North Pacific Yachts just introduced its new 53 Euro Pilothouse at the Boats Afloat show in Seattle. It’s an updated version of a low-maintenance, modern, long-range cruiser built for the waters of the Pacific Northwest or just about anywhere else.
Trevor Brice, the president of North Pacific Yachts, wrote me that the 53 (pictured above) is the same as the builder’s 49 Euro Pilothouse except that the cockpit was extended. North Pacific first introduced a 49 Pilothouse model in 2013, and then launched a more modern version, the 49 Euro Pilothouse, in early 2021 (pictured below).
The Euro version has lighter colors throughout, larger windows, an aft galley with easy access to the cockpit, and wraparound windows in the pilothouse, instead of the raked windshield on the traditional 49. It’s a popular boat. Indeed, it won the People’s Choice Award at the Baltimore Trawler Fest last year.
The boat has a solid, hand-laid fiberglass hull. The superstructure and decks are laid up with synthetic honeycomb core. Standard power is a 355-hp Cummins, producing a top speed of about 12 knots and a range of about 1,600 nm at 7.5 knots.
North Pacific has other power options. One potential buyer was talking to Brice about installing twin engines, which would give the boat a top speed in the 16-17 knot range.
Experienced cruisers will welcome the boat’s two doors leading to the side decks from the pilothouse. It also has excellent visibility, twin helm chairs and seating aft that can convert to a pilot berth.
The salon is spacious and comfortable, made for relaxing. Large glass doors open to the cockpit, which on the new 53 has more room for entertaining, lounging, fishing and water sports.
Below, the standard layout calls for two staterooms, although you can have three, and two heads. The master is full-beam amidships, with an en suite head and enclosed shower, and large hull windows for natural light. The VIP cabin is forward, with a walkaround queen-sized bed.
With offices in British Columbia, North Pacific now makes cruisers from 44 to 59 feet. Many years ago, I tested a new North Pacific with Brice in Vancouver, and I was impressed by the craftsmanship and the quality of the boat, inside and out. It was a solid, well-finished cruising boat. Read more:
