PRE LOVED: USED NORTHBANK 600C - SOLD

USED HERO: NORTHBANK 600C 

I last tested a Northbank 600C in the unpredictable waters of South Australia’s Backstairs Passage where the powerful southern ocean swells meet the peaks and troughs of a fast-flowing tidal run that separates the mainland from Kangaroo Island. Like all waterways it can show its gentle side but just watch out when that infamous Cape Jervis wind farm starts whirling in the opposite direction to the tidal flow – it’s a veritable washing machine. To say that the tough Northbank Cuddy did it with sure-footed confidence is an understatement – it slayed it!

VISIONARY MAN

Northbank Boats started life with the vision of Jaan Lindsaar at the Fletchers Slipway in Port Adelaide in 1996. Lindsaar was a well-respected boatbuilder in his own right who started the line with the original Northbank 540 Runabout, then the Cuddy version. Success followed and expansion developed as he worked closely with Adelaide’s Jonathon Kemp, a forward-thinking naval architect who drew up the plans for the new 600 and 650 Cuddy’s on CAD/CAM modelling.

Yet time halts for no man and the years were taking their toll on the ageing Lindsaar, hence Adelaide businessman and marine mechanic Rob Cuming purchasing the going concern in December 2003.

Northbank has gone from strength to strength with the further development of the 500C, 540C, 650 WA (Walk Around), two options of the popular 650 Hard Top and the flagship 750 Hard Top that wowed us all in Trade-a-Boat's Australia’s Greatest Boats competition in Eden in 2016 with its mighty Volvo inboard diesel.

Northbank boats are built to the old standard of a heavy fibreglass layup including woven rovings and biaxial cloth with strong synthetic reinforcing. In fact my tour through the workshop showed that other than improvements in material composites I was pleased to see it still uses the same methods for construction as taught to me some 40 years ago where a “more is better” attitude prevails.

Nowadays, Northbank has spread its wings nationally with dealerships in every state except the NT, including two in Queensland and two in South Australia.

THE DEALER SAYS...

“How’s this for a big, bold and robust 6m fibreglass half cabin? The Northbank 600 needs no fancy introduction, they are a proven workhorse of a hull. Type the make and model into Google and there's a plethora of information and reviews on these proven craft.

KIT & CABOODLE

The Northbank 600C is very high on my ideal boat 'bucket list'. It is a serious piece of kit wrapped-up in an easily handled 6m package with a broad-bodied 21-degree deadrise providing a very comfortable ride with terrific stability. The overall size and layout seems to fit me better than my favourite old pair of jeans.

Whilst modern transom designs present some wonderful workstations, I like the simplicity of a full engine well, and the deck space, storage and helm layout is exceptionally workable, but with a fresh modern feel. Whilst the model is rated to accept up to 200hp maximum, the manufacturer actually recommends 150hp as the ideal package.

The depth of freeboard and cockpit space offered in the layout rivals that of much larger craft. This is ideal for offshore fishing and combines well with the soft-riding hull for choppy water. In the same breath, the boat is also fitted with accessories conducive to a family day on the water, with seating for five via the rear lounge and two midship seats atop storage boxes.

The transom also finds favour for families that enjoy swimming and snorkelling with a large walk-through transom and door for easy reboarding. Storage abounds throughout the boat from under-bunk cushions to the large side pockets. Overhead we have replaced the old fabric on the bimini and attached fishing rod storage for six rods.

ABSOLUTE POWER

The featured pre-loved package is powered by a V6 Mercury 150hp EFI two-stroke outboard delivering exceptional power and reliability with pleasing fuel economy. It boasts a Vengeance stainless steel propeller and the ease of SeaStar hydraulic steering. The motor has recorded a low 95 hours of use since new and has also passed the dealer's pre-sale mechanical inspections and who also offers a limited BIA engine warranty for buyer confidence.

Other key features include a comfortable helm with an assortment of engine gauges and a large Northstar M84 combo colour screen sounder/GPS. There’s also a 27 meg radio for communication plus marine stereo, boat board, plumbed livebait tank, under-floor kill tank, high internal freeboard, cockpit grab rails, padded coamings, under-floor fuel tank, a quality Dunbier Supa Rolla tandem-axle braked trailer with spare wheel, freshly trimmed canopy, two seats mounted on storage boxes, folding rear lounge, rocket launcher, stainless steel boarding ladder and platform, carpeted floor, walk-through transom with transom door, side pockets, glove box, stainless steel bow, side and transom rails, windscreen grab rail, and plenty of rod and drink holders throughout.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Priced at under $40K tow-away, this beautiful 2008 Northbank 600C offers excellent buying for the family fisherman backed with the confidence of buying through a reputable and well-established dealership. 

At an asking price of $38,995, this is under half the replacement price for a well-fitted package, with only 95 engine hours on the Mercury EFI. 

quick specs

Northbank 600C

USED PRICE $38,995

MATERIAL GRP

TYPE Monohull

LENGTH 6.3m (overall)

BEAM 2.42m

WEIGHT Approx 1900kg

BERTHS Half cabin

FUEL Approx 150lt

SOLD