Storm-Tested, Charter-Proven: One Captain’s Take on the North River Fastback

At North River Boats, we don’t just build vessels we build trust. Every weld, every panel, every decision we make is with one goal in mind: to deliver absolute confidence on the water. That’s why hearing from professionals like Captain Andy of Andy’s Angling Adventures reminds us why we do what we do.

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Andy is no weekend boater. He makes his living on the water as a full-time fishing guide, running charters in all conditions on Lake Erie and beyond. The boat he relies on every single day? A 23-foot North River Fastback.

When Andy first began his search for a vessel that could stand up to the demands of daily charter fishing on Lake Erie, he turned to the experts at Erie Marine Sales. Known for their deep product knowledge and honest recommendations, the team immediately pointed him toward North River Boats. Andy needed something that could take on rough offshore conditions, unpredictable storms, and the wear and tear of full-time use while still offering the safety, stability, and comfort his clients and family deserve. The 23′ North River Fastback checked every box and then some.

Andy has been caught in more than a few rough-weather situations, and every time, the Fastback has proven its seaworthiness. “I have not yet felt unsafe,” he told us, even after running through serious swells.

What makes the North River Fastback so dependable for captains like Andy isn’t just one feature it’s a carefully engineered combination of strength, simplicity, and smart design. The boat is free of wood and foam in the floors, making it not only more durable but also much easier to clean after a long day on the water. Andy can hose down the back deck and be ready for the next trip without worrying about waterlogged materials or hidden rot. For someone who runs a charter operation nearly every day, that kind of ease of maintenance matters.

Comfort is another priority we refuse to compromise on. Andy’s boat is outfitted with high-quality suspension seating in the forward helm area a game changer for captains who deal with chop and swell. As someone with a bad back, Andy appreciates the difference it makes when he’s running through two- to three-footers. “It’s like an air mattress,” he said, describing how the seat absorbs shock and lets him stay focused on the job, not the pain.

He also values the Fastback’s self-bailing deck, enclosed cabin, and thoughtful fuel capacity. With a 100 to 110-gallon tank, Andy can make long-range runs offshore and still get home with plenty left in reserve. For charter captains, downtime isn’t an option. A boat that can go the distance, handle adverse conditions, and keep clients safe is non-negotiable and that’s exactly what the Fastback is built for.

One detail that sticks with us is the way Andy talks about his family. He and his wife have five kids, and when he heads out to sea, knowing he’s running a North River gives his family peace of mind. “They sleep better,” he said, and that’s something we don’t take lightly. Safety isn’t just a feature, it’s a promise, one we stand behind in every hull that leaves our shop.

The Fastback’s ability to adapt to both work and leisure makes it a standout in its class. Andy uses it for everything from serious offshore tuna trips to casual cruises with his kids. And when the weather turns, the fully enclosed cabin allows him and his crew to seal up, stay dry, and ride out the storm comfortably. Once the skies clear, they’re back to fishing no drama, no stress.

When Andy tells people about his boat, he doesn’t hold back: “If you’re looking to buy a boat, especially a fishing boat or something to cruise around with your family I’d look at North River. They stand behind their product. They’re awesome. And safety is number one.”

So if you’re in the market for a serious fishing vessel one that’s built to perform, built to last, and built with your safety in mind take it from a professional who depends on his boat every single day. The North River Fastback isn’t just a tool. It’s a partner.