Just wanted to thank everyone for all the fantastic information in this thread. Have been somewhat overwhelmed with life which prevented me from getting back to posting in this thread, but thanks to all the information here I decided that the northshore was not the right boat for me. It was a combination of projects required, some concerns I had over some modifications made by a previous owner, and it's price. I felt the boat was over priced given it's condition, and I want something that I can sail straight away.

I also appreciate Ramona's advice RE: a cheaper and smaller start boat and sailing on someone elses boat.. and well. I'm doing just that.

All@Sea said..
Something like this may be a good toe in the water - pardon the pun - and leaves a lot of money in the bank while being capable of cruising SE Tas comfortably, and twilight racing (slower than the NS, but would be competitive in division).
yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/mutiny-28-exceptional-condition-many-upgrades/288227

Before this post had even been made, I had made an offer which was accepted on this boat here. Thanks to everyone help I was able to inspect it confidently, look for all the potential issues that I should be concerned with, and make an offer subject to sea trial and survey. I'm much more comfortable with the size and systems on this boat, and it's in much better nick in general.

Only pressing project is the name and removing the hideous vinyl lettering :)