Back Cove 30 heads down under

The traditional lobster boats of the Maine coast in the United States have been famed for more than half a century for their seaworthy hulls, remarkable open spaces and their ability to sip fuel while maintaining a quick pace.

Over the last 20 years, experienced yachtsmen around the world have flocked to the new up-market "lobster boats” that have become the mainstay of many American east coast manufacturers.

While not denying their humble origins, these boats are now generally labelled "picnic boats" and appeal to everyone from first time buyers to older boaties who have given up sailing for the ease of being aboard a motor boat.

Emarine Australia has announced it will take delivery of the brand new Back Cove 30, a replacement for the popular Back Cove 29, early next month and expect it to have an immediate impact on the high-quality 30 foot cruising market.

Back Cove boats, which were launched in 2003, have a distinctive spoon bow – derived from that developed by the fishing schooners that plied the Grand Banks off the American east coast in the 1800s – than gives them a gentle and surprisingly spray-free ride in choppy conditions.

The Back Cove 30, which is constructed using state-of-the-art infusion technology, features the spoon bow, a deep vee hull and a stylish, gently sloping transom. The new hull manufacturing process makes the Back Cove 30 stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

Internally the boat has a comfortable double vee berth in the bow that converts to a seating area around a saloon table. There is also a fully-equipped galley and a separate head and shower.

The large cockpit is uncluttered and the helm position offers clear lines of sight all around.
 
Powered by a standard 315hp diesel, the Back Cove 30 can reach a cruising speed of around 20 knots. The downward turning chines forward enable the boat to jump up onto the plane with little effort and almost no bow rise.

While some potential buyers may be fazed by the thought of coming into or leaving a dock with a single engine, the Back Cove 30 is fitted with a bow thruster to take the worries away and to make close quarter manoeuvering simple.

The Back Cove 30 will be available for viewing and on-water trials in mid-September. Potential buyers should register their interest at: Emarine.com.au.