Northstar 600 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

As a Sparkman & Stephens design, the Northstar 600 prioritizes balance and predictability over raw speed. With a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 270, the vessel is firmly in the moderate displacement category, providing a much more "big boat" feel than its 26-foot length suggests. Its fin keel and spade rudder configuration, common for the era, allow for responsive tracking and a relatively tight turning radius, which is particularly beneficial in crowded marinas.

In terms of sail-carrying ability, the Northstar 600 features a masthead rig with a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of roughly 17.5. This allows the boat to perform admirably in light to moderate airs, though like many designs of its vintage, it benefits greatly from early reefing as the wind climbs toward 15 knots. Owners and reviewers often note that the boat is exceptionally "sea-kindly," meaning it resists the jerky motion found in lighter, flatter-bottomed modern boats. The hull’s deep V-sections forward help it slice through chop rather than pounding over it, a hallmark of the S&S design philosophy that prioritized comfort and safety during coastal passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a vessel of its size, the Northstar 600 offers an impressively functional interior. The cabin was designed with an emphasis on "weekending" for a small family, featuring a standard V-berth forward, a compact enclosed head to port, and a hanging locker to starboard. The main salon typically utilizes a classic layout with a settee that can double as a berth and a small galley area located near the companionway for optimal ventilation.

One of the standout features of the 600, often carried over into the Hughes 26 sibling, is the generous headroom. While many 26-footers of the early 70s required a "crouch-and-move" approach, the Northstar 600 offers nearly six feet of clearance in the main salon, achieved through a subtle coachroof rise that does not compromise the boat’s exterior aesthetics. The use of a molded fiberglass headliner provides a clean look and added insulation, though it can make accessing deck hardware backing plates more challenging for modern refits. Variations in the later Hughes 26 models often included updated teak trim and different upholstery packages, though the fundamental structural layout remained consistent across the production run.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Northstar 600 should focus on the common structural challenges associated with 1970s fiberglass construction. While the hulls are generally thick and robust, specific areas require close inspection:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many boats of this era, the Northstar 600 uses a balsa-cored deck. Soft spots are common around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Inspect for localized delamination or brown staining in the headliner, which indicates water ingress.
• Mast Step Compression: The mast is deck-stepped, supported by a compression post that transfers loads to the keel. It is essential to check for any sagging in the deck at the mast base or rot at the bottom of the wooden compression post where it meets the bilge.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder can develop "play" over time. Checking for excessive movement in the rudder stock and inspecting the fiberglass around the rudder port for stress cracks is a standard requirement for this model.
• Bulkhead Tabbing: In older Northstar models, the fiberglass "tabbing" that secures the structural bulkheads to the hull can sometimes pull away if the boat has been sailed hard in heavy seas. Ensure these connections remain rigid and show no signs of separation.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Northstar 600 benefit from a surprisingly active legacy community. Technical support and original specifications are often found through the Sparkman & Stephens Association, which maintains archives of design #2135. Additionally, because the boat shares its DNA with the Hughes 26, the Hughes Columbia Owners Group is a primary resource for technical manuals, rigging diagrams, and restoration advice. These communities provide a vital link for sourcing parts or understanding the unique construction quirks of the Huron Park factory where these vessels were born.

The Verdict

The Northstar 600 remains a highly respected entry-level cruiser for those who appreciate classic aesthetics and proven naval architecture. While it lacks the interior volume and "sugar scoop" transoms of modern designs, it offers a level of seaworthiness and build quality that is increasingly difficult to find at its price point.

Pros:

• Designed by Sparkman & Stephens, ensuring balanced and predictable handling.
• Exceptional headroom and interior volume for a 26-foot boat.
• Heavier displacement provides a comfortable motion in offshore chop.
• Strong community support and shared parts availability with the Hughes 26.

Cons:

• Dated deck hardware and balsa core issues require diligent maintenance.
• Small cockpit can feel cramped for more than three adults.
• Spade rudder and fin keel configuration are more vulnerable to impacts than full-keel designs.