Fjord Motor Yachts, Norwegian Design Built in Germany

From Norway to the Baltic coast of Germany

Fjord began as a Norwegian powerboat builder, part of the strong Scandinavian tradition of seaworthy, efficient motorboats designed for cold water and short summers. HanseYachts, the German sailboat group based in Greifswald, bought a majority of Fjord Boats AS in 2006 and the remaining shares in 2007. It was Hanse's first move into powerboats, and it later added Sealine and other brands.

Under Hanse, Fjord shifted production to Germany and repositioned the brand as a design-led open boat, which Fjord itself likens to the Range Rover of the sea. The company describes its blend as Scandinavian purism for visuals, Mediterranean comfort for equipment and German engineering for handling.

The Fjord 40 Cruiser and the walkaround idea

The Fjord 40 Cruiser, the model we cover, was on sale from about 2009 until it was dropped in 2012, alongside the 40 Open that arrived in 2007, and it helped define the brand's modern identity. It combines an open walkaround deck, a protected helm and a cabin with overnight accommodation in a boat that looks like nothing else at the dock. The model became so closely tied to the brand that many buyers still simply ask for a Fjord cruiser when they mean any boat in the range.

The current range includes the Fjord 36 xpress, 38, 41, 44 and 53, plus the new 440 Open. All share the walkaround concept and sporty hull forms, with stern-drive, pod or outboard power depending on the model.

• Fjord 36 xpress and 38, compact open day cruisers
• Fjord 41 and 44, larger walkarounds with cabins
• Fjord 53 and 440 Open, the flagship designs

Owning a Fjord in North America

Fjord is a niche brand in the US, sold through a small number of dealers that often also carry Hanse sailboats. That limits used supply but also means fewer buyers, so a Fjord can be a good value for someone who wants a distinctive European day cruiser. Mechanical service is straightforward because Fjords use mainstream Volvo Penta or Mercury propulsion.

Check European specification and boat-specific parts availability before you buy.

• 230-volt electrical systems and shore power conversion
• Sterndrive or pod service history and corrosion
• Canvas, cockpit upholstery and teak decking, which take a beating in open boats
• Windshield and hardtop seals
• Availability of brand-specific hardware through the US dealer