A closer look at its performance, comfort, multipurpose, and customizable fishing features.
The North River Hard Top brings together strength, comfort, and multipurpose use in a premium aluminum boat built for serious time on the water. Its proven platform is complemented by thoughtful options that let owners tailor the cabin, stern, and radar setup to their water, gear, and fishing style.
When you spend a lot of time on the water, you learn pretty quickly what matters in a boat. You want something that can handle changing conditions, give your crew a comfortable place to ride, and still leave you enough room to fish. The North River Hard Top checks all three boxes.
Its smooth cabin lines and laid-back windshield give it a clean, modern look, but every detail is built with purpose. The enclosed cabin provides protection when the wind picks up or the weather turns, while the open aft deck gives anglers the room they need to work. It is just as practical for a long run as it is for a full day of fishing or an afternoon on the water with family and friends.
Underneath it all is the aluminum construction North River owners expect. The Hard Top is built from marine-grade aluminum alloy and features a fully welded hull. That gives it the strength and durability needed for tough conditions while additionally contributing to an efficient, comfortable ride.
The Hard Top is also not limited to one type of boating. It is equally suited for offshore cruising, fishing bays and deltas, or spending time on inland lakes and rivers. That versatility makes it a good choice for owners who may fish one weekend and take the family cruising the next.
Choose the Right Cabin Closure
The Seahawk Hard Top comes standard with an aluminum Alaskan bulkhead and a Diamond Sea Glaze door. This creates a solid separation between the cabin and the aft deck, giving passengers and gear a protected space inside the boat.
Owners who prefer a more open layout can replace the aluminum bulkhead with a canvas backdrop curtain in charcoal or black. The curtain can be rolled back when the weather is good, opening the cabin to the cockpit and making it easier for everyone onboard to move between the two areas.
Which option works best depends on how you use the boat. If you fish year-round, regularly run in colder conditions, or often carry passengers, the permanent aluminum bulkhead may be the better fit. If you prefer an open cabin and want the ability to adjust the layout as the weather changes, the canvas curtain offers more flexibility.
It is worth thinking about this choice before ordering. Consider the months you normally fish, the conditions you are likely to encounter, and how often passengers will use the cabin. Both configurations work well, but they create two noticeably different experiences onboard.
Configure the Stern for Your Gear
The way the stern is laid out can have a big impact on how well the boat fishes. A stern rail and downrigger bracket come standard on the Hard Top, but the layout can be changed to match your equipment and fishing style.
Owners can add a second downrigger bracket, extend the stern rails, or remove the stern rail and downrigger brackets completely. These choices allow the aft deck to be set up for the gear you actually use instead of forcing you to work around equipment you do not need.
This is especially helpful for Great Lakes anglers and others who use track-mounted systems. Tracks allow rod holders, downriggers, and accessories to be moved or removed as needed. Deleting the factory rail or brackets leaves room for a dealer-installed track system and can create a cleaner, more organized setup.
Before choosing a stern configuration, picture a normal day of fishing. Think about where the downriggers, rod holders, nets, and coolers will sit. Make sure there is still enough space for anglers to move through the cockpit when several lines are in the water. It is also smart to leave room for equipment you may add later. A little thought during the ordering process can prevent a lot of rearranging after the boat is delivered.
Plan Your Radar Setup
The Hard Top comes standard with a post and mounting plate for radar. For owners who want a larger mounting area or prefer the look of an arch, an Offshore-style radar arch is also available.
Radar is rarely the only equipment mounted on the roof. Antennas, lights, and other electronics all need space, and they may require different wiring or cable routes. Reviewing the entire electronics package in advance makes it easier to determine which mounting setup will work best.
Share your full electronics plan with your North River dealer, including any additions you may make in the future. That gives the dealer a better understanding of the space and routing you will need before the boat is finalized.
Start with the Way You Fish
The best Hard Top configuration begins with a clear picture of how you expect to use it. Start with the basics: Where do you fish most often? What conditions do you normally encounter? Which equipment stays on the boat? Do you want a fully enclosed cabin, or would you prefer the option to open it to the cockpit?
Make a list of the equipment you already own and anything you expect to add over the next few seasons. Photos of your current boat and examples of layouts you like can also be helpful. They give your dealer a better idea of what has worked for you in the past and what you want to change.
Your North River dealer can explain the available options, current pricing, and model-specific compatibility. Taking the time to work through those details will help you end up with a Hard Top that feels right from the first day on the water.
Ready to explore the Hard Top? Contact your local North River dealer or request more information today.