North Star 80/20 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the North Star 80/20 commenced in 1973, emerging from Northstar Yachts Ltd., a division of Hughes Boat Works after its acquisition by US Steel in 1969. During this period, Northstar Yachts leveraged designs primarily from Sparkman & Stephens, with the 80/20 being Sparkman & Stephens design #2134. The design ethos behind the 80/20 was clearly geared towards creating a substantial cruising yacht, capable of handling challenging offshore conditions with confidence. The vessel's long keel hull form reflects a traditional approach to stability and tracking. Over its production run, the North Star 80/20 saw its identity evolve; it was later renamed the Hughes 40, and a version was also built in Korea as the Swift 40, testament to the enduring appeal of its design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The North Star 80/20 is fundamentally a heavy cruiser, a characteristic confirmed by its Displacement-Length Ratio (DLR) of approximately 368.5. This places it firmly in the category of a traditional, heavier displacement vessel, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than light-air agility. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 14.8, the 80/20 is not designed for blistering speed in light winds, but rather to perform steadily once the breeze builds. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.365 suggests good inherent stability, allowing it to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind.

Equipped with a ketch rig, the North Star 80/20 offers a balanced sail plan where the total sail area is distributed across a main, genoa, and mizzen. This arrangement is generally favored for cruising, as it allows for greater flexibility in sail configuration and easier handling in stronger winds by reducing individual sail sizes. The long keel design contributes significantly to the boat's excellent directional stability, enabling it to track well on a course. Owners frequently report that the vessel "will go to windward like it's on rails" in a breeze, highlighting its ability to maintain heading even if it's not known as an "upwind demon" in terms of pointing ability. This combination of a heavy hull and ketch rig makes the 80/20 a stable and sturdy platform, well-suited for extended voyages and comfortable passage-making.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed as a center-cockpit vessel, the North Star 80/20, also known as the Hughes 40, typically features an aft-cabin layout, a highly sought-after configuration for cruising yachts providing a private owner's stateroom. The generous beam of 13.33 feet (some sources suggest over 14 feet) contributes to a spacious interior. Common arrangements found on these vessels include a two-stateroom, two-head layout, offering ample comfort and privacy for multiple crew or guests. Some iterations even incorporated an inside steering station, a valuable feature for maintaining watch in inclement weather while providing the visibility of outdoor navigation. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the boat's overall dimensions suggest comfortable standing room in the main salon and cabins. Reviews and owner descriptions often point to a practical, liveable interior, prioritizing storage and long-term comfort essential for a true cruising yacht.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the North Star 80/20 (or Hughes 40) generally laud its solid construction and comfortable motion, particularly appreciating its stability and tracking in heavy weather. Many value it as a reliable and capable long-distance cruising yacht. However, some owners note that its heavy displacement and traditional hull form mean it is not a performance-oriented racer, particularly in light air, and may not point as high as more modern designs. A common maintenance concern that has surfaced over time involves the potential for floor and tank rot in the area around the mast, a detail often requiring attention in older vessels of this type. Despite these points, the North Star 80/20 continues to be appreciated by a dedicated community of owners for its enduring quality and blue-water capabilities.