The Back Cove 26 is a 26-foot Downeast-style cruiser that was launched by the high-end boat-building firm Back Cove Yachts in 2004. This was the first vessel to be produced by this Sabre Yachts subsidiary, and the most compact watercraft in their back catalogue, but it made quite the impression over its production run. A classic wheelhouse design with an open aspect for elemental piloting, this sleek and handsome yacht boasted traditional lines, a timeless style and a luxurious, hand-crated finish for an all-round classy appeal. Perfect for spins off the Massachusetts coast or overnight jaunts for two down the Adriatic, this model comes with a single diesel engine, a fiberglass monohull with hard-chines and a tunnel, as well as all of the latest navigational tools.
Steel guardrails on the foredeck allow guests to relax or cast a line up here, while follow the teak brightwork to aft to discover a capacious lower cockpit that takes full advantage of this boat’s 9-foot and 4-inches beam to provide plenty of space to unwind. Back here there are a pair of pop-up transom seats in plush upholstery that have been paired with cushioned coamings for a laid-back and comfortable place to socialize. To stern there is an easily accessible bathing platform ideal for the occasional warm-water swim or as a place to enjoy a spot of casual crabbing. There’s also plenty of space in the non-skid cockpit for those who like to fish, or, if you are expecting guests, room for a cocktail table and chairs.
A single step up leads to the upper-cockpit, where wrap-around windscreen glazing and the option for a floating hard-top or a bimini cover shields you from the worst the seas have to throw at you. Two decadent leather Pompanette helm seats with flip-up bolsters and folding arm-rests face a starboard side helm with ZF marine throttles, Side Power bow thruster controls, Lectrosan trim-tab switches, an illuminated compass and hydraulic steering. There’s also a stereo system up here, connected to a set of speakers dotted throughout the deck.
A symphony of hardwoods await as you head down into the lower cabin, where cherrywood surrounds and a teak effect floor blend harmoniously with maple inlay and Douglas Fir accents. An open galley with Corian countertops, a Tappan microwave, a steel sink, a stovetop and a Norcold fridge faces an enclosed head compartment with a shower, while towards the bow there is a vast V-shaped sofa with a breakfast table that can be lowered into place and covered with a cushion to make a sprawling double bed for the evening.
Fitted with a single 240HP Yanmar 4LHA-STP diesel or a sole 225HP Volvo D4 engine, you can expect top speeds of around 25 knots in ideal conditions. Settle in to a silky smooth cruising speed of approximately 20 knots to enjoy a range of 265 nautical miles thanks to a fuel tank holding 100 gallons of diesel.