1981 Nordic 40 Boat in Port Ludlow, WA 98365 US
Built in 1981
40
1 Engine (Yanmar)
40 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
Yacht Description
The impressive YadaYada is a handsome powerful sloop-rig sailing yacht, designed by Robert H. Perry and built in the USA by Nordic Yachts. Constructed to the highest standards and exacting detail, she is an immaculate well-maintained yacht. Swift and effortless under sail she is easily single-handed or sailed by a couple. A sailor's boat, the Nordic 40 is capable of smart performance in light airs and inspiring performance when the wind freshens. A large cockpit protected by a weather shielding Wave Stopper hard dodger provides comfort for crew while underway or entertaining guests while at anchor. Sizable deep lazarettes have ample stowage for boat kit, YadaYada is laid out with large self-tailing primary winches for sail trim, lazy jacks for the main sail and her primary genoa on a Profurl roller furling unit. The bright interior was built of the finest American Cherry and seasoned lumber, to a standard expected only in the finest custom yachts. YadaYada below decks offers a comfortable layout for extended stays on the boat. YadaYada has been lovingly maintained with many upgrades and major maintenance documented throughout her life. She turns heads with her blue Alexseal hull at the dock or underway. The Nordic 40 remains a premier choice for sailors who refuse to sacrifice speed for safety. It is a true "sailor's boat" that manages to look traditional while performing with modern efficiency. YadaYada is ready for exciting new sailing adventures.
Recent Highlights
2025 & 2026 REFIT PROJECTS IN PORT TOWNSEND WA.
- Electrical panel replaced with Blue Sea 360 panel AC/DC
- New Windlass breaker
- New 12V wiring and sub panels
- New LED cabin lighting
- Installed Victron multi plus Charger inverter 1200W
- New AGM house bank and Start Battery
- Installed Sol Go 215W solar on Wave stopper hard dodger
- Victron smart solar MPPT 100/20
- 12v USB chargers installed in berths, chart table and companionway
- Installed Raymarine Evolution Autopilot with P70 controller
- Inspected and integrated existing Acusteer 12v Electric Hydraulic Auto pilot Ram
- Installed new Arco Zeus smart regulator for Hitachi 80 Amp alternator
- Deck and Cockpit painted with Alexseal polyurethane yacht coatings, Nonskid areas refinished with Soft Sand Rubber and polyurethane Alexseal paint.
- Two new headsails from Bellingham sails 110% jib and 135% genoa
- New potable water lines
2021 REFIT PROJECTS IN PORT TOWNSEND Wa.
- Hull topsides repainted dark blue Alexseal polyurethane paint
- Hull underbody blister treatment and Epoxy barrier coat
- Upgraded instruments to Seatalk NG backbone & i70 MFD displays.
- Installed Pro Mariner FS30 Fail-Safe Galvanic Isolator.
- Totally rebuilt and re-fiberglassed rudder
- New PSS rudder shaft seal installed
- Rebuilt mast step
- New chainplates fabricated and installed
- New stainless rod rigging and fittings
- New running rigging
- New mast wire and tricolor, anchor, foredeck lights
- Replaced hydraulic backstay tensioner
- New mast mounted carbon spinnaker pole
- New furling intermediate staysail on Carver continuous Furler
Design
The Nordic 40 hull has a proven, efficient shape. Her wide beam is carried well aft to extend her useful sailing length. She has a fine entry with straight waterlines for speed on the wind. Her firm midship bilges give her stiffness. The design creates room for her extra interior and space. Her keel is of the external lead type, shaped in a laminar foil section which allows the lead ballast to be placed at the lowest 40 percent. The placement of ballast produces excellent stability. She has a large rudder which is hung on a high-aspect-ratio skeg, a technique that produces superb steering and exceptional tacking ability. A unique feature of the Nordic 40 interiors is the interface between glass hull and bulkheads. Most builders grind the veneer off their bulkheads and cover the resulting glass overlay with heavy trim. Nordic Yachts found a way to eliminate this bulky trim. Nordic's method results in a stronger than normal bulkhead and is more pleasing to the eye. Other examples of 'top drawer' execution is solid hull insulation. Each layer of fiberglass has the optimum ratio of glass to resin. The hull is further strengthened by a network of longitudinal and transverse members that give the hull an extremely rigid 'backbone', Stringers, transverse stiffeners, cabin sole, bulkheads and furniture were bonded in place with the hull in the mold. The hull and deck overlap each other. Bedded with marine sealant and through bolted every 4-1/4 inches, the joint is capped by a full-length aluminum toe rail.
Interior accommodations
The interior of YadaYada is a testament to the high-end craftsmanship of Pacific Northwest boatbuilding during the 1980s. The layout bright and open, traditional yet functional, featuring beautiful Cherry joinery, the forward cabin contains a standard V-berth and a large overhead hatch to let in natural light, a large head with electric toilet located just aft to port, notably includes a separate stall shower-a luxury for a 40-foot boat of this era. The main salon consists of an L-shaped settee to port and a straight settee to starboard with a well-appointed navigation station just aft. A custom BlueSea master distribution panel protects each circuit while voltage and ammeters monitor https://bviedcard.gov.vg/enpower. A large, bulkhead-mounted folding table is center of the salon that opens up the floor space when not in use. Hand holds are throughout the interior space. All the sole access boards are easily removed for bilge access. The starboard side aft owners' cabin has a large hanging locker with a double berth. The U-shaped galley is positioned to port at the foot of the companionway, providing a secure "nook" for the cook while underway. Counter space is generous and galley storage is ample with lockers and drawers. The large well insulated top loading Freezer/ Reefer is great for provisioning. The electrical and plumbing systems have ample capacity, safety, convenience and are carefully concealed from view. Wiring and piping are smartly run and accessible. Access to the auxiliary diesel is under the companionway steps with engine filters, seawater intake seacock and power distribution switches all accessible for ease of maintenance.
- New mattresses built for V-berth and aft cabin (2025)
- New LED cabin lighting throughout interior
- Espar D3L forced hot air Diesel cabin heater
- 12v USB chargers installed in berths, chart table and companionway
- New Water heater Kuuma 5 gal (110v and engine heat)
- Carbon Monoxide Detector
Galley
- Double Stainless-Steel Sink with Hot & Cold pressure system
- Large lockers & drawers for galley supplies
- Galley fresh water foot pump
- Force 10 3-burner LPG with oven broiler & safety bar.
- New refrigeration system, a 12v DC Ozefridge freezer with Eutectic Cold plates and a Ozefridge spillover control for the Fridge section
- New Water heater installed Kuuma 5 gal (110v and engine heat)
- LPG solenoid control panel at galley
Electronics and Navigation
- VHF Radios Standard Horizon & Icom M45 (Cockpit mounted)
- Seatalk NG backbone i70 MFD
- Depthsounder/Speed/GPS/: Raymarine i70s Multi-Function Display (Nav station & cockpit)
- Ritchie Compass on steering pedestal
- Furuno Wireless DRS 4W Radar on new stainless Steel radar pole
- iPad with Navionics charts program
- Raymarine i60 Wind Instruments
- AIS Vesper Marine Watchmate 8000
- Standard Hand-held VHF
Electrical Systems
- Blue Sea 360 panel AC/DC Distribution Panel
- Shore Power System:120 VAC Cord & Plug
- 120 VAC Panel Back Protected
- Victron multi plus Charger inverter 1200W
- Reverse Polarity Indicator
- Galvanic Isolator: ProMariner 'ProSafe FS' Fail Safe
- Navigation Lights per USCG regulations
- Hitachi 80 Amp alternator
- Arco Zeus smart regulator for Hitachi 80 Amp alternator
- House Batteries: (4) 12 VDC Type: AGM covered & secured, total 420 Amp hours
- Start Batteries: (1) 12 VDC Type: AGM group 27, covered & secured
- GFCI Protected Duplex Outlets
- LPG Propane Safety Equipment a Bass Products solenoid shutoff
- Sol Go 215W flexible solar panel mounted on the Wave Stopper hard dodger
- Victron smart solar MPPT 100/20
- 12v USB chargers installed in berths, chart table and companionway
Mechanical Systems
- Single 50 HP Yanmar Model 4JH2HE four-cylinder, fresh water cooled, naturally aspirated diesel, engine hours 1748
- Hurth V-drive transmission
- Throttle and Shift controls on the steering pedestal
- 1 ¼" stainless alloy propeller shaft,
- PSS dripless shaft seal
- 16" three-blade bronze MaxProp feathering propeller
- Racor fuel filter system for auxiliary engine
- Raymarine Evolution Autopilot with P70 controller
- Integrated Acusteer 12v Electric Hydraulic Auto pilot Ram
- LPG tank storage locker at the transom for 2- 5-gallon LPG tanks
- Lofrans 'Tigress' 12 VDC anchor windlass in enclosed bow anchor locker
- Remote control at the bow for Anchor windlass
- Primary anchor Belgium Bruce 20KG with 200' all chain rode 5/16"
- Danforth secondary anchor with 50' 5/16' chain and 100'nylon rode
- Edson Wheel steering on pedestal with cables to quadrant system
- Electric Bilge Pump(s): (1) Johnson automatic 1250 gph
- Arid Bilge Systems Bilge Dry System:
- Whale Manual Bilge Pump
- Bronze ¼ turn Sea cocks
- Rebuilt rudder with New PSS rudder shaft seal
- Tank Tender system
Deck layout
The deck is a textbook example of how to make a deck efficient, safe and beautiful, all at the same time. Everything required to sail has been considered and provided. You see it in the molded dorade boxes and recesses for hardware, hatches and ventilators. lines run aft to the cockpit. The Furuno radar dome is smartly mounted on the stern starboard quarter with a study stainless steel pole. YadaYada has a comfortable well-appointed protected cockpit with clean teak brightwork, a folding teak table on the steering pedestal. Edson wheel steering with good forward visibility from the helm. Safe non-skid wide side decks with well-placed teak hand rails provide safety for working on deck. An attentively arranged sail handling system allows YadaYada to be easily handled by two persons and a solo sailor would have no trouble single-handed. The bow features a molded anchor well for the windlass. An anchor roller projects forward from the stem to help you retrieve the anchor without scratching the hull. A sturdy proven Profurl furler is at the stem for the primary 135% genoa, Not the least of her exterior virtues is the ease with which her bright bristol appearance can be maintained. In 2025 the boat was hauled to re-paint the cockpit and deck including replacement of the non-skid patches in the deck. The deck was painted with Alexseal polyurethane yacht coatings, two-part paint and non-skid material from Soft sand rubber was encapsulated in Alexseal for non-skid areas.
Sails and Rigging
- Full batten mainsail w/ slab reefing (three reef points)
- 135% Genoa by Bellingham Sails
- 110% by Bellingham Sails
- Yankee
- Profurl Roller Furling on the bow
- Furling intermediate staysail on Carver continuous Furler
- Adjustable Traveler on the main sheet
- PTR Lazy Jacks for the mainsail
- Rod Rigging by PTR
- Double spreader rig
- Keel stepped mast
- Rebuilt mast step
- Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster
- Wave Stopper hard dodger
- Mast mounted winches for halyards and reefing lines.
- Primary self-tailing Lewmar #55 and cockpit winches
- Two speed and self-tailing Lewmar #42 winches for mainsheet and reefing lines on the coach roof
- Harken #40 and Lewmar #42 two speed and self-tailing winches (2) at the mast
- Lifelines double SS wire, uncoated
- Mast & Boom: Aluminum extrusions
- Selden rod kicker boom vang
- Running back stays
- Navtec standing rigging stainless alloy rod rigging new in 2021
- Chainplates stainless-steel new in 2021
- Mast mounted easy deploying carbon spinnaker pole
- New lifeline stanchion bases
- Main Sheet traveler on the coach roof
- Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits
Tankage
- Fuel Tank (1) 55 Gallons, material Aluminum
- Water Tanks (2) 120 Gallons, material Stainless steel
- Sanitary Holding Tanks (1) 25 Gallons, material Plastic
Miscellaneous
- New full boat winter cover
- Canvas covered steering wheel
- USCG Approved Life Jackets: Vessel owner to supply to all crew when onboard
- Emergency/General Boarding Ladder, roll-up Jacob-type.
- MOB Lifesling on stern rail
- Flares: Type: Handheld & Aerial
- Sail canvas covers and dodger canvas covers
- 8' Inflatable with 4hp Yamaha outboard
- Outboard motor mount on stern rail
- Removable outboard motor stainless davit with block and tackle
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 9/26/26 | Initial price | $159,000 |
Overview from around the web 1981 Nordic 40
The 1981 Nordic 40 has garnered praise from its owners for its robust construction and seaworthiness
Many customers appreciate its classic design, which combines performance with comfort, making it suitable for both cruising and racing. Reviewers often highlight the spacious interior, featuring a well-equipped galley and comfortable living areas, ideal for extended journeys. Owners also commend the boat's handling qualities, noting it performs admirably in various sea conditions, which adds to the confidence while sailing. Maintenance and ease of access to the engine and systems have been positively remarked upon, ensuring reliability during adventures. Overall, the 1981 Nordic 40 is regarded as a timeless vessel that delivers a blend of style, performance, and functionality, cementing its reputation within the sailing community.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
Pros
Sturdy Build Quality: The Nordic 40 is renowned for its robust construction, making it well-suited for offshore cruising and challenging weather conditions.
Classic Design: Featuring a timeless aesthetic, the Nordic 40 boasts elegant lines and a classic sailboat profile that appeals to traditional sailing enthusiasts.
Spacious Interior: This model offers a comfortable and well-designed interior with generous living space, allowing for extended cruising and overnight stays.
Good Performance: The Nordic 40 delivers solid sailing performance, with efficient handling and stability, making it a pleasure to sail in a variety of conditions.
Strong Community: Owners of Nordic boats often form a supportive community, providing advice and camaraderie, which can be a valuable resource for maintenance and improvements.
Value Retention: Well-maintained Nordic 40s retain their value, making them a wise investment for discerning sailors looking for quality craftsmanship.
Cons
Age-Related Maintenance: Being a 1981 model, prospective buyers should anticipate the possibility of maintenance challenges related to aging systems and equipment.
Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to newer models, the 1981 Nordic 40 may lack some of the latest conveniences and technologies found in modern sailboats.
Weight: While the robust build contributes to stability, it can also mean that the Nordic 40 is on the heavier side, which may affect speed in lighter winds.
Niche Market: The Nordic 40 may not appeal to all sailors, particularly those looking for more contemporary designs or features common in newer vessels.
Availability of Parts: Depending on the condition of the boat and modifications made over the years, sourcing specific replacement parts may be challenging.
Made For
The 1981 Nordic 40 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of performance, comfort, and timeless aesthetics. This vessel is perfect for experienced sailors seeking an adventure on the open water, as well as cruising couples looking for a spacious and well-appointed living environment. With its robust construction and classic lines, the Nordic 40 is ideal for those who enjoy extended voyages and need a reliable yacht that can handle various weather conditions. Its roomy interior offers ample space for relaxation and entertaining, making it suitable for families and groups. Whether you’re embarking on a weekend getaway or a long-distance sailing trip, the Nordic 40 promises a thrilling experience while providing the comfort and safety that discerning sailors demand.
Finance your dream boat!
Finance your dream boat!
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Boats For Sale in Washington, United States Similar to the 1981 Nordic 40
Compare with similar boats and find the perfect one for you.
 1981 Nordic 40 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $159,000 | $150,000 | $99,000 | $99,000 | $84,900 | $74,000 |
| Location | Port Ludlow | Anacortes | Tacoma | Everett | Seattle | Bremerton |
| Nominal Length | 40' | 46' | 38' | 40' | 50' | 41' |
| Beam | 12' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Engine Make | Yanmar | Vetus | Beta | Yanmar | Volvo | Yanmar |
| Total Engine Power | 50 hp | 63 hp | 50 hp | 53 hp | 85 hp | 54 hp |
| Days on Market | 2 | 415 | 1 | 62 | 618 | 662 |
| Get in touch |
Other Nordic boats for sale in Washington, United States
Meet the Broker
Address
Want to update the details or images for this boat? Claim this listing by getting in touch.
Boat Location
Contact Swiftsure Yachts about 1981 Nordic 40
2540 Westlake Ave N., Suite A, Seattle, WA, 98109
Login with Google