Northriver Vs. Northwestjet

[EP1627]

Hi everyone, fairly new to the site and saw a lot of you all are very willing to give oppinions on various topics.

I'm currently looking at purchasing either a Northriver 21 ft commander or a 21 ft Northwest Lightning. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two boats and what they would recommend or discourage about them.

Thanks in advance.

[Tacklebuster]

Hi everyone, fairly new to the site and saw a lot of you all are very willing to give oppinions on various topics.

I'm currently looking at purchasing either a Northriver 21 ft commander or a 21 ft Northwest Lightning. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two boats and what they would recommend or discourage about them.

Thanks in advance.

Ride in both. Then go look at the back door of the places. Customer service and who you have working on your boat after you buy it and the quality work they put into it is what matters the most. Find people who own both and speak with them in private, they will more likely tell you their real experiences and then after all that fun stuff is over.... make your choice. Pick a salesperson that you really have a gut feeling will take care of you after the sale. Pick an establishment that really believes in repeat customers and I think your decision will be simple.

The boat is really the small part of the decision.

[jimh]

The hull designs are quite a bit different. You have to decide what you will use it for. I'd give the North River the edge in smaller rivers and the Northwest the edge in bigger whitewater, chop, and saltwater in general. Also, I believe Northwest will allow you more custom choices if that matters to you.

[Marines511]

drive both they're both good boats and don't let a sales man make your decision
if you wamt to know i when north river

[EP1627]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all the help.

[KROY]

I bought a Commander, my buddy bought a Lightning a month later. They are both good boats. I've driven them both a lot.

The NR is better in skinny stuff and runs flatter on step. The NR is designed to drive standing up so you can see the skinny stuff. The windshield is to small for a good view while sitting. I like the articulating wipers over the ones on the NW. I like the engine cover over the NW. I like the single control for quick maneuvers around the dock or in current.
I like the wider gunnel for leaning on while fishing. I like the ETS. I like the full swim deck because of exhaust coming in the back while pulling tubes and wake-boards.


The NW is better in heavy stuff, ocean, and pulling skiers with the dual controls. It allows you to feather the throttle on long trips. The NW has a wider dash and helm. It has a bigger windshield and more room inside. It rides better on long ocean trips, 14 degree bottom with 20 degree bow. They do offer more options like hard top, partial deck or full deck. You can also get a rigid top with canvas which would be nice for towing.

I'm sure I missed a bunch of stuff but that's a quick rundown. If I had to do it over again I'd still be picking bugs out of my teeth. :crazy:

[Boats]

Love my NR Seahawk... Never came close to having a regret.
It is the perfect boat (for me). :)

[8salmon]

Hi everyone, fairly new to the site and saw a lot of you all are very willing to give oppinions on various topics.

I'm currently looking at purchasing either a Northriver 21 ft commander or a 21 ft Northwest Lightning. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either of these two boats and what they would recommend or discourage about them.

Thanks in advance.


I was faced with the same decision this year and I spent 4 months doing my research before making a new purchase. Both the NW and NR build good boats and whatever you do river test both and consideration must be applied to the water you plan to play in. My final choice was the Custom Weld 21ft Storm Inboard with partial hard Top. Take a look at the CW they also make a very good boat with equal build quality of the NW and pricing is definately worth evaluating. Ask me how I know by PM. I'M not hijacking this thread to promote Custom Weld Boats, just thought I'd throw in another option. Decisions Decisions........

[cannonball]

aving owned a NW and a custom weld, Id choose he custom weld, more bang for your buck.