Everyone can join in on the fun in the roomy 5000 V from nor-tech hi-performance boats.

When loyal boat owners Mark and Eileen Fischer decided to upgrade to a 50-foot V-bottom from Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats, they envisioned a boat that had room for lots of friends and family but could also cruise near the front of the pack at poker runs. The Fischers had a couple of requests when it came time to build the 5000 V. They wanted big-horsepower engines that could run on 89-octane gas, and they wanted to be able to run the boat all day long without having to fill up.

Nor-Tech was able to accomplish both requests thanks to its in-house engine program and a 400-gallon fuel tank. Now it was up to the Fischers to bring the fun.

PERFORMANCE

Weighing 18,000 pounds, the offshore V-bottom needed big power to cruise near the 100-mph mark. To get the boat there, it was equipped with three 1,000-horsepower supercharged engines built by Nor-Tech and connected to Mercury Racing No. 6 drives spinning Mercury five-blade 18" x 37" propellers.

The boat wasn’t set up for the big number (although it’s reportedly run 112 mph) but rather for better midrange acceleration. That was a good move because the boat responded better than expected, especially when it came to getting on plane.




Dragging the tabs, the 5000 V popped on plane in 5.6 seconds, and 15 seconds later it was running 80 mph. At that speed, the engines were turning a relatively civil 4,300 rpm. Nudge the throttles forward and the V-bottom was running 97 mph at 5,000 rpm.

With the throttles wide open, the highest speed our Test Teams saw on the radar gun was 108.6 mph at 5,600 rpm. The boat ran best for top speed when it was conservatively trimmed. Again, the V-bottom wasn’t set up for top-end as the owner wanted better acceleration.

And he certainly got that in the 5000 V. In midrange drills, it shot from 30 to 50 mph in 4.3 seconds and from 40 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Running from 40 to 70 mph needed 8.3 seconds, while the 60-to-100-mph test took more than 19 seconds.

Putting the boat through wide sweeping turns, the 50-footer handled precisely and more than managed wakes from other boats. Offshore during a photo shoot, the V-bottom landed softly coming off large swells.

“The boat handled nicely and was pretty agile for a big boat,” said test driver John Tomlinson.




INTERIOR

When a boat retails for more than $1.1 million, you should expect abundant amenities and top-of-the-line workmanship. Nor-Tech delivered on both counts, especially when it came to the cabin.

The cabin had a yacht-like feel and was so comfortable that it made spending time belowdeck, well, pleasurable. Sure, the stand-up headroom helped but the fine workmanship and rich appointments separated it from the competition.

“It has the same flavor as the big yacht (80 Performance Yacht) they’ve built,” said our workmanship inspector. “I’m not just impressed because it’s large—this cabin offers a lot.”

To create privacy in the V-berth, the builder provided a zippered leather door. Also situated behind that door were facing lounges that had carpeted stowage space beneath.

In front of the V-berth, there was plenty of room to stretch out and watch a movie on the DVD-equipped, 17-inch flat-screen. The cabin even had air conditioning, which was standard on the model.

Although the builder had plenty of space to work with, none of it went to waste. Opposite the carpeted locker on the port side was the stand-up head locker with a shower and a pump-out toilet.

The galley situated to port included a refrigerator, a stainless-steel sink with hot and cold water, and a couple of 12-volt chargers. Finishing touches included a mirror on the wall and carbon-fiber-trim detail.

Out in the cockpit there were side-by-side bolsters with electric dropout bottoms at the helm. Because the boat had triple engines, the helm resembled an airplane cockpit with its many gauges. Nor-Tech did a fine job grouping the Livorsi Marine gauges in orange bezels. Highlights included a Garmin GPS map and a David Clark intercom system.

To start the engines, there were airplane-style toggle switches. The throttles were to the left of the IMCO Marine tilt helm, while the shifters were on the right.

Generally, we’re not fans of traditional rear bench seats on boats that go faster than 100 mph, but the cockpit of the 5000 V was so deep it was not an issue. What also won’t be an issue is finding a cupholder. A cutout in the gunwale had room for seven drinks.




WORKMANSHIP

As you can imagine, rigging a triple-engine boat can be fairly complex. The engine compartment was methodically laid out with the CMI Big Tube headers and tails that were routed underwater to reduce sound. The batteries were set in stainless-steel battery boxes with cover plates.

The bilge was done in orange and finished to a fairly smooth finish. Leaving no space unused in the engine compartment, the builder also included a couple of spare prop holders and a billet rack to stash fenders.

Protecting a 50-foot boat at the docks is a big job and that’s why Nor-Tech installed a plastic rubrail with a stainless-steel insert. Large Accon Pull-Up cleats were in all the right spots to make tying up at the docks easier.

To get into the deep cockpit, there were large step plates to protect the boat’s exquisite paint job and upholstery. Access to the deck was even easier thanks to four steps built into the dash.

Our inspectors continue to note how Nor-Tech has raised its workmanship in its custom offerings. The stitching on the fabric for the rear bench was nicely done and straight. Other little details that stood out were the Berber carpet on the cockpit sole and the acrylic panels used on the gunwales and the back of the two-person helm seat.




OVERALL

Performance boating is about having fun with family and friends on the water. The Fischers had owned two Nor-Techs previously and knew what they wanted in their 5000 V. What they got was a roomy boat with strong performance and straightforward handling manners.

If you happen to attend to a Florida Powerboat Club poker run this summer and see an offshore boat with lots of people on board, chances are its Eileen’s Fifty. Make sure to tell them they have one sweet ride.






Powerboat Magazine

 

That is awesome...I like cats but if you want room to entertain below deck you just can't beat a v bottom

 

University education or 2 of those 6 blade props.... hmmmmmm

Beautiful looking boat.
Saw one at the Kingston poker run last summer.

 

Mark has just put the 50 up for sale... says he needs the $$$. haha.

I have a special place in my heart for this model Nor-Tech. My good buddy, Bob Barnhart, is now enjoying his second one. The first one had triple 850's and was a blast to ride in. Couldn't ask for a more stable platform for shooting moving boats from a moving boat. (the ostrich skin interior was kinda cool, too...) I have many fond memories of that boat. He once told me he could make it from his place on Marco Island to Key West in an hour and 20 minutes. yeehaw. Never mind the $3k fuel bill. (one way)

Last summer he bought a new one with triple Yanmar 650 diesels for more range - approx 650 mi. And soon thereafter I was caught up in an adventure on the boat. We set out to break Reggie Fountain's world speed record from Key West to Cancun - 400 miles across open ocean. What a trip... we averaged 51mph-- beat the record by 30 minutes. 8 hours and 23 minutes without stopping to piss. Snotty water the entire way... I've never been so glad to see a bed in my life. The photo set is here.

 

that must have been some trip J

 

Sweet boat