The Back Cove 39O is a 43-foot Downeast-style outboard cruiser that was launched by the Maine-based yacht-building firm Back Cove Yachts in 2020. Ideal for days spent exploring the New England coastline and weekend trips somewhere a bit further afield, this handsome yacht boasts the classic lines of a Lobster boat, the artful finish of a high-class vessel and a timeless appeal with plenty of heritage charm. But while this might look like a sedate family cruiser it’s actually a watercraft with pulsating performance thanks to the triple outboard set-up, a modified deep-V hull and the very latest in navigational tech. No wonder then that Back Cove sold 25 of these models prior to launch, or that this model won the “People’s Choice” prize at the 2021 Newport for New Products boat show.
Enjoy casual angling out on the foredeck, or follow the teak brightwork and steel guardrails all the way back to the aft-deck, where a U-shaped transom sofa in sophisticated cushioned upholstery surrounds a timber-lined breakfast table that will host memorable outdoor meals. There’s also an aft-facing sofa back here, perfect for watching the kids as they head beyond the two transom doors to dual swim platforms placed safely abreast of the outboard motors.
Heading beyond a glazed door and into the climate-controlled salon, you will encounter a plush U-shaped, port-side sofa surrounding a high-gloss maple-lined dining table. This seating zone sits across from an open galley with Corian countertops, a sink, a two-zone hob, a Cuisinart oven and a slide-out fridge. Up front a pair of Llebroc helm seats face a modern helm station with a cherry dashboard, trim tab switches, an illuminated compass, a Stazo wood-grained steering wheel with power-assist, a Side Power bow thruster joystick, a 7-inch engine monitor, hand-held VHF radio and two oversized MFD screens. Of course, there’s also superb visibility beyond the triple-mullioned windscreen windows, and plenty of natural light streaming in through two above-helm skylights.
There’s plenty of room to unwind down on a traditionally-styled lower-deck lined in cherrywood and maple with a teak and holly sole and oval portholes. On this level you can expect an entrance lobby with a sofa and an atrium-style open ceiling, two twin beds aft of the staircase and a double cabin located up by the bow. Also available down here is a capacious bathroom with a toilet, a ceramic sink and an enclosed shower cubicle with a bench seat.
Pick between triple 400HP Mercury Verado outboards or three 350HP Suzukis for top speeds of up to 44 knots and 40 knots respectively. The Suzukis deliver a cruising range of approximately 376 nautical miles at a 23 knot pace, while you’ll glide for 333 nautical miles driving the Mercury motors at an impressive 29 knot cruising speed. The outboards combine with sound mitigation throughout for a relatively quiet ride that rarely registers above the 73 decibel mark, while a mammoth 520 gallon fuel tank will help you stay out on the water all weekend.