I have a possible opportunity to buy a 22' 2002 Osprey Northwind (pilot house) with a 5.0 liter VP Gi inboard with a Merc outdrive. I have owned a lot of boats but all outboards. I have coveted an Osprey for years but have only seen the regular, cuddy styles (which Osprey refers to as a "pilot house" model despite them not being actual pilot houses but I digress). This one is a center console style and they don't make them anymore. Hell, I've never even seen one before though it sure looks like it'll kill fish. Anyone have first-hand experience with a Northwind and this set up?

Thanks,
Capt.Q

Center console. Brrrrr....

Nick the Northwind is a center console HOUSE so it's not just an open center.

Osprey makes very nice boats, the aggressive entry is nice in chop. I personally will never own an inboard though

That being said, to me, those look like a very very fishy platform. I would jump at the chance!

Oh....in that case....fish on!

Great looking boat. I met a guy last week who had an Osprey and added an offshore bracket and an outboard... then used the dog house to put a 164 quart cooler in. I personally hate doghouses on the back deck, but it was a good compromise and use of space without redoing the whole cockpit.
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Building a new cover for the doghouse "hole" is actually pretty straightforward. One half sheet of starboard and half a day's work and you're good to go. That being said the conversion process is pretty cost prohibitive for a lot of people, myself included. About 2k for the brackets, 2k to fill the hole in the transom, 14k for a new motor... etc. that adds up to a 20k investment pretty quick!

"I personally will never own an inboard though frown"

yes, this would be the first inboard I have ever owned having owned 9 previous boats. I like outboards and understand them but this platform looks like it would be a lot more comfortable than my JetCraft and the older I get, the more comfort I like. We'll see if it all works out!

The new generation outboards sip gas. Outrageously priced though.