Nordic Deck Boats!

[relaxalot]

The Nordic line of deck boats is interesting. It seems at though a number of them have been sold but there are no reviews of them that I can find. I would like to know how they ride and with what power. Someone on the boards here must own one.. please post up a biased review for us. I am tired of hearing about the baddest mo fo on the water Cheetah.. One of my friends is shopping for a new deck boat and has narrowed it down to a new Howard or Nordic. He likes them both and he knows how the Howard runs and handles. I told him I would try to get numbers and opinions from you guys. So speak up! OR is no news bad news?

 

[Blubyu]

Pretty sure Dave was supposed to do a review on the Nordic deck boat one with 300's and one with verados a while back.

Two weeks.

 

[RiverDave]

The Nordic line of deck boats is interesting. It seems at though a number of them have been sold but there are no reviews of them that I can find. I would like to know how they ride and with what power. Someone on the boards here must own one.. please post up a biased review for us. I am tired of hearing about the baddest mo fo on the water Cheetah.. One of my friends is shopping for a new deck boat and has narrowed it down to a new Howard or Nordic. He likes them both and he knows how the Howard runs and handles. I told him I would try to get numbers and opinions from you guys. So speak up! OR is no news bad news?

Relaxalot, I will try to get a review up with Video this week. I am currently writing the Howard Deck's from the LA Boatshow, and I'll put the Nordic's up after that. I took both the 26 and the 29 out in what can only be described as a real shitty / windy day during the winter.

Pretty sure Dave was supposed to do a review on the Nordic deck boat one with 300's and one with verados a while back.

Two weeks.

They are still testing props on the 300's boat.. When they are finished then we will be writing a side by side comparison.

 

[relaxalot]

Thanks Dave. A real review with a ride would be helpful. All deck boats run pretty good. What I am interested in is how well it rides compared side by side with a Howard. How do the top speeds and handling compare? Will both Nordic and Howard have testers available during the upcoming boat show weekend? Will Howard's new 288 be available to see or test at the show?

 

[HALLETT BOY]

While your at it Dave , could you do a review of the new step bottom on the Hallett 290 ?
I've been asking for months ! You can't tell me nobody has one ...are they secret ?

 

[RiverDave]

While your at it Dave , could you do a review of the new step bottom on the Hallett 290 ?
I've been asking for months ! You can't tell me nobody has one ...are they secret ?

I had a ride lined up in one, but I didn't see the guys email to me until he had already left Havasu. I know Jerry is extremely excited about it.

 

[BOOZE KROOZE]

I did a lot of looking around before we purchased our howard. the Nordic is a great runner up in my opinion. we went with the howard do to the amount of room in he cockpit. no other deck on the market seems to be as spacious. as far as speeds and numbers not sure. I do know I am very impressed with the howard.

 

[3queens]

why
we all know cheetah is the badist mofo on the water

 

[dntnosht]

I did a lot of looking around before we purchased our howard. the Nordic is a great runner up in my opinion. we went with the howard do to the amount of room in he cockpit. no other deck on the market seems to be as spacious. as far as speeds and numbers not sure. I do know I am very impressed with the howard.

Howard has more room than the Nordic???? They must have come out with a bigger model since LA show. The size of the cockpits are almost not comparable between the 2 boats. You must have never got into the Nordic. You could roll a wheelchair thru the middle of that thing!!

 

[Rising Sun]

There might be several reasons why you don't see any reviews for Nordic deckboats: The owners never get to use them because they are always in the shop for repairs :skull, the owners are too embarrassed to say they own one , anyone who owns one wouldn't be smart enough to know how to use a computer:rolleyes.. Just Kidding.
I've known Thane and John for several years. They are great guys. I have also met Randy several times. He is also a great down to earth guy. Nordic builds a great boat and whenever I am in LHC, I always make it a point to stop in and see them:champagne:.

 

[Trim it up]

The Nordic line of deck boats is interesting. It seems at though a number of them have been sold but there are no reviews of them that I can find. I would like to know how they ride and with what power. Someone on the boards here must own one.. please post up a biased review for us. I am tired of hearing about the baddest mo fo on the water Cheetah.. One of my friends is shopping for a new deck boat and has narrowed it down to a new Howard or Nordic. He likes them both and he knows how the Howard runs and handles. I told him I would try to get numbers and opinions from you guys. So speak up! OR is no news bad news?

Thats an awesome comment about Cheetah

 

[2FORCEFULL]

The Nordic line of deck boats is interesting. It seems at though a number of them have been sold but there are no reviews of them that I can find. I would like to know how they ride and with what power. Someone on the boards here must own one.. please post up a biased review for us. I am tired of hearing about the baddest mo fo on the water Cheetah.. One of my friends is shopping for a new deck boat and has narrowed it down to a new Howard or Nordic. He likes them both and he knows how the Howard runs and handles. I told him I would try to get numbers and opinions from you guys. So speak up! OR is no news bad news?

you can bet that Nordic is badd ass...and fast... would sure like to compare it to the howard.... in my opinion
the howard has been hands down king of the hill... and I for one would love to have either...

I don't think it will have the plush ride the howard has beings the howard is bigger,... but?????

 

[2FORCEFULL]

why
we all know cheetah is the badist mofo on the water

you got me convinced... good luc with the rest

 

[HavaToon]

Relaxalot, I will try to get a review up with Video this week. I am currently writing the Howard Deck's from the LA Boatshow, and I'll put the Nordic's up after that. I took both the 26 and the 29 out in what can only be described as a real shitty / windy day during the winter.




They are still testing props on the 300's boat.. When they are finished then we will be writing a side by side comparison.

Yes we are still testing, I do wish it was going faster but it is a process. I will say john at Nordic has been very helpful and has now called in a favor for further help. The goal right now is to be ready for DS.

As for ride quality it's excellent. Like Dave, we've been out in some really nasty stuff testing and the boat has been rock solid. It does like to get up on the chop when it's really bad, 60+ mph in 3+ chop. I've driven the Howard with a 525 many times and now my nordic, both boats are excellent choices for both speed and handling. We're they really differ is in size, the 29 seems huge compared to the Howard IMO.

 

[relaxalot]

I think the 29 is beautiful and has a nice looking set up. Thanks for the info and good luck with your prop hunt. Hope to see you out at Desert Storm! Are you participating? I am for the first time with 4 other old guys. Looking forward to it!

 

[Scott E]

Thanks Dave. A real review with a ride would be helpful. All deck boats run pretty good. What I am interested in is how well it rides compared side by side with a Howard. How do the top speeds and handling compare? Will both Nordic and Howard have testers available during the upcoming boat show weekend? Will Howard's new 288 be available to see or test at the show?

Howard will have a boat to test after the show, not during the show. The new 288 will no be at the show as Howard is still building the first one (already sold) with number two directly behind it. Number one is currently in the mold and will be out in 3 weeks. Number two is available for delivery in July, (Howard Available Inventory), and number 3 is also spoken for. With that being said, the plug for the new 288 is available at the shop and you can come up and see it to compare for yourself.

Howard has more room than the Nordic???? They must have come out with a bigger model since LA show. The size of the cockpits are almost not comparable between the 2 boats. You must have never got into the Nordic. You could roll a wheelchair thru the middle of that thing!!

The new 288, at least to me, seems/feels larger than the Nordic 29. The cockpit is longer, wider and deeper. The bow section is 8 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the 28 Sport Deck, which makes it larger than not only the Nordic but any of the other deck boats in this size range.

 

[relaxalot]

Thanks Havasu Dreamin' !! The 288 is a nice looking unit with some great lines and some nice features. I want one!

 

[HavaToon]

I think the 29 is beautiful and has a nice looking set up. Thanks for the info and good luck with your prop hunt. Hope to see you out at Desert Storm! Are you participating? I am for the first time with 4 other old guys. Looking forward to it!

We are just spectating this year

 

[relaxalot]

Watch for five old guys cruising by!!! Stop in and we will buy you a beer (after the poker run of course).

 

[Trim it up]

Yes we are still testing, I do wish it was going faster but it is a process. I will say john at Nordic has been very helpful and has now called in a favor for further help. The goal right now is to be ready for DS.

As for ride quality it's excellent. Like Dave, we've been out in some really nasty stuff testing and the boat has been rock solid. It does like to get up on the chop when it's really bad, 60+ mph in 3+ chop. I've driven the Howard with a 525 many times and now my nordic, both boats are excellent choices for both speed and handling. We're they really differ is in size, the 29 seems huge compared to the Howard IMO.

I agree with size comment. I looked at the Nordic prior to my Conquest and it dwarf's it

 

[RiverDave]

Went and met Thane and John yesterday. Taking some boats out mid next week for an on water review.

 

[riverroyal]

to Nordic in a few days, if im not drunk

 

[JB in so cal]

to Nordic in a few days, if im not drunk

So, you're gonna be drunk?:rolleyes

 

[Sbarry]

Went and met Thane and John yesterday. Taking some boats out mid next week for an on water review.

Did you end up testing? Never saw a review... Maybe I missed it? Thanks

 

[BHC Vic]

I'm curious to see numbers on the python. From what I've heard numbers were a little better than most want to believe. Love to read write ups on all 3 boats

 

[relaxalot]

Nordics are nice but if you want the performance aspect of a sport deck also.. Buy a Howard!

 

[underpressure]

We'll, my 29 Nordic Deck hit 93 yesterday...

 

[Sbarry]

We'll, my 29 Nordic Deck hit 93 yesterday...

What motor(s) & drive(s) ?

 

[relaxalot]

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/content.php?408-Howard-Sport-Deck-Merc-600-90-mph-Video

93 is a good number and the best I have heard out of the Nordic Decks. I wonder what they would do with the same power and 5 guys? They are "big" boats and will probably just require more power to run fast. Makes sense.

 

[Gelcoater]

We'll, my 29 Nordic Deck hit 93 yesterday...

:thumbsup

Post up a review already!!

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?206-Members-Boat-Reviews

 

[RiverDave]

Did you end up testing? Never saw a review... Maybe I missed it? Thanks

We took them out once but it was white capping on the lake and it sucked.. The boats were fine, it was just shitty water for a review. I haven't hooked back up with them to take them out again. I need to do that soon.

 

[RiverDave]

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/content.php?408-Howard-Sport-Deck-Merc-600-90-mph-Video

93 is a good number and the best I have heard out of the Nordic Decks. I wonder what they would do with the same power and 5 guys? They are "big" boats and will probably just require more power to run fast. Makes sense.

There is a 29 Nordic deck down in Parker that runs around 100 mph..

 

[Liberated]

There is a 29 Nordic deck down in Parker that runs around 100 mph..

Yes there is. Has a TCM 825 with IMCO SCX upper and SC lower.

 

[Liberated]

:blah:

Nordics are nice but if you want the performance aspect of a sport deck also.. Buy a Howard!

 

[HavaToon]

I've volunteered many times to meet up with RD to do a write up, we just haven't been able to make our schedules work. There's a new set of Bravo I OC 28's on there way to me soon, maybe we can set a weekend to review the boat and the new props from mercury.

 

[HavaToon]

Best speeds to date were desert storm weekend 86-87mph on the limiter with 2 people and 40-50 gallons of fuel. The weekend of the 4th we saw 78-80 with 6 people, 90 gallons of fuel and every ones crap. The boat weighs in around 5500lbs empty.

 

[relaxalot]

:blah:

There really has not been any information published out there. Every owner I have spoken with consistently reported slow speeds. I believe you can make them run with the Howards but not without adding big cubic inches and alot of air pumped in. I like the look of the Nordics but the last one I saw with a 525 was having a hard time hitting 70. I am sure that you must have some out there with Mercury 600's in them? What are the numbers? It just seems like they are at least 6 or 8 mph slower. One of my friends was looking to buy a deck and was comparing the two (along with Conquest) and came up time after time that the Howards run faster and handle better with the same power. I was trying to give him good shopping advice. It is hard when there is so little performance information published and every owner I have spoken to has told me they are still "prop testing".

 

[HavaToon]

There really has not been any information published out there. Every owner I have spoken with consistently reported slow speeds. I believe you can make them run with the Howards but not without adding big cubic inches and alot of air pumped in. I like the look of the Nordics but the last one I saw with a 525 was having a hard time hitting 70. I am sure that you must have some out there with Mercury 600's in them? What are the numbers? It just seems like they are at least 6 or 8 mph slower. One of my friends was looking to buy a deck and was comparing the two (along with Conquest) and came up time after time that the Howards run faster and handle better with the same power. I was trying to give him good shopping advice. It is hard when there is so little performance information published and every owner I have spoken to has told me they are still "prop testing".

Here's published information...29-foot Nordic Deck Boat with 565, 27″ Bravo I FS turned 5450 RPM @ 74.8 mph.
http://www.mercuryracing.com/blog/fs-deck-boat-2/#more-8907

As for prop testing the Nordic DB's have only been out 2-3 years with 2014 being the boom year. So yes there is still testing to be had to determine which props work best for which size, motor and drive.

How long has the Howard been out? 7,8,9 years? That's a lot more time to have figured out what works best.

 

[Briley]

Sounds like its time for a deck boat shoot out...lots of personal opinions and data, I have a 28' Cobra, 5500lbs, 525, bravo 1 with 28p and have 80mph on recall.

RD moderates and we all show up' "run what u got". Not only would it settle some discussions, but would absolutely be a blast to all get together, throttle down and trim up.

 

[BHC Vic]

Sounds like its time for a deck boat shoot out...lots of personal opinions and data, I have a 28' Cobra, 5500lbs, 525, bravo 1 with 28p and have 80mph on recall.

RD moderates and we all show up' "run what u got". Not only would it settle some discussions, but would absolutely be a blast to all get together, throttle down and trim up.

Man i would love to see something like that

 

[relaxalot]

Here's published information...29-foot Nordic Deck Boat with 565, 27″ Bravo I FS turned 5450 RPM @ 74.8 mph.
http://www.mercuryracing.com/blog/fs-deck-boat-2/#more-8907

As for prop testing the Nordic DB's have only been out 2-3 years with 2014 being the boom year. So yes there is still testing to be had to determine which props work best for which size, motor and drive.

How long has the Howard been out? 7,8,9 years? That's a lot more time to have figured out what works best.

I have a 2007 Howard. I think the first one came out in 2005. In 2007 mine ran right at 90 mph with a stock 600 mercury. I did the whipple stage two upgrade and now it will run over 90 mph with a load. It has 360 hours on it with no internal motor work. I thought about redoing the valves but it still runs strong and uses no oil makes no noise so?? During Desert Storm weekend I had five guys. Four of us were on the large side. The best speed I saw was 90 that weekend. I am not pushing my boat as hard as I have in the past. I am trying to keep the old mercury running strong. There are alot of variables of course temperature and humidity and water conditions will bring different results. It seems to run alot better with wind chop and cooler air of course. I am currently running a 30 pitch 5 blade. I think my rig would probably run faster with a 32 labbed B-1 but have never tried one. It came with a Maximus 28 and ran 90 stock. There is an upcoming Howard Regatta in September where they will have the new 288 on the water for anyone who wants to go for a test run. Howard publishes extensive tests of their boats available on their website. There was a boat like mine tested in 2006? that ran 91 mph with the same motor and drive package 600/ XR drive stock. It was running a 29 prop. That was only one year after the first one. I think the first Howard deck had a TPI non supercharged 700 and recorded 90 or 91 mph in 2005. I have been in that boat at 86 when it was a few years old. It ran a 28 pitch bravo 1. There are only so many props to test unless you build custom ones. Shouldn't take a manufacturer over a few days and a box of props to determine the best prop combo for a deckboat. As far as the new motors from Mercury I am lost as far as what the numbers are.

 

[BHC Vic]

I have a 2007 Howard. I think the first one came out in 2005. In 2007 mine ran right at 90 mph with a stock 600 mercury. I did the whipple stage two upgrade and now it will run over 90 mph with a load. It has 360 hours on it with no internal motor work. I thought about redoing the valves but it still runs strong and uses no oil makes no noise so?? During Desert Storm weekend I had five guys. Four of us were on the large side. The best speed I saw was 90 that weekend. I am not pushing my boat as hard as I have in the past. I am trying to keep the old mercury running strong. There are alot of variables of course temperature and humidity and water conditions will bring different results. It seems to run alot better with wind chop and cooler air of course. I am currently running a 30 pitch 5 blade. I think my rig would probably run faster with a 32 labbed B-1 but have never tried one. It came with a Maximus 28 and ran 90 stock. There is an upcoming Howard Regatta in September where they will have the new 288 on the water for anyone who wants to go for a test run. Howard publishes extensive tests of their boats available on their website. There was a boat like mine tested in 2006? that ran 91 mph with the same motor and drive package 600/ XR drive stock. It was running a 29 prop. That was only one year after the first one. I think the first Howard deck had a TPI non supercharged 700 and recorded 90 or 91 mph in 2005. I have been in that boat at 86 when it was a few years old. It ran a 28 pitch bravo 1. There are only so many props to test unless you build custom ones. Shouldn't take a manufacturer over a few days and a box of props to determine the best prop combo for a deckboat. As far as the new motors from Mercury I am lost as far as what the numbers are.

What size Howard?

 

[relaxalot]

What size Howard?

My Howard Deck Boat is listed as 28' I have heard that they are actually 28'6" from end to end but I am not sure. I measured it once because Steve (2FF) asked me to but my memory is not recalling. I think 28-3" but not sure. He asked me to measure it like you were trying to put it in a box. I am not sure but the new Howard 288 may be 28-8" ?? Maybe that makes sense? I think that would be a good one to compare head to head with the Nordic. It would be good to have two new boats with the same stock power. They are both beautiful boats. Kinda like the Mustang Camaro articles that have been going around for years. I can see why there could be a market for both brands.

 

[HavaToon]

I have a 2007 Howard. I think the first one came out in 2005. In 2007 mine ran right at 90 mph with a stock 600 mercury. I did the whipple stage two upgrade and now it will run over 90 mph with a load. It has 360 hours on it with no internal motor work. I thought about redoing the valves but it still runs strong and uses no oil makes no noise so?? During Desert Storm weekend I had five guys. Four of us were on the large side. The best speed I saw was 90 that weekend. I am not pushing my boat as hard as I have in the past. I am trying to keep the old mercury running strong. There are alot of variables of course temperature and humidity and water conditions will bring different results. It seems to run alot better with wind chop and cooler air of course. I am currently running a 30 pitch 5 blade. I think my rig would probably run faster with a 32 labbed B-1 but have never tried one. It came with a Maximus 28 and ran 90 stock. There is an upcoming Howard Regatta in September where they will have the new 288 on the water for anyone who wants to go for a test run. Howard publishes extensive tests of their boats available on their website. There was a boat like mine tested in 2006? that ran 91 mph with the same motor and drive package 600/ XR drive stock. It was running a 29 prop. That was only one year after the first one. I think the first Howard deck had a TPI non supercharged 700 and recorded 90 or 91 mph in 2005. I have been in that boat at 86 when it was a few years old. It ran a 28 pitch bravo 1. There are only so many props to test unless you build custom ones. Shouldn't take a manufacturer over a few days and a box of props to determine the best prop combo for a deckboat. As far as the new motors from Mercury I am lost as far as what the numbers are.

Fair enough. The one with all the facts would be Nordic.

Paging Nordic John...post up the speeds with the 8.2, 525/565, 600 and 700.

 

[underpressure]

What motor(s) & drive(s) ?

^^^^
It has a whipple charged 540....built by Larry Peto. Not dyno'd, but estimated 850hp.

 

[underpressure]

Has an IMCO SC drive, 30 pitch 5 blade...

 

[relaxalot]

Here are some Howard numbers: Most of these are from actual tests of the boats and are available on the website. I don't work for Howard and have no affiliation other than I just am an old owner of an old sportdeck. As far as I know these are accurate numbers with stock power. With big custom power I believe some of them have ran over 120 mph. I can personally vouch for the accuracy of the 600 speeds. Although mine has been tweaked by whipple upgrades and will run into the mid 90's..*** when stock it ran right up to 89 mph. The fastest I ever saw stock was 91.

*** Of course hot temperatures, water conditions, payload, stereo, bimini, altitude and attiI thinktude will make noticeable differences.


Power Option Upgrades:

MerCruiser 496 MAG MPI / Bravo One 385hp 65-68 mph
MerCruiser 496 MAG H.O. MPI / Bravo One 425hp 68-70 mph
MerCruiser HP 525 EFI / Bravo One 525hp 78-82 mph
MerCruiser HP600SCI 600hp 87-91 mph
MerCruiser HP700SCI 700hp 103-104 mph

Custom Motors Available

We all know that top speed is not what a deck boat is all about. Handling and layout are important also. There are many things about the Nordics that I like and it looks like they are ramping up their quality and design at an unbelievable rate. Believe me, I would love to be an owner of one. They look like finely built, well crafted hulls with beautiful designs. They have pushed up their program and look like they are chasing performance but with their current level of progress I am sure they will get there. I love all boats (except those that are plowing water with no reason) and pay attention to all of the brands and what they are up to. Certainly there is no one size fits all when it comes to boats.

As I get older, I think I am leaning towards becoming more of a behind the windshield guy. Some people like the feeling of the wind in their face and others like to take a drink without it blowing all over while underway. The next deckboat I buy would most likely be one with a real functioning windshield option. For me, it looks like Howard's new 288 is a perfect fit. I love what they have done to hideaway the bimini under the engine hatch. I like the large swimstep that will make it safer for people vs. props. I have not heard how it runs but I imagine it will be similar to the ones running around now. I am just trying to get my wallet to fit my eyes.

 

[BHC Vic]

How will these numbers compare w the new engines. Ex the 8.2 that replaces the 496

 

[Tommy Gun Images]

Sounds like its time for a deck boat shoot out...lots of personal opinions and data, I have a 28' Cobra, 5500lbs, 525, bravo 1 with 28p and have 80mph on recall.

RD moderates and we all show up' "run what u got". Not only would it settle some discussions, but would absolutely be a blast to all get together, throttle down and trim up.

We've actually discussed doing something like that for a newsletter article...

 

[relaxalot]

How will these numbers compare w the new engines. Ex the 8.2 that replaces the 496

I would hope that they will be better. I don't know much about the new packages. I heard they have more hp and torque which is good news. I am curious about these numbers and also the weight of the new motors. Maybe RD or Pink Taco will be able to tell us this info if he does some good old fashioned testing.