South Coast Northbridge Eclipse Information, Review, Specs

Often marketed as the Eclipse 6.7 to reflect its 6.7-meter length (approximately 22 feet), the vessel features a slightly increased freeboard and a distinct deck mold that provides more interior volume than its predecessor. Though South Coast Seacraft closed its doors in 1981, the Northbridge Eclipse remains a sought-after curiosity among pocket-cruising enthusiasts who appreciate the Alberg lineage but desire the updated rig and layout of this later variant.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Northbridge Eclipse is a masthead sloop characterized by a high sail area-to-displacement (SA/D) ratio, often calculated above 24. This technical profile suggests a boat that is notably "over-rigged" for its size, granting it exceptional performance in light air and a lively feel compared to contemporary competitors like the Catalina 22. According to technical data utilized by US Sailing for PHRF handicapping, the Eclipse is recognized as a distinct model from the standard South Coast 22, often carrying a slightly different performance profile due to its rig modifications.

Unlike the standard SC 22, which utilized boom-end sheeting, the Eclipse was designed with mid-boom sheeting and a traveler mounted immediately forward of the companionway. This change improves cockpit ergonomics by clearing the aft area for passengers, though it increases the physical effort required to trim the mainsail. On the water, the boat is reported to be tender initially, common for light displacement swing-keelers, but it stabilizes as the hull settles into its lines. Its shallow draft of approximately 18 inches with the keel up allows for "gunkholing" in waters where deeper draft vessels cannot venture, while the 550-pound swing keel provides the necessary leverage for windward beating when fully deployed.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Northbridge Eclipse is a classic pocket-cruiser layout, but with several key improvements over the older Alberg designs. One of the most significant structural changes is the elimination of the interior compression post. While the SC 22 required a pole to support the mast, the Eclipse utilizes a "header" system—a built-up, reinforced fiberglass beam integrated into the cabin top—to distribute mast loads. This creates a much more open feel in the main cabin.

The cabin offers a V-berth forward, though owner reports on the South Coast Owners technical pages suggest it is best used for storage or by children, as the hull's taper limits legroom. A notable feature is the extended starboard berth, which can accommodate sailors up to 6'6" by extending aft under the cockpit. The port side typically houses a smaller settee/berth and a dedicated area for a portable head. The use of a foam-backed fabric liner on the hull interior provides better insulation than bare fiberglass, though these liners are known to deteriorate and become messy over decades of use.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

• Keel Trunk and Pivot Bolt: Like many swing-keel boats of this era, the pivot bolt and the fiberglass trunk are high-wear areas. Prospective buyers should inspect the trunk for stress cracks and the bolt for signs of electrolysis or elongated holes, which can cause "keel clunk" while underway.
• Deck Core Integrity: The Eclipse utilizes an end-grained balsa sandwich construction for the deck. This provides great stiffness but is highly susceptible to rot if water penetrates through hardware beddings. Soft spots around the chainplates, stanchions, and the forward hatch are common.
• Forward Hatch Sealing: The Eclipse features a unique forward hatch that differs from the SC 22. Owners have frequently noted that the seal on this hatch is prone to leakage during heavy spray or when taking a wave over the bow, requiring aftermarket gasket replacement.
• Cockpit Drainage: The cockpit drains via a tube leading to the stern. Due to the boat's trim, water can often pool at the aft end of the cockpit floor before reaching the forward-mounted drains. Checking for standing water damage or clogged drain lines is essential.
• Mast Support Header: While the header system replaced the compression post, buyers should check the cabin top for any "crowning" or sagging, which indicates that the internal structural header has been compromised by excessive rig tension or core rot.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical support is the South Coast Owners' Association (SCOA), which maintains an extensive repository of manuals, rig dimensions, and restoration logs. Because the Eclipse was a lower-volume model compared to the standard SC 22, many owners rely on the shared knowledge of the broader South Coast community for parts and rigging advice.

The Verdict

The Northbridge Eclipse is a capable, vintage trailer-sailer that offers a unique blend of Carl Alberg's classic aesthetics and late-70s structural innovation. It is an ideal choice for the budget-conscious sailor who prioritizes light-air performance and ease of trailering.

Pros

• Light Air Agility: The generous sail plan makes it much faster than many other 22-foot cruisers in light winds.
• Open Interior: The lack of a compression post provides a significantly less cluttered cabin experience.
• Trailerability: The swing-keel design and modest weight make it easy to launch and retrieve from standard ramps.

Cons

• Tender Nature: The high rig and light ballast mean the boat heels quickly and requires early reefing as winds increase.
• Maintenance Intensity: Balsa core decks and aging interior liners require a dedicated owner willing to perform fiberglass and cosmetic repairs.
• Limited Headroom: With only 51 inches of headroom, life below deck is strictly a "sitting only" affair.