Continue Reading about Used Back Cove Yachts For Sale

In 1994, Sabre Yachts acquired North End Marine of Rockland, Maine, and the new company, renamed North End Composites, focused on producing fiberglass hulls and decks for the company’s line up, which by the mid-2000s had moved to the powerboat-only segment of recreational boating. 

In 2002, Sabre’s North End Composites introduced Back Cove Yachts, a sister brand to Sabre Yachts. Unlike the Sabre Express cruisers, however, the Back Coves all had single engines, with enough of a Downeast look that not only hints at Maine’s nautical heritage but follows in the footsteps of classic Maine lobster boats. The Back Cove 29 was the first boat launched, and the success and acceptance of Back Cove Yachts as a viable alternative to Sabre’s other powerboats led the builder to add new models to satisfy customer demand, with the Back Cove 26, 30, 32, 34, 37, and the Downeast 37. Each achieved a loyal following, and owners are comfortable moving up and down the model line as they go through their boating lifecycle. All models share a common DNA, which obviously suits the enthusiastic experience of its owners.

The smaller Back Coves have proven ideal for sailors making the crossover to powerboats from sailing. The boats are simple, easy to “get” for anyone comfortable on a cruising sailboat, and the boats are relatively easy to keep clean (if not totally wash-and-wear). The Back Coves provide owners with the powerboat experience and a good taste of the power cruising lifestyle.

From the beginning, Back Cove yachts can best be described as contemporary power cruisers that show a strong Downeast heritage that remains true to the traditional single-engine Maine lobster boat. Each is outfitted to provide owners with the enjoyment of simplicity, with simplified systems, and an understated interior that moves away from the maintenance of brightwork and elaborate electronic and mechanical systems.

The model lineup has evolved since that introduction, and now the early models are considered the “heritage” line of Back Cove Yachts. There have been over 750 yachts built and they are now found in Europe, Asia, and all over North America. The 240,000 square foot facility contains all the machinery and equipment to build modern, fully refined cruising yachts built to the high standards of ABYC, NMMA, and CE certification. The success of the Back Cove brand is readily obvious when one looks at the current line of models, which show a remarkable refinement from the early boats.

Taking advantage of the increased utility and efficiency of modern outboard engines, Back Cove offers some of the current models with twin or even triple outboards for superior performance and outstanding close quarter maneuverability. Once only offered with a single diesel engine, the current Back Cove 34O now comes standard with twin outboards with several engine brand and horsepower options, to give owners their choice for the best combination of performance and efficiency. 

The Back Cove 34O is ideal for a couple interested in a class act in a smaller size. With an island queen berth, it has all the luxury, comfort, and systems for total enjoyment whether overnight or weekend cruising.

The Back Cove 37 was a very popular model, so much so that after 200 hulls, the molds needed to be replaced, giving the builder the opportunity to update and refine the model. The newly introduced Back Cove 372 retains the single diesel engine that proves a perfect propulsion system for this boat, and is offered at 600hp in either a Cummins QSC 8.3-liter engine or a Volvo D8 diesel.

The retooling of the mold allowed subtle improvements in interior layout and appointments, and the current 37-footer is a particularly nice choice for people who like to cruise with family or friends on occasion.

The larger Back Cove 39O also now comes with outboard propulsion and is the fastest Back Cove in the fleet. The boat comes with triple outboards for those looking for the ultimate thrill in performance, with cruising in the 30-knot range, while enjoying the quiet running noise associated with today’s modern outboards. It also has an interior that provides full liveaboard comfort for that dream cruise of the season.

The top of the line Back Cove 41 retains the traditional single diesel in one of two choices of Cummins QSC engines as well as a higher horsepower Volvo D11 engine rated at 725hp. It has two luxury staterooms, and the interior is superbly finished in American cherry hardwood. It makes the statement that performance and luxury can come in understated sophistication.

Back Cove Yachts has come a long way since its introduction 20 years ago. From its roots as a simple, low maintenance cruiser, the company has listened to its owners and incorporated upgrades and changes to make each model in the fleet a better, more elegant cruising machine.

Today’s Back Coves are very much in the mix for couples looking for the right balance of Downeast styling, nice finish, and enough performance in a serious cruising boat that stands among the top choices in todays powerboat cruising market.