is bunk
Dellapasqua DC12 SL - three or two cabin, classic deep Vee hull, feels big
Galeon 440 Fly - shafts or IPS, Tony Castro hull and design, fit out options inside
Intermare 43 - 3 or 2 cabins choice, third cabin bunk, spacious aft deck
Majesty 44 - Middle East offer, bunk third cabin, shafts
Prestige 440 - shafts, two or three cabins, third bunk cabin, Peters hull
Rodman 44 Muse - IPS pods, modern looks by Fulvio De Simoni
Starfisher ST45 Cruiser - flagship from this Portugal builder, IPS
Storebro 435 Commander - 2 or 3 cabin, spacious living, internal stair case, shafts
WILD CARD: Viking 42 Convertible - sportfish, ZF pods, 2 or 3 cabins
Conclusion
When Nord West set the project for the 420 Flybridge a lot of input and research was carried out by the Swedish builder in order to present a top of the class flybridge motor boat. The results are for all to see and the Nord West 420 Flybridge apart scoring points for its handling and accommodation layout with the dedicated press and taking three prizes in this feat, also took great care to offer an economic to run flybridge motor cruiser. Considering its performance which translates in less fuel at the pump and the comforts it offers at less length the 420 Flybridge real winner here is the customer who chooses this very clever Benny Martinsson project.
Technical Data
LOA. 13.5 metres (44.2ft)
Hull Length. 12.8 metres Waterline length. 10.5 metres
Beam. 3.90 metres
Draft. 1.20 metres
Displacement. 13 t
Fuel Capacity. 2 x 600 litres
Water Capacity. 500 litres
Max Persons. 15
Accommodation. 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines. 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion. Volvo DP dual propeller stern drive, IPS 500, and IPS 600 forward looking pods
Speed. 35 knots max, 31 knots cruise with IPS600, 36 knots max with 370hp stern drive
Range. 301 nm at 24 knots with IPS600, 345 nm at 26 knots with 370hp stern drive
Hull Shape. planning Vee shape
Project. Benny Martinsson
Construction. fiberglass sandwich construction with Divinycell core
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Nord West. Data Nord West.

August 16, 2010

News: Nord West August 2010

SHOWING NEW DYNAMIC POSITIONING SYSTEM
When activated the Dynamic Positioning System maintains your boat´s heading and holds it in position, even in a strong current or in windy conditions. The system uses twin GPS receivers in the special antenna to determine the boat’s position and heading. A perfect feature for waiting at the fuel dock or for a bridge or lock to open. When mooring, the Dynamic Positioning System enables you to “Hold Station” so that your crew can prepare fenders and lines totally stress free. The function is amazing, but it is something which needs to be seen to be fully understood. Nord West therefore show a short video on its website to demonstrate how the system works, but as anything it must be tried to truly appreciate its benefits. You will of course be able to see the function live in the Nord West harbour during the boat show Open Yard at Vindön/Orust on the 27th to 29th of August.
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OPEN ALL SUMMER
We are now in the middle of the summer season and we hope you are enjoying life on board your boat, making the most of the fine weather and all that is enjoyable in boating. At the Nord West yard production has stopped for four weeks, but sales and service remain open all summer. Nord West is delighted to continue to receive high numbers of existing clients and new visitors to its boat show room throughout the summer. The new Nord West two thousand square meters show room houses both new and pre-owned refurbished boats in a fully covered exhibition area and is open from Monday to Thursday 8.00am till 4.30pm, and Friday 8.00am from 3.00pm. Nord West is also always happy to extend these times by prior arrangement with the sales team.
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NEW FOR 2011
In the autumn Nord West will be introducing a number of new upgrades in addition to the DPS and the new Nord West 430 Sport and SportsTop. Amongst other things, all new boats will be built with a black waterline and black covers as standard. You will however still be able to choose marine blue or light grey if you prefer. Nord West will also be introducing an extended choice of exterior fabrics from Anthracite grey, marine blue and cappuccino. Nord West has also extended the standard equipment list with a 7" Volvo Penta colour display at each helm, a LifeSaver rescue boy, additional LED lamps in the cockpit and flybridge plus a heating outlet in the cockpit. Our Flybridge and Coupé models now benefit from a more ergonomic helm position and new instrument layout for your added comfort and ease of use. Nord West is also offering the option of a forward or rear facing convertible helm seat at the forward end of the saloon sofa on other models. This was previously only available on the Nord West 370 Coupe or Flybridge model.
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PHOTO OF THE YEAR 2010
Nord West tells its boat owner to not forget to take the photographic camera when you go cruising this summer. As the Swedish boat builder is looking forward to receive the best Nord West photographs. The 2010 years best photograph will be selected in August and the winner will be announced during the party together with an award. So do not forget to submit your best photographs to the Nord West team as soon as you can.
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May 20, 2010

Boat Review: Nord West 370 Coupe

Presentation
Benny Martinsson Nord West has been clever with their designs, and the 370 hull shape available in four model types all suited to different usages is full proof to this. Launched in 2008 first quarter, the Nord West 370 Coupe was the second type model to be presented in this series. But the goods does not stop here as the 370 as all the types in this series is also available with different type of propulsion choice of stern drives, and IPS pods. This last has given Nord West acclaims from all categories receiving awards as one of the best performing IPS hulls. While the terminology in the super structure of the 370 changes dramatically the lower and main deck styles between the Flybridge, Coupe, and the Sport, Sports Top models also deliver huge differences. The 370 Coupe we review is a Sport Cruiser having the comfort of a flybridge without a second helm. That means that the living is on the main deck, and sleeping quarters are located below. This makes the 370 Coupe an all season boat with patio easy to close or open door sport cruiser, a trend which started in bigger yacht sizes and as happens today it is transferred to smaller models. Think as the 370 Coupe with all the Flybridge model features adding benefits of lower air draft and a large electrically operated sunroof over the saloon, at the cost of the flybridge deck and second helm station up top.
Accommodation
If your usage is committed to all year round a hard top patio door type sport cruiser should be on top of your cards. The benefits are endless and Nord West 370 Coupe delivers the best of them, with a clever and practical living up, and sleeping below layout.
The 370 Coupe welcomes you on board with its large extended bathing platform. Two steps up and the opening of the integrated stern door gets you in the aft cockpit deck. Here you find an L-shaped settee with table to port. Two steps to starboard take you to the side walks which lead to the fore deck. A sun awning can also protect the aft deck from sunshine and further side extensions can transform it to an additional all weather living area. A sliding patio door gets you in the living main saloon having a C-shaped dinette with table to port, galley and helm station to starboard. This area is also space for intelligent touches as the co-pilot seat which transforms from the fore part of the C-shaped dinette, and the fridge freezer hidden under the helm chair. The 370 Coupe is also about choices in the galley and one can decide between a classy electric or more practical easy to use gas hob. Adding to this area liveliness are full around view windows, and an electric sunroof up top which opens a third of the roof for natural light and air.
A central stairs with three steps lead to the lower accommodation deck. Here the layout is a forward master stateroom with central island berth, shower head, and two guest cabins to mid ship. This last does make the 370 Coupe stand out again from the competition. The port cabin offers a large double berth, with a relaxing settee upon entrance. While the starboard cabin is a single berth. The well sized fully equipped head, with shower cubicle is located in between the master and guest cabins to starboard.
Finishing in the 370 Coupe is full of timeless wood touches of varnished mahogany inside, and untreated teak floor for all exterior from the bathing platform, aft cockpit, to the side decks. The aft hand rail is also finished in classy mahogany wood, adding to a unique touch of class. Performance
For the Nord West 370 Coupe, Benny Martinsson uses a variable Vee shape hull with a fine entry which closes to a moderate angle aft. This hull has been studied to perform well with both stern drive and IPS pods and is used for all four of the 370 series models. Engines choices are a total of three: Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, and D6 370hp. Propulsion option are for two Volvo DPH stern drive, and the IPS forward looking dual propeller pods. The model tested featured IPS400 units with pods and Volvo D4 300hp engines. With this choice the 370 Coupe achieves a 32 knots top speed at 3500 rpm, and at 3250 rpm it delivers a 28 knots cruise. This cruise also delivers the best economy giving a range of 247 nautical miles drinking 96 liters per hour. This again shows the Nord West 370 hull efficiency on these speeds delivering very good performance and consumption results. So far we have no figures for the stern drive propulsion but I would expect a similar performance to other Nord West 370 versions with minor difference. That means that the large 370hp DPH stern drive option should be good for close to 40 knots top speeds, which is what the sister Sports Top achieves with this set up. Personally for the 370 Coupe I still suggest the IPS400 as engine propulsion choice, mostly because of the wind effect for the main deck. In the end the IPS still delivers a lively handling just short of a stern drive set up, and easy precise tight space manoeuvring.
Positive
Living area on main deck
Three cabins
Propulsion choice
Finishing and fittings
Negative
Tight side decks
Competition
An expanding market, this how Sport Cruisers with patio door has been in the past years and I am sure it will be more so in the future. In the past 2009 year the market has seen the addition of four new models, and I would think more builders will join in this type of design for its practicality reasons. Some of the competition below just like the Nord West, feature also a flybridge counterpart like Azimut, Galeon, Intermare, Nimbus and Portofino. While other models are primarily Sport Yachts exclusive like the 2009 launched Colombo, or the recently updated Riviera. Criteria is set for eleven to twelve metres sport cruiser, all propulsion types, and patio door.
Azimut 40S - small S, shafts, galley down, large 2 x 480hp
Colombo 37 Alldays - IPS only, 3 berths mid cabin, classy wood finishing outside
Galeon 390 HT - stern drive, shafts, or IPS, large split level saloon, 3 cabins 2 heads
Intermare 36 Cruise - galley down, bunk second cabin, shafts
Nimbus 380 Coupe - galley up, line shaft, double mid ship cabin
Portofino 11 Coupe - IPS pods, bunk second cabin
Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht SII - three berths mid ship cabin, IPS, clever patio door
WILD CARD: Di Donna 38 Serapo Cabin - tradition modern, 2 saloons, IPS or shafts
Conclusion
Very few if any builders offer such a varied choice with one hull shape, and this is what Nord West manages to do with the 370 platform. The Coupe version is one of their most fitting and unique designs, offering not only a patio door but also a much preferred living up sleeping below layout. That means that the day running is all fit on the main deck with the galley, helm, dining, and cockpit, while sleeping is located undisturbed in the three cabins below. Performance is also top notch for the 370 Coupe with the IPS400 choice delivering good thirty knots plus speeds with economy. Still if high performance is your thing and close to forty knots performance are a must you can still choose the twin 370hp stern drive option. Last deal breaker for the 370 Coupe goes for its practical touches like the double co-pilot seat which takes shape from the dinette, and the large freezer hidden under the helm chair. The 370 Coupe keeps also Nord West heritage of excellence from classy fit and finish in all areas, to sound proofing, and work of art electrical and plumping systems.
Technical Data
LOA. 11.80 metres (38.7ft)
Hull Length. 10.4 metres
Waterline length. 9.10 metres
Beam. 3.50 metres
Draft. 1.20 metres
Displacement. 9 tons
Fuel Capacity. 800 litres
Water Capacity. 435 litres
Max Persons. 8
Accommodation. 5 + 2 berths
Engines. 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp
Propulsion. Volvo DP stern drive, Volvo IPS400
Speed. 32 knots max, 28 knots cruise with IPS400
Range. 240 nm at 28 knots cruise
Hull Shape. planning Vee hull
Project. Benny Martinsson, JIB Design for tooling
Construction. NGA Gel coat, vinylester resin, sandwich Divinycell core, cross laminate fabric
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Nord West. Data Nord West.

May 11, 2010

News: Nord West May 2010

FRENETIC DELIVERIES PERIOD
Due to the extreme winter with lots of snow, many postponed their deliveries earlier this spring. Almost everyone wants their boat delivered for the upcoming Ascension Day, which puts a lot of pressure on Nord West delivery team here on Vindön this year. During a number of weeks Nord West has launched and delivered fifteen boats each seven days, educating new owners on their boat and all the equipments on board in the process. Most of the customers spend at least one night on board their boats in Nord West delivery harbour and always have a few questions the next day or wishes a shorter repetition in either some equipments or about maneuvering. In the last week's deliveries Nord West also enjoyed an extra celebration to mark the delivery of the 100th 420. As can be expected it was smiles all around as salesman, Martin Waktel handed over the new boat to Kristofer Reiten and Per Olav Mevold from Molde, Norway. After cruising the five hundred nautical miles to Molde, it is still high spirits from the happy owners despite experiencing rough and tricky seas when crossing.
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SATURDAYS OPEN SHOWROOM
As of this coming weekend Nord West will have all the exhibition, show room open for all Saturdays except midsummer opening hours: 10.00 - 14.00. You are welcome to visit and look at new and second hand refurbished Nord West boats in the permanent exhibition, showroom at Vindön. This show room is two thousand square meters in size filled with motorboats of all sizes. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 8-16:30, Friday 8-15:00 and Saturdays 10-14:00 with the exception for the 26 of June or after booking with our sales staff on other times.
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MOSCOW SHOW
The latest boat show attended was in Moscow where dealer Jonacor Marine exhibited a Nord West 370 Sports Top. Due to the volcano eruption the trip home for Public Relations Manager Jessica Stenlund was a little longer then expected, she had to hitch a ride home in a car, and take the ferry across from Finland.
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NEW PROFILE JACKET
The new Nord West jackets are from Pelle Pettersson design and are available in white and ashgrey. Available in sizes from XS-XXL. The model is called PP1053 Hood Jacket if you would like to try one out at a any shop that sells the Pelle Pettersson collection. The Nord West logo is printed on the right hand side on the chest and on the one side under the arm. Delivery time from order is between one to two weeks.
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March 5, 2010

News: Nord West March 2010

FIFTEEN NEW BUILDERS
The new year has started very well for Nord West. Completing boat shows in London, Düsseldorf, Gothenburg, Bergen and Helsinki have achieved good sales better than expected results and therefore Nord West have recently advertised for more boat builders to join its production. Over 160 people applied for the interviews and the company has now reinforced production staff with 15 boat builders already in full action.
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BOAT OF THE SHOW NOMINATION FOR 370 SPORTS TOP In Helsinki boat show the Nord West 370 Sports Top was nominated for boat of the show. It is very exciting and most rewarding that this new model has received recognition on all the Scandinavian and International markets since presented in early 2009. With the sales result that the Nord West 370 Sports Top has had in 2009 and now 2010 season, it is no wonder that recognitions keep coming in.
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NEW SALES TEAM MEMBER
It is with great pleasure that Nord West welcomes Patricia Bornfleth as a new member of the sales team. Patricia is born and raised in Sweden, but has partial roots in Germany as her father, born German, left the country in 1968 to become a boat builder on Orust. With many years of experience from the Hotel and Conference trade and also as self employed, Patricia started at Nord West already in the the year 2006. Throughout the first years Patricia was responsible for primarily marketing and a helping hand at the many boat shows. The step towards sales then came naturally and today she works with the Swedish and German speaking markets.
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November 2, 2009

Projects: Nord West 430 Sports Top, Nord West 430 Sport

Nord West is proud to present two projects which will be the new 2010 models from Sweden's most rated power boat builder. Nord West follows the success train of their unique 370 range, which on its own is quite a distinctive project offering from a single hull four different type models and two propulsion choices. Now the Vindon builder launches a larger 430 Sports Top, and 430 Sport similar but bigger to the 370 series of the same model names but taking full advantage of the longer and wider multi award winning 4-series hull, the one used for the 420 Flybridge. This Benny Martinsson design has also won acclaim world wide and now becomes available as a full size sports cruiser. Pictured above is the 430 Sports Top offering the alternative of an easy to use rain or shine electrically folding roof. Benny Martinsson Nord West team continues his concept of diversity, and takes it on another level by offering a wide choice of options below decks with three different accommodation layout from two cabins with two en suite heads, five berths three cabins two heads plan, and the family orientated six berths three cabin single head plan. The choice is yours! The innovative cockpit offers both high and low level seating, an innovative wet bar area, and a double helm seat with lifting bases which allows for two people to either sit or stand behind the helm. Angles for the placement of all instruments have been carefully calculated to give perfect visibility and anti-glare finish to the console area to avoid distracting reflections. Opposite the helm to port is a large safe and supportive upper seating area designed to be at windscreen level for those choosing to sit here, alternatively there is room for this to be utilized as a sun berth with rounded head cushion. The lower seating area can also convert to a full sunbathing bed by lowering the electrical operated table, which in settee format accommodates up to eight people for eating or enjoying a sociable drink. Power choice is from twin Volvo D6 370hp, or more powerful 435hp available in two propulsion choices from Volvo, in DP stern drive or IPS forward looking duo propeller pods. Above is the rendering image of the open version of the 430, named as was the case for the similar 370 sibling Sport. The Nord West 430 Sport is in all identical to the Sports Top minus the hard top, offering more aggressive looking exterior looks provided by the forward facing radar arch. Not to worry but if you prefer a head in the air driving experience the 430 Sport is only aggressive looking outside offering the luxury of the Sports Top and its all important choices, as the three versions for the lower deck, and Volvo IPS pod or DP stern drive option. Performance data has not yet been communicated but expect figures in the mid thirty knots with the bigger choices from both propulsion's, with the stern drive being faster and more economic, and the IPS easier to handle in a marina. Excellent performance coupled with high standard of finish and new levels of excellence are Nord West welcoming tickets which is also confirmed by the fact that orders have already been signed by clients for the new 430 in both versions. www.nordwest.se

October 22, 2009

Boat Review: Nord West 370 Sports Top

Presentation
Launched in January this year Nord West's 370 Sports Top was a welcome addition to the renowned Swedish builder range, offering its second sport cruiser ideally suited for use in sunny climates. Based on all but the hard top on the 370 Sport which was launched three months before, the Sports Top version is a more of an all weather boat minimising the headache use of opening and closing canopies when the weather gets ugly. Benny Martinsson who apart of being owner of Nord West is also the designer, created an exquisite looking hard top sports cruiser with the Sports Top, using the 370 hull presented first as Flybridge in 2008, and today having four versions all offering a total different way of going to the sea. The Sports Top just as its other sisters gives high quality not only in the abundant use of wood outside and inside, but also in the fittings of each compartment you open in this boat. It is also versatile regards its propulsion being available with easy to use less maintenance IPS pods or stern drive engines, this last giving better performance and economy. For the 370 Sports Top stern drive is the choice, for reasons you can read in the Performance paragraph, but if your marina manoeuvring is not so sure try the IPS before taking my word as this will be easier.
Accommodation
Welcoming you on board the 370 Sports Top is the spacious teak laid bathing platform aft. This is among the most spacious for this size of boat. The sides of the platform are also free, good for side to mooring typical of Northern Europe marinas. Going up one step you get into the entrance of the modern flush decked cockpit, which is for two thirds of it covered by the hardtop, making this area usable in most weather situations. Here is a C-shaped settee to port, highly finished wet bar with grill opposite being more of another galley on the outside, a two person lounge settee to port, and the fully equipped dual seated helm station to starboard. Fittings outside is full of rich highly finished wood, with teak used for all the stepping surfaces in the cockpit as well as the side decks, with polished wood finishing for the wet bar and the aft rail.
A central door followed by two steps takes you to the lower accommodation deck, which again is emphasized by the huge amount of luxurious mahogany wood being used. I would say the 370 Sports Top has about double to wood fittings to that of most competitors in this size boat. The below layout is conventional offering a spacious L-shaped galley to starboard just as you walk down the steps, opposite a C-shaped which transforms to an additional double berth, and shower head. Both cabins located forward for the owners, and aft for the guests offer a double berth. The aft cabin has also a settee upon entrance, ideally suited for your guests when they want to have some private chilling time.
Performance
Coming from a hull which was designed for an IPS flybridge boat, one gets pure bliss at the performance of the 370 Sports Top, which not only has high speed of forty knots with the bigger engine but is incredibly responsive in tight turns. Handling is lively, usual characteristic of Nordic boats, with a millimetre light and responsive steering, but the Nord West also feels heavy and stuck on the water giving an assurance in rough seas navigation. Engine options are all Volvo with three stern drive choices, starting from the smaller D4 260hp, D4 300hp and the bigger D6 370hp. The IPS option is the 400 unit with D4 300hp engines. Maximum speed is 40 knots with D6 370hp, 36 knots for D4 300hp, and 31 knots on IPS400. The stern drive version gives 5 knots more in speed to the same powered IPS400 in top speed figures. Cruising is 28 knots for stern drive propulsion, and 25 knots for IPS at both 3000 rpm. The range is the best at 309 nautical miles with the D4 300hp engines. IPS400 gives 68 miles less but at a higher rpm of 3200 and 29 knots speed. Most powerful D6 370hp option has a best cruise at 28 knots which gives 271 nautical miles of range. For the smaller D4 260hp data is still not available, but I would still expect a 30 knots plus speed. Best miles to litres come always at a 29 / 28 knots cruise whatever the engine propulsion choice, showing hull proficiency at these speeds.
Positive
luxury wood use
bathing platform
IPS or stern drive choice
Negative
tight cockpit to side deck steps
Competition
This size Sport Cruiser with hard top has really picked up in recent years, having here eleven other competing choices for the 370 Sports Top. Criteria is eleven to 12.00 metres in size, open hard top with no patio door, two cabin interior, and stern drive or IPS propulsion. The Windy 37 Grand Mistral is the oldest design, presented as an open 36 in 1994 and a hard top 37 in 2000. The Tiara, Prestige and Sessa are available only with a hard top. The Sessa is the most similar to the Nord West in layout, while the Rio has the most unique interior offering a full beam owners cabin and two shower heads. The other boat offering two heads is the Spanish Moa, the longest at an exact twelve meters. Just as the 370 Sports Top, the Rio, Sessa, and wild card Marex are all new 2009 models.
Arturo Stabile 37 Stama HT - sun pad cockpit, unusual crane passarelle aft
Bavaria 37 SportHT - spacious cockpit sun pad C-shaped settee, high free board
Elan Power 35 - tight spaces, good performing Tony Castro hull
Mano M35 - hard top optional, two cockpit layout choices
Moa 40 Platinum Hard Top - two heads, 38 knots speed with D6 310hp
Prestige 38 S - double C-shaped settees in cockpit, aft cabin with scissor berth
Rio 36 Air - minimal, full beam mid cabin, 2 heads, hard top extends aft
Sealine SC35 - extended hardtop, modern minimal style inside outside
Sessa C38 - modern design, double galley outside and inside
Tiara 3500 Sovran - open plan interior, IPS only, highly fitted out
Windy 37 Grand Mistral - optional hard top, good handling, 1994 design
WILD CARD: Marex 370 Aft Cabin Cruiser - single engine shaft drive, aft guest cabin
Conclusion
Nord West has become a big player in the Motor Cruiser, Yacht market in the Northern waters on the up side part of the European continent. Proving this in the last years is that the Swedish builder won four prices and received two further nominations. With the 370 Sports Top which was launched in January 2009 in Dusseldorf, the Swedish Nord West is stretching its sights to the competitive Mediterranean market by offering a Sport Cruiser for use in sunny weather, but without forgetting its Nordic heritage for safety and practical features. The hard top is a much desired accessory today, but apart this the 370 Sports Top scores high points against the competition for its fittings being of the highest standard, its IPS or stern drive choice, and its top forty knots performance considering that the 370 is also among the heaviest over built boat in its class.
Technical Data
LOA. 11.8 metres (38.7ft)
Beam. 3.50 metres
Draft. 1.20 metres
Displacement. 9 t
Fuel Capacity. 800 litres
Water Capacity. 435 litres
Accommodation. 5 berths in 2 cabins + 2 in convertible saloon
Engines. 2 x Volvo D4 EVC 260hp, 300hp, D6 370hp, IPS400
Propulsion. Volvo DP duoprop stern drive, IPS forward looking duo prop pods
Speed. 40 knots max, 32 knots cruise with D6 370
Range. 271 nm at 32 knots with D6 370hp, 309 nm with D4
Hull Shape. variable planning vee
Project. Benny Martinsson, JIB Design tooling development
Construction. Divinycell core with vinilester resins
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Nord West. Data Nord West.