North River Seahawk Boats
- Thread starter Will-C
- Start date
Saxe Point
New member
They are very popular out here on the West Coast, particularly down in the state of Washington. I have read that they are very well made. Like all welded aluminum boats, however, they command very high prices, which are probably justified based on the sheer durability and lifespan of aluminum hulls.
Of what they call the "cookie cutter" welded boats, all of the major brands are probably very good. Based on what I've read, North River is very near the top of that list. For a little bit more money, you could look at Silver Streak, Lifetimer, Northwest Aluminum Craft or Eaglecraft, which are Canadian custom welded aluminum boat builders. There are some very good custom builders in the US as well, both in Washington and Oregon. The ones I mentioned all have websites, with the possible exception of Northwest. Those along with the "cookie-cutter" welded boat websites will give you a really good idea of what's out there.
Of what they call the "cookie cutter" welded boats, all of the major brands are probably very good. Based on what I've read, North River is very near the top of that list. For a little bit more money, you could look at Silver Streak, Lifetimer, Northwest Aluminum Craft or Eaglecraft, which are Canadian custom welded aluminum boat builders. There are some very good custom builders in the US as well, both in Washington and Oregon. The ones I mentioned all have websites, with the possible exception of Northwest. Those along with the "cookie-cutter" welded boat websites will give you a really good idea of what's out there.
Hi Dave,
I have some friends who have a North River, Inboard power with a Jet Drive. Fast, Loud and sucks gas, but aside from that, the boat is very solid, well built, nice welds, smooth, no burrs that I noticed. It is about 23 feet but I don't know the model, but it seems like a good fishing machine (they do catch fish regularly, so they think it's worth it.)
I have been out with them several times, and aside from the noise it's a good time.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
I have some friends who have a North River, Inboard power with a Jet Drive. Fast, Loud and sucks gas, but aside from that, the boat is very solid, well built, nice welds, smooth, no burrs that I noticed. It is about 23 feet but I don't know the model, but it seems like a good fishing machine (they do catch fish regularly, so they think it's worth it.)
I have been out with them several times, and aside from the noise it's a good time.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Robert H. Wilkinson
New member
Dave, no personal experience with them but I do like the forward raked windshield. Good for night fishing. The only thing I don't like about the design is the "helm forward" style. I assume it would lend itself to a rougher ride in chop and stuffing the bow would be downright scary! That is just my personal preference though. It does leave room for a larger cockpit for fishing which is what you want it for.
For comparison check out Stanley Boats made by Connor Industries in Parry Sound Ontario. They have a 23' hardtop - a 22' raised deck(cuddy) as well as all kinds of open walk around styles. The marina that services my boat is a dealer(Bridge Yachts) and I have checked out some of these boats at their yard. They had a 28' Coastal a while ago that I drooled over lots!
Both boats have similar deadrise 18 deg.
Regards, Rob
For comparison check out Stanley Boats made by Connor Industries in Parry Sound Ontario. They have a 23' hardtop - a 22' raised deck(cuddy) as well as all kinds of open walk around styles. The marina that services my boat is a dealer(Bridge Yachts) and I have checked out some of these boats at their yard. They had a 28' Coastal a while ago that I drooled over lots!
Both boats have similar deadrise 18 deg.
Regards, Rob
What you're looking for is heavy gauge welded aluminum where the builder uses a marine grade alloy for at least the hull plate. Avoid Lunds and the like unless your use will be exclusively fresh water. North River does make a good production boat, and as mentioned there are several other very good ones. I have a Stabicraft 2050 Supercab (built in New Zealand on the Southern Ocean) which I love as a fishing/rough water commuting boat. Try AluminumAlloyBoats.com for research and a qualified builder list. Best of luck! Mike.
starcrafttom
Active member
http://kpic.com/news/local/former-north-river-boats-owner-sentenced-for-murder-10-19-2015
North river boats has made a good come back after the horrible deal with the Owner and his girl freind/book keeper.
As far as the boats go , they built great boat. I have been on a few and I like the deep v offshore hulls. really cuts the water and does not pound as bad as some Northwest boats that try to be river and bay boats.
BUT for a really nice off shore big water boat I would get the stabicraft. Smoothies boat I have ever been on in chop or 4 footers. Fast and really good on gas. I have told Susan that if I ever have to get a day fishing boat the stabi craft would be it.
North river boats has made a good come back after the horrible deal with the Owner and his girl freind/book keeper.
As far as the boats go , they built great boat. I have been on a few and I like the deep v offshore hulls. really cuts the water and does not pound as bad as some Northwest boats that try to be river and bay boats.
BUT for a really nice off shore big water boat I would get the stabicraft. Smoothies boat I have ever been on in chop or 4 footers. Fast and really good on gas. I have told Susan that if I ever have to get a day fishing boat the stabi craft would be it.
I'm very unfamiliar with these boats, but my first reaction is to be sure you're not buying a flat water river boat for a huge inland lake that can be as rough or even rougher than the ocean, at times (closer, tighter, steeper chop due to torrid wind and limited water depth).
Take a good look at the hull design, free board, wind protection factor of the cabin/helm set up, and anything else that makes the boat adaptable to Lake Ontario.
What brands do the locals prefer? How do they compare?
Could the boat survive a quick, devastating, squall on a lake like Ontario like we've read about?
Not my area of expertise, but I know I'd think twice about this choice, and I know you will too!
Keep us up dated!
Joe. :teeth :thup
Take a good look at the hull design, free board, wind protection factor of the cabin/helm set up, and anything else that makes the boat adaptable to Lake Ontario.
What brands do the locals prefer? How do they compare?
Could the boat survive a quick, devastating, squall on a lake like Ontario like we've read about?
Not my area of expertise, but I know I'd think twice about this choice, and I know you will too!
Keep us up dated!
Joe. :teeth :thup
I looked at the Stabicraft. I'm sure they are a sturdy well made unsinkable boat. But if I had a dog who looked like that I'd have to shave his butt and make him walk backwards. At least the 20'ers. I thinking Hewescraft or Northriver. I'll have to look over both before making a decision. There are dealers who do handle both lines.
Joe, these boat are semi deep v's and are made for moderately rough water. I'm thinking I'll be able to hopefully out run the storm. From Henderson Harbor New York I would not be too far off shore. One of the homes I'm looking at has a boat house on Henderson Harbor which is pretty well protected. So I'm still in the preliminary phases of planning for my next stage. I'm selling our Ranger Tug and will down size to simpler faster outboard powered aluminum boat. I'm sick and tired of polishing gel coat.
D.D.
Joe, these boat are semi deep v's and are made for moderately rough water. I'm thinking I'll be able to hopefully out run the storm. From Henderson Harbor New York I would not be too far off shore. One of the homes I'm looking at has a boat house on Henderson Harbor which is pretty well protected. So I'm still in the preliminary phases of planning for my next stage. I'm selling our Ranger Tug and will down size to simpler faster outboard powered aluminum boat. I'm sick and tired of polishing gel coat.
D.D.
Northriver boats are made in Roseburg, Oregon. I toured the factory last year (a friend ordered a 25 Sea Hawk). After spending the better part of 2 hours viewing the various stages of fabrication, I must say that I have great respect for the workers (especially welders). The continuous beautiful welds were a sight to behold and marvel over. Absolutely beautifully welded boats!! Also should perform well in any water 42 degree bow and 18 stern. My friends love them and praise their ride quality but I prefer plastic boats at this point in life, maybe tin later.
bobjarrard
New member
That's right folks, I am offering a very rare Backwards Walking Trained Mexican ChiHuaHua (no green paper - sorry) in strait trade for any Stabilcraft at 20' or less. If you got a longer boat, can throw in an ugly cat and $5. Seriously, they are not pretty but Doc Warner's Fishing Lodge near Gustavus, AK has about converted his whole fleet to this brand.
Bob
Bob
starcrafttom
Active member
Will-c, great thing about being ON a boast is you dont have to see what it looks like. I am a function over form guy. If it dont run chrome it . I truly thing that that the stabicraft is one of the best small big water boats made. With 8 or 9 separate air cambers I dare you to sink one. Smoothest ride in the chop. You are waiting for the bang as you come off a 4 fter and it just goes whoosh and settles in like its on air shocks. fuel economy is great. High sides and self draining decks.. etc ..etc.
Their big cabin cruising boat is just not that roomy but for a day boat on the salt it would be my first choice.
The owner of pangoo had one after he sold that boat and I got to drive it and fish out of it. Just loved it.
Their big cabin cruising boat is just not that roomy but for a day boat on the salt it would be my first choice.
The owner of pangoo had one after he sold that boat and I got to drive it and fish out of it. Just loved it.
Ok, Tom I hear you. I'll take a closer look at the Stabicraft. I'll try to find a dealer that carries all three lines. North River, Hewescraft, and Stabicraft. I guess it's like they say in that old Gary US Bonds song; make an ugly woman your wife and be happy for the rest of your life. My first thought when looking at the Stabicraft is how would I ever be able to resell it. I could picture someone like Lurch driving it. But I believe you that they are a good sea keeping boat.
Brent, I like Parker boats but I would think that the aluminum boat would lighter and maybe a little more economical to run. I don't need or want to feed a 200 hp engine. Plus the jel coat thing. Plus I really like idea of being able to weld things on an aluminum boat. Fiberglass makes me itch.
Thanks to all who responded. Good info.
D.D.
Brent, I like Parker boats but I would think that the aluminum boat would lighter and maybe a little more economical to run. I don't need or want to feed a 200 hp engine. Plus the jel coat thing. Plus I really like idea of being able to weld things on an aluminum boat. Fiberglass makes me itch.
Thanks to all who responded. Good info.
D.D.
Westward,
My apologies if you took any of my comments personal. They were not meant to really put any Stabicraft owners down; more about my initial reaction to what I thought; lets just say, different appearance of the boat. None the less you seem to be very perceptive, so thank you for all the compliments.
D.D.
My apologies if you took any of my comments personal. They were not meant to really put any Stabicraft owners down; more about my initial reaction to what I thought; lets just say, different appearance of the boat. None the less you seem to be very perceptive, so thank you for all the compliments.
D.D.