Hey...how did the North Pacific 38 Sedan sneak past me for so long?
I've been grumbling for years here on TF about there being a lack of well built boats with a low *bling* factor for those who don't need/want opulence, and there's a company right here in BC with that (and having no dealer network or brokerage costs) as a founding principle
North Pacific Yachts - Knots and Boats
The only thing you hear about North Pacifics is happy customers and Trevors attention to owners and details. I know nothing about them, never boarded one but am impressed. Guys in Gainsville, Fl could use some lessons...
The NP 38 is effectively the Clipper 40 sold here. I communicated with Trevor, the principal of NP when trying to identify the builder of a "Pacific Trawler 40" for sale here, a clear predecessor/relative of the Clipper 40. He recognized the hull as out of the same factory NP and Clipper both use.Hey...how did the North Pacific 38 Sedan sneak past me for so long?
I've been grumbling for years here on TF about there being a lack of well built boats with a low *bling* factor for those who don't need/want opulence, and there's a company right here in BC with that (and having no dealer network or brokerage costs) as a founding principle
North Pacific Yachts - Knots and Boats
Full Disclosure After Two Years, 300 hours and 1600nm:
1) water is getting in to the front bilge and they can’t find the source so I always have a few gallons of “fresh” water sloshing around down there.
2) the main water pump went out because it wasn’t installed with the filter that comes with it, which I replaced
3) the blinds that came with the boat are nice but are constantly breaking at the pull string. Trevor has replaced 3 so far at no cost to me
4) the generator impeller died after almost 700 hours (I was told that’s about the life expectancy, which seems reasonable). I replaced it
5) the oven broiler doesn’t work. Dave (The mechanic that Trevor uses) talked to
Force10 and they said that it probably came from the factory that way. I haven’t talked to Trevor about it yet.
6) the boat does not like following seas and can feel top heavy in quartering/following seas. I don’t know whether it is any better or worse than any other trawler in those type of sea conditions but I have never felt in danger. Other than that specific sea condition the boat always feels very solid and well behaved.
That’s about it. The only thing that I would consider approaching major it the water leak. The boat performs well, is a solid build and all the major systems work when I need them. I have not been in a better built boat in regards to solid build and fit and finish.
Trevor has been great to work with and has even given me a ride across the boarder (a few times) to get my truck.
Full Disclosure After Two Years, 300 hours and 1600nm:
1) water is getting in to the front bilge and they can’t find the source so I always have a few gallons of “fresh” water sloshing around down there.
dhays - I drained out the water and followed the trail of the incoming leak but didn't get very far. I agree that the source must be either the sump or water lines. I'll find the source one of these days!
I love this post! Thanks for your candor!Full Disclosure After Two Years, 300 hours and 1600nm:
1) water is getting in to the front bilge and they can’t find the source so I always have a few gallons of “fresh” water sloshing around down there.
2) the main water pump went out because it wasn’t installed with the filter that comes with it, which I replaced
3) the blinds that came with the boat are nice but are constantly breaking at the pull string. Trevor has replaced 3 so far at no cost to me
4) the generator impeller died after almost 700 hours (I was told that’s about the life expectancy, which seems reasonable). I replaced it
5) the oven broiler doesn’t work. Dave (The mechanic that Trevor uses) talked to
Force10 and they said that it probably came from the factory that way. I haven’t talked to Trevor about it yet.
6) the boat does not like following seas and can feel top heavy in quartering/following seas. I don’t know whether it is any better or worse than any other trawler in those type of sea conditions but I have never felt in danger. Other than that specific sea condition the boat always feels very solid and well behaved.
That’s about it. The only thing that I would consider approaching major it the water leak. The boat performs well, is a solid build and all the major systems work when I need them. I have not been in a better built boat in regards to solid build and fit and finish.
Trevor has been great to work with and has even given me a ride across the boarder (a few times) to get my truck.
I had a problem with the shower sump leaking. I had not cleaned the sump in a while and it clogged the switch so it wouldn't float until the sump was almost full. By then, water was leaking out of the sump into the bilge. When the float finally kicked the shower sump pump on it would drain the sump. Every time I checked on the sump it looked fine until I was poking around trying to find the water source one time when my wife was taking a shower, Suddenly the leak became obvious. After cleaning the sump and switch and using Raritian C.P, in the shower drain after the days showers were done, I haven't had he problem since.
That's interesting. I must use mine several times a day with making tea, reheating leftovers, coffee, etc.. I can't imagine life without it.
A wine rack would look good there. Hmm?
Making tea ??? surely your joking ?
Some of the newer 45's have the water tanks in the forward bilge making more room in the engine room. Trevor keeps improving!
I like North Pacific Yachts as I think they are particularly well suited for the Pacific North West and coastal BC. I think many of the styles of boats sold, both power and sail aren't suited for our area, suited well for California or Florida but definitely not here.
One of the things I like is the hard bimini over the cockpit, perfect for our coastal rains. The only thing that would bring this yacht closer to perfection is for it to come standard with vinyl roll down walls so that in the monsoon off season with a bit of wind in the rain air, one can sit in the cockpit with one's drink relaxed at anchor with the BBQ on and stare out at the coastal beauty.
Our boat sucked in following seas until I followed a commercial fishing boat about the same size as ours for a couple hours. Best lesson ever
Our boat sucked in following seas until I followed a commercial fishing boat about the same size as ours for a couple hours. Best lesson ever