North River Boats for Sale

Jet boats for southern Oregon rivers

North River was founded in Roseburg in 1974 to build jet boats for the shallow, rocky rivers of southern Oregon. As fishing seasons changed, it added deep-V outboard boats for bigger rivers, estuaries and the ocean.

In 2001 or 2002 (sources differ) North River bought Almar, which built workboats for commercial and government customers, including the US Navy and Coast Guard. Almar was folded into the Roseburg plant in 2008. Brent Hutchings took over in 2012 and bought the company with his wife Chrys in 2014. In 2017 he set up an employee stock ownership plan, and in late 2023 North River and Willie Boats joined under an employee-owned company, 44° North Marine.

The Seahawk

The Seahawk is North River's best-known recreational line. It comes in outboard and offshore versions with a deep-V welded hull, extruded chines and an offshore bracket.

Seahawk Offshore by the numbers

North River's 2026 dealer book lists three Seahawk Offshore SXL sizes, all on a 9'6" beam with a .250-inch aluminum bottom and 42-inch sides in .190 aluminum:

• 2700SXL: 30'3" overall, 160 gallons of fuel, 6,300 lbs dry, 8 people, 600 hp max.
• 2900SXL: 32'3" overall, 170 gallons, 6,750 lbs dry, 8 people, 600 hp max.
• 3100SXL: 34'3" overall, 200 gallons, 7,215 lbs dry, 10 people, 900 hp max.

The 900 hp rating on the 3100 is new. North River's 2023 standard features sheet for the same boat listed 850 hp, so check the capacity plate on a used boat rather than assuming the current number. The dealer book also notes the top rating may need an upgraded offshore bracket.

The 2023 sheet gives a 24-degree deadrise with a 55-degree hull entry. That fine bow is part of why these boats are popular with Pacific Northwest and Alaska fishermen.

Plan for the trailer. The 2026 book puts the length from coupler to main engine at 37 to 41 feet depending on model, with an 11'6" highest point. That's longer and taller than many garages and storage lots allow.

What to check on a used North River

Welds. Look along the keel, chines and transom welds for cracks, especially on boats run hard on rivers or across coastal bars.

Jet or outboard. A jet boat has a different set of checks: the jet pump, wear ring and impeller, and the intake grate. Ask how many rock strikes it has had.

Corrosion. Aluminum in salt needs working anodes and no stray current. Look for pitting near the transom and under the deck where water sits.

Cabin and heater. Many have hardtop or full cabins with heaters for Northwest winters. Check the cabin seals for leaks and run the heater.

Trailer. North Rivers are heavy. Check the trailer's brakes and rating.

Recalls. Run the hull number through the Coast Guard database.