North River Commander

[Radiator]

Looking for opinions on the NR Commander 21 ft. I'm going for a test ride this morning and would like some input before purchase. Mainly looking for likes/dislikes and things people wish they had on the boat. Thanks!!!:help:

[WaterDog]

*crickets*

;)

I've never owned one but know a few folks that do. I've driven a 21' commander and I thought it handled really well. The 350 had plenty of power and it will run way skinny. Turns on a dime and is predictable. I didnt care for the rather small windshield and the throttle on the dash. Of course if you like to stand up and run the boat then it's great. I'm also not a fan of the close couple on the HJ212. The intake area is pretty beefy and will take a pretty good hit. :twocents:

So how was the test ride?

[bighugetrout]

:agree::yeahthat:

Once you get familiar with the boat, the advantages of maneuverability are amazing compared to a prop boat. The hamilton pump has great reverse and gets up on plane, regardless of load, quickly.

[Regular Joe]

Yours to command !:clap:

[MikeN]

I had a 21 footer but upgraded to the 23 footer.

Test drive and you will buy it. They are awesome boats.

My new boat I had some custom options added that are sweet. PM if you want more details.

Good Luck. 21 foot North Rivers are sweeeeet boats!

The only negative thing that I have found is every trip has to start at the gas station!!

[Radiator]

MikeN you hit the home run. I drove it and instantly fell in love with it. Had a friend and my 2 year old daughter with meand that was the main test. Once she got used to the motor, she did excellent. Was able to freely move in the boat and it was very safe for her. Put the boat on hold and I'm now waiting for final approval from the bank. Looking forward to getting into some of the river systems that have great fishing away from bankies in a solid jet boat. Going to be putting 2 scotty electric riggers, a Yamaha T8, Humminbird finder, cooler attachment, and the NR anchor system.
YEE HAW BRING ON THE FISHIES!!:yay::yay:

[TH]

yup the
commander is (in my opinion) the best inbord on the market
you will also love the NR fit and finish!
just sold my 23'
it was sweet.....

[MikeN]

Radiator,

Very Cool. Take it easy and get used to it--that jet is very safe just take your time around docks and other boats until you really get the feel for how the bucket works. No gas no steering!!!!

Get the biggest NR anchor you can get. The NR anchor I purchased won't hold my boat if there is any current at all with a 100 foot rope.

Look at the rhino liner product to put on floors and the floor of the bow to protect from anchor etc.

If you have any other questions PM me. I have really researched North River and all their neat toys!!

Let me know how it goes and post pictures as soon as you can!!

[ripnlips1]

I have a 21 NR Commander. I love the boat, 415 hrs and counting. I get about 8 gal per hour which is very effiecent for a V8 jet. The only thing I would change is the Hami 213 punmp over the 212. I do 90% of my boating in the salt and the 213 is designed for saltwate use. If you stay in fresh water you'll love the 212! PM me if you have any other questions.

[WaterDog]

I have a 21 NR Commander. I love the boat, 415 hrs and counting. I get about 8 gal per hour which is very effiecent for a V8 jet. The only thing I would change is the Hami 213 punmp over the 212. I do 90% of my boating in the salt and the 213 is designed for saltwate use. If you stay in fresh water you'll love the 212! PM me if you have any other questions.

For around $50 you can get the extra anodes for the pump that will give you the same saltwater protection as the 213.

The ONLY difference between the 212 and 213 is anodes, bigger bearings, larger shaft, and hydraulic shift (which is sweet btw). Oh, and $3000+.

:twocents:

[ripnlips1]

I was told from NR in Tacoma, WA that the anodes alone were $230 let alone install expence. I spend a lot of time in the sound and have not had an issue, yet. I would like to add the anodes for more protection in the salt.

[WaterDog]

I was told from NR.....

That was your first problem. ;) :jester:

Seriously tho, Call Hamilton USA in Seattle and talk to Bart. I added the anodes about 6 months ago. Went down the the local hardware store and got the stainless metric machine screws for another 6 or 7 bucks. Your 212 manual will tell you the size of screws you need. I know they have a "saltwater kit" and that is what you were quoted. I got 4 of the external anodes and it takes about 10 mintutes to put them on. I think there is an internal anode but I did not get it because I didn't feel it's really needed at least for me. If I was mooring the boat in the salt all the time that maybe a different story. Removing and reinstalling the bucket/tailpipe is about a 10 minute job so it's not really a big deal if you want to go that far. The added anodes add another couple of pounds of zinc. All the mounting holes are there since the 212 and 213 are the same externally.

Sorry for the highjack..........:redface:

[ripnlips1]

Thanks water dog. I just put an offer on a house on the water and this mod will be a must if I move there!! Thanks

[cheeseburger]

Also i would add a washdown pump. I am waiting for delivery for my Seahhawk...hopefully this week!! they are only about 295 or so i think.

[MikeN]

Be careful with the washdown pump as you obviously don't want to spray saltwater all over your boat!!

[TH]

then how do you get the fish blood out of your boat?:smash: :laugh:
My washdown system was in the transom of my commander
in a neat little compartment, where I never used it
the wash down system in my new boat is in the gunnel tray, where it is easliy reached and turned on/off and hopefully used more?

[Radiator]

Well, everything has been approved and the extra toys are being bolted on right now. Picked up 2 scotty electric riggers, 35 lb NR anchor system that bolts to the bow of the boat (i don't anchor all that often), humminbird 787c2 finder (going to be adding another down the line), the cooler system, and a yamaha t8 kicker. The boss aka wife just deliverd my second daughter last week and won't be able to go for a ride anytime soon. Once she does, she'll be in heaven. Look out fishies, the dynamic father daughter duo is coming to a river and salt system near you!! :laugh::yay::smash:

[ripnlips1]

I too have two daughters that I take out on my Commander often. My 4 month old just took her first trip last weekend. Enjoy your boat with your family!

[MikeN]

Family Fun that's what it is all about!!

Have a blast with that new boat--remember to post pics.

[WaterDog]

Be careful with the washdown pump as you obviously don't want to spray saltwater all over your boat!!

You mean like this? :shrug:

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/saltwater_washdown.jpg

I don't know about you but I wash all the blood off even in the ocean. :twocents:

[MikeN]

After going through 3 starters on my first boat I try to keep all the salt water that I can out of the bilge area!! Even with the bilge pumps going that salt in the bilge is not healthy for jetboats!!

I usually use wet towels to wipe up the blood and fish slime. I carry 2 gallons of water and dump some on the floor ans wipe with towels. Works well for me.:twocents:

If you like filling your bilge with saltwater go ahead!!:laugh:

[ripnlips1]

Don't forget to order the fishermans curtain (drop curtain). Your NR will come standard with the Top Gun top and side curtains but you'll need the back curtain if you plan on using your boat year round. You can see it in this picture along with my 2 year old in my truck bed ready to go shrimping last year on Hood Cannal.

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/North_River1.jpg (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/53131/ppuser/10322)

[Radiator]

Picked up the boat this am and it's wonderful to look at for sure!! Going out for it's maiden voyage tomorrow. It did come with the back drop and I had 2 elec DRs, humminbird 787 finder, cooler attachment, sleeper seats, bow mount anchor system, and yamaha t8 put on it. Can't wait to bloody it up.:smash::smash::yay::yay:

[ripnlips1]

Congrats on your new tub! You'll get a lot of use out of the sleeper seats. My daughter uses them between 12-2 every time she out on the boat!

http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/thumbs/Nap_time.jpg (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/uploads/10322/Nap_time.jpg)