Nord Star 36+

ABG buyer take

The 36+ is strongest for buyers who put protected operation and walkaround deck access ahead of maximum open-air social space. Its inboard / sterndrive setup creates a different ownership proposition from outboard-heavy competitors.

Where it fits in the market

Traditional Finnish all-weather walkaround pilothouse boats with a diesel-oriented ownership proposition and strong deck circulation. At 39.4 feet overall, this model falls in the 35–40-foot segment.

That positioning matters because buyers often cross-shop model names rather than actual dimensions. ABG uses overall length, enclosure type, propulsion and mission to identify alternatives rather than relying on the number in the model name.

What to evaluate in person

• Helm and weather protection: Sit at the helm with doors and roof systems in both open and closed positions. Check visibility, ventilation and passenger seating underway.
• Deck movement: Walk from helm to bow and stern as if docking. Side-deck width, handholds and door placement matter more in practice than brochure square footage.
• Sleeping reality: Test the berths with the number of adults and children who will actually cruise. Storage and ventilation can matter as much as nominal berth count.
• Service access: Inspect engines, batteries, pumps and daily service points. The practical ownership difference between inboard / sterndrive and competing propulsion systems is meaningful.

ABG Score

The ABG Score is a comparative editorial framework, not a sea-trial test result. It uses published specifications, layout characteristics, propulsion, U.S. market support and category positioning. See the methodology →

Specifications at a glance