Review: Northcoast 87' "Fortuna 2"

Northcoast 87’ Cockpit Motoryacht​

Standing Tall Against Time​

by Capt. Chuck Gnaegy​

There is a factor in entrepreneurship that adds its challenge to the initial dream. That is, to fashion a product which customers favor; competitors envy; plus carrying the banner of creativity and innovation to all in its sphere. In short, the influence to make its buyers say, “I want that;” then to deliver a superior product. ​

When Stephen Yadvish, just a few years ago in 2003, faced this challenging impulse, he was driven by the thought that he could build a “Rolls Royce” on the water. In a few short years, unlike the yacht titans which are his competition, this latest design speaks with eloquence to reflect that inner drive. Not the largest yacht on the seven seas, yet grandly structuring his ultimate goal, it is Northcoast’s 87’ Motoryacht.

While certainly this yacht is sleek, with a forward-thrusting silhouette, its traditional style and classic contemporary design will surely weather time as well as the elements, to provide its owners many years of satisfying cruising. It is the most recent development of his plan. Yadvish, who initially founded Yachtfish Marine in Seattle, in 2003 bought out the assets of Northcoast and was pleased that all the elements of a successful venture were at hand.

With his reputation of designing and building megayachts, high speed performance boats and maxi boats, he knew this presented his opportunity. In the ensuing years, his energy and his highly experienced shipwrights turned out six versions of its 85’ motoryacht, then the first 87’ motoryacht. Northcoast’s designer, Paul Fredrickson, guided the design and construction team to a contemporary styling, yet not an extreme visual broadside, gauged to bestow quiet good taste, insuring longevity into the mix.

Northcoast's composite laminated hull utilizes a combination sandwich with multi-axial E-glass over cell cores. Longitudinal girders create a durable structure, medium lightweight, with collision bulkheads and watertight compartments; based on ABSG (American Bureau of Shipping Guide for Motor Pleasure Yachts) standards.

From this airy view of the flybridge, past the overhead arch/mast satellite navigation pod and radar sweep, it’s plain this fully equipped upper helm and companion Stidd chairs will take advantage of clear weather with 360º visibility; plus plenty of added space for a nice party. The soaring radar/nav mast communicates via KVH Satellite dish with Furuno’s NavNet system and Simrad AP 20 system, on the Command Bridge and in the wheelhouse below.

A handy weatherproof teak table is set in a fixed base, attended by twin, large, L-shaped settees. There’s also a bar/food prep cabinet, with fridge and icemaker, as well as a Corian-topped sink. Plenty of storage is built in. Aft, the 14’ Zodiac tender w/50hp Yamaha outboard stands ready to launch via its installed 2,200-lb. hydraulic crane/davit. At the stern, twin staircases lead to the swim platform, protected by hoop rails. Just above, the spacious aft deck encourages al fresco partying in the soft sunlit afternoons, while the more athletic passengers test the waters in a secluded lagoon.

The 87’s crisply fashionable salon could claim its place in any debonair, upscale resort or home drawing room; muted elegance with built-in comfort. Large couches and single chairs invite conversational groups, but also allow easy viewing access to the 42” plasma TV at the forward bulkhead, and Bose CD/DVD surround-sound system. Full carpeting and wall coverings, wallpaper, tile, marble, as well as furniture, can be specified at the option of the owner – those shown here represent the concept of a first-class interior designer. Large, tempered glass, fully draped windows allow strong daylight or evening privacy, anchored out down-island or at the marina. A special cloister holds a Sub-Zero 40-Series wine storage cabinet .

Showcasing the most up to date appliances, the yacht’s spacious galley is suitable for a 4-star chef’s displays, or the early morning snack underway.Tucked between the wheelhouse and the salon, the galley boasts a Wolf built-in wall oven and 4-burner Ceran-electric glass cook top, along with an upright Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, Sharp microwave, Sub-Zero undercounter freezer and in-sink disposal. The fully integrated dishwasher and trash compactor add up to ease of preparation for a meal or quick bite.

This view, looking forward from the galley to the wheelhouse, highlights the thoughtful symmetry exercised by the designer for appliance placement. Set in its black onyx counter, the built-in oven stove allows full room for meal prep, but also features a drop-down cabinet to keep essential ingredients at hand.

This small settee is cleverly set between the galley and wheelhouse, handy for a brief morning meal or light lunch bite – or perhaps the midnight run offshore? An additional icemaker and wine cooler stand at ready in the salon. Aport is a Bosch washing marine and dryer. To starboard, an elegantly designed stairway leads to the flybridge, as well as the lower deck night time level.

Forward of the galley, a comfortable settee with upholstered chairs and a stylish black/onyx table allows the whole entourage to participate. An abbreviated day head in the wheelhouse, made with a granite floor and countertop, adds to the convenience and ease of cruising.

On Northcoast’s main deck, the wheelhouse presents a 180º windowed view, structured with heavy Oak frames. Breezeway doors, port and starboard, allow access to bow and stern, along comfortably wide walkways. The adjustable Stidd Captain’s chair, with built-in foot rest, faces a stainless steel destroyer-type wheel, and an array of complete instrumentation with 17” displays.

Included are the most up to date equipment such as cellular interface for cellphone contact, plus Navtec receiver, weather fax, speed-temp triducer, function display, DGPS, 18” computer monitor, LCD monitor, Nobeltec charting system, Furuno radar, autopilot, worldphone, and full navigational equipment. Well-placed exterior security camera coverage is placed fore and aft, as well as in the engine room and cockpit.

On the lower deck, the Master stateroom features a richness of design worthy of the finest resort hotel or Manhattan hideaway. Fully carpeted, with a king-size island berth, the molded patterns of its fine cherry burlwood cabinets, overheads and night furniture follow the classic timelessness of fine art. Copious underberth drawers present more useable storage space, in addition to cedar-lined walk-in wardrobes. Night time entertainment features a flat-screen TV/CD/DVD with Bose sound and double speakers. Dressers and countertops are light toned onyx marble and burlwood inlays. The Master his/hers heads (not shown) radiate style, with granite floors and showers, as well as countertops. Double vanity mirrors and medicine cabinets add convenience; each has glass shower doors. Twin solid surface sinks and cabinets are added, for spacious storage. Toilets are by Headhunter.

Though slightly smaller than the Master, the VIP stateroom is no less attractive. Sporting the same burled cherrywood cabinets and island placement for the queen size berth, it nestles into its placement at the forepeak. Nevertheless, spaciousness and comfort are its trademarks, as the designers molded overhead lighting and side-to furnishings to a perfect fit. Two carpeted steps lead to the sleeping berth, under a lighted canopy. The VIP head arrangement has a glass enclosed shower, with granite floors.

The Northcoast 87 also boasts two additional guest staterooms, port and starboard, with matching burlwood decor, full carpeting, and storage beneath the berths as well as cabinetry. There are hanging lockers, cedar-lined, overhead lighting, and 18” TV. The port guest room offers upper and lower berths, while the starboard stateroom has a double berth. Each has private head and storage areas. Aft, the crew stateroom accommodates upper and lower bunks, with a small kitchen and utility/small tool work room. It includes a private head and storage area.

Driving the Northcoast 87 are twin Caterpillar C32 marine engines, rated @ 1,650 hp each. The huge, walk-around maintenance space is actually the largest room on the yacht in area, allowing complete inspection and safe-keeping on a scale that would make larger yachts proud. The engine room includes, besides the big CATs, Weimar Bow thruster, stern thruster, Naiad stabilizers, Aqua Air HVAC air conditioning system with 10 tons of chilled water drives, Sea Recovery fresh water flush. Along with monitors, there are also master electrical distribution panels, including ship and shore service, plus numerous smaller but essential operational items.

On many large-scale GRP builds, paint can cover a multitude of sins, but only a few boat builders can pop perfect pieces that require no pigment. A careful assessment with a critical eye, catching angles of reflection along the hull, decks, superstructure and overhangs reveals a ripple-free finish that must be seen to be appreciated. But, boat building is far more than good lamination and joinery. Systems integration and engineering play equally important roles. There is great complexity in creating simplicity. Northcoast’s 87’ is a prime example of this technical mastery; cleverly assimilating the yacht’s onboard systems into easy access, clean installations. A few builders have taken this to a higher level, developing one-off, custom engineered components and features that advance the state of the yachting art. Nowhere is this more apparent than with Northcoast.

The Northcoast 87's design not only stands tall against time, its superlative
workmanship ensures its place among yachting's most elite.

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Review by Chuck Gnaegy.​

Specifications:

LOA: 86’10”
Beam: 21’05”
Draft: 5’10”
Fuel: 3,000 Gal.
Water: 400 Gal.
Power: 2x CAT V-12 1650 hp

For more information contact:

Northcoast Yachts, Inc.
401 Alexander Ave., Ste 407
Tacoma, WA 98421
253-383-3803
www.NorthCoastYachts.com

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