NorseBoat 12.5
the sassy sistership
The NorseBoat 12.5 is a compact sailing and rowing boat that pairs innovative NorseBoat design with a time-tested, traditional hull known for its speed, responsiveness, and shallow draft. Beautifully balanced and effortlessly versatile, it’s the perfect choice for sailors seeking a multi-purpose tender, a classic daysailer, or a compact camp-cruiser for exploring close-to-shore waters.
Featuring our pivoting carbon mast, signature curved headboard, fully battened mainsail, optional furling headsail, premium Harken hardware, and two dedicated rowing stations, the 12.5 delivers impressive performance in both sailing and rowing modes. Positive flotation, generous storage, and an option for a full-size double berth make it surprisingly capable for overnight adventures.
Trailerable with a small car and sized to fit in a standard garage, the NorseBoat 12.5 brings true adventure within easy reach – beautifully simple, endlessly adaptable, and ready for wherever the water leads.
Specifications
| LOA | 12-’6” | 3.81m |
| LWL | 11’-2” | 3.40m |
| Beam | 4’-4” | 1.32m |
| Draft (board up) | 0’-5” | 0.13m |
| Draft (board down) | 2’-3” | 0.64m |
| Mainsail Area | 51 sq.ft. | 4.74sm |
| Optional Headsail | 18 sq.ft. | 1.67sm |
| Mast height | 12-’6” | 3.81m |
| Mast Weight | 4kg | |
| Rowing Stations | 2 | |
| Berths | 1 double | |
| Storage Compartments | 3 | |
| Motor min/max | 2hp | |
| CE Design Category | pending | |
| Positive Flotation | yes | |
| Max Persons | 4 | |
| Loaded Displacement | 450kg | |
| Lightship Displacement | 120kg |
Key Features
- Lightweight, responsive sailing and rowing cruiser
- Proven traditional hull with fast, shallow-draft performance
- Pivoting carbon mast for easy rigging and low maintenance
- Signature curved headboard and fully battened mainsail
- Optional furling headsail for added control
- Premium Harken hardware throughout
- Two rowing stations for balance and versatility
- Positive flotation for safety and confidence
- Abundant dry storage for gear and camp-cruising essentials
- Full-size double berth for overnight adventures
- Trailerable with a small car; fits in a standard garage
- Ideal as a tender, daysailer, or compact camp-cruiser
- Beautiful traditional lines with modern Norseboat innovation
ideal for
- Cruising sailors downsizing from larger boats
- Sea kayakers moving into sailing
- Day sailors seeking high performance
- Micro-cruisers and minimalist adventurers
Norseboat Model Comparison
| Feature / Model | NorseBoat 12.5 | NorseBoat 17.5 Classic | NorseBoat 21.5 (Cabin & Open) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Solo sailors, tenders, daysailing, minimalists | Adventurers, couples, weekend cruising, multi-mode exploration | Coastal cruising, longer trips, small crews, added comfort |
| Sailing Rig | Gaff cat rig | Gaff sloop rig | Sloop rig |
| Mast | Pivoting carbon mast | Pivoting carbon mast | Pivoting carbon mast |
| Signature Sail Feature | Curved headboard | Curved headboard | Curved headboard |
| Headsail | Optional furling headsail | Furling headsail | Furling genoa on bowsprit |
| Rowing Ability | Two rowing stations | Two rowing stations | Rowable (Open model particularly) |
| Motoring | Compatible with small outboard | Yes | Yes |
| Draft | Shallow | Shallow, beachable | Shallow with ballasted stub keel + centerboard |
| Sleeping Capacity | Full-size double berth (camp-cruising) | Sleeps 2 with optional canvas tent | Sleeps 2–3 (Cabin model) |
| Storage | Good storage for compact size | Abundant storage | Large cockpit storage + cabin storage |
| Trailerability | Towable with small car; fits in garage | Towable with mid-size car; fits in garage | Towable with mid-size vehicle |
| Hull Style | Traditional proven hull | Innovative, seaworthy NorseBoat hull | Smooth bottom, lapstrake topsides |
| Primary Materials | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware | Composite hull, carbon mast, Harken hardware |
| Use Cases | Tender/dinghy, light cruising, rowing & sailing | Day sailing, weekend trips, expedition-style exploring | Coastal cruising, multi-day adventures, family sailing |
| Overall Personality | Compact, capable, ultra-portable | Versatile “Swiss Army knife” adventure boat | Spacious, powerful, refined long-range cruiser |