receptacles I saw, while stylish, appeared to be the
unprotected variety. I asked and learned that the
receptacles are on a circuit connected to a GFCI breaker
in the nearby electrical panel. Construction standards
require that 120VAC outlets in the galley, heads, and
engine room and on weather decks be GFCI protected.
I found that individual GFCI receptacles were used in
the heads.
A hatch in the galley sole leads to the engine room. For
most work, owners and technicians probably will use the
lazarette door, but the inside access will be convenient in
bad weather. A ladder lands at the side of the engine, and
its normal checkpoints are within easy reach. The hatch
cover is not hinged, nor does it open on gas struts. It must
be lifted free and stowed flat before one descends.
Carrying on a Nordic Tugs tradition, the 49 is powered
by a single engine: a 610hp Cummins QSM11 diesel. The
engine compartment has about 4 feet of headroom but a
lot of space to move around for service and maintenance.
It is well done; I’ll elaborate later.
From the galley area, four generously wide (34-inch)
teak-and-holly steps lead to the pilothouse. The 120VAC
and 12VDC beaker panels are on the left, and there’s an
excellent handrail on the bulkhead to the right. Nordic
Tugs added safety grabs throughout the boat, including
two running the length of the saloon. I complimented
Cress, because new boatbuilders often skimp on those
Robert M. Lane
Top: The pilothouse is the NT 49’s command center. It also
has plenty of space for guests and provides access to the
bridgedeck and to the staterooms below. Above: Ground-fault
sensors mounted in the AC circuit-breaker panel protect
circuits throughout the boat.
important safety items, and he credited the people who
use and build Nordic Tugs. “That’s how we learn,” he said.
In the pilothouse, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy
the scenery. An Ultraleather-upholstered settee has space
for six around a table that probably will see frequent use
for lunch and dinner, and a pair of Stidd Slimline 500N
helm chairs provide high-def-quality views for the crew on
