Matching a catamaran Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2011 against a modified vee Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 measures 42,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 14,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2011 at 27,2 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 tips the scales at 8 975 lbs — 8 500 lbs less than the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2011 at 475 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2011 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Nordic Boats 42 Inferno 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 42,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Nordic Boats 27 Thor 2011 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.