I could use alittle help I'm looking at getting a 26ft Northwest aluminum built for myself as a family/man trip machine and I need some advice is the difference between the 26ft and the 28ft worth the added expence and 2 is twins verses a big singel engine worth the added expence also I'm thinking 1 250 yamaha or 300 yamaha would do as they've built charter boats for a outfit in the charlottes rigged like this already. Another question say 300 horse out boards does a suzuki or yamaha put out a better package meaning reliability and cost of controls etc as the aluminum will have a rear stearing station, lots of questions I've had come up in the last few weeks I'd like to resolve before making final dicisions and placing a order. Tips from aluminum boat owners would be greatly apreciated like bottum paint haul and cab clear coating or grip deck surfaces for the dance floor etc. Thanks Bud.

Maybe you should have a look at the Cat they just put together too

Cat I don't follow, diesel inboard like caterpillar that sounds good too but I'm alittle sceptical about inboards and transome gaskets that's my big hang up. Plus the room they take up on the dance floor I'd hafto look at some boats I guess. Thanks for the reply I was looking at volvos yanmars and perkins I wasn't sure on caterpillar ill hafto price check them

cat = catamaran

I'm good on the catamaran

I don't know much about aluminum boats or much else... but I do have a lot of experience with boat motors, and my 2 cents is: if you can get away with one larger motor why the &^#% would you put two in?!! lol! Twice the fixing. Twice as many things will go wrong. Twice the price. Twice the fuel... etc... I have a 24ft trophy, and I couldn't imagine fishing out of anything bigger if I was single handing. 24ft boat is the max you can semi-easily launch and tow, as well. 28ft'r would be impossible. As for engines, I would go with a 300hp E-tec, lighter = faster/less stress/less fuel or if you really think you need a 4 stroke, I would go with a 350hp Verado. The Yamaha engines are really good, but the metal houseings and linkages in the Verados are superior. IMO...

Talk to Doug if you're going to order one. Maybe you could get down and see the cat... Very cool! I'm guesing 30ft, Twin 300 zukes.. But its built to fish Swiftsure.............. From Sooke. They can build them any way you want but this one isnt for over nighting.
I would look into the turbo penta with a leg or surface drive though(motor under the floor)..... Im guessing, but probably cheaper to run than the OB and probably will last way longer

edit**** Watch for sticks with the surface drive...... those are D%^N expensive props.... the only down fall

Thanks for the response the volvo turbo will get a good look and consideration, thers a northwest named Pegassis inboard volvo he has his kicker mounted center on the transome helps for tracking on he troll he fishes his boat by himself every weekend no problems nice machine I'm just not sure on inboards I guess maybe I need a better look, does enybody have a caterpillar inboard ?

I know that boat ...... does quite well outta Pedder.
Not sure that Cat does a motor that would be applicable?

Did the octopus work out for you I believe we've met Lol I love your boat and talked to doug he sent me a quote 64k no power or electronics for a 26ft with a 2ft pod I'm gonna get a bit of tme in offshore then the stripes for sale probably consignment at sherwood marine this fall I'd like to order a northwest lots to think about. I'd like to have a closer look at yours some time if it wouldn't be to mutch to ask, Thanks for the tips this year