Design and Construction
The Northeast 400 displaces 21,900 pounds and carries 6,800 pounds of lead ballast. It has a 13.67-foot beam, a 34.75-foot waterline, and a fin keel drawing just under five feet.
The hull is robustly built, with a solid fiberglass laminate and a very thick outer skin for strength. Buyers could also order the hull with Core-Cell or balsa coring, which provided sound and temperature insulation while controlling weight. A blister-resistant outer layer of vinylester resin supports the 10-year hull warranty.
In the bilge, a rugged fiberglass grid system with no integral wood eliminates the possibility of future rot. A solid fiberglass subfloor sits on top of the grid, capped by a teak strip floor. The Mars Metals lead keel is securely bolted into the massive grid. For additional stiffness, Cabo Rico uses true structural bulkheads fiberglassed directly to the hull.
The deck is balsa-cored, with solid fiberglass in high-load areas and around through-deck penetrations. Hull and deck meet in a U-channel joint beneath a solid teak caprail. An inward-facing flange on the hull allows the deck to wrap over it, forming a raised bulwark. The through-bolted joint is bonded with 3M 5200 and secured with stainless fasteners and aircraft-style locking nuts. The result is a very stiff structure that eliminates flex underway.
Rig, Deck, and Handling
The Northeast 400 carries a masthead-sloop rig. Its ample sail plan drives the boat nicely when the wind allows and steadies it while motorsailing. The very stiff hull form can carry plenty of sail. The builder’s president reported running a Northeast under full sail in 25 knots and making almost 9 knots.
The wide side decks, raised bulwarks, secure lifelines, and ample handholds along the pilothouse provide a safe route forward from the cockpit. Lines are neatly led aft to the cockpit coamings, and the deck hardware is robust and well installed.
A proper helm station occupies the cockpit. Cabo Rico surrounded the pilothouse with glass, giving excellent visibility through the structure. An optional bow thruster exists, although owners have been satisfied with the boat’s single-screw handling.
The 100-horsepower Yanmar diesel pushes the easily driven hull to 10 knots, though economical cruising takes place at a lower speed. A fixed three-bladed propeller provides plenty of authority in reverse.
Cockpit and Interior
The wide, deep cockpit seats have supportive backrests and feel secure. A large table with internal storage sits at the center, while cavernous lockers can swallow cruising gear and bicycles. A transom boarding door and full swim platform add practical utility.
Step through the sliding door and the bright, airy interior remains on the same level as the cockpit, opening into a wide saloon. At its forward end, an inside steering station offers a comfortable place to helm in cold or wet weather, with very good visibility.
Forward and to port, a step leads down to the galley. It includes a large top-loading refrigerator and freezer, ample counter space, a gimbaled Force 10 stove, deep sinks, Corian countertops, and cabinetry with room for a microwave.
To starboard, a flexible area can be built as a second cabin, office, or den, often with a propane or diesel fireplace. Just forward is the head, with a conventional full head and integral shower available.
The forward master stateroom has an island queen berth and plenty of storage. The entire berth lifts on gas struts to reveal another huge locker.
Equipment and System Access
Engine and systems access is excellent. The main entry is through a large panel in the saloon floor, leading to a brightly lit space fitted with twin selectable Racor filters, a beefy strainer, and ample electrical systems.
A furling 140-percent genoa, paired with the optional furling main, has proved a popular easy-living choice.
Verdict
The Northeast 400 is a genuinely dual-purpose yacht: a stiff, well-built pilothouse cruiser whose Ellis-designed hull sails with real purpose yet motors with the calm authority of a trawler. Construction details such as the wood-free grid and bonded hull-to-deck joint argue for longevity. Its light, level interior and two steering stations are well suited to serious cruising.
Pros
- A true motorsailer that sails and motors well, per review testing
- Wood-free fiberglass grid and bonded hull-to-deck joint provide stiffness and resistance to rot
- Excellent engine access
- Well-appointed galley and master stateroom
- Secure foredeck and wide sightlines through the glass pilothouse
Cons
- The fixed three-bladed propeller creates slight sailing resistance compared with a feathering unit
- Furling mainsail was optional rather than standard
