When the fuel shortages and inflation of the 1970s depressed the recreational yacht market, the Nordic Tug brand gave the industry a positive jolt when they revealed their 26-foot Nordic Tug prototype at the 1980 Seattle International Boat Show. They gambled on the assumption that people just like tugs, and the risk paid off with 37 tugs sold at that show. Besides the aesthetic appeal of the tug design, people were drawn to the economy of those first tugs—half a gallon an hour at 6.5 knots.
These aspects continue to draw people in today. Boaters who are looking for a comfortable, long-range cruiser with Northwest ruggedness can still find them in the Nordic line. Nordic introduced the 32-foot tug in 1985, and Florian is a proud 2010 descendant of that line. Currently located in Bellingham, Washington, and listed with San Juan Sailing, Florian is the perfect boat for couples that want to spend a summer getting to know the inlets and islands of the Pacific Northwest and still have a little fuel in the tank when the season is over.
She’s powered by a single 270-hp Cummins inboard diesel engine, which offers a cruising speed of 8 knots and a max of 14. Not bad for a boat built for range. A wide-open sundeck is ideal for drinks and enjoying the sunsets of the summer. At the helm, the skipper can take advantage of bow and stern thrusters, a plotter, radar, depth finder, and autopilot; all from Raymarine. An Espar diesel furnace keeps the one head, two double berths, and cabin warm if you decide to stay out a little bit later into the year. Florian was surveyed in 2019 and kept in excellent condition by the previous owners. Listed at $245,000, Florian is available from San Juan Yachting.
