What is a Downeast-style boat?

BUYING ADVICE #2

Downeast boats have a long, rugged and well-proven history in the boating world...

These boats originated in Maine, in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Most seafarers had to battle the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean and sail downwind to get to Maine’s coastline, thus inspiring the local phrase of sailing ‘down east’.

With a boatbuilding history dating back to the 19th century, Downeast vessels were the hallmark of Maine’s commercial lobster fishing industry. As a result, they’re known for their rugged construction, ability to handle rough seas, efficiency, functionality and durability.

Recognising these vessels for their inherent beauty, in the mid-20th century many lobster boat builders began to convert them for pleasure boat use. The converted boats became popular among people looking for beautiful, reliable and seaworthy vessels for recreational fishing and cruising.

The Downeast-style motor yacht was born.

DOWNEAST DESIGN

Well-designed and well-built Downeast boats are the epitome of timeless style and practical function. Due to their fishing origins, these boats are also incredibly seaworthy with high bows, raked stems, and enclosed helms.

In addition to the flared bow, Downeast-style pleasure cruising boats are often designed with a deep-V hull, which helps to provide a soft, dry ride in choppy conditions.

A well-designed, deep-V hull design provides several benefits, such as:

• Better handling: the sharp angles of the deep-V hull can help to improve the handling of the boat, making it more manoeuvrable and easier to control.
• Rough-water performance: a deep-V hull is designed to cut through the water and reduce pounding in rough seas, which delivers a more comfortable and safer ride in choppy conditions.
• Fuel efficiency: a well-designed and properly-balanced deep-V hull can move through the water with minimal resistance, using less power to maintain chosen speed with increased fuel efficiency.

Beyond their safety and performance characteristics, Downeast-style motor yachts are popular for their unobstructed helms, thoughtfully-designed interiors and open cockpits, which make them incredibly comfortable boats for cruising, staying onboard and entertaining.

MAINE MADE

It should come as no surprise two of the highest quality and most trusted brands of Downeast-style motor yachts – Back Cove and Sabre – are built in Maine.

With boatbuilding yards located in Rockland and Raymond, the Back Cove and Sabre brands both enjoy a reputation of the highest calibre from building vessels of timeless style, quality and enduring value.