Back Cove Yachts completed production on our 1000th yacht late last month, marking the latest in an impressive string of milestones.
Though we haven’t yet reached our 20th birthday, the Back Cove team’s artistry has led to a worldwide reputation as a manufacturer of elegant and seaworthy vessels. Despite a challenging fifteen-month period dominated by a public health crisis, a reduced workforce, and ongoing supply-chain interruptions, we are thrilled to be celebrating several important milestones.
Back Cove 39O off Portland Maine
After an initial pause in production due to a temporary mandated closure of our facility, our production team took up the task of building the prototype Back Cove 39O. Launched in the autumn of 2020, the 39O took the boating market by storm and has already won recognition as the quietest and fastest Back Cove to date. Our latest model will make her official global debut at the upcoming Newport International Boat Show in September, having made several regional premieres at limited-access events through the winter.
Late in 2020, we reached another landmark as we completed the 200th Back Cove 37. Following an uninterrupted run of more than eleven years, this ultra-popular model was due for a refresh and, after careful consideration of owner feedback, the redesigned Back Cove 372 was announced in March of 2021. The new 372 maintains all the best-loved features of the classic Back Cove 37 while incorporating cutting-edge materials and components that were unavailable ten years ago. She is expected to make her public debut at the 2021 United States Powerboat Show in Annapolis.
Back Cove 372 (rendering)
Early 2021 brought the next benchmark, as we finished the 100th Back Cove 41. Another long-time favorite among our customer family, the ongoing success of our inboard line speaks to the quality craftsmanship and nautically sensible design that forms the foundation of our product line. Since her launch in 2014, the Back Cove 41 has earned popularity among long-range cruisers and weekenders alike, and no wonder. Her single-engine straight-shaft propulsion achieves a 26+ knot cruise using just 28.6 gallons of diesel an hour, with a resultant range of 330 nautical miles.
Finally, in May of 2021, we completed our 1000th overall build with hull #005 of the Back Cove 39O. In some respects, reaching 1000 boats denotes another kind of milestone for our relatively young company. Back Cove Yachts may have begun in 2003 as a “little sister” to long-established Sabre Yachts, but our award-winning lineup of elegant and user-friendly Downeast yachts has earned an expansive family of loyal customers. With 1000 completed yachts under our collective belts, it’s safe to say Back Cove has established a legacy of our own.
The 1000th Back Cove – Back Cove 39O hull #005
Lamination supervisor, Dean Hale, had the following to say about the recent accomplishments:
“It has been truly amazing to see the growth and evolution of the boats we build. Every new model that has come out has brought something new to the shop and continues to be exciting. Having been with the company for ten years, I think it is amazing to see the progress and growth that we have had in such a short time.” – Dean Hale
Today, we celebrate that Back Cove Yachts has become a big name in the small world of luxury boatbuilders. Alongside our sister-brand, Sabre Yachts, we have the honor of employing more than 300 Maine craftspeople, from carpenters and composite technicians to mechanics and electricians, whose passion and talent are directly responsible for our ongoing success. We would also like to take this opportunity to offer our sincerest thanks to our network of dealerships, vendor partners, customers, and friends. The support of the extended Back Cove family is, without a doubt, the magic ingredient in our recent achievements and will undoubtedly be key to our future accomplishments.
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The Back Cove 372 will feature an aft-facing cockpit seat with a folding armrest, a new bi-fold door & window system, a redesigned helm pod, and a black windshield liner, among other innovations.
The Back Cove 37 was launched in 2009 and has enjoyed an eleven-plus-year uninterrupted run resulting in more than 200 hulls. Often the life of a model is dictated by the longevity of the parts and tools used to make her, but the unprecedented popularity of the Back Cove 37 has already seen her through one rebuild of essential molds and tools. Now, the Back Cove Design Team will incorporate customer feedback and advancing technology to put a new spin on this Back Cove classic, resulting in the newly redesigned Back Cove 372.
“In 2007, the Back Cove Design Team embarked on a project which would ultimately be introduced 14 months later as the Back Cove 37. Over time, the BC37 became one of our most beloved models – a point illustrated by the 12-year uninterrupted production run during which the design remained largely unchanged from those original 2007 concepts. For years, we have enjoyed hearing from our 37 Owners about the boat’s legendarily friendly ride and hull characteristics and listened intently to every suggestion for improvement. In 2020, the production molds used to build the 37’s composite parts finally surrendered to boatbuilding wear and tear and needed to be taken off line for rehabilitation. We took this opportunity to reexamine the 37 with all of that owner feedback and our recent design advancements in mind. The Back Cove team gathered together to apply all of our “pent up” good ideas and recognized that the resulting boat really deserved its own designation – enter the 372. The Back Cove 372 is full of fresh details that are tailored to today’s cruising and boating lifestyles, yet it retains the classic character and heart of a proven winner.”
– Kevin Burns, VP of Product Development & Design
Building upon the most popular elements of the Back Cove 37, the Back Cove 372 will feature:
The redesigned Back Cove 372 will preserve the elegant and nautically-sensible layout of the ultra-popular Back Cove 37.
Electrical Systems
A more efficient 24V DC electrical system with less copper weight will increase run time on the bow and optional stern thrusters by slowing the rate at which components might overheat. This upgrade also allows Back Cove to offer a Volvo D8 engine option, which is not available for a 12V control system.
Standard and Optional Power
The updated 372 will feature the Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp diesel engine with a 7” display as standard and a Volvo Penta D8 diesel with a 7” Garmin display as an option. This adjustment is the direct result of owner preference, with more than 95% of Back Cove 37 owners opting for a larger-than-standard engine since 2009.
Bow Thruster
A SidePower SE 100 bow thruster offers greater control and precision than the original SE 80 series. Her stern-thruster will remain the same but will benefit significantly from the 24V upgrade. Additionally, the new 24V DC electrical system provides a longer run time and reduces the speed at which thrusters will overheat. As a result, owners facing difficult docking situations due to wind, current, or crowding, will experience a tangible difference in maneuverability.
Glare Reduction & Redesigned Helm Pod
Borrowing from the successful Back Cove 39O feature, the Back Cove Design Team has incorporated a black windshield liner and upholstered helm pod to reduce glare. Her redesigned helm pod takes further advantage of this anti-glare feature while providing more space for navigation electronics and offering a new storage drawer for necessary items. The helm of the 372 features an entirely new layout, increased wheel height, and incorporates a high-pressure laminate for stain-resistance and durability, among other improvements.
A wooden-framed Smart TV and Fusion stereo system enhance the entertainment systems onboard while leaving her much-loved layout unchanged.
Back Cove has largely eliminated traditional aluminum window frames on the 372. Fixed glazed windows in the pilothouse will enhance sightlines and replace the sliding windows. The windshield will incorporate a framed center window with opening appliances for smoother and easier operation.
Entertainment
The Back Cove 372 will introduce a wooden-framed 32” Smart TV in the salon for enhanced visibility and convenience. She will also feature an upgraded Fusion Apollo stereo system.
Cockpit and Salon Door
The focal point of the Back Cove 372’s new cockpit design is a fixed aft-facing seat with folding armrest outboard complete with drink holder. This feature fulfills a frequently noted desire among Back Cove 37 owners while increasing seating in the well-proportioned cockpit. A new salon door to port with a bi-fold window to starboard (above the aft-facing seat) adjoins the two social spaces without sacrificing seating or sightlines. The result is an upgraded variation on Back Cove’s iconic and versatile blending of interior and exterior for optimal enjoyment in all weather conditions.
Reconfigured Head
A reconfigured head in the Back Cove 372 results in an expanded medicine cabinet, a sizeable over-sink mirror, and a redesigned shower stall. A solid-surface has been added to the shower seat (eliminating the in-seat access hatch), while a storage cubby has been added on the shower stall’s outboard facing wall. Pictured below, the new arrangement optimizes this essential space’s comfort and function and is sure to enhance the experience of owners and guests spending time aboard.
The Back Cove 372’s reconfigured head features an expanded medicine cabinet, large over-sink mirror, a redesigned show stall, and more.
Optional EPS Steering
The EPS Steering option on the new Back Cove 372 will replace the Power-Assist option found on the Back Cove 37. The captain will quickly appreciate the increased precision and control at the helm, as well as the color display showing rudder position, programmable/proportional lock to lock turns, and wheel resistance proportional to vessel speed.
Optional MakeFast Shade
This newly available, deployable cockpit shade enhances coverage of outdoor living spaces from the salon door to the swim platform. The built-in tension system and lightweight carbon fiber poles make both set up and storage a breeze.
Optional Teak Cockpit Tables
Optional triangular tables of unfinished teak (for maximum durability) transform the cockpit into the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon snack beneath the cockpit awning.
• Redesigned footrests at the helm
• Aft-hinging helm storage hatch
• Stainless weldment for anchor roller in place of the traditional bowsprit
• Upgraded induction cooktop in the galley
The newly redesigned Back Cove 372 maintains the same beloved amenities and Downeast charm as the classic Back Cove 37.
Last month’s announcement of the new Back Cove 372 caused quite a stir, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about her overwhelmingly positive reception. This update will answer two of our most-asked questions from the last month – read on for more details!
Fixed-Glazed Window Operation
After announcing the updates to the Back Cove 372 (above) there was some concern around the switch to fixed-glazed windows. We are pleased to assure you that these pilothouse windows *do* open. In fact, the vertical latch alignment makes operation smooth and easy. The pilothouse window is bonded directly to the pilothouse (just like a car windshield) and the opening section is inside the perimeter of the glass.
Note: We created this demo video onboard the Back Cove 39O, however, the Back Cove 372 will use the same windows.
Deployable Cockpit Shade (Option)
The optional deployable cockpit shade (made by Makefast) is one of the most exciting additions to the list of Back Cove 372 options. Many readers will have seen this shade onboard the Back Cove 39O, and now our Design Team has released renderings of the shade as it will be arranged on board the Back Cove 372!
Production has begun on the prototype hull of the newly redesigned Back Cove 372, and we can’t wait for the finished result. We are pleased to announce that the first hull has been successfully pulled from the mold (stay tuned for regular production updates as the build progresses). Long-time readers will be very familiar with the process depicted below, but we’ll run down the steps for our new readers!
First, the hull mold is prepared (cleaned and waxed) to ensure a smooth and easy release. The more the mold is used and worn the more difficult it becomes to release a part, which is why the Back Cove 37/372 hull mold was re-tooled (a new mold made with the exact same geometry as the original) several years ago. When the mold is prepped and ready, the fun part begins. During the “layup” stage the dry components of the hull are stacked one atop the other from the outside in, meaning the first thing to go into the mold is the gelcoat.
Following the gelcoat is a layer of “chop” – short strands of fiberglass that both protect the gelcoat during the layup process and help to ensure a fair finish on the completed hull. Next, sheets of fiberglass are laid into the mold so the weave of each layer runs perpendicular to the weave of the layer before, ensuring optimal strength throughout the hull. These layers are temporarily tacked into place with adhesive spray to prevent any shifting or movement.
Back Cove Yachts also dry-installs our hull stringers, a practice that is not always possible for other manufacturers (including our sister company, Sabre Yachts) due to the size and/or weight of their hulls. By infusing the stringers with the rest of the hull, Back Cove creates astoundingly strong hulls that are also remarkably light.
With all the dry materials in place, the layup stage is complete and it’s time for infusion!
The hull is carefully bagged and an air-tight seal is created around the entire part. A vacuum is used to create a negative pressure system within the mold which draws resin through the part using a complex series of tubing and valves. This process ensures that the resin is evenly distributed preventing dry spots and over-saturation. After the vacuum process, the Lamination department carefully monitors the temperature to ensure it cures perfectly.
Finally, it’s time for the big reveal! When the hull is fully cured the Back Cove production team uses a series of chains and winches to lift the completed hull from the mold, revealing a beautifully fair surface and pristine gelcoat.
The finished hull is lowered into a cradle and transported to the next phase of the production process! We hope you’ll continue to follow along with us, as there’s truly nothing quite like watching a prototype hull make the transition from idea to finished product. Our team of craftspeople is second to none, and they give every ounce of their enthusiasm and skill to their work, whether they’re building the first hull of a brand new model, or wrapping up the 1000th Back Cove.
Production continues on the redesigned Back Cove 372 – Her Volvo D8 600 MHP engine was installed earlier this month, but that’s not all! We are thrilled to announce that the Back Cove 372 officially has a deck!
It has been a challenging road for our production team, and words cannot express our gratitude and respect for each and every one of them. They have approached material and manpower shortages with the same unflappable (and characteristically Downeast) attitude as they might when considering snow in the winter. Through “thick and thin” they’ve continued to apply their considerable skills and done so with a smile on their faces, proving once again that they are the heart and soul of the entire Back Cove operation.
We are quickly approaching one of the most exciting milestones for any new model – the Splash and Engineering Trials. Stay tuned on the Back Cove Newsletter for all the latest updates, and details on how you can see her for yourself at the upcoming United States Powerboat Show!
The Back Cove 372 is expected to splash late this summer and make her boat show debut at the United States Powerboat Show (Annapolis, Maryland) in October 2021.
Back Cove 372 Update – September 2021
The first Back Cove 372 is almost complete, and we are beginning preparations for her Engineering and Sea Trials! Take a look below for a sneak peek at the nearly-finished details, and stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as we publish her official performance data!
The new aft-facing seat with folding armrest
Close-up of the folding armrest (upright)
Black windshield liner and fixed-glazed windows
The head now features a large mirror with a beautiful wooden frame
The Back Cove 372 is expected to splash late this summer and make her boat show debut at the United States Powerboat Show (Annapolis, Maryland) in October 2021.
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In the summer of 2008, plans were announced for the Back Cove 37, which would become the company’s flagship model and herald a new generation of Back Cove design. Before the Back Cove 37, the lineup consisted of Back Cove’s foundational model, the Back Cove 29, as well as the Back Cove 26 and Back Cove 33. Since its founding five years before, these models had established the company’s sterling reputation for quality, low-maintenance cruising yachts. Now, customers were asking for a little more, and the Back Cove Design Team was ready to answer the call.
True to Back Cove’s founding principles, the new Back Cove 37 would feature a planing hull powered by a single inboard diesel, with operator-friendly features and simple but robust systems. But that’s not all. She would also offer two dedicated staterooms and a fully enclosed “sedan style” helm deck that could be fully opened to the cockpit via a revolutionary door system. If this doesn’t sound familiar, it should – these distinct features can be found, albeit in updated form, aboard the new Back Cove 39O outboard. In this way, you could call the Back Cove 37 “ahead of her time,” and with that forward-thinking aesthetic, she made a triumphant entrance into an otherwise troubled market.
The Back Cove 37 made her debut at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, at the start of a profound recession, and the Back Cove Team was more than a little concerned about launching a new model at a time when many boatbuilders were struggling to “stay afloat.” Over the next ten months, Back Cove delivered nine more 37s into dealer inventory as the economy fought to correct itself.
Despite the many challenges that the boating industry faced during this troubled period, the Back Cove 37 seemed to rise above it all. She quickly made her way onto magazine covers and earned glowing reviews and ecstatic customers in every corner of the globe, literally. Hull #004 would make her way to Sydney, Australia, hull #005 to Monaco, and hull #006 found a home in San Diego, California. By the next Miami International Boat Show in February of 2010, all the stock boats were sold, the recession was beginning to lift, and the Back Cove 37 began year-two of a run that has gone uninterrupted for the last ten years.
Bentley Collins, Back Cove’s VP of Sales & Marketing, offered this funny sidebar about the original launch of the Back Cove 37:
“Our Head of Design, Kevin Burns, and I, picked up hull one to deliver her from the boatyard on the Miami River to the boat show at Sea Isle Marina. After getting underway for about a quarter of a mile, the engine stalled, and we couldn’t restart it. So, being enterprising “Mainahs,” we used the bow and stern thrusters to maneuver the boat back to the marina, moving sideways with bursts of power from the bow and then the stern thruster. After avoiding the commercial traffic on the river for a while, we realized that the main fuel valve had been closed off for shipping from Maine to Miami! It was certainly an interesting first run, for what would become our most enduring design.” – Bentley Collins
Eleven years later, late in the fall of 2020, the 200th Back Cove 37 was shipped into dealer inventory at Bay Marine’s Chicago Yachting Center. Back Cove’s Production Team acknowledged the achievement by signing the underside of a salon drawer as a memento to her future owners. Back Cove has also begun planning festivities in Waukegan, Illinois, to celebrate this milestone achievement. The event will be scheduled, and details released when weather and social health guidelines allow.
The Back Cove 37 shepherded a new generation of Back Cove yachts and has earned the love and respect of boaters the world over. Her legacy extends even into Back Cove’s new outboard models, and her practical and elegant design principles will continue to guide Back Cove Yachts in the years to come. This astounding success would not have been possible without the support of an extended family of associates, owners, dealerships, and friends, for which they have Back Cove’s deepest thanks.
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Our team is making significant progress constructing the very first Back Cove 39O, and recently pulled the completed IGU (Internal Glass Unit) from the mold.
The IGU may not look like much on its own, but it plays a vital role in both the interior layout and the overall structure of the boat. This single fiberglass unit creates a footprint for the all below-deck accommodations onboard the 39O, including both cabins, the head with separate shower stall, and the lower lounge. This piece is “tabbed” to the hull (meaning permanently fixed in place with fiberglass) where it does double-duty providing structural support for the hull itself.
This is always an exciting step in the build process because installing the IGU means that the interior spaces are beginning to take shape, and the 39O is truly unique from her sister-models in this regard. Forward, her master cabin is the perfect oasis for owners to relax at the end of the day. Her comfortably arranged head to starboard, featuring a separate shower stall, and secluded lower lounge to port create a private space to enjoy the morning news or an evening movie. Aft, the guest quarters offer easy entrance and egress to the two fixed berths.
The amount of space our designers have created below-deck in the Back Cove 39O really sets her apart from other boats of this size, and we cannot wait to share more updates with you as they come together for the first time.
Internal Glass Unit (Seen Here Upside Down) Port Side
Internal Glass Unit (Seen Here Upside Down) Forward End
Internal Glass Unit (Seen Here Upside Down) Forward – Starboard End
Internal Glass Unit (Seen Here Upside Down) Aft-Starboard Side
Internal Glass Unit (Seen Here Upside Down) Starboard Side
Internal Glass Unit (Right Side Up) Looking Aft at the Guest Quarters
Leave a comment and let us know what you think, and don’t forget to sign up for our Back Cove 39O Email List for early updates and extra information!
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As if the introduction of a second outboard model with a fully enclosed salon wasn’t enough, the Back Cove Design Team has just released renderings of the NEW Back Cove 39O with triple outboards!
More details are soon to follow, but we are happy to confirm that the 39O will be available withtriple installations from 850hp to 1200hp from Yamaha, Suzuki, and Mercury Marine. This is an exciting possibility that has been a factor in the overall 39O design from the first draft. Utilizing our signature Trailing Edge Lifting Surface (TRELIS) *D* Back Cove’s designers have optimized the hull geometry of the 39O for performance and handling with three engines. Pair that with her iconic Back Cove construction, and the 39O is truly in a league of her own.
