Northern 1/4 Ton Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Northern 1/4 Ton began production in 1972, a pivotal year for its builder, Northern Yachts Ltd., which was founded by Dennis Furnis and Chuck Walters. The company operated from Ajax, Ontario, emphasizing craftsmanship in their fiberglass yacht construction. Northern Yachts Ltd. aimed to create reliable and well-built vessels, a philosophy evident in models like the Northern 1/4 Ton.

The design of the Northern 1/4 Ton is attributed to Cuthbertson & Cassian, a division of C&C Yachts, a firm well-known for producing yachts that could excel on the racecourse while offering practical cruising features. This design philosophy aimed for a balance of performance and usability, a common trait in the Quarter Ton class, which sought competitive racing for a modest outlay. The strong resemblance and shared design origins with the Mirage 24 suggest a similar lineage and design intent. While specific variations during its production run are not widely detailed, its solid fiberglass hull and deck construction were standard.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Northern 1/4 Ton, true to its Quarter Ton class heritage, was designed to be a competitive racer. While it's a small boat, anecdotal evidence from owners of its close relative, the Mirage 24, suggests they are easy to sail and can still offer surprising performance on the race course. Owners often describe them as well-balanced vessels that handle predictably. The masthead sloop rig, with a reported total sail area of 219.0 square feet, provides ample power for its displacement. Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to responsive handling and maneuverability, characteristics desirable for both racing and day sailing. Some owners have referred to the Mirage 24, and by extension the Northern 1/4 Ton, as a "ladies boat" due to its ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Northern 1/4 Ton, similar to the Mirage 24, is designed to provide basic but functional accommodations suitable for weekend cruising or overnight stays. While specific headroom figures are not available, given its overall length of 23.67 feet and compact design, the interior layout is typical for boats of this size. Based on common layouts for the Mirage 24, the boat likely features a V-berth forward, a compact salon area that may include opposing settees, and a small galley area, possibly with a sink and space for a stove. A marine head would typically be found within the cabin, often integrated with the V-berth area. Storage is usually limited but efficient, with lockers under settees and berths. The use of materials would generally lean towards straightforward fiberglass finishes, possibly with some wood trim, reflecting the boatbuilding practices of the early 1970s. Ventilation would primarily be provided by a forward hatch and possibly a companionway hatch.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Northern 1/4 Ton and its closely related counterpart, the Mirage 24, generally praise their solid construction and robust build quality. These boats are often highlighted for being wonderful and easy to sail. However, some common issues noted by owners of the Mirage 24, which may also apply to the Northern 1/4 Ton due to their similar design and age, include the potential for rot in the beam and post under the mast step, and deck-to-hull joint loosening over time, which can lead to leaks requiring re-bedding. Despite these potential maintenance items typical of older fiberglass boats, the enduring presence of these vessels on the water is a testament to their fundamental quality and the appreciation owners have for these classic Canadian-built sailboats.