Pacific Northwest 43

Pacific Northwest 43 is a yacht designed for my own use. You may like her, too.

I wanted a true, voyaging motor yacht optimized for a live aboard couple. And I wanted to minimize costs (purchase, maintenance, and operating costs) without compromising on safety, comfort, or fuel economy.

She embodies the rugged, traditional, no-nonsense appearance and construction seen in the fishing vessels of the Pacific Northwest. Her rugged steel construction doesn‘t wince when pulling up alongside a rough pile pier or side-tying to a salmon troller with tire fenders. Frankly, vessels like this look better with a bit of use in my opinion !
Her interior layout and amenities take another tack. She more than meets my embarrassing need for creature comforts - you judge her for yourself !
The interior features a private stateroom forward with a center line bunk along with generous bureaus and hanging lockers both port and starboard.
Aft is a salon featuring two opposing, comfortable, sofa-like settees - entertain guests or stretch out for a nap without being in the way. There is a nice coffee table, too.
Occasional guests bunk in the salon. The seat backs hinge up and the seat cushions extend outboard for two generous bunks. When underway, these serve as pilot berths.
Aft of the salon is a well equipped galley to port and large head to starboard. My galley will feature a stainless steel professional grade stove - I like to cook ! The head has a separate shower stall. A small tub may just fit.
Heading aft, climb the companion way steps into the pilothouse. One more step up into the dinette and your seated height-of-eye is the same as standing at the helm.
Whether dining in the harbor or relaxing with a cruising guide and a cup of tea while underway on autopilot, the pilot house dinette has a commanding all-around view.
Exit the pilot house either port or starboard and head aft to the covered fantail. There is a fixed, aft-facing seat with table. Whether watching the wake stream aft while off watch and underway, or simply enjoying the harbor sights while on the hook, this outdoor space is a nice complement to the protected pilot house and dinette.
Under the fantail is a very large bosun‘s locker needed to store a voyaging vessel‘s lines, fenders, supplies, and spares. Mine will have a work bench with a small drill press and lathe. And a washing machine, too.
Forward of the pilot house is a wood cargo deck for lashing down additional gear. I enjoy diving and occasionally bring up light salvage. When not in use, it will make a great sundeck with the aft end hinging up like a chase lounge. Rig a tarp over the boom as a sunshade, snap on a foam cover, and take a nap !
The mast and boom hoist the dinghy to the pilot house roof or fetch gear from the cargo deck. The rig carries a steadying sail,
para-vanes, and flopper-stoppers, too.
The Pacific Northwest 43 makes sense to me. You too? Offered as a semi-custom yacht, feel free to make some changes.
There – now she‘s yours ! “
- Bill C.