Pacific Asian Enterprises Review

Friends Jim Leishman, Dan Streech and Joe Meglen formed the present day Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) in 1974 as a yacht brokerage firm in Dana Point, California. They had a successful import business bringing boats in from Taiwan until 1977 when they decided to design, develop and over see the construction of their own vessels in Taiwanese shipyards. With this in mind, the threesome hired Naval Architect Al Mason to develop their first project, a 43 foot sailboat. Between 1978 and 1985 there were 132 “3” series PAE sailboats manufactured. Although not in production today they remain in service as a testament to the quality and workmanship provided by PAE.

In 1988, PAE shifted its focus from providing quality sailboats to developing a niche in the power boat market. Not initially popular with the boating community, the new power boat designed by Jim Leishman was labeled as “odd”, “funny” and “different”. The design was reminiscent of northern fishing trawlers so the name Nordhavn, Norwegian for North Harbor, was born. The Nordhavn40 was American built in Southern California, and to prove its worldliness, the common stock boat was driven 26,000 miles around the world. As one owner aptly put it, “it’s the boat to have when the going gets rough”. “Reliable” continues to be the word that crops up when discussing the Nordhavn boat.

Described in the boating community as an “all weather boat,” the Nordhavn is built to unusually high standards. Top quality hardware and commercial grade doors are offset by the elegance of the beautifully appointed interior. With a cruising speed of 8 knots, the single Lugger diesel engine found in the Nordhavn47 will slice through the seas for nearly 3,000 miles. Some of the larger boats have twin diesel engines, like the Nordhavn86, and can reach speeds of 9 knots, but also offer increased fuel capacity so refueling every 4,000 miles is expected.

Pricing

An immaculate used 2004 Nordhavn47 with low engine hours is priced in the $1 million range. Smaller used models, such as the Nordhavn40, are listed around $400,000. New boats can be completely customize and larger ones can easily cost well over the million dollar mark.

Pros

• They can be made to specification and completely customized
• Sturdy and reliable
• Proven track record of providing around the world cruising

Cons

• The design of some of the models is considered to odd looking by some
• Can be quite costly depending on the customizations included

Featured Models

The Nordhavn fleet features power yachts from 40 feet to 120 feet. Included are: Nordhavn40II, 43, 47, 52, 55, 56 MotorSailer, 60 62, 63, 68 that has an aft pilot house, 72, 75 Expedition Yachtfisher, 76, 86 and the Nordhavn120. The Nordhavn78 is set for release in 2011.

Conclusion

The long and interesting history of Pacific Asian Enterprises (PAE) is punctuated with entrepreneurial spirit and verve. The founders’ attention to detail from the first Mason sailboat built during the mid-1970s to the launch of the Nordhavn power boat is evident throughout the design and the care taken to meticulously outfit theses seafaring vessels. The proof that these boats are true ocean going cruisers has been proven time and again with many owners enjoying them around the world.