The Growth Of Back Cove Yachts

In the rugged coastal town of Rockland, Maine, a legacy of maritime excellence continues to thrive through Back Cove Yachts. Founded in 2003 as a sister company to the renowned Sabre Yachts, Back Cove has charted an impressive course in the luxury powerboat market, blending traditional Downeast styling with modern performance and comfort.

The genesis of Back Cove can be traced to the vision of Sabre Yachts' founder, Roger Houston. In 1970, Houston set out to build production sailboats that rivaled the quality of custom-built vessels while harnessing the efficiencies of serial production. This philosophy of marrying craftsmanship with smart manufacturing laid the foundation for what would become Back Cove Yachts.

Responding to market demand, Back Cove emerged as a brand dedicated to creating simpler, Downeast-style cruising boats powered by single diesel engines. This concept resonated with boaters who admired the classic lines of Maine lobster boats but desired modern amenities and performance. Kevin Burns, Vice President of Design and Product Development, emphasizes the company's commitment to "nautical sensibilities" – ensuring that every design element serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics.

At the heart of Back Cove's success is an unwavering dedication to quality. "We focus on lower volume, higher quality, building boats for boaters designed by boaters," Burns explains. This approach has cultivated a loyal customer base of experienced mariners who appreciate the attention to detail and longevity built into every Back Cove yacht.

The company's 240,000 square foot facility in Rockland employs 200 of "Maine's finest boat builders," many of whom have deep connections to the local maritime community. This sense of heritage instills a profound "duty of care" in the workforce, ensuring that each boat leaving the factory meets the highest standards – as if built for their own families.

While Back Cove built its reputation on inboard diesel-powered vessels, the company has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter with its "O Series" of outboard-powered boats. This expansion into high-performance outboards caters to a growing segment of boaters seeking increased speed and range without sacrificing the Back Cove ethos of quality and thoughtful design.

The O Series features hulls specifically engineered for outboard propulsion, incorporating innovative elements like the "trellis" or "trailing edge lifting surface." This design allows for faster cruising speeds – up to 10 knots quicker than their inboard counterparts – while maintaining excellent stability and efficiency.

Despite this foray into outboard territory, Back Cove remains committed to its shaft-drive diesel models. These vessels continue to be prized for extended cruising, particularly among enthusiasts tackling adventures like the Great Loop or exploring Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Back Cove's international reach is exemplified by its strong presence in Australia and New Zealand, where dealer Jed Eldin has represented the brand since 2006. The similarities between Maine's boating culture and that of Australia – with their shared appreciation for outdoor lifestyles and premium craftsmanship – have helped Back Cove find a receptive market Down Under.

As Back Cove looks to the future, sustainability and technological innovation are key considerations. The company is exploring advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and investigating eco-friendly, recyclable materials. While cautious about adopting unproven technologies, Back Cove's leadership understands the importance of staying ahead of industry trends.

From its humble beginnings as an offshoot of Sabre Yachts to its current status as a respected name in luxury powerboats, Back Cove Yachts has demonstrated an ability to evolve while staying true to its core values. By continuing to build boats that combine timeless style with cutting-edge performance, Back Cove is well-positioned to navigate the waters of success for years to come.