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2008 North Pacific 43 Pilothouse

San Diego, CA, US 43 ft · 12.58 ft' beam 2 cabins
Asking
$324,000
Our Thoughts

The 2008 North Pacific 43 Pilothouse represents a compelling entry point into long-range cruising with the solid, proven construction North Pacific Yachts is known for delivering. Located in San Diego and ready for immediate exploration, "Papagayo" combines the practicality of a true pilothouse design with the comfort and accessibility that serious cruising demands.

Power and Performance

At the heart of this 43-footer sits a desirable Cummins QSB 5.9 diesel engine rated at 380 horsepower, showing just 246 original hours—a significant advantage for a vessel of this age. The engine room layout prioritizes accessibility, with all major systems positioned for straightforward maintenance and service. The ZF 80A transmission provides reliable power delivery, while the dripless shaft seal and recently replaced rudder seal speak to responsible upkeep. A Northern Lights M673L2.3 generator with 115 hours supports extended cruising independence, backed by dual Racor fuel filtration for clean engine operation in any conditions.

Handling and Maneuvering

Docking and tight-quarter maneuvers are simplified by newly installed Vetus electric bow and stern thrusters, a feature that adds genuine value for owners navigating crowded anchorages or marina approaches. The Vetus windlass forward handles ground tackle deployment, while the Hynautic steering system provides responsive helm control from either of the two helm stations. This combination of systems reflects the practical engineering that makes the North Pacific platform so respected among cruising owners.

Navigation and Electronics

The pilothouse and upper helm are both equipped with 16-inch and 12-inch Furuno TZ3 multifunction displays respectively, each paired with a 1-kilowatt CHIRP transducer for detailed sounder capability. Furuno NXT closed-array radar on both stations eliminates the need for a spinning antenna while delivering reliable target acquisition in all weather. Raymarine autopilot systems at both helms ensure fatigue-free long-distance passages, while iCOM IC-M510 VHF radio with guest spotlight provides reliable communication. Tank Tender monitoring keeps track of fuel, water, and holding tank levels—essential information for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The two-stateroom, one-head layout maximizes comfort for cruising couples or small families. The master stateroom features an island-style queen berth with storage and an overhead hatch for natural ventilation, while the guest stateroom offers twin berths—flexible sleeping arrangements for varying crew sizes. Throughout the interior, teak and holly soles and teak cabinetry create a warm, traditional aesthetic that ages gracefully. The head includes a Techma electric head with Tank Watch 4 system and a separate enclosed shower, a meaningful amenity for extended time away from shore facilities.

The galley features granite countertops, teak cabinetry, a Princess gas stove, Norcold refrigerator/freezer, and a stainless steel Oster microwave, providing realistic cooking capability rather than merely token galley space. The salon offers a pullout sofa bed to starboard and a two-person sofa to port, with a granite-topped bar counter and stools that serve as both dining and social space. Full dropdown blinds throughout maintain privacy and light control.

The Pilothouse Advantage

The enclosed pilothouse is the defining feature of this design. Offering 180-degree glass windows, port and starboard exterior doors, and a leather captain's chair at the lower helm

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

Only 246 Hours - 2 StateroomNorth Pacific Yachts is well known for building solid boats that offer exceptional value. "Papagayo" is a 2008 43' Pilothouse that is ready to cruise the bay, spent time in Catalina, or depart for long-range exploring. She is powered by the desirable Cummins QSB 5.9, with only 246 original hours. Throughout the interior you will find teak and holly woodwork, a 2 stateroom/1head layout, an enclosed cockpit, 2 helms, and a spacious flybridge. The engine room is well laid out and all machinery is easy to access, including the Northern Lights generator with 115 hours. With bow and stern thrusters, she can be docked seamlessly and maneuver in tight quarters."Papagayo" just received new bottom paint and rudder seal at Safe Harbor Shelter Island. A 2021 Achilles 10'4" dingy with a 20hp Tohatsu outboard is included with the sale. Located in Point Loma, CA. Contact the listing agent for more information, and to schedule your private showing.

2008 North Pacific 43 Pilothouse: Teak-Appointed Cruising Yacht with Twin Helms and Exceptional Engine Hours
The 2008 North Pacific 43 Pilothouse "Papagayo" represents the builder's reputation for solid construction, functional design, and lasting value in the pilothouse cruising category. Located in San Diego 's Point Loma neighborhood, this 43-foot vessel combines traditional teak joinery, modern electronics, dual helm stations, and comprehensive mechanical systems that support both casual bay exploration and extended offshore cruising. With only 246 hours on the Cummins QSB 5.9 diesel engine and recent bottom paint and rudder seal service, the yacht offers the rare combination of a mature design and low-hour propulsion.
Overview and Design Philosophy
North Pacific Yachts built the 43 Pilothouse to serve cruising owners who value protected piloting stations, spacious deck areas, and comfortable overnight accommodations without sacrificing seaworthiness or mechanical accessibility. The pilothouse design—an enclosed, elevated helm area with 180-degree visibility—provides weather protection and commanding sightlines for navigation in variable conditions. At 43 feet in length with a 12.58-foot beam and 4.42-foot draft, "Papagayo" balances interior volume with shallow-water capability, making her suitable for San Diego coastal cruising, extended trips to the Channel Islands, and longer passages down the Baja Peninsula. The hull form and displacement characteristics typical of North Pacific's pilothouse models emphasize stability, fuel efficiency, and a moderate motion in seaways—priorities that align with the cruising owner's preference for comfort over pure speed. The vessel's overall configuration reflects a design era (mid-2000s) when pilothouse yachts still emphasized traditional materials, manual controls, and engine-room accessibility over fully integrated digital systems.
Layout and Deck Design
The interior arrangement centers on a two-stateroom, one-head layout that maximizes sleeping capacity and privacy while maintaining a functional galley and spacious salon. The master stateroom features an island-style queen berth with integrated storage, overhead hatch for natural light and ventilation, teak and holly sole flooring, teak cabinetry, port holes, and a Samsung television. The guest stateroom offers a twin berth configuration with similar joinery details and natural light through port holes, ideal for visiting family or crew members on extended cruises. The salon serves as the social and dining hub, with a substantial sofa to port that converts to a pullout bed, a salon couch to starboard with the same sleeping capability, and two bar stools positioned at a granite-topped counter. Teak and holly sole flooring, teak cabinetry, full dropdown blinds, and a Sharp television create a warm, finished environment that transitions seamlessly from day cruising to evening relaxation. This layout supports both solitary passage-making and entertaining guests in a protected, comfortable setting. The galley occupies a dedicated space with granite countertops, teak cabinetry, a stainless steel sink, a Princess gas stove, a Norcold refrigerator/freezer, and a stainless steel Oster microwave. A dedicated food prep area to starboard with additional granite counter space and storage in steps reflects thoughtful galley planning for extended cruising. The galley's positioning and equipment selection prioritize practical cooking and provisioning rather than high-volume entertaining, appropriate for a cruising couple or small family. The single head features a Techma electric toilet with Tank Watch 4 monitoring, a granite countertop, stainless steel sink, and a separate enclosed shower—a layout that provides genuine privacy and shower comfort without consuming excessive yacht volume. The companionway provides engine room access and tank/bilge inspection points, reinforcing the emphasis on mechanical transparency and owner-level maintenance. The pilothouse occupies the upper helm area with a leather captain's chair, bench seating behind the helm, teak and holly sole flooring, teak cabinetry, and an unobstructed 180-degree window arrangement with port and starboard exterior doors. This enclosed, elevated position offers superior visibility and weather protection compared to open flying bridge designs, particularly valuable for single-handed or shorthanded operation in fog, rain, or cold conditions. The upper deck flybridge extends the entertaining and observation space with a Bimini top, fiberglass radar arch, two side bench seats with storage below, a teak table, stainless steel appointments, and a 600-pound Steelhead Marine davit for tender deployment. The davit is paired with a 2021 Achilles HB-315DX 10'4" inflatable dinghy powered by a 20-horsepower Tohatsu outboard, included in the sale with approximately 10 hours of use and a new cover. The lower deck encompasses an enclosed cockpit with boarding door and lazarette access, a swimstep with dropdown ladder and stainless steel hardware, and a freshwater shower—practical features that support water-based activities and easy guest boarding. The Vetus windlass with stainless steel rails facilitates anchor handling without requiring crew to work at height, a safety and convenience improvement common in modern cruising designs.
Helm and Electronics
The pilothouse lower helm station centers on a 16-inch Furuno NavNet TZ3 multifunction display paired with a 1-kilowatt CHIRP transducer and Furuno NXT closed-array radar, providing integrated navigation, sonar, and radar capability in a single screen. The Raymarine autopilot automates steering during long passages, reducing fatigue and improving fuel efficiency by maintaining consistent course. Morse controls, thruster controls, and a Cummins tachometer are positioned within easy reach, while an iCOM IC-M510 VHF radio, guest spotlight, and Tank Tender monitoring system for fuel, water, and holding tanks round out the lower helm suite. AC and DC electrical panels and climate controls are accessible from the pilothouse, supporting independent operation without requiring trips to the engine room. The upper helm duplicates critical navigation and control functions with a 12-inch Furuno TZ3 MFD, 1-kilowatt CHIRP transducer, Furuno NXT closed-array radar, Morse controls, thruster controls, and Raymarine autopilot. This redundancy allows the operator to pilot from the upper flybridge in fair weather for maximum visibility and social engagement, then retreat to the enclosed pilothouse when conditions deteriorate. The iCOM VHF and guest spotlight at the upper helm maintain communication and safety capability regardless of which station is in use. The dual-helm configuration, supported by modern electronics, reflects North Pacific's recognition that cruising owners value flexibility, safety through redundancy, and the ability to adapt helm operations to weather and preference. The Furuno NavNet TZ3 systems, while not the latest generation, provide proven reliability and sufficient resolution for coastal and offshore navigation. The integration of radar and sonar into a single display streamlines information processing and reduces the cognitive load on the operator during complex piloting tasks.
Mechanical Systems and Propulsion
The 2008 Cummins QSB 5.9 diesel engine, rated at 380 horsepower, powers "Papagayo" with a proven, industrial-grade power plant designed for extended service life and fuel efficiency in displacement-hull applications. The remarkably low engine hours—only 246 since new—suggest either minimal prior use or exceptional maintenance practices, a significant advantage for a boat of this age. The ZF 80A transmission provides smooth power transfer and reliable shifting, standard equipment in North Pacific builds of this era. The Northern Lights M673L2.3 generator, with only 115 hours, supplies 120/240-volt AC power for air conditioning, galley appliances, water heating, and entertainment systems when the main engine is not running. This generator capacity supports comfortable cruising and extended anchorages without requiring the main engine to run continuously. Propulsion redundancy and maneuverability are enhanced by electric bow and stern thrusters (newly installed), which allow "Papagayo" to dock, undock, and maneuver in tight quarters without relying on wind, current, or main engine thrust. This feature is particularly valuable in crowded anchorages, narrow channels, and when approaching fuel docks or other vessels. The fuel system incorporates a twin Racor filter setup, protecting the Cummins engine from water and particulate contamination—a maintenance-forward design that reduces the risk of fuel-related shutdowns during extended cruising. The Vetus dripless shaft seal minimizes water intrusion at the propeller shaft, reducing bilge pumping requirements and improving overall system reliability. A new rudder seal, recently installed, addresses a common wear item on older yachts, extending the service life of the steering system. The Hynautic steering system provides
Length
43 ft
Beam
12.58 ft'
Year
2008
Builder
North Pacific
Model
43 Pilothouse
Cabins
2
What makes the North Pacific 43 Pilothouse a good choice for someone wanting to cruise long distances?
The North Pacific 43 Pilothouse is built specifically for extended cruising with a 500-gallon fuel capacity, 400-gallon fresh water tank, and a fuel-efficient Cummins QSB 5.9 diesel engine that allows for extended range. The two stateroom, one head layout with full galley accommodates cruising families or couples comfortably for weeks at a time. The enclosed pilothouse with 180-degree glass windows and full electronics suite makes for safe, comfortable passage-making in varying weather conditions. With only 246 hours on the engine, the mechanical systems are well-preserved for the 2008 build year, supporting confidence in long-range voyaging capability.
How is the helm station set up on this 43 Pilothouse, and does it have a second station?
This vessel features a dual-helm configuration with both a lower pilothouse helm and an upper flybridge helm station. The pilothouse helm includes a leather captain's chair, 16-inch Furuno NavNet TZ3 multifunction display, Furuno NXT closed-array radar, Raymarine autopilot, Morse controls, thruster controls, and full AC/DC electrical panels. The upper helm on the flybridge provides a second complete station with a 12-inch Furuno TZ3 display, matching radar, Raymarine autopilot, and helm bench seating with storage. This dual-station design allows for flexible command of the vessel in different weather and cruising conditions.
What navigation and radar electronics are installed on this boat?
The 43 Pilothouse is equipped with redundant Furuno electronics across both helm stations. The pilothouse features a 16-inch Furuno NavNet TZ3 multifunction display paired with a 1kW CHIRP transducer for sonar, plus a Furuno NXT closed-array radar system. The upper flybridge helm has a 12-inch Furuno TZ3 display with matching 1kW CHIRP transducer and NXT radar. Both stations include Raymarine autopilot systems and iCOM IC-M510 VHF radios. This redundancy in electronics ensures navigation capability and safety across the vessel's operating range.
How does the boat handle docking and maneuvering in tight spaces?
The 43 Pilothouse includes both electric bow and stern thrusters (newly installed) that significantly reduce the physical effort required for docking and tight-quarter maneuvering. Combined with the Morse controls available at both helm stations and the relatively compact 12.58-foot beam for a 43-foot vessel, the boat can be positioned precisely in confined spaces. The Vetus windlass with stainless steel anchor system and the dripless shaft seal demonstrate attention to reliability in close-quarters operation. These systems make single-handed or two-person operation feasible even in challenging marina or anchorage environments.
What is the interior layout and sleeping capacity of this pilothouse yacht?
The 43 Pilothouse offers a two stateroom, one head interior with sleeping accommodations for four to five people. The master stateroom features an island-style queen berth with storage and overhead hatch for ventilation. The guest stateroom includes a twin berth suitable for children or additional guests. The salon features a sofa with pullout bed to starboard and a two-person sofa to port, providing additional sleeping or lounging options. Throughout the interior, teak and holly sole flooring, teak cabinetry, and granite countertops create a refined, durable finish. The separate enclosed shower and Techma electric head with Tank Watch 4 monitoring system support extended cruising comfort.
What galley and food preparation features are available?
The galley is well-equipped for cruising with a Princess gas stove, Norcold refrigerator/freezer, stainless steel Oster microwave, and stainless steel sink. Granite countertops throughout the galley and a dedicated food prep area to starboard with additional granite counter space provide ample work surface. Teak cabinetry and storage in the companionway steps offer organized storage for provisions and galley equipment. The layout allows one or two people to prepare meals comfortably while cruising, with direct access to the salon and engine room for mechanical oversight during longer passages.
What mechanical systems support reliability and ease of maintenance?
The 43 Pilothouse is powered by a 2007 Cummins QSB 5.9 diesel engine producing 380 horsepower with only 246 original hours, paired with a ZF 80A transmission. The Northern Lights M673L2.3 generator (115 hours) provides onboard electrical power for extended cruising away from shore power. The engine room features a well-organized layout with easy access to all major components. Notable systems include a Groco oil change pump for simplified maintenance, Twin Racor fuel filtration for engine protection, a dripless shaft seal reducing bilge contamination, and newly installed electric bow and stern thrusters. The Cruisair air conditioning system with Dometic raw water pump, Seward water heater, and Shurflo water pump support comfortable cruising in warm climates.
What is included with the purchase of this vessel?
The sale includes a 2021 Achilles 10'4" inflatable dinghy (model HB-315DX) with a 20-horsepower Tohatsu outboard engine that has approximately 10 hours of operation. A new dinghy cover is also included. The dinghy is deployed via a 600-pound Steelhead Marine davit mounted on the upper deck, allowing for easy launching and retrieval. This modern tender package significantly enhances the vessel's cruising capability by providing independent transportation for exploring anchorages and accessing shore facilities.
How does the flybridge layout support entertaining and relaxed cruising?
The flybridge provides a spacious upper-deck entertaining area with a full helm station, helm bench seat with storage below, two side bench seats with storage, and a teak table for dining or socializing. The bimini top provides sun and weather protection while maintaining visibility. A fiberglass radar arch integrates the antenna systems without cluttering the visual space. The flybridge layout supports entertaining guests while underway or at anchor, with comfortable seating for multiple people and dedicated storage for cushions, fenders, and cruising gear. The upper helm station allows commanding the vessel from this open-air environment during favorable weather.
What recent maintenance has been completed on this vessel?
The vessel recently received new bottom paint and a new rudder seal at Safe Harbor Shelter Island, indicating attention to critical systems. The electric bow and stern thrusters are noted as new installations, enhancing docking capability. The Northern Lights generator operates with only 115 hours, and the Cummins main engine has just 246 original hours, both indicating well-preserved mechanical systems. The 2021 Achilles dinghy with 10 hours of operation represents nearly-new tender equipment. These recent investments and low-hour mechanical systems support confidence in the vessel's readiness for immediate cruising.
What type of cruising experience does the North Pacific 43 Pilothouse support?
The North Pacific 43 Pilothouse is purpose-built for comfortable, extended cruising in coastal and offshore waters. The enclosed pilothouse with 180-degree glass windows, full navigation electronics, and dual autopilot systems enables safe passage-making in variable weather. The two stateroom layout with full galley, separate shower, and adequate tankage supports multi-week or longer voyages. The boat's 43-foot length, 12.58-foot beam, and 4.42-foot draft provide a balance of seakeeping ability, interior volume, and shallow-water accessibility. The combination of the fuel-efficient Cummins diesel, bow and stern thrusters, and comprehensive electronics makes the vessel suitable for cruising the California coast, Mexico, or longer-range exploration, whether operated by experienced mariners or those new to extended cruising.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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