Orca

Description

LLC Owned The designer - Bob Perry - and the builders of the Norseman line saw a need for a quality fast trawler with conservatively classic lines and an accessible price tag. It’s also safe to say that he guessed there are probably more than a few sailboat owners who are ready to make the switch to power; if so, then the quality of the new 480 will be familiar to them. On the 480, for example, there is not one inch of usable space that hasn’t been turned into a locker or a drawer or a cranny because, as we all know, there is no such thing as too much stowage on a yacht. In the saloon, there is a handrail cleverly integrated as part of the wood trim in the overhead, and it’s perfectly placed so you can move around securely even in the worst of seas-another mark of sailors. But the 480 also has a simple but thoughtful concept: a yacht that is comfortable for two couples, yet which one couple can easily handle. Thus the Norseman has two staterooms and two en suite heads with showers, with civilized amenities in each. The saloon is an ingenious arrangement that blends a curved dinette, a settee, the galley and the helm into one living area surrounded by large windows framed in stainless steel. The helm is amidships, and behind the helm seating is an aft-facing on an electric lift. The helm seat is raised for good visibility and very comfortable. The helm seat, is fully adjustable (including the back) with headrest. The dashboard, a large and showy leather-trimmed console, has more than enough space for electronics and communication gear. The big, wood-rimmed wheel is comfortable for sitting or standing, and overhead cabinets can hold additional instruments. I particularly like the easily read KVH compass directly in the skipper’s line of sight. A slick pantograph door to starboard gives easy access to the side and foredecks. The galley is to port, and is nicely arranged with ample counter space, a great view out the opening windows, and a Force 10 gas stove with pot clamps. The refrigerator and freezer are in U-line drawers under the counter and the microwave is overhead. The master stateroom on the Norseman is located amidships for the least motion at sea or at anchor, and it’s pleasantly spacious with exceptional headroom for an airy openness. The centerline berth faces forward and is atop a platform that allows drawers on each side as well as a pair of nightstands. Two cedar-lined hanging lockers are outboard, and a TV is on the forward bulkhead. This is all very nice, indeed. The master head compartment is nicely sized with the head recessed into a Corian base for easy cleaning, a shower with a hatch to release steam, and a port for light and air. Forward along the starboard side passage is the VIP cabin, which is in the tapering bow area with a raised berth that allows a three-drawer bureau underneath. Two hanging lockers are in the cabin, while a third is behind the door that closes off the passageway. At the entry to the guest cabin is a simple counter with a sink, leaving the en suite head to serve double duty as both toilet compartment and as a Corian-lined shower (with a seat over the toilet). The flybridge is sizable, with a helm console forward of the single helm chair, an L-shaped settee with table to port, and a console with sink and room for an ice-maker or refrigerator. The boat deck can easily handle a RIB tender and has a Steelhead davit. Comfortable stairs lead to the teak-planked afterdeck with its twin transom doors. On deck, the 480 provides good security with wide side decks and high, welded stainless steel rails atop teak cap-rails. A boarding gate is provided forward on each side. At the bow, a teak platform is set up for twin anchors with two rollers and a Maxwell windlass for both chain and line. All of ORCA's services are up to date and at her last bottom painting the bottom was soda blasted down to bare glass and new primer and bottom paint applied less than 2 years ago.