Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 boat specs
Nordic Boats
Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009
2009
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VS
Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 boat specs
Nordic Boats
Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010
2010
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Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 vs Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 — A Close Look at Two Catamarans

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 are catamaran designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 at 27,0 ft versus Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 at 27,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 tips the scales at 475 lbs — 428 lbs less than the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 at 47 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeNordic Boats
MakeNordic Boats
Model27 Lightning
Model27 Thor
Model Year2009
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam103 in
Beam103 in
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Meters2.62
Beam - Inches103
Beam - Inches103
Weight - Detail4,700 lbs
Weight - Detail4,750 lbs. (approximate)
Weight - kg2131.88
Weight - kg2154.56
Weight - lbs.47
Weight - lbs.475
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet27.17
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 2 in
Length overall - Meters8.28
Length overall - Meters8.28
Length overall - Inches326
Length overall - Inches326
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeCatamaran
Hull typeCatamaran
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal9
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeI/O

Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 vs Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 or the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010?
The Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 is the longer of the two at 27,2 feet overall. The Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 0,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 or the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010?
For trailering, the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 has the edge at 47 lbs dry weight versus 475 lbs for the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 share an 103 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 9 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Nordic Boats 27 Lightning 2009 and the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2010 are built by Nordic Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.