Northman 1300 Trawler
DESIGNED TO LIVE ABOARD, BUILT TO EXPLORE
The Northman 1300 Trawler is built for those who value comfort as much as capability. Its spacious layout, elegant interiors, and nordic design make life onboard feel effortless-whether you’re at anchor or underway.
long-range cruising Space, Efficiency, And Confidence
Discover the northman 1300 Trawler – a new standard in modern liveaboard cruising. Designed with everyday comfort in mind, this long-range trawler features generous interior volume, panoramic windows, and carefully engineered details that make extended time aboard both practical and enjoyable.
Widely chosen by Great Loop cruisers, the Northman 1300 delivers an ideal balance of comfort, efficiency, and seaworthiness. With spacious living areas, low fuel consumption at displacement speeds, and easy handling for short-handed crews it is purpose-built for the long distances, varied waterways, and extended stays that define America’s Great Loop.
The Northman 1300 is the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, and elegance. It feels like a luxury apartment n the water-quiet, stable, and incredibly easy to handle. We've cruised....
Steve Carter
M/V Loop One
15-06-2025
We're halfway throught the Great Loop aboard our Northman 1300 and couldn't be happier. It's fuel-efficient, spacious, and easy to handle-perfect for juct the two of us. The layout is
Susan M
M/V Second Chapter
10-06-2024
Cruising the loop Has been our dream for years, and the northman 1300 made it a reality. It's quiet, stable, and easy to manage as a couple-even in tight marinas or open....
David and Lisa Bennett
M/V Tranquilo
17-01-2025
Technical Features
Length Overall
42' 15"
Beam
11' 5"
Draft
2' 8"
Bridge Clearance
10' 4"
Water Capacity
1x211 US GAL
Fuel Capacity
27 GAL
Displacment
12,787 LBS
Cabin Height
6' 5"
Std Engine
1x57 HP OR 370 HP
Optional Engines
2x250 HP Yanmar
Cruising Speed
15 Knots
Max Speed
31 Knots
Cabin & Deck Options
Standard deck with Sun Lounge
Fly Bridge Deck
Interior Layout
Fly Deck Layout
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT LAYOUTS, PERFORMANCE, PRICING OR AVAILABILITY?
Click Below to Schedule a private consultation with a Northman Specialist and get expert advise tailored to your cruising plans.
Looking for a Smaller Great loop-ready Trawler?
Northman 1300 Trawler – Expert Buyer FAQs
What makes the Northman 1300 Trawler different from other yachts in the 40–45 foot range?
The Northman 1300 Trawler is designed first and foremost for comfortable, efficient, long-duration cruising, rather than speed-driven performance. At approximately 42–43 feet overall, it delivers the onboard volume, stability, and systems typically associated with much larger trawlers, while remaining manageable for owner-operators. Unlike many motor yachts in this size range that emphasize horsepower and planing speeds, the 1300 prioritizes fuel efficiency, quiet operation, and real onboard livability, making it a true cruising yacht rather than a weekend boat.
What propulsion options are available on the Northman 1300, and how do they impact range and ownership costs?
The Northman 1300 is available with diesel, hybrid, or fully electric propulsion, giving buyers exceptional flexibility.
- Diesel configurations provide dependable long-range cruising with global service support.
- Hybrid systems allow low-speed electric cruising combined with diesel backup for extended range.
- Full electric versions offer silent operation, zero emissions at point of use, and dramatically reduced operating costs for owners cruising in environmentally sensitive or inland areas.
This propulsion diversity allows Performance Yacht Sales to help clients configure the 1300 precisely for their cruising grounds, environmental priorities, and long-term ownership plans.
How is the interior layout designed, and how many people can comfortably live aboard?
The Northman 1300 offers a highly adaptable interior layout designed for extended stays onboard. Depending on configuration, the yacht can feature two or three private cabins and up to two full bathrooms with separate showers. The spacious saloon and galley benefit from large panoramic windows, creating a bright and open living environment. The yacht comfortably accommodates four to six people, making it suitable for couples cruising long-term, families, or owners who frequently host guests.
How does the cockpit and exterior layout support real cruising lifestyles?
One of the defining characteristics of the Northman 1300 is its emphasis on usable exterior living space. The aft cockpit offers approximately 130 square feet of flexible seating and dining space, with modular furniture that adapts to different activities. Wide side decks, secure handrails, and easy access to the foredeck enhance safety underway, while optional flybridge or sun deck areas provide additional outdoor living zones. This layout supports a relaxed cruising lifestyle focused on time spent onboard rather than time spent docked.
Is the Northman 1300 suitable for long-distance cruising or liveaboard ownership?
Yes. The Northman 1300 is specifically engineered for long-range coastal cruising, inland waterways, and extended liveaboard use. Its displacement-style hull delivers excellent stability and fuel efficiency at cruising speeds, while onboard systems are designed for reduced noise, vibration, and operating costs. While it is not intended for continuous open-ocean crossings in heavy weather, it excels in coastal passages, island cruising, canals, and protected offshore routes, aligning perfectly with lifestyle-driven cruising goals.Yes. While compact, the Northman 1050 is engineered for multi-day cruising, coastal routes, and inland waterways. Efficient propulsion options, practical storage solutions, and a comfortable living layout make it suitable for extended stays onboard. While it is not intended for continuous offshore ocean crossings, it excels in protected coastal waters, canals, rivers, and lakes, aligning well with lifestyle-focused cruising rather than high-speed passagemaking.
What comfort and ergonomics features stand out on the Northman 1300?
Comfort is central to the Northman 1300’s design philosophy. Key features include:
- Large panoramic windows for natural light and visibility
- A well-equipped galley designed for real onboard cooking
- Flexible seating arrangements in both the saloon and cockpit
- Optional flybridge or sun deck lounging areas
- Quiet propulsion options that enhance onboard comfort
Together, these elements create an environment that feels closer to a floating apartment than a traditional motor yacht, particularly during extended stays aboard.
How manageable is the Northman 1300 for owner-operators in docking and close quarters?
Despite its size, the Northman 1300 is designed to remain approachable for experienced owner-operators. Its predictable displacement hull, balanced proportions, and clear sightlines from the helm contribute to confident handling at low speeds. Optional bow and stern thrusters, combined with modern control systems, significantly simplify docking and marina maneuvers. At Performance Yacht Sales, we frequently recommend the 1300 to buyers stepping up from mid-size cruisers who want more space without giving up control or confidence at the helm.
Why Buy a Northman 1300 Through Performance Yacht Sales?
At Performance Yacht Sales, we focus on helping clients choose yachts that support how they actually plan to cruise. Our experience with the Northman Trawler range allows us to guide buyers through propulsion selection, layout planning, and long-term ownership considerations—ensuring the Northman 1300 is configured correctly from the start and delivers lasting value.
What are Excess Catamarans?
Excess Catamarans are modern performance-focused sailing catamarans by Groupe Beneteau, designed for sailors who want a more engaging, responsive sailing experience without sacrificing comfort. They are lighter, sportier, and built to be felt at the helm—not just lived aboard
What makes Excess Catamarans different from traditional cruising catamarans?
Excess Catamarans are lighter, faster, and more responsive than traditional cruising catamarans, with refined hulls and sail plans that deliver real helm feedback and sailing pleasure. They prioritize performance and balance over excess volume, while still offering the comfort needed for modern cruising.
Who are Excess Catamarans designed for?
Excess Catamarans are designed for sailors who love to sail—those who want speed, responsiveness, and real helm feel, without sacrificing comfort. They’re ideal for owners who value performance cruising, modern design, and an active, hands-on sailing experience rather than floating-apartment living.
Are Excess Catamarans performance-oriented?
Yes. Excess Catamarans are performance-oriented, designed to be lighter, faster, and more responsive than traditional cruising catamarans, delivering real sailing feel and helm feedback while still maintaining comfortable cruising layouts.
How do Excess Catamarans balance performance and comfort?
Excess Catamarans balance performance and comfort by using lighter construction, refined hull shapes, and efficient sail plans for speed and responsiveness, while offering smart, functional interiors that provide comfort without unnecessary weight or excess volume.
How do Excess Catamarans sail compared to other catamarans?
Excess Catamarans sail more like performance boats than typical cruising catamarans. They are faster, more responsive, and more engaging at the helm, with better upwind ability and a livelier feel. This is especially true with the Excess 13, which stands out for its excellent balance of speed, helm feedback, and cruising comfort, making it one of the most rewarding catamarans in its class to sail.
Are Excess Catamarans suitable for offshore cruising?
Yes — Excess Catamarans are suitable for offshore cruising. They’re built with strong engineering, seaworthy hulls, and performance-oriented design that handles open-ocean conditions well, while still offering the comfort and systems you need for longer passages. Their performance focus (especially in models like the Excess 13) gives them good speed and stability offshore, making them a great choice for sailors who want both blue-water capability and an engaging sailing experience.
Are Excess Catamarans stable and easy to handle?
Yes — Excess Catamarans are stable and easy to handle. Their modern hull design and balanced sail plan make them predictable and confidence-inspiring, while systems like well-placed winches, sensible deck layouts, and optional electric furling make sailing straightforward for short-handed crews. So you get good stability under sail and simple handling, without sacrificing the performance feel that makes them fun to sail
Where are Excess Catamarans built?
Excess Catamarans are built in France, by Groupe Beneteau at their shipyards in the Vendée region of western France. This includes the Excess 13, which is built alongside the rest of the Excess range, benefiting from French engineering, proven production methods, and Beneteau’s global quality standards.
Are Excess Catamarans available in the USA?
Yes — Excess Catamarans are available in the USA, and you can work with Performance Yacht Sales (PYS) in Florida as your local dealer to purchase and support them. PYS is based in Miami Beach, Florida, and offers multihull sales and services for owners in the U.S. market.