Northwind 6.3m Sheltered Console

Garry Smith Cairns
Marcel Maujean, from Cairns Custom Craft, has created a magnificent blue-water fishing craft, with his latest release the Northwind 6.3m Sheltered Console. The Northwind is designed to get the angler to the fishing grounds comfortably, quickly, economically and dry.
Marcel's idea of fishing is to spend a maximum of half a day on the water and the Northwind is designed with this in mind, as the first Sheltered Console was built for his own use.
The high length-beam ratio, deep V and reverse chines provide an incredibly smooth ride. Once on the fishing grounds, the Northwind's layout is perfect for the fisho who wishes to sportfish, fly-fish or bottom-bash. The key to passenger comfort is the Sheltered Console, which allows two people to sit and another two to stand behind the seats, in complete protection from wind, rain and spray. The zip-open front and side screens allow excellent ventilation when required, while the standard perspex screen still offers good protection.
Eye-catching
Without the fitted screen and canopy, the Sheltered Console has a Targa bar look, which is also pleasing to the eye. The Northwind is certainly eye-catching and looks magnificent on the water, with its long lines and high bow which turns down slightly at the nose.
Marcel's own boat, used for this test, is set up specifically for fly-fishing and doesn't have a bow rail or bowsprit. The front deck is clear of any obstructions which could catch a fly-line.
In keeping with this theme, Marcel has created a unique anchoring system, which has the rope passing through a recessed tube, with a gap in the top, to take the rope. The rope is secured, using a simple cleat, inside the anchor well.
Two hatches give access to under-floor storage, on the foredeck and there is still stacks of room to build in a front seat, or position a large esky, directly in front of the Sheltered Console if desired.
The Sheltered Console has huge storage areas under the dash and in boxes under the seats, which have hatched access from the rear. Side pockets, running the length of the aft cockpit, and the kill-pen under the rear centre-seat, complete the storage.
Ample power
I particularly like the design and location of the padded rear seat, which offers 360-degree access and has a hinged backrest, to allow forward and backward facing. Marcel is using the interior of this seat as a kill pen, but it could also be converted into an esky or used as a storage box.
The Northwind is powered by twin 50hp Johnson two-strokes, which deliver ample power. They produced 54km/h (28.8 knots) at 5600rpm, which is more than enough speed for all but Formula One fishos. Marcel's prefers to cruise at the top of the motor's power band, which is around 4700rpm, and this produced 44km/h (23 knots). Other readings were 37km/h (20 knots) at 4000rpm, 42.6km/h (22.4 knots) at 4500rpm and 50km/h (27 knots) at 5200rpm. The twin 50s pushed the Northwind onto the plane with no discernable nose-lift. This can be achieved almost instantly, when the motors are gunned, or it can gradually be brought onto the plane using surprisingly low revs.
Safety, economy\
The Northwind is set up with safety and economy as the paramount features, hence the twin motors of relatively low horsepower. Larger twins, or a single motor, can be fitted if required. To increase safety, the motors are set up independently, except for the steering arm. They have their own battery, charging and starting systems, along with a 100-litre under-floor fuel tank each. All of these features can be linked, if required, at the flick of a switch.
We took the Northwind out the Cairns Inlet into a wild sea, whipped up by a 20- to 25-knot sou'-easter. Once we cleared the protection of the headlands, the sea conditions were atrocious. A half- to one-metre sea was coming from all directions, with the wind turning the tops of the waves to foam.
The Northwind handled the conditions exceptionally well, at all angles to the waves and the faster we went, the smoother the ride became. Marcel tried to force a wave over the bow to show how well the Sheltered Console protected passengers, but all he could manage was spray. Passengers have full-height grab rails on the back edge of the console for security, when standing. A grab rail along the sides and across the front of the Sheltered Console allows secure movement around the boat.
Smooth ride
The ride was incredibly smooth and even when we launched off a swell, there was no spine-jarring landing. In spite of the relatively narrow beam, the Northwind was very stable at rest and on the plane. Even beam-on to the sea, it remained surprisingly steady. Three of us stood on one side of the boat at rest, with our thighs against the gunwale, and we still felt secure.
The best thing about the handling was that the Northwind required no steering to negotiate the swell, even when running at an angle to the sea. Just how good the handling was became very apparent when we followed a 14-metre charter boat back to harbour and watched it continually broach, while the Northwind remained as true as an arrow.
The workmanship and finish, as with all Cairns Custom Craft, is exceptional. Marcel predominantly builds large luxury vessels for the international market, especially Japan, which has a fierce reputation for demanding quality products.
Everything at hand
The fisho will find everything at hand, except the live bait tank, which is positioned between the motors in the engine well. This allows through-transom water circulation and a long-handled scoop solves the bait-retrieval problem.
Above the motors is a large bait board, with a four-piece rocket launcher on the back. Four more rod holders are found on the back of the Targa bar and there are three through-gunwale rod holders, along each side.
Access is via a boarding platform, with a fold-down ladder, on the port side, while the starboard side has a berley bucket fitted. Marcel has also installed a 40psi saltwater deck wash and a 60-litre freshwater shower.
The Northwind Sheltered Console has all the creature comforts and is an exceptional blue-water fishing craft. It also has the advantage of excellent weather protection for the fisho who wants to spend time on the water with the family.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Length 6.3m
Beam 2.4m
Bottom 5mm
Sides 3mm