First, I want to thank you for your continued interest in Northwest Trawlers.

Today, I am writing to share some recent news with you:

1. Over this past weekend, we updated our website to include more information on the NW 50 and NW 55. In addition, the “Welcome Page” now offers an opportunity for you to view our company video. Some of you may have seen it already on DVD, but in case you haven’t, it can be viewed by clicking on the video “view” link. Visit our site at www.nwtrawlers.com.
   
   
2. To help begin economic recovery soon; we have introduced our very own “Economic Stimulus Package”. For a limited time, we are offering very attractive financial incentives if you order a new Northwest Trawler. Complete information can be found on the home page by clicking the word “details” or “Northwest Trawlers Special Promotion” at the bottom of any page. This program is for a limited time so take a look and give us a call.
   
   
3. I am beginning a list of names of like minded people who may be interested in owning a Northwest Trawler as a fractional ownership or partnership. Aircraft fractional ownership programs have become quite popular in recent years because they divide the cost of ownership between several owners. A boat, like an airplane requires a significant capital investment and may not be used full time by the owner(s). The key to success in a multi-owner situation is to have the goals of the owners compatible. It is also very important to keep the boat well maintained and ready for the next owner’s use. This is something that we have extensive experience in having owned a bareboat charter/ yacht management company in the past. Fractional ownership can also get you out on the water cruising a Northwest Trawler sooner than if you waited until you had the time or resources to purchase one entirely on your own. And costs (insurance, moorage, maintenance, etc.) are also divided to keep cost minimal. If you have interest in fractional ownership, give me a call or drop me an email and I will add you to the list.
   
   
4. Nor’wester, our demonstrator boat is still for sale. She is very well priced at $879,000. This outstanding boat is extremely well equipped with: (partial list)

• Complete hydraulic package including stabilizers, bow thruster, windlass and auxiliary Bat Drive “get home” system.
• Advanced Electronics package including redundant radar, chart plotter and depth sounder. Also includes KVH satellite TV system and “fly by wire” jog stick for effort free steering.
• Watermaker.
• Long Range Fuel (900 gallons).
• Flybridge package including electronics.
• Air Conditioning/ Heat.

Replacement for a comparably equipped Northwest 45 would exceed $1.4M. In all my boating years, I have never experienced a boat as quiet, solid, and comfortable as Nor’wester. She is a boat you would be proud to own and she would give you years of pleasurable and safe cruising. Call me and schedule a sea trial to see for yourself. Northwest Trawlers has interest in building a Northwest 50 or 55 for a client and offering additional incentives or leasing it back for occasional use as a demonstrator or use for promotional purposes. Check with your accountant as this may have significant tax advantages for you. If you are interested, call me to discuss this further.

Boat construction financing is available as well as 20 year term financing to begin once construction is complete. Construction financing is through North county Bank, a local community bank that can be quite flexible. Longer term financing can be done through either North County or Trident Financial. We also will consider quality trade-ins toward the purchase of Nor’wester or a new Northwest Trawler.

Well, that’s it for now, except as always, if you are in the Anacortes area, please stop in and say hello.

Another Sneak Peek

Its been a busy week but I headed over to NW 5001 yesterday to see, first hand, the progress being made. I am always amazed at what the guys have accomplished. The boat is even more impressive in person than in pictures but I couldn't resist taking some more shots and posting them. Please bear in mind that the boat is still under construction so there is some dust and many things are not quite finished yet.
As I approached, this was what I first saw. The first think I noticed was how well she sits on her lines. Kudos to Steve Seaton for nailing the weight distribution. If you look carefully, you will see the new window arrangement on the port side of the pilothouse. (Click the image to enlarge it). Also notice the opening portlight aft of the angled window. This was an addition that the owners requested. I must admit that I was dubious of how it would look, but now I think it looks terrific.
I had to walk down the quay to see her from the other side. The dock blocks her a bit but still, she looks good.
Another thing that impressed me was the arch and sub mast. Check out that spotlight. I forget the candle power but I am told that it will turn night into day. The strong spotlight, coupled with the FLIR system aboard and the owner should be able to pick his way through pretty much anything.
From inside the pilothouse, you can see how much more light will be let in. The portlight being of an opening type will let in welcome air on those muggy nights. Oh.....I forgot, this boat has air conditioning as well as a diesel heating system so the portlight may remain closed if the a/c is running. It is still nice to have fresh air when you want it. And besides, we never have muggy weather here in the Northwest :-).
Looking around the pilothouse, you can see the overhead electronics panel. Plenty of room up there to put all the toys you ever would want. In a later post, I will detail what is aboard this boat.
This is the brains of the boat. Four flat screen panels adorn the burl faced instrument panel. The gear on this boat rivals that which I have seen on 100'+ boats. The small wheel is nice as with the joy stick and autopilot control, you seldom steer with the wheel.
As I walked past the day head, I couldn't resist taking a picture of the sink and backsplash.
Then I continued up to the galley and discovered that the guys had partially uncovered the counters and backsplash so I snapped another shot. They must have seen me with my camera out. The granite is spectacular and as previously reported, I love the Bertazzoni range. On our next boat, this will be my choice.

Well, that's all I have to report for now. Monday, if all goes well, there will be the first of the sea trials. I hope to ride along and if I do, I'll give you an update.

Have a great weekend.............

Seattle Boats Afloat Show Report and The Launch of the 50

The Show... We arrived back in Anacortes this afternoon aboard Nor'wester. The trip back was uneventful (the best kind) with smooth seas and favorable currents. I love it when you see 13 knots over the ground for extended periods. We even went through the Ballard locks without any delay. This never happens after a boat show. Usually it takes a couple of hours to clear through but today it took us only about 20 minutes.

The show itself was down in terms of both display participants and attendees. The numbers I heard were about 40% less boats than last year and mid-week they were saying that attendees were down about 25%. That's the bad news.....the good news is that those that boarded Nor'wester seemed to be in much better spirits than what we have experienced at recent shows and many were seriously looking at boats to make a purchase in the near future. Nor'wester got the usual ooohs and aaahs, with several people making serious inquiries that may result in sales.

The Launch..... On Friday last, the NW 50 (still unnamed) was launched in La Conner and moved to a slip for final commissioning. This process will take another 3-4 weeks. Below are a few pictures of her before, during and after the launch.

The Trailer Being Backed Into Place.

Almost Ready To Go.....

Leaving For La Conner

Installing The Radar Arch

The Launch

Underway To Twin Bridges

The Commissioning Slip

Stern View

The owners of this boat are having a difficult time deciding on a name. There have several suggestions but so far nothing has clicked with them. If you have any good ideas, either email them to me or leave a comment below. As you can see, the color scheme is the same as Nor'wester with the exception of the caprail, which is a gorgeous burgundy.

If any of you would like to view this boat before she is delivered, please contact me and I will make the arrangements.

More to follow..............