northwind boats

Ribdude · 25 April 2015, 06:47

Does anyone have a Northwind?

What is the quality level of these boats?

whackywoody · 25 April 2015, 07:27

I am sure festing house has got one. Drop him a PM as he is very helpful

Festinghouse · 25 April 2015, 08:08

i am very helpful gareth!, but mine is a tornado - named northwind challenger

capntroy · 26 April 2015, 12:44

My 34' Northwind rides like a 50 footer...best small boat that I've ever ridden in bad weather.

Bruce & his crew built some quality boats that will last for decades...

Ribdude · 26 April 2015, 17:42

thanks capntroy for the info that was quite helpful,

Were the hull and tubes manufactured in the US?

capntroy · 27 April 2015, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribdude

thanks capntroy for the info that was quite helpful,

Were the hull and tubes manufactured in the US?

Yes, the boat was built at Northwind's shop in Seattle and the tubes were polyurethane, made by Wing Inflatables in California...

jyasaki · 27 April 2015, 17:29

[Momentary] Thread hijack: Troy, how are the Wing tubes holding up? Any problems with them?

jky

capntroy · 27 April 2015, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

[Momentary] Thread hijack: Troy, how are the Wing tubes holding up? Any problems with them?
jky

No problems ever...they're the only set of tubes on any of my boats that I haven't torn...the boat is on the second set of tubes now, we replaced the first set after 12 years due to sun fading, but they were still going strong...

Ribdude · 28 April 2015, 03:40

^^^^that was my next question, how long do wing tubes generally last before needing to be replaced?

capntroy · 28 April 2015, 03:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribdude

^^^^that was my next question, how long do wing tubes generally last before needing to be replaced?

After 12 years of rough use, the Wing tubes on the Northwind had many years of use left in them, they were replaced because of sun fading.

The Wing tubes on my 28' HBI are 11 years old now and still look great because that boat has a cover...

jyasaki · 28 April 2015, 16:21

Thanks, Cap.

jky

Ribdude · 28 April 2015, 16:37

thanks capntroy for the info

Ribdude · 30 April 2015, 15:53

1. where would I find the VIN # plate on a Northwind?

2. Does anyone know what the passenger / engine capacity is for a 17ft Extreme? ( I didnt see a capacity plate anywhere)

jyasaki · 01 May 2015, 16:17

If I remember correctly, for quite a few years the USCG has mandated HIN's in more than one location. The first is on the capacity plate (generally on the transom), the second is usually inside the hull, stamped or riveted onto one of the interior structural components (no required location, so could be damn near anywhere, as far as I know.)

jky

Ribdude · 01 May 2015, 20:24

I looked all over the transom and didnt see any capacity plate or HIN, I will look over the rest of the boat to see if their is one

tworotorturbo · 01 May 2015, 22:55

Are you the one that bought the 17 footer that was on craigslist in the Bay Area?

Ribdude · 01 May 2015, 22:56

yes that was me, is that good or bad?

tworotorturbo · 01 May 2015, 23:38

Thats good! I saw it when it was first posted for 10 and I thought that was great deal. Then I saw it was relisted for eight and was going to pick it up but you beat me to it

Post some pics!

Ribdude · 01 May 2015, 23:43

sorry to take it away from you

Shes seems to be a pretty sweet boat, let me get her cleaned up and I will post some pics

tworotorturbo · 02 May 2015, 00:28

Lol. No you did me a favor. Im trying to control my Rib hoarding disorder. Thats a solid Rib, built very tough. Good motor too.