With its spacious enclosed pilothouse, seakindly hull, impressive performance and extended range, NorthCoast’s 415HT is equally suited to trolling far offshore or cruising distant coastlines, with an impressive list of standard features that enhance the boat’s broad appeal.

Quad Yamaha 300 XSB outboards provide around 400 miles of range from 600 gallons of fuel through speeds between 28 mph and 45 mph. Pushing the throttles near our 55.1 mph top speed (hampered by 20-knot headwinds ­compared to ­Yamaha’s tested 57.6 mph max) still covers 300 miles from full tanks. Its ­V-bottom and flared hullsides cut seas and reduce spray, while the Seakeeper 4, which runs quietly from 12-volt batteries alone, ­flattens pitch and roll.

Navigating, even in fog or at night, is aided by radar, a plotter and FLIR, along with Raymarine’s ClearCruise ­augmented reality that overlays AIS traffic, GPS waypoints and more atop nav and video images on dual 19-inch Axiom displays, where YachtSense also monitors and ­controls ship’s systems.

In the enclosed pilothouse, dual overhead hatches, four large side windows and the aft bulkhead all open to catch a breeze. Or button them up, crank the 9 kW diesel generator, and chill in air conditioning. Abovedecks is a large high-low table and amply equipped galley center entertainment. A big cockpit includes standard aft-facing seating, tackle drawers, livewells, fish boxes, and both an aft transom door and side gunwale door. In addition to the long standards list, NorthCoast offers an optional Cruiser cockpit settee, as well as optional equipment such as outriggers and a rocket launcher for the fisherman. 

Down below, the private master cabin features an island queen bed, while the aft cabin extends beneath the pilothouse sole and houses both a double bed and a separate single folding berth. The head includes a separate stall shower roomy enough to avoid using marina facilities. There is also a small settee, and storage is maximized throughout.

Whether you’re inclined to fish the offshore canyons or cruise the coast of Maine, the NorthCoast 415HT offers the versatility to help you do it.

High Points

• Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick adds functionality with docking, station keeping, and various drift modes.
• Both the queen bed forward and twin bed aft lift on gas struts to access storage compartments long enough for fishing rods or large enough for extended cruising provisions.
• No wood—the FRP stringer grid is rot-free and foam-filled, helping provide USCG Level Flotation. 
• Pilothouse settee table adjusts height to serve meals, enjoy cocktails, create a comfy day bed or add overnight accommodations.

How We Tested

• Engine: Quad 300 hp Yamaha XSB outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15″ x 20″ Yamaha Saltwater II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 286 lb. Water on Board: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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It’s important that you know how we assess boats. First, the boat must be safe, as well as designed and built with industry best practices. We rely on the standards set by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for this, as well as other published and respected sources.

Secondly, we judge boats by their category peers. There’s little value in comparing a watersports boat to a fishing boat, for example. Also note that all categories of boats are not represented. This doesn’t mean that boats in other categories not shown here were in some way inferior. It simply means that no boats that we tested from other categories stood out in those categories as much as did these category winners.

Congratulations to the following 2024 Boat of the Year category winners!

Dayboat—Large: Regal 38 Surf

This boat, powered by the new Volvo Penta Twin Forward Drives, rates as the world’s largest wakesurf boat. Beyond that accolade, Regal built in tremendous versatility, delivering a boat that can entertain, overnight and even fish, all while providing surfing thrills safely. That the boat is finished beautifully, and loaded with thoughtful details, further solidifies its stature and status.

Dayboat—Small: Monterey Elite 30

The Monterey Elite 30 is an American-made dayboat that takes on the European builders, who have arguably owned this category for a number of years, with a wider beam, more horse- power and innovations such as its ingeniously executed centerline helm with all-glass display. Featuring a straight stem, but with more flare worked into the bow than similar boats, we found the ride and handling great.

Fishing—Large: NorthCoast 415HT

In a world where center-console fishing boats have come to rule the roost, NorthCoast debuts a cabin model to give CC buyers second thoughts. It delivers all the fishability an avid angler can use, plus a luxurious interior for when the boat is used as a cruiser, or simply for fisherman who don’t mind a comfortable place to get out of the heat, the cold or the wind enroute to the grounds. Outboard-powered, and with its deep-V hull, it will run faster, smoother, quieter and less smoky than the sedan fishing boats of the past.

Performance: Checkmate Pulsare 2400 BRX

Time was when boat buyers could choose from many new performance boats. With the Pulsare 2400 BRX, Checkmate gives boaters seeking such a boat an alternative to used boats—with the versatility of a bowrider. Running on V-bottom with a pad, and with a Mercury Racing motor set back on a jackplate, this boat really goes. It can be powered as a 65-mph run- about or, with the Mercury Racing 500R, for 90-plus- mph thrills. Inside, plush upholstery, a new digital dash, and other upgrades ensure user-friendly speed and comfort.

Watersports: KYMA K7 Supercharged

V-drive inboards do a great job, so why bother with water-jet power in this specialized category? We didn’t honor Kyma for simply being different.

The 6.2L 575 Indmar jet gives this boat shallower draft, better slow speed handling than a V-drive, and its wakesurf waves rank on par with those produced by V-drive boats, thanks to the innovative use of the Seakeeper Ride stability system.

Fishing—Small: Sailfish 232 Center Console

Usually, more expensive boats get honored with Boat of the Year awards: Expensive boats generally see more money applied to them for the R and D that creates innovation. Of course, there’s plenty to be said for a boat that delivers more bang for the buck than its competitors, even at a moderate price.. The Sailfish 232 Center Console’s ride and standard equipment are equivalent to boats costing more. It is a true “great buy.” A nice detail is the front-entry head, and there are enough seats and drink holders to allow this fishboat to serve as a runabout and retain great fishability.

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Overview

Heading out from Rhode Island, where the NorthCoast 415HT is built, skippers might continue south past Block Island for 100 miles to fish the fabled Atlantic canyons, or perhaps turn east around Cape Cod and north for 300 miles of harbor hopping along Maine’s coast. The boat, with features well-suited to fishing along with accouterments for cruising, comes ready for either trip.

Weather isn’t likely to be an obstacle. The NorthCoast 415HT’s  broken sheer line and raised, flared hull sides forward — more the lines of a classic sportfisher than a true downeaster — pushed spray away as we knifed through Narraganset Bay, which was whipped into a stiff chop by 20 knot winds during our tests.

Engines

Quad Yamaha 300 XSB outboards ease fret over fuel gauge needles. Even pushing into 20-knot headwinds on our tests, those four V6s provide around 400 miles range from 600 gallons of fuel, allowing a 10 percent safety reserve, while running anywhere between 28 mph and 45 mph. Troll a canyon all day, bounce to a second location, and return home with fuel to spare, or choose favorite cruising harbors, not required fuel stops. Topping off in Newport, the boat can cruise 160 miles to Manhattan and then fish all of Long Island’s south shore on the way home. Pushing throttles near our 55.1 mph top speed (hampered by headwinds compared to Yamaha’s tested 57.6 mph max), hastens the trip home while still covering 300 miles from full tanks.

Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick takes the worry out of windy-day docking, as we experienced in a tight corner slip with a steady 15 knots blowing dead on the beam. Navigating, even in fog or at night, is aided by radar, plotter and FLIR, along with Raymarine’s Augmented Reality that overlays AIS traffic, GPS waypoints and more atop nav and video images on dual 19-inch Axiom displays. YachtSense monitors and controls ship’s systems from those screens, too — and all that is also standard equipment.

Interior and Accessories

The classic downeast enclosed pilothouse extends fishing and cruising earlier into spring’s chilly Atlantic waters and later through autumn’s blustery winds while the SeaKeeper 4, which runs quietly from 12-volt batteries alone, flattens pitch and roll. On August afternoons, dual overhead opening hatches, four large opening side windows, and the opening glass aft bulkhead will catch a cool breeze. Or button up, crank the 8kW diesel generator and chill in air conditioning — that’s all standard equipment, by the way.

Twin Release helm seats offer a touch of luxury. The pilothouse settee table adjusts height to serve meals or enjoy cocktails, and it lowers further to create a comfy day bed or add overnight accommodations. With the galley in the pilothouse, no one misses conversation, coastal sights or an impressive fish strike while grabbing a snack or serving up supper, which is aided by ample drawer and counter space along with a microwave, stove top and twin fridge/freezer drawers — again, all standard.

Down below, the private master cabin includes a hanging locker and drawers typical of boats in this class. There is a nice surprise — the foot of the island queen bed lifts, assisted by gas struts, to access a 7-foot-long storage locker ideal for full-length fishing rods, galley dry goods, or bulky items. The head includes a separate stall shower roomy enough to skip walking to marina facilities. The aft cabin extends beneath the pilothouse sole and houses both a double bed and a separate single folding berth.

Back up on deck, abundant handholds and ample side decks aid the trip to the bow, whether to fight a feisty fish or anchor in a quiet cove. At the front of the generously sized cockpit, an aft-facing double seat conceals a drink box, while a locker provides tackle drawers. Two live wells in the transom and two fish boxes beneath the deck come rigged with pumps and macerators. Large center hatches provide easy access to oversized sea strainers for the genset, Seakeeper and AC, along with other pumps and equipment. The aft transom door and side gunwale door provide easy access for swimming, boating a fish, or accessing a dinghy or dock — and yup, that’s all standard.

Read Next: NorthCoast 315 HT

NorthCoast’s already well equipped $1,083.514 base price also includes hull-side color choices. Our test boat’s Rupp Top Gun outriggers riggers and teak Arrigoni rocket launcher nudged the bottom line just past $1.1 million [NOTE: $1,104,203]. Cruisers will likely add the aft cockpit settee, instead.

For those less inclined to fish, the Back Cove 390, carries a bit more traditional down-east vibe, both inside and out, along with expanded cockpit seating and an interesting open transition from pilothouse to lower salon. Avid anglers might look at Coastal Craft Yacht’s 42 ExpressFish, which offers six propulsion options from triple Yamaha 425s to quad Mercury 450s.

How We Tested

• Test Engine: Quad 300-hp Yamaha XSB outboard motors.
• Test Drive/Prop: Outboard/15” x 20” (Yamaha Saltwater II stainless 3-blade)
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 286 Water on Board: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• Yamaha’s joystick holds the boat in one spot, either free to swing by the bow or stern, or locked in both location and heading. Similar drift modes can follow a pre-planned course.
• Closing the aft glass bulkhead and door lowered sound levels by 4 decibels at cruising speeds, versus our already quiet readings with the door open.

Low Point

• Down below, the small settee is really just a nook for some alone time, leaving the pilothouse as the only entertaining area.

Extra Point

• With Yamaha’s quad outboards, conventional (outboard turning) props on port and starboard motors, mounted 8 feet apart, aid maneuvering, but the two middle motors turn opposite from conventional rotation to add lift that increases both speed and economy.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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NorthCoast cabin boats offer excellent weather protection, large cockpits, and cruising accommodations. A fine example is the 255 HT.

With 22 wave-cleaving degrees of transom deadrise, the 255 HT rides comfortably in nasty water. It hits 55 mph with twin 200 hp Yamahas (60 mph speeds with twin 250s), and this beamy boat will also run on just one engine at 30 mph, should the need arise. Throttle back to 27 mph and enjoy over 300 miles of range delivered from the 159-gallon fuel capacity.

The 9-foot-5-inch beam, a precision fishing tool, allows for a massive cockpit abristle with fishing gear. Twin 139-quart macerated fish boxes reside in the sole, and there are rod racks under the gunwales. There’s a 26-gallon livewell and tackle drawers port and starboard. The two-tone, gray or moondust tan nonskid looks great and also cuts the glare white-decked boats force anglers to endure. A transom door makes loading up easy, as well as eases boating a trophy catch. The cockpit lighting keeps the action going after dark, and a built-in washdown helps you keep the decks clean and safe.

Versatility being a key attribute of the NorthCoast 255 HT, head into the hardtop to discover 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom at the helm, along with an Edson wheel, plenty of space for electronics, and an opening windshield. The hard sides keep your crew out of wind and spray should the weather turn, yet the captain remains in complete contact with the cockpit—and retains the ability to leave the helm easily to gaff a fish, grab a dock line, or do any chore.

Belowdecks, find an expansive berth—a full 75 inches long—complete with generous sitting headroom. There’s also a stand-up head compartment complete with a marine toilet, a vanity with sink, and a pullout shower. The companionway door locks, and the hatch provides great ventilation. Add the optional shore power and optional galley package with its stainless-steel sink, dual-voltage fridge and microwave, and the NorthCoast 255 HT is ready to carry you away for a weekend.

Seeking a top-notch boat that’s fast, fishes and cruises? Then check out the NorthCoast 255 HT.

High Points

• Custom fiberglass top and windshield frame with opening front windshield and sliding side windows provide great views and airflow.
• Deep-V hull and wide beam provide a great ride and versatile room to fish with a large crew or for couples to enjoy weekends aboard the boat.
• Foam-filled grid system provides positive flotation, and a firm foundation substitutes for weight in providing the firm, wave-smashing ride for which NorthCoast boats are renowned.

Pricing and Specs

NorthCoast Boats – Bristol, Rhode Island; 888-802-2132; northcoastboats.com

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NorthCoast’s 315 HT is the builder’s flagship cabin model, a boat that combines traditional New England style with modern build techniques and amenities. It has a pure New England profile, with a fully enclosed helm and a large cockpit. The 315 HT can sleep four people belowdecks and is versatile enough to take out for a coastal cruise or an offshore fishing expedition.

The 315 HT comes standard with a pair of 250 hp Yamahas, but it is rated for up to twin 300s on the transom. NorthCoast’s provided numbers with the max horsepower show a top speed of 59 mph. At its optimum cruising speed of 31 mph, it reportedly burns 18.5 gph. With its 316-gallon fuel tank, the boat can handle long runs between ports before needing a refill.

The 315 HT is made to handle sporty New England offshore conditions, with a true deep-V hull that tapers to 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom. For fishing, it features two insulated 58-gallon fish boxes—with macerators—built into the cockpit sole. The full transom holds two livewells; one is 26 gallons and the other 19 gallons. Each cockpit gunwale sports two stainless-steel rod holders and a cup holder. The hardtop features an additional six rod holders. There’s also an inboard-swinging tuna door in the port gunwale. A cockpit tackle station opens to reveal slots that can hold up to six tackle trays. A raw-water washdown system and a freshwater one come standard.

But there’s more to the 315 HT than just fishing. A cockpit grill and pull-out refrigerator come standard, so the food-and-beverage part of entertaining is covered. Two aft-facing cockpit jump seats combine with a 60-inch foldout transom bench so the crew can rest comfortably at anchor or while underway. In addition to overnighting capabilities, there’s a separate head with an electric-flush toilet with a 29-gallon tank, as well as a vanity and a shower nozzle.

All of these amenities, along with the 315 HT’s reported 500-mile cruising range (under the right conditions), make for a boat that lets you follow the bite up and down the coast, and you can also get plenty of rest and relaxation on the way.

High Points

• The 316-gallon fuel tank gives this boat a possible range of 500 miles, according to NorthCoast.
• Boat comes standard with both a 26-gallon and 19-gallon livewell built into the full transom, so you can keep baits separated.
• Boat can sleep four people belowdecks and has a full head.
• Combines classic New England styling with modern construction and amenities.

Specs

LOA: 35′0″

Beam: 10′2″

Draft (max): 1′9″

Dry Weight: 12,212 lb. (with power)

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 316 gal.

Available Power: Twin outboards to 600 hp total

Price: $293,942 (with twin Yamaha F250s)

More Information

NorthCoast Boats – Bristol, Rhode Island; 888-802-2132; northcoastboats.com

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The NorthCoast 280CC is a center-console made by fishermen for fishermen, and it shows—in that every aspect of the boat helps you catch more fish. In short, the NorthCoast 280CC proves itself a coastal angler’s dream.

Start with the ride, because you can’t catch the fish if you can’t get to them. The 280CC’s deep-V hull tapers to 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom, helping it achieve an excellent ride while knifing through waves. On test day, we ran it through a confused chop due to excessive boat traffic, and the 280CC handled it with ease. It didn’t pound, shutter or rattle, or throw spray into the cockpit. The twin Honda 250s propelled the boat to a near 54 mph top-end speed and cruised comfortably at 29.1 mph and 3,500 rpm. Dial back the throttles to 24.2 mph at 3,500 rpm, and our test data shows the boat has a range of more than 300 miles. That means you can run far afield to chase after any species, whether it be tuna offshore or coastal quarry such as striped bass.

The 280CC passed all of our handling tests with flying colors as well. The hull proved predictable in hard-over turns to port and starboard, with a nice inboard lean, and exhibited no blowout or slippage in either direction.

Above decks, everything is set up to make it easy to work your way around the boat and fish. With the nonskid gunwale topsides around the entire length of the boat, as well as the recessed grab rail along the bow and all the pop-up cleats, it’s a safe and snag-free platform. The decks are clean and free of obstructions that could trip up anglers or cause issues while working a fish around the boat.

More fishing features? Livewells in both the transom and leaning post ensure you’ll never run out of bait.

Coaming bolsters line the cockpit gunwales that hide recessed rod racks. The portside in-sole fish box is macerated and drains overboard. There are plenty of rod holders in the gunwale topsides, on the back of the leaning post and on the stout hardtop, so there should always be a rod within reach for your anglers. With the 280CC’s sweet ride, most fishing grounds should be in reach too.

High Points

⋅Nonskid gunwale topsides around the length of the boat make dockside boarding easy.

⋅Grab handles on the console and leaning post have Edson Comfort Grip.

⋅Recessed bowrail and pop-up cleats around the boat keep the decks free of snags for anglers.

⋅Dash can hold a 16-inch flush-mounted monitor for your electronics package.

⋅Livewells have rounded corners and light-blue paint to help keep the bait alive longer on your offshore trips.

Specs

LOA: 28′0″

Beam: 9′1″

Draft (max): 3′0″

Dry Weight: 6,125 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 182 gal.

Price: $169,015 (base)

How We Tested

Engines: Twin 250 hp Honda BF250

Drive/Props: Outboard/15 1/2″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 2.00:1

Fuel Load: 100 gal.

Crew Weight: 580 lb.

More Information

NorthCoast Boats – Bristol, Rhode Island; 888-802-2132; northcoastboats.com

The post 2020 NorthCoast 280CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

With the now-complete evolution of the center-console into a form of luxury cruiser, it’s important to remember this type of boat’s original mission statement: to go fishing. North Coast didn’t forget this and designed the 280CC to be a hardcore fishing vessel capable of both chasing inshore species with light tackle and running far outside the inlet in pursuit of the bite.

The 280CC’s deep-V hull tapers to 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom, helping it achieve an excellent ride while knifing through waves. We ran it through a confused chop due to excessive boat traffic, and the 280CC handled it with ease. It didn’t pound, shutter or rattle, or throw spray into the cockpit. The twin Honda 250s propelled the boat to a near 54 mph top-end speed, and cruised comfortably at 29.1 mph and 3,500 rpm. The hull proved predictable in hard-over turns to port and starboard with a nice inboard lean, and exhibited no blowout or slippage in both directions. It tracked straight at trolling speeds as well, and the Hondas were super-quiet in forward idle.

Abovedecks, everything about the boat screams, “Take me fishing!” Every­thing is set up to make it easy to work your way around the boat and fish. Note the nonskid gunwale topsides around the entire length of the boat, as well as the recessed grab rail along the bow. Fly and light-­tackle anglers will appreciate all the pop-up cleats. The decks are clean and free of obstructions that could trip up anglers working fish from stem to stern.

More fishing features? Livewells in both the transom and leaning post ensure you’ll never run out of bait during a fishing trip. Coaming bolsters line the cockpit gunwales that hide recessed rod racks. The portside insole fish box is macerated and drains overboard, so it’s easy to clean after you clean your catch. There are plenty of rod holders in the gunwale topsides, on the back of the leaning post, and on the hardtop, so there should always be a rod within reach. With the 280CC’s sweet ride, most fishing grounds should be in reach too.

High Points

• Grab handles on the console and leaning post have Edson’s ComfortGrip.
• Dash can hold a 16-inch flush-mounted monitor.
• Livewells have rounded corners and a light-blue finish to help keep bait alive longer.

Low Point

• Swim ladder is on the starboard swim step, while the transom walk-through door is to port.

Toughest Competitor
The Cobia 280CC, which starts at $143,432 with twin 250 Yamahas, shows flatter deadrise (22 degrees) and fewer fishing features, but offers more standard creature comforts.

Price: $169,015 (with base power)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: Twin 250 hp Honda BF250 outboards
Props: 15 1/2″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Water on Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 580 lb.

NorthCoast Boats – Bristol, Rhode Island; 401-254-8978; northcoastboats.com

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