Posted by Dave Combs on 11/4/2007, 5:48:02

It's finally happened, a Nordica 16 which I have admired for nearly 20 yrs is listed for sale in our local(FL Keys)paper. Although she looks sweet on the trailer I realy know nothing of her sailing qualities. Can anyone add insight? Dave

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Posted by frank durant on 11/4/2007, 6:19:08, in reply to "Nordica 16"

These are unique little boats with lots of history.Google 'nordica 16' and you will find both a 'nordica' site and an owners site.SCA did an article not too long ago on one as well.In a nutshell..good motion and seakeeping ability for a boat that is really only 14ft 6in hull length,good in a blow..slow in light winds(a genny is needed) tight cabin for cruising,cockpit not self draining.BUT...show me a saltier looking boat in that size range???

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Posted by Robb Waters on 11/4/2007, 14:38:41, in reply to "Nordica 16"

I sailed a Halman 20 (a hip-pocket, big sister to the Nordica 16) all around Lake Superior for many years. Very sea- worthy and comfortable in all seas. Surprising agile and fast for a full keel design. I believe the later model Nordica 16's had a self-bailing cockpit, but I my be wrong. If the price is right...buy it!

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Posted by frank durant on 11/4/2007, 15:42:10, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

here's the link to the owners site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nordica16/

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Posted by Ol Bill on 11/16/2007, 20:08:14, in reply to "Nordica 16"

A fellow on one of the chat groups I frequent used to sail one on the great lakes think it was maybe, he was very well impressed with the seaworthiness & general stability. The cabin is said to be quite small, IF all else was a "go", speaking for myself only (not giving you any advice) I would want to get in the cabin and see if it will do for my purposes before buying. Ol Bill The above is NOT advice it is only informal web chat; completely at your own sole risk.

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Posted by mark schwenk on 11/19/2007, 8:55:13, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

I own and sail an N16. All of the above is true, small cabin but I can squeeze in OK. I'm 6'2" and can sleep in and work in just barely. It is a dream to sail, it sails like a much bigger boat. Smoother on the water than my Venture 25. The full keel and double ender aspects make her a great boat. Things to look out for...water can and will collect under the berths as there is always a way in and can really build up. Portlights always leak. Get a small bilge pump, open up the foam filled areas under V berth and dry it out. Feel free to contact me offlist or post on the Yahoo forum , I'm there frequently.

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Posted by H.T. Holman on 1/28/2008, 5:02:00, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Having owned and sailed a Nordica 16 for a number of years I certainly agree with almost all of the comments, both positive and negative, about the boat. On one minor point however I do disagree. On my boat "Strait Rhumb" the port lights have never leaked but I do agree it is important to keep the boat dry. I usually mop up any water with a sponge which gives you some idea of the volume. Here are the coordinates for the Yahoo N-16 site where this discussion can be continued: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nordica16/ And here is the web site for "Strait Rhumb" http://nordica16.googlepages.com/introduction

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Posted by Ol Bill on 1/29/2008, 5:15:08, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

I have a buddy who just finished his second N-16 restoration. He has both and I think just loves those little pocket cruisers. I have a question for N-16 owners. The freeboard looks a little low to me in some of the N-16 pics I have seen, but I NEVER remember hearing complaints reg the same (but then I'm forgetful). How have you N-16 owners found it? Seems like the N-16 is reputed to have quite kindly sea motion, does that seem to make up for it? Also is it possible to reasonably easily add cockpit drains, or does the design basicly preclude such? What other mods are advisable for them? OB Ol Bill is the moderator of the Micor Cruiser's SubGroup at: http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/sirenowners_subgroup/ Feel free to visit anytime! NOTE: This is a Yahoo Groups Site, so you need to be a member of Yahoo Groups first before joining the SubGroup. Also another word to the wise, this is a very chatty group, upon sign up at the SubGroup you may NOT want to keep the default email setting. Read the possibilities carefully when joining, 'special notices only' may be the preferable email setting to deliberately select.

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Posted by HT Holman on 1/29/2008, 7:52:51, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

You may want to put that question to the members of the Nordica 16 discussion group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nordica16/ There are almost 150 members, most of whom have experience with the boat.

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Posted by Mark Schwenk on 2/4/2008, 20:01:12, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Very low free board, but this never seems to be a problem. It is very kindly motion wise, and does not ship water in rough seas, even with the low board. There was a recent discussion at our Yahoo group on how to fix my leaky portlights. Easy as pie. A few owners have garboard drains for off season draining and such, but for the most part it seems impossible to put a cockpit drain in. HT sails on the Great Lakes and has alot of pics at the Yahoo site. See his Straight Rhumb album. Some of those in a bit of a weather. I sail on the Chesapeake or any puddle with a deep enough ramp. I love this boat and I highly recommend it.

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Posted by HT Holman on 2/7/2008, 9:52:28, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

A small correction on Mark's message above. I sail "Strait Rhumb" on Northumberland Strait on Canada's Atlantic Coast, not on the Great Lakes. Its a bit like the Chesapeke - only colder.

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Posted by Mark Schwenk on 2/7/2008, 19:12:30, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Woops. Canada is like a foreign country or something. Sorry about that HT.

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Posted by Capt. Fred Saas on 6/30/2008, 21:19:02, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Anyone know of a Nordica 16 for sale? Preferably, but not necessarily in the South East.

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Posted by Capt. Fred Saas on 7/21/2008, 23:01:51, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

I am earnestly looking for a Nordica 16. Please call me at 251 987-1200. Even if it's only a hull. I will drive up and pick it up with my trailor. Please look at my website www.biophilia.net Thank you Capt. Fred

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Posted by Ol Bill on 7/22/2008, 12:40:21, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Capt. Fred: Might try loading an alert at EBay, very occasionally they come up. Might try offering a $25 finders fee (but only to be paid if you like and also buy the boat) and encourage the the computer boat research boys to start all the the tappity-tappity stuff... Two area listed here: http://www.nordicaboats.com/html/user-ads.html Don't know a thing about either... OB

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Posted by H T Holman on 11/21/2008, 13:12:33, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

The Nordica 16 discussion group has half a dozen listed. Join the group at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nordica16/

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Posted by OB on 11/25/2008, 15:19:39, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

I didn't comment on this, but they are one sweet looking little boat at least from the pics I have seen, both in the water and out on the trailer. OB

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Posted by AJ on 3/26/2009, 7:13:08, in reply to "Nordica 16"

Anyone recognize this type mast base? I am working on a Nordica 16 and the mast base is broken. The broken 'tab' on the base fits over a forward bolt in the mast step to facilitate raising the mast to a vertical position, then a second bolt goes through everything, securing the mast into the step. The only markings I can find are the "T5" or "15" that you see in the image. If I cannot locate a replacement, is it possible to have this cast fitting repaired with a welded piece? I posted this inquiry on the Nordica Yahoo Group and am awaiting replies - thought I'd post here too. My Nordica 16 was built in 1975 by the Exe Fibercraft company in Canada. It appears, based on information obtained from other owners, the company used several different mast and bases during the production run. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks, AJ

Posted by Fred Gilbert on 3/26/2009, 10:00:49, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Might be worth going to a certified welder to see if the casting can be repaired, and if it is worhtwhile to repair from a cost point.

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Posted by Norm on 3/29/2009, 18:03:13, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Not sure if a casting can be welded? It should be possible to have a metal fabrication shop make up a stainless replacement using measurements from your original. Maybe not an exact replica, but at least a functional and more durable piece.

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Posted by Terence M. Higgins on 6/23/2009, 14:01:30, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Good afternoon all. As a long time admirer of both the 16's and the 20, i have a question for the group. I'm an owner of a Com-Pac 16. A shoal draft keel boat, 1100 lbs displacement. A very nice boat, very similar to the Nordica 16, imho ! My question being: Comparisions of ! Any replies on that ? Or maybe has one been made i'm not aware of, you could point me too ? Thanks for any info on same. Terry

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Posted by frank on 7/19/2009, 17:04:20, in reply to "Re: Nordica 16"

Terence...the CP16 has a much larger cabin with more useable storage.The Vberth in the N16 is very tiny with extremely low headroom...as well as no sliding hatch which makes getting in/out difficult...unless you're 135 lbs and 19 yrs old. The nordica is a pretty little boat that tracks well. Both are slow sailors that don't point very high.The compac has a larger cockpit.I like the look of the nordica but would cruise the compac.The nordica's cockpit is not self draining...a real pain.

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