Back Cove 37 Downeast launched

New Maine-built crowd pleaser and couple's cruiser

Answering the needs of seasoned boaters and their on-water ways, the new Downeast 37 from the established Maine-based boatbuilder Back Cove teams enlarged living spaces above deck with exclusive accommodation for a couple down below.

Designed for day and weekend boating, the classic Downeast 37 boasts a sprawling 3.65m by 3.65m (12'x12’) cockpit topped with a standard-issue electrically retractable Sureshade awning. In high summer, comfort is virtually assured during that al fresco lunch with guests.

“The ideas that drive the Downeast 37 design are very simple: stop-you-in-your-tracks prettiness and the biggest, most flexible exterior spaces available on a boat this size -- period.” explains Kevin Burns, Vice President of Design and Product Development.

Under the cabin top, the helm deck has a handy dinette around which to enjoy dinner or play a game of cards. Its table -- beautiful, inlaid cherry with a high-gloss finish -- converts to an impromptu double berth just in case.

Weigh anchor and advance the throttle and you get to cruise in comfort at the forward steering position while deriving support from a Stidd helm chair. Thanks to deep armour-plate window panes, 360 degree views extend in all directions.

An optional “EasyDock” thruster system makes the single-screw boat a breeze to manoeuvre in tight quarters, adds Back Cove.

Meantime, at the foot of the companionway, set down but in close proximity to the helm, is an open and streamline galley with convection microwave oven, fridge and freezer drawers and deep stainless sink. Storage is said to be generous with plenty of lockers and drawers for provisions and appliances.

The head goes the extra distance, with a frameless shower partition and a wide, swing door. The light and airy feel is further enhanced by an opening portlight in the shower and nearby deck hatch.

The cherry-framed poly doors usher in the stunning cabin joinery forward, while the mirror above the sink pivots to improve viewing angles.

Then you arrive. The stateroom with island berth in the bow features Herreshoff-style interior woodwork, Back Cove says. The bulkhead has reading lights above a Queen-sized berth with storage below, while an Ocean Air foredeck hatch with shade/insect screen ensures natural ventilation. Suffice to say, owners will be right at home.

Among the other details are gold leaf cove stripe, spiffy corner exhaust, and powder-coated windshield frame to match the boat’s gelcoat. The traditional spoon bow with gently sloped transom, and upright purposeful-looking ‘house’ superstructure, owe something to the Maine boating heritage.

Lazarette and engine-room access are via cockpit hatches. Standard power is a single 480hp Cummins QSC6.7 engine for a cruise speed of 20 knots and top speed of 25 knots, claims Back Cove. The first Downeast 37 (pictured) was fitted with a single 600hp QSC 8.3 for 25 knots cruise and 29 knots at wide-open throttle.

Back Cove importer Jed Elderkin from E Marine says the Downeast 37 is perfectly suited to the Australia way of boating.

“It’s the answer from a lot of input from owners who aren’t doing long-range cruising but looking for modest accommodation from a purposeful day-boating platform instead," Elderkin told BoatPoint and boatsales. "Strap on the kayaks and paddle boards and go.”

The first Downeast 37 will arrive in Australia around Christmas time. The boat was priced from about $525,000 at the time of writing.

Meantime, tooling has started on the new Back Cove 41 flagship with two cabins and two heads and more of that signature single-engine economy and Maine boating sense. More at www.emarine.com.au.

At-a-glance: Back Cove Downeast 37

Priced from: About $525,000

Length Overall (incl. swim platform, bow sprit): 12.95m

Hull Length (moulded): 11.64m

Draft (Hull): 0.71m

Draft (Prop): 1.09.m

Displacement (typ. full load): 11.05t

Fuel: 1135.6l

Water: 454.3l

Accommodation: 2+2

Engine: Standard 480hp Cummins QSC6.7

Details: E Marine, www.emarine.com.au

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Back Cove 37 Downeast launched

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