480 Motor Yacht

The Nordic 480 Motor Yacht was built in Bellingham, Washington, on a semi-custom basis. Nordic Yachts wasn’t a high-volume builder, but the yard (no longer in business) was known for seaworthy hulls and above-average construction standards. The 480 rides on a relatively wide modified-V hull with balsa coring from the waterline up and a long keel for directional stability. While the interiors were often modified to suit the requirements of the buyer, most floorplans were two-stateroom arrangements with a queen berth in the master stateroom and the galley forward in the salon. A lower helm was standard, and a stairway abaft the lower helm provides easy access to the flybridge. Solid teak cabinets, quality hardware, and durable fabrics highlight the interior. Topside, the helm is forward on the flybridge, and a dinghy can be stored on the aft cabintop. Note that the side decks are shaded by bridge overhangs. While gas engines were standard, most Nordic 480s were equipped with optional 375hp Cat diesels for a cruising speed of 17–18 knots. The Nordic 520 Motor Yacht (1985–89) is the same boat with a larger cockpit.