Our new home. Cape Horn 55 “Nomad”
Currently on hard getting paint job, new batteries, inverters and electronic navigation equipment.
Savusavu Fiji.
General info about our boat……
The Cape Horn 55 trawler is renowned for its emphasis on safety, seaworthiness, comfort, and effective style. Here are some key details about the Cape Horn 55:
- **Design and Construction**:
- Designed by Bob Johnston, a noted British-Canadian naval architect with extensive experience in commercial, military, and coast guard vessel design. The hulls are made of steel, which contributes to their durability and long-range capabilities. Each Cape Horn 55 is built with a focus on safety, featuring a double bottom, bulbous bow, bilge keels, 1/2" bolt-in windows, fuel filtration to < 1 micron, and numerous watertight compartments.
- The construction includes a steel hull with a minimum thickness of 3/16" and up to 3" in some places, emphasizing a self-righting design. The boats are semi-custom, which means each might have variations in engine and interior arrangements.
- **Performance and Capabilities**:
- These trawlers are equipped with a cruising speed around 7-8 knots, with a maximum speed of about 9 knots. The fuel capacity is significant, with tanks holding up to 4,200 US gallons, providing a cruising range of 6,000 to 8,500 nautical miles depending on conditions.
I’ll add, at 6 knots cruising speed, boat has over 10,000 nautical mile range.
- Known for their ocean-crossing capabilities, Cape Horn 55s have demonstrated reliability in various harsh conditions, including full-time cruising in Alaska.
- **Accommodations**:
- The interior design reflects a Bauhaus philosophy where form follows function, featuring a rattle-free and roll-proof system with warm maple finishes. Accommodations include three staterooms, capable of sleeping seven people. The layout includes a master stateroom aft with a queen-size island berth, a forward bow guest stateroom, and a portside office/guest stateroom with additional berths.
- **Market Presence**:
- Cape Horn 55 trawlers are not commonly mass-produced, which adds to their exclusivity and bespoke nature. They are often listed for sale with brokerage firms, and due to their build quality and design, they maintain a strong market value.
- **Reputation and Owner Feedback**:
- Owners and enthusiasts often discuss these trawlers on forums like YachtForums and Trawler Forum, where they share experiences regarding the vessel's performance, maintenance, and any design specifics or flaws. Feedback generally highlights the trawler's robustness and suitability for long-range, safe cruising.
The Cape Horn 55 is celebrated in the trawler community for its safety features and ocean-going capabilities, making it a favored choice for those looking for a vessel for extensive cruising or even living aboard.
