The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

JULY 2009

Length overall  52' 8" Beam  16' 1" Draft  4' 2" Displ.  45,000 lb Fuel800 gals Water 300gals Power610 hp Base Price  $950,000

The new Nordic Tug 49 has classic tugboat-inspired lines and a full keel, but it's built with inshore cruising in mind too: shallow draft, rudder protection and a recessed propeller tunnel. The fine bow entry and hard chines (full-length above the waterline and diminishing below) add stability and performance to this semi-displacement hull. Maximum speed from the 610-hp Cummins electronic diesel is 17 knots, with cruising speeds of 7 to 14 knots. Fuel burn is rated at 2 to 3 gallons per hour at 7 to 8 knots. Teak wainscoting and trim accent the spacious interior, which includes two staterooms and a galley with a three-burner electric stove, microwave and dishwasher. Nordic Tugs, Burlington, Wash.; 800-388-4517; www.nordictugs.com