26 x 9.5 northwest aluminum craft Build

[sudsy]

Back in june I reached out to Doug at northwest to see about getting a hull built. After going back and forth and seeing a similar boat that he was working on at that time my wife and i agreed that this was going to be our next boat.

I sold my defiance boat in September after it being on the market for just over a month. Ironically the day I sold my boat...as I was pulling onto the highway leaving campbell river and heading south to victoria I got the email from Doug saying he had material and was starting my boat the following week (Sept 13). 4 weeks later I was taking delivery (26 Oct).

I had made arrangements with Doug that he would do all of the metal work and I would finish the boat from that point.

Here's a couple photos from week 1 - the beginning...

 

[sudsy]

One of my first purchases after getting the confirmation that my boat was being built. The prices on trailers is through the roof - ended up going with the biggest tandem axle I could find - tuff trailer 10000lb ( 6000lb axles) gvrw 12000lbs.

 

[Bifmalibu]

So cool. Congrats! Thanks for sharing with us.

 

[bryce]

That’s a nice size going with a big single?

 

[sudsy]

That’s a nice size going with a big single?

Yeah went back and forth on doubles vs single - ended up with a single 350 suzuki and 20hp kicker

 

[bryce]

Yeah went back and forth on doubles vs single - ended up with a single 350 suzuki and 20hp kicker

Perfect! Post updates as it goes!

 

[sudsy]

Week 2 -3 - it was incredible to see how quickly and efficiently these boats go together.

 

[sudsy]

 

[seachicken]

A friend of mine has a 27' northwest but a walk around design. What a great boat!

 

[northwest wind]

I have a 26x9.5 Northwest a lot older than yours. Mine is a very good boat and I’m sure he’s only making them better now. You will be happy but not a small task finishing it yourself. Good luck and hopefully many happy days aboard her.

 

[kaelc]

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That picture of the two of you sure gives a great perspective of how much beam it has. I know a few members who are jealous you pulled the trigger and are doing the build. Can’t wait to see the details as it comes together.

 

[sudsy]

That picture of the two of you sure gives a great perspective of how much beam it has. I know a few members who are jealous you pulled the trigger and are doing the build. Can’t wait to see the details as it comes together.

Thanks, yes the photos definelty don't do it justice on just how massive this boat actually is.

 

[sudsy]

I have a 26x9.5 Northwest a lot older than yours. Mine is a very good boat and I’m sure he’s only making them better now. You will be happy but not a small task finishing it yourself. Good luck and hopefully many happy days aboard her.

Thanks! It has been a big project but it has been an absolute blast going through every detail.

 

[-Jim-]

Looks like you are having a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

 

[sudsy]

One of the big reasons for upgrading was the ability to do more overnight trips with my wife and daughter. We love exploring the coast and our last boat, however capable, just felt tight and crowded.

Our last boat had a porta potty and with this new boat it was non-negotiable that it needed a standup head. Most of Doug's boats come standard with a marine toilet down in the cuddy but we really liked the idea of a purpose built bathroom up top.

After talking it over with Doug he recommended it be on the starboard side which would make the kitchenette slightly smaller. He recommended extending the cabin by 1 foot to accommodate. I was a little hesitant on loosing 1 foot of dance floor but after we received the boat it was barely noticeable as the back deck is still huge for fishing!

 

[sudsy]

It was really hard to believe how quickly this came together- I'd pop by once a week to see the progress and couldn't believe the speed and efficiency.

 

[sudsy]

Ready for delivery - this is how it looked upon delivery - finished enough but Still a blank slate to finish on my own. Now to start the electrical backbone....

 

[ChilliSpoons]

You must have been a good boy this year for Santa to put that thing under the tree. That’s gonna be one killer unit.
Congrats

 

[Thunder21]

I’ve thought about doing a similar thing one day. Any idea how much money you’ll save going this route over having the cabin fully done?

 

[sudsy]

I’ve thought about doing a similar thing one day. Any idea how much money you’ll save going this route over having the cabin fully done?

I only ever got a quote from Doug for the boat as seen above on deluvery so not sure what it would have cost to have him complete the whole thing. It would be pure speculation - I would say that buying things as a consumer vs a builder buying it wholesale is a factor - my decision to do it this way wasn't purely cost driven it was a project I've always wanted to take on - I have a deep understanding of everything on my boat as I've done everything myself.