2012 North Pacific 43

An NP43 Like No Other: 2012 North Pacific 43 Pilothouse – Slow Dance

Slow Dance is a 2012 North Pacific 43 that has been impeccably maintained and thoughtfully improved by her current owner. She is a comfortable, capable cruising boat with the kind of equipment that makes extended time aboard easy, but just as importantly, she feels warm and inviting inside. The upgrades have been practical and well considered, with an emphasis on making the boat easier to operate, monitor and enjoy.

The North Pacific 43 has long been a popular owner-operator trawler, and for good reason. Her single-level salon and galley, raised pilothouse and generous flybridge create an impressive amount of usable space in a manageable package. Slow Dance has the solid feel of a much larger boat without becoming overwhelming for a cruising couple.

The interior is finished in hand-rubbed teak, with teak flooring, louvered locker doors and abundant storage throughout. Large windows bring plenty of natural light into the salon, where an L-shaped settee converts to an additional berth. Two barrel chairs and a movable hi-low table make the space comfortable and flexible, whether relaxing aboard or entertaining friends. The current owner has also added new rugs and an updated galley backsplash, simple changes that make the interior feel fresh without taking away from the traditional joinery.

The galley is open to the salon and includes a full-size Nova Kool refrigerator and freezer, electric glass-top stove and oven, microwave, double stainless-steel sink, filtered drinking water and excellent storage. A custom pullout arrangement for trash and recycling, along with an extended countertop, makes the space particularly practical for anyone planning to spend real time aboard.

The raised pilothouse provides excellent visibility and easy access to both side decks through port and starboard sliding doors. A comfortable bench seat allows guests to enjoy the passage with the helmsman and converts to another berth when needed. The helm electronics have been updated, and the owner has added an NMEA Wi-Fi gateway for convenient access to onboard navigation data. Bow and stern thrusters make close-quarters handling straightforward, with a second complete helm station on the flybridge.

Below, the forward owner’s stateroom has a large island berth, opening ports and an overhead hatch, along with plenty of hanging and drawer storage. The guest stateroom includes a double berth, custom mattress and a vented Splendide washer/dryer. The head is equipped with a freshwater Tecma toilet and separate shower stall. Reverse-cycle heat and air conditioning serve the pilothouse, salon and accommodations.

Slow Dance is powered by a 425 hp Cummins QSB with approximately 1,870 hours, paired with a ZF transmission and four-blade propeller. The engine room is unusually accessible through multiple lifting salon panels and includes dual Racor filters, an oil-change system and a recently added fuel-polishing system. Engine-room cameras provide another useful layer of visibility while underway. The Northern Lights 9 kW generator has approximately 1,100 hours.

Her electrical system has also received meaningful attention. The current owner added a comprehensive Victron monitoring system and solar panels, making it much easier to understand and manage power use while away from the dock. A Magnum 2,800-watt pure sine-wave inverter/charger supports the onboard systems, and 50-amp shore power is provided at the stern. A Seawater Pro 18-gallon-per-hour watermaker adds another important measure of independence when cruising away from the dock.

Outside, the cockpit offers easy access to the salon, swim platform and flybridge, with freshwater and raw-water washdowns, a cockpit shower and a Magma grill. The flybridge is a genuinely usable second living space, with excellent seating, extensive sun protection, a custom table and a low-profile Nick Jackson davit. The tender is an Avon 310 with a Yamaha 9.9 hp four-stroke outboard. An additional Imar RIB, without an outboard, is also included. Ground tackle includes an Ultra anchor with 300 feet of chain, along with a Fortress secondary anchor.

Slow Dance will also come with more than $15,000 in spare parts, an unusually complete inventory assembled with extended cruising in mind. This includes two spare Raymarine chartplotters, a sounder module, autopilot computer and additional electronics for both helm stations, allowing key components to be swapped while underway if necessary. Mechanical spares include a Cummins alternator, starter, lift pump, two raw-water pumps and replacements for nearly every pump aboard, along with many other parts. A spare pair of pilothouse doors, still crated from the factory, is also included.

There is a lot to love about the North Pacific 43 as a design, but the care and continued investment in Slow Dance are what truly stand out. She has not simply been maintained; she has been steadily improved and properly prepared by an owner who understands how the right equipment and spares can make a cruising boat safer, more comfortable and easier to use. With sensible engine and generator hours, excellent systems, generous living space and a proven layout, Slow Dance is ready for her next owner and many more nautical miles of cruising.