Nordhavn 80 Review (2021 Edition) by NautiStyles

On Deck

At the stern, the Nordhavn 80 features a generously sized swim platform with sturdy staples and a curved wrap-around design that hints at the yacht's beam. Up a level, you’ll find the cockpit laid out for comfortable alfresco dining with a large dining table and extra-long usable space. A barbecue, drink fridge, and generous storage lockers are tucked below. On both port and starboard sides, there are weather doors to secure the cockpit in heavy conditions, alongside dual wing stations for docking and visibility.

Up front, the Portuguese bridge connects to the pilothouse and is protected by serious weather doors. The foredeck hosts twin bow anchors with their lockers, twin anchor winches with remote controls, plus a davit crane rated for 680kg (1500lbs). Wide walkways provide safe access forward, and the anchor lockers include line and fender storage. Scuppers along the deck are designed to open during heavy weather, ensuring rapid drainage if the bow takes on water.

The flybridge is where things shift into full-on chill mode. A large hot tub sits forward with scenic wraparound views, flanked by deep storage lockers and low-profile lounging furniture that keeps the views unobstructed. Starboard is arranged as a coffee-style lounge while port offers a formal dining layout. A full helm station delivers commanding views for short hops with everything from thruster controls to multifunction displays. There’s also a barbecue, drink fridge, and even tackle-drawer-style storage, all under a hardtop that feels tall thanks to clever low furniture.

At the top, the boat deck is expansive and adaptable. The 680kg Steelhead davit can easily manage a tender, and there’s lots of space for loungers or loose furniture, plus great aft visibility. Surveillance cameras are fitted here too.

Step through the Dutch door and straight into the heart of the boat. You don’t often see this kind of door used as the primary entry into the salon, but it suits the Nordhavn’s character as a sturdy, weather-ready boat. You can really tighten it down too, with multiple latches for a proper seal in heavy seas.

Inside, Hull 1 showcases a dark wood interior with contrasting light furnishings. The layout is open and comfortable, with a single sofa, loose chairs, and a TV on a lift. It’s warm without being stuffy, and those larger windows let in a surprising amount of natural light. One feature you won’t miss: a one-person elevator, fitted by owner request. It’s compact and definitely not something you’d expect on an 80-footer, but a clever option if you're cruising long term or just want to future-proof your mobility.

Forward of the salon is the formal dining area, currently set for four with big, plush chairs and room to spare. There’s a small coffee bar on one side and a proper drinks station on the other, complete with drawers, glass storage, and a wine fridge just tucked inside. The cabinetry throughout is beautifully finished with plenty of space, and all of it soft-close.

To port, another Dutch door opens to the side deck, and the galley sits just beyond. Before that, though, is a dayhead in just the right spot, easy to access from the galley, salon, or even exterior decks.

The galley itself feels ready for serious cruising. Full-size Sub-Zero refrigeration, Miele appliances, trash compactor, locking drawers, and a surprisingly large pantry with venting to keep it fresh. There’s even an extra freezer down below as clearly the owner was thinking ahead for long stretches at sea. A small breakfast nook is built in at the forward end, likely another owner-driven tweak. You could use it for quick crew meals, morning prep, or just as a quiet space to plan your day.

Storage is everywhere. Drawers are fully finished inside, overhead lockers are positioned for visibility without getting in the way, and even the little shelf for oils and sauces shows some thought. You’ve also got a partition that can be closed off for privacy which is handy if you have crew cooking or just want to dampen noise when others are resting. There’s even a separate door out to the side deck, so groceries and waste don’t need to pass through the guest spaces. Simple but smart.

Just aft of the galley is a linen-style closet and a combination washer/dryer. As for real cleaning power, that’s midship, port side: a full laundry room with separate Miele washer and dryer, handwashing sink, and convenient placement next to the engine room entrance. Right beside that is the ship’s main electrical panel, clearly labeled with separate DC and AC sections and all the key systems (overseers, inverters, breakers etc.) right where you’d want them. It’s the kind of space a captain could learn in a heartbeat.

Owner's Cabin

The master is a proper on-deck, full-beam stateroom with a king-size bed, generous windows (currently shaded but clearly large), and a setup that works for real living. There’s a desk forward port side that functions as a genuine office, great for longer stays aboard, or just checking in with the outside world. Shelving is open, which suggests the owner was confident in this boat’s stability. There’s a TV, Fusion stereo head unit, and Furuno multifunction display all within reach.

Storage includes hanging lockers, drawers, and an extra settee for dressing. Overhead hatches offer daylight and ventilation when needed.

The ensuite continues the theme of smart practicality. Dual sinks are completely split with one side with a longer counter, the other tighter but still roomy. Medicine cabinets, open shelving, and loads of under-sink storage mean there’s no shortage of usable space. The shower is generously sized and separated from the head, which gets its own enclosed compartment.  

Guest Accommodation

Below deck, this layout includes two guest cabins, though Nordhavn offers variations. On the port side is a guest cabin with a clean, classic fit-out: smart cabinetry, hanging locker, good storage in the nightstands, and a big TV. The ensuite feels like something out of a high-end hotel with plenty of counter space, soft-close drawers, solid doors, and a shower that feels roomy enough for two.

Starboard side is the VIP. It’s larger, with a king-size bed, oversized drawers, and a walk-in closet that doubles as a dressing space. The ensuite is marble-heavy, with deep counters, more drawer storage, and a huge shower complete with a bench, good for rougher seas. There’s no need for weight saving here, and it shows.

Crew Accommodation

Crew quarters are set aft, designed for a single captain. There’s a small workspace with a desk, refrigerator, microwave, sink, and plenty of storage. The ensuite isn’t flashy, but it’s functional: marble floors, proper separation and solid finish. This cabin links directly to the lazarette, giving the captain immediate access to pumps, shore power, inverters, and steering systems.

The lazarette itself is highly specced; air-conditioned units use frequency drives for efficiency, and there’s storage, filtration systems, and hydraulic lines all clearly routed. It’s clean, well-lit, and very serviceable. From here, the captain also has easy access to the engine room, which makes shift changes and inspections straightforward.

Through the aft companionway and a watertight door, you step into a spacious, well-laid-out engine room. Headroom is excellent, and the layout benefits from having much of the auxiliary gear shifted forward.

The twin John Deere 6090SFM85s, rated at 375hp each, are paired with ZF transmissions. Hydraulic pumps are mounted on both engines, and the systems feel easy to get around. Fuel sight gauges are legible, and there’s even a second throttle/shift station inside the engine room. Great for maintenance or testing without needing to run back up to the bridge.

Northern Lights generators (38kW and 25kW) handle the load, with the smaller unit doubling as a night gen. Sea strainers are equipped with selector valves so you can switch sides without shutting down, again, designed for redundancy and ease of service. Manifolds are cleanly labelled, and there’s a proper workbench with a sink and small tool chest. The wet exhaust system exits aft and is clearly laid out. The headroom and walk-around access are standouts.

Up forward, beyond another bulkhead, is a systems room that feels more like a museum: watermakers, blackwater treatment, water heaters, filters, grey water pumps, bilge pumps, fire suppression gear - all fully finished and bilge coated. You can even access the bow thruster tunnel (50hp) and anchor chain compartment from here. The stern thruster clocks in at 38hp. This space wouldn’t normally exist on most yachts as it’s usually crammed into the lazarette or engine bay, but here it gets its own dedicated zone.

Cruising speed is 9 knots, with a top end around 11. Fuel capacity is 4,670 US gallons, giving her a range of 3,000 nautical miles.

Hull 1 is a semi-custom build, and the owner's hand is evident throughout - from the breakfast nook and elevator to the decision to fit additional cold storage. The fit-out is targeted toward serious, long-distance cruising with an owner-operator mindset but enough space and systems separation for a captain and light crew.

Redundancy and serviceability are built in. There's cross-deck access, multiple weather doors, watertight compartments, and logical routing of systems. The electrical panels are analogue and clearly labelled, and you get manual overrides for key systems like bilge pumps and strainers. Even the laundry has a fallback.

Access is excellent. You’re not pulling floorboards or crawling through lockers to service pumps. Dutch doors, side entries, day heads on both upper decks. Rival yachts that should be worth considering are the Fleming 78 and the Outer Reef 800 Motoryacht.

In terms of running costs, the Nordhavn 80 tends to fall into that well-worn bracket of around 8-15% percent of its value per year. That takes in everything: dockage, maintenance, fuel, insurance, crew, haul-outs and so on. Owners who take on the day-to-day care themselves and run with minimal crew can keep things closer to the lower end. Hand off more of the operation and support, and you’ll see the annual figure shoot upwards rapidly.

This shouldn't be a boat that demands constant attention however, but it would benefit from regular use and consistent upkeep. With the systems logic, the access, and the way everything is laid out, costs tend to stay within expectations for a boat of this size and cruising intent. Ownership here feels considered rather than burdensome, which is exactly what Nordhavn is aiming for.

The Nordhavn 80 Hull 1 is a no-nonsense cruiser wrapped in solid joinery and thoughtful engineering. There’s no flash here for its own sake. Every decision feels like it was made by someone who’s done the miles and wants to keep going.

The layout is roomy and liveable, with plenty of storage and flexibility whether you’re crossing oceans or just hanging at anchor. If you’re looking for a long-range platform that doesn’t need fussing with, the Nordhavn 80 is already doing the job.