North Wind 58 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Despite its substantial displacement of approximately 54,000 to 68,000 lbs (depending on the specific build year and equipment load), the North Wind 58 is far from a sluggish motor-sailer. With a Displacement/Length ratio of roughly 185, it is relatively agile for a yacht of its volume. In sea trials documented by Cruising World, the yacht demonstrated impressive pace, "loping along at 8.7 knots" in a short, steep chop while maintaining a comfortable, sea-kindly motion.

The cutter rig is standard, often featuring hydraulic in-mast furling and headsail reefing. This setup allows a shorthanded crew to manage the 1,760 square feet of working sail area with minimal physical strain. The ballast ratio of nearly 40% ensures significant stiffness, allowing the boat to carry its canvas well into the upper wind ranges. Steering is reported to be precise, aided by a large spade rudder and a fin keel with a bulb, which provides the necessary leverage for a 7' 8" draft. An "Aqua Drive" shaft coupling is frequently found on these models, significantly reducing vibration and noise under power, which is typically provided by a 125hp or 160hp Yanmar diesel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The North Wind 58’s interior is defined by its raised "deck saloon," which utilizes single-piece curved glass to flood the living area with natural light and provide panoramic views. The craftsmanship is of a high order, featuring hand-fitted Burmese teak throughout. The most common configuration is the "Owner's Version," which boasts a massive, full-beam aft master suite with a private head and separate stall shower.

Variants of the hull include a four-cabin layout, which incorporates a dedicated crew cabin or a smaller bunk-room for children, and three guest heads. The galley is typically positioned a few steps down from the main saloon, providing a secure workspace at sea without disconnecting the cook from the social atmosphere. Sibling models like the North Wind 62 share a similar design language but offer even greater interior volume, while the smaller North Wind 54 (K-2) introduced features like a retractable keel for shallower cruising grounds.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners should pay close attention to the following high-signal technical areas:

• Hydraulic System Maintenance: As a "push-button" cruiser, the 58 relies heavily on hydraulic systems for furling, winches, and the stern swim platform. Inspection of the power pack and looking for seal leaks in the mast and furling motors is essential.
• Teak Deck Longevity: Standard decks were constructed with 12mm Burmese teak. While high quality, boats from the early 2000s may be reaching the end of their service life if they have been aggressively sanded or kept in high-UV environments. Check for "proud" bungs and thinning planks.
• Electrical Complexity: To support air conditioning, watermakers, and hydraulic loads, these yachts feature complex 12V/24V/220V systems. Ensure the 8kW or 10kW generator and the dual-alternator setup on the main engine are functioning correctly.
• Structural Grid: Given the Kevlar-reinforced vinyl ester construction, the hull itself is extremely robust. However, the keel-to-hull joint and the internal structural grid should be inspected for any signs of hard groundings, especially given the yacht's 7.7-foot draft.

Community & Resources

Owners of North Wind yachts often connect through regional cruiser associations or technical forums dedicated to high-end European cruisers. While there is no single global registry, the North Wind Owners Group (occasionally hosted via Facebook or private mailing lists) serves as a repository for technical manuals and refit advice. For architectural technicalities, the Sparkman & Stephens archives remain the primary authority for hull lines and original sail plans.

The Verdict

The North Wind 58 is a sophisticated choice for a cruising couple or family seeking a yacht that prioritizes both aesthetics and oceangoing safety.

Pros:

• Exquisite S&S-designed hull with excellent heavy-weather stability.
• Luminous, high-volume deck saloon with superior 360-degree visibility.
• High-quality mechanical installations and soundproofing (Aqua Drive).
• Robust construction utilizing vinyl ester and Kevlar reinforcements.

Cons:

• Systems-heavy design requires consistent and potentially expensive professional maintenance.
• Deep draft of 7' 8" limits access to many popular Caribbean and ICW gunkholes.
• Complex hydraulic systems lack the "simplicity" some purist blue-water sailors prefer.