The Ultimate Lake Erie Companion: North River Offshore SXL

When Jim Wilson heads out onto Lake Erie, he brings with him more than just fishing experience; he brings confidence in his boat. Jim, a journeyman subtech during the week and charter captain of Penny Slot Charters on the weekends, runs his business from a North River 2900 Offshore SXL powered by twin 300-horsepower Yamaha outboards. For him, the boat isn’t just a tool of the trade; it’s the foundation of everything he does on the water.

Jim operates out of Marblehead, Ohio, in the western basin of Lake Erie, where thousands of walleye migrate each spring to spawn. The fishing is world-class, but the lake is also known for its unpredictability. Winds can shift quickly, waves stack close together, and conditions can turn rough without warning. That’s why Jim relies on North River.

“The quality is unmatched,” Jim told us. “It’s comfortable, it’s reliable, and it’s laid out perfectly for what I do.” The North River Offshore SXL gives him the ability to run charters with six anglers plus a first mate, all while keeping the deck open and accessible. Customers consistently compliment the forward-facing cabin, the smooth ride, and the way the boat feels stable and safe even when Lake Erie gets choppy.

Of course, power matters just as much as design. Jim’s North River is backed by twin Yamaha 300s, engines that deliver the kind of strength, fuel efficiency, and dependability that a charter operation requires. When paying customers trust you with their day on the water, there’s no room for doubt. Yamaha outboards give Jim the confidence to keep his focus on fishing, rather than worrying about whether his engines will get him back to the dock.

Jim’s North River journey has also been supported by Erie Marine Sales, where he purchased both of his boats. He spoke highly of their sales team, service department, and their ongoing commitment to ensuring that everything about his ownership experience has been of the highest quality. “This will probably be my last boat,” he said with a smile. “Not because I wouldn’t want another one, but because I don’t think I’ll ever need another one.”

For Jim, running Penny Slot Charters isn’t just about catching fish; it’s about delivering a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone on board. His North River Offshore SXL allows him to do just that, day in and day out. Customers step off his boat not only with fish stories to tell, but with a clear sense that they’ve been out on something special.

At North River, that’s exactly what we strive for: to build boats that perform under pressure, inspire confidence in their captains, and create lasting memories for everyone who comes aboard. As Jim puts it, “Life is better on a North River.”