| Mikelson 59 Nomad |
| By: Armando Eason | 12/1/2009 12:00 AM |
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The Mikelson 59 Nomad has the features and construction techniques that are the norm for world-class mega-yachts and then some. The versatile design will accommodate the avid fisherman or your most distinguished guests. This elegant yet powerful yacht is the perfect family boat because of built-in safety features, and the deck layout will appeal to the hard-core yachtfisher.
The hull material is made of BTI fiberglass that is uni-directionally hand laid with longitudinal foam-cored stringers. The transverse marine-ply bulkheads ensure a rigid and long-lasting hull structure.
Every part of this extraordinary yacht is built in-house. As a result, quality control is everywhere you look; no detail has been forgotten. The joiner work is tight and seamless and the fiberglass is impeccable; even the welds on the stainless steel railings and towers are a thing of beauty. Mikelson Yachts has a solid reputation for working with owners in making modifications to suit their needs. Richard Peterson and the team at Mikelson Yachts feel that it is important to design and manufacture their yachts for longevity, safety and performance.
As soon as you step aboard you’ll notice the quality and comfort. The perfectly sized swim platform offers two large built-in fishboxes. When you enter through the wide cockpit door you’ll step up to a 7/16-inch-thick teak-decked cockpit with a large dual bait tank built into the sweeping fantail. There is a folding table hinged on the bait tank. You can inspect your bait through the top or front side of the tank.
To port and starboard are two large lazarette hatches and a smaller center hatch for a fuel fill. Built in around the filler is a barrier to catch any fuel that may spill over when topping off. The design is such that you can dip the tank to double-check all fuel gauges.
All hatches have gas-charged lifts for easy opening and safe closing. The starboard lazarette houses the Cummins 16 kw genset. The remaining space offers ample storage as does the port lazarette. The cockpit has a dedicated stereo, a Cantalupi lighting system to illuminate the cockpit, storage on the sides and a hot/cold shower tucked away to port.
Leading down into the crew’s quarters, there is a comfortable bunk, sink and Par Jabsco head. Another option is a refrigerator/freezer. There is ample storage for your captain or guest.
Moving forward into the engine room you pass through a soundproof door with a large window in order to visually inspect the engine room before entering. The engine room is well-lit and laid out with 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. It was designed for ease of maintenance and repair.
Twin Cummins 635 hp QSM II diesel engines have all the power to turn the Platzer Custom four-bladed props at a top speed of 20 knots in case you need to run for cover. It will cruise easily at 10 knots using only 3.5 gph per engine. These bulletproof engines are mounted on hardened, hot-dipped galvanized steel supports that run the length of the stringer and are through-bolted for superior strength. This extra step reduces noise and vibration.
On the forward bulkhead is a large workbench that supports a toolbox and a vice for underway repairs or maintenance, if necessary. Under the workbench, and out of the way, is the easy-to-read and user-friendly fuel manifold. This important feature will help manage your fuel return and the vessel’s trim. There is a fuel transfer pump with a meter to measure how much fuel has been transferred and to which tank so you know exactly how much fuel you have in each one. All fuel, water, air and hydraulic lines are color coded for instant identification.
The spacious cockpit offers a built-in baitwell that is perfectly located. There are six flush-mounted rod holders on top of the combing. Just to port of the wide cockpit door is a hot/cold shower hidden inside a small compartment.
A small step up to the upper level cockpit is a long settee mounted amidships, perfect for entertaining or just lounging in the open air. Just forward is the entry to the main salon. The entry has three sliding doors that open to 9 feet, 9 inches wide. This brilliant design opens the main salon to the cockpit to make one huge comfortable platform. It is perfect for entertaining, long-range cruising or just spending the day on the boat.
The weather decks are wide, and the railing is just the right height for safety in a choppy sea. There are no upright supports or stanchions to get in the way when fighting a fish, yet there are plenty of custom-made stainless steel hand-holds for safety. To port and starboard are the shore power hookups that are recessed to save the ankles when passing by. The 11/4 stainless steel railings run the full length. The passageways lead to the sweeping, elegant Portugese flybridge. Two wing throttle/shifter stations with rudder and thruster controls are on both sides of the bridge, which allows full visibility when docking or maneuvering. There are two storage compartments with doors in the forward portion of the bridge. A passageway leading to the foredeck is amidships.
The spacious foredeck offers a chaise lounge, which folds up into the Portugese bridge and a two-person upholstered seat. The powerful Muir HR 2500 anchor windlass with allchain rode is hidden under two forward deck hatches to eliminate clutter and give the deck a beautiful clean look. There is a fresh/saltwater washdown outlet hidden, but easy to reach, in this hatch. The 66-pound Bruce-type anchor is secured out of the way on the bow stem for ease of weighing and setting.
The yacht tested offered a Marlin bridge, a unique design that provides a 360-degree view with plenty of fresh air and long-range visibility. There is a helm station and ample seating. The yacht has a tower, with controls and steering, that is constructed of sturdy 2 1/2-inch stainless steel. A designated ladder offers easy and safe climbing.
Just aft of the tower is the 14-foot Caribe with a 50 hp Honda outboard. A Steelhead Marine davit is to port. There is still plenty of room to get around the dinghy for easy launching and tie down. This deck is constructed from core cell material and is sturdy and stable. A handy freshwater outlet is just to port for easy dinghy washing.
In the main salon an L-shaped settee seats five comfortably. To starboard is another settee, and just aft is a small refrigerator/freezer. The sidewalls and bulkheads are beautiful with warm cherry wood and teak accents. There is teak and holly throughout. The large side windows allow plenty of natural light to flow through the salon, and two of the windows open for cross ventilation.
A small step up leads to the functional, open and well-laid-out galley. There is a built-in coffee maker. And a three-burner electric stovetop with a large oven below. Just forward is a large stainless steel single sink mounted in a gorgeous granite countertop. Ample storage is everywhere throughout the galley.
To port is the lower helm station. All the controls and gauges are within easy reach for those times when you wish to operate from below.
The access to the lower staterooms is lined with matching-grain cherry. The fit and finish of all the woodwork is perfect, and seams and joints are flawless. The topcoat finish is deep and smooth.
The VIP stateroom is forward with plenty of headroom for your guests. Hanging lockers are to port and starboard. On the aft bulkhead is a flatscreen TV. A stereo system will fill the room with music and warmth. There are two large portlights that let in plenty of natural light.
To port is another stateroom with a pocket door for space-saving purposes. There are three bunks in this room with plenty of storage and a washer/dryer. There is a huge hanging locker and plenty of drawers for storage under the bunks.
To starboard is a spacious head, which offers a large shower with glass doors and a built-in fiberglass seat. The sink is a beautiful dark-green glass bowl mounted on the marble top for a designer touch. Marble countertops with cherry wood finish the space.
The master stateroom is unbelievable, measuring 60 by 78 inches. Two large portlights are over the bunk for natural lighting, and two built-in night tables are on either side. A flatscreen TV and stereo are located for easy viewing and listening. A large hanging locker will keep plenty of clothes for those extended voyages. A vanity with lighted mirror and a seat completes this beautiful room.
A large pocket door separates the stateroom and master head. A long marble countertop with a beautiful green glass sink is just forward of a huge shower. This glass enclosed shower has a fiberglass bench and teak grating for drainage.
Under the companionway sole between the staterooms is a huge lighted storage area. This is a perfect spot to store canned goods, extra water, etc.
I went below while we were under way; there was not one rattle, squeak or groan. It was quiet, stable and solid throughout the boat.
The Mikelson Nomad is a perfect weekend boat or a long-range cruiser. It has built-in big boat technology, strength and power with an overall excellent design and luxurious beauty in the forefront
This article first appeared in the December 2009 issue of SEA Magazine. All or parts of the information contained in this article might be outdated. |
