Nordia 20 — Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Nordica 20 is designed for seaworthiness over raw speed. With a displacement of approximately 2,500 pounds and more than 1,000 pounds of encapsulated lead ballast, the boat carries a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 40%. This makes the vessel exceptionally stiff and capable of standing up to its sails in heavy air. In an editorial review by Good Old Boat Magazine, the Nordica 20 is noted for its ability to handle offshore conditions that would force most 20-footers back to the dock. Its full keel and heavy mass allow it to track exceptionally well, making it a "forgiving" boat for solo sailors or those navigating choppy coastal waters.

However, the trade-off for this stability is light-air performance. The Nordica 20 is under-canvassed relative to modern sportboats and requires a stiff breeze to truly come alive. Because it lacks a fin keel, its tacking radius is wider than many contemporary designs, and it can be sluggish to come about if speed is not maintained through the turn. Under power, most owners utilize a small 4-hp to 6-hp outboard motor; because the rudder is transom-hung and positioned directly behind the hull’s exit, the boat handles predictably under power, though it lacks the close-quarters nimbleness of a fin-keel vessel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 20-foot boat, the interior of the Nordica 20 is surprisingly functional, though it is constrained by the vessel's narrow 7-foot 6-inch beam and the significant space occupied by the full keel. The cabin typically features a V-berth forward and two narrow quarter berths extending aft under the cockpit seats. While it technically sleeps four, it is most comfortably used by a couple. The "sitting headroom" is adequate for most adults, and the interior is often finished with teak trim that provides a warm, traditional aesthetic.

The Nordica 20 shares its hull design with a prominent sibling, the Halman 20. After Exe Fibercraft ceased production, the molds were used by Halman Manufacturing, which marketed the boat with slight variations in the interior liner and deck hardware. The Halman 20 is virtually indistinguishable from the Nordica 20 to the untrained eye, though seasoned owners often debate the nuances of the fiberglass lay-up between the two builders. Both models lack a dedicated enclosed head, typically utilizing a porta-potti tucked under the V-berth, and feature a minimalist galley consisting of a small sink and a one-burner stove.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Nordica 20 has earned a cult following among "micro-cruisers" and has been featured in several niche publications focusing on small-boat voyaging. It is frequently compared to the Flicka 20 in discussions regarding the world’s most capable small sailboats. Technical documentation and a historical overview of the model’s evolution can be found through the Nordica Boats Association, a dedicated group that maintains records of both the Exe Fibercraft and Halman production eras.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the following areas common to Canadian-built fiberglass boats of this era:

• Deck Core Integrity: The Nordica 20 uses a balsa-cored deck. Over decades, moisture can penetrate through improperly bedded stanchions or cleats, leading to soft spots. A thorough percussion test (tapping with a plastic hammer) is essential.
• Chainplates: The chainplates are bolted through the hull/deck joint. Leaks here are common and can lead to damage of the interior bulkhead or the deck core if not re-bedded periodically.
• Rudder Hardware: The transom-hung rudder is a sturdy design, but the pintles and gudgeons (the hinges) are high-stress points. Check for "slop" or play in the rudder, which may indicate worn bushings or loose mounting bolts.
• Compression Post: Ensure the mast step and the internal compression post are sound. If the deck has compressed over time, the rig tension may be compromised.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the Nordica Boats Association. This group provides access to original brochures, rigging diagrams, and a forum where owners discuss specific modifications, such as adding a bowsprit to improve light-air performance or installing permanent diesel inboards, a rare but possible modification for this hull.

The Verdict

The Nordica 20 is a specialized vessel for the sailor who prioritizes safety and traditional aesthetics over speed and interior volume. It is a "shrunken" blue-water cruiser that offers a level of security rarely found in a trailerable package.

Pros:

• Exceptional stability and heavy-weather tracking for its size.
• High-quality, heavy fiberglass construction (hand-laid).
• Trailerable, allowing for low-cost storage and expanded cruising grounds.
• Strong resale value among a dedicated community of enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Sluggish performance in light winds (below 8 knots).
• Limited "sitting only" headroom and cramped quarters for more than two people.
• The full keel makes maneuvering in tight marinas more challenging than fin-keel alternatives.