Other Downeasters

[JC78]

We love our Albin 28 (and if you were watching the SF Giants - Colorado Rockies game on Mother's Day, you could see her in McCovey Cove). But now that we are sensitized to the boating world, we also love looking at similar boats.

My Question:

If money was no object, what other boats in the downeaster 28'-40' range would you like to own? We have seen Back Coves and Sabres, and have heard someone say Hinckley. Any opinions out there?

[DougSea]

Eastbay. Done and done.

And the big Hunt. OMG!!

Really crazy? Vicem (classic line)

But, since money IS an object...

Albin 35TE!!

Of course many of these (except the Albin) are JUST a bit bigger than you spec'd...but man, I'd love one of them! We did seriously consider the Eastbay 36. Beautiful boat.

[JC78]

Doug-

Why an Eastbay over a Back Cove, for example?

[DougSea]

Part of it would be having the strength of the Grand Banks brand behind you. A solid reputation for making a near bullet-proof boat that stretches over years and years. Then there's the lines. The Back Cove's are nice but there's just something about the Eastbay's. I think they're some of the prettiest boats on the water.

And...they've made a lot of them. So...since again money was a factor; You can find a lot more nicely equipped Eastbay's out there, at a relatively reasonable price, than you can Back Coves.

The same holds true for Sabre. Not as many out there. In our size/price range the Eastbay's won again.

[jcollins]

We toured the Hinkley factory in the late 90s. We were real close to getting the picnic boat. At that time the boat was 334k. The jet drive was desireable because of where we live. I have no idea what they are selling for now.
The Hunt and Eastbay are both great boats to look at but the TE 31 will be our next-last boat.

[RobS]

We were real close to getting the picnic boat. At that time the boat was 334k.

Hmmm, not to knock the Albin but wasn't there something in between... (or did this go right over my head)

[Dave]

Compton 33, there are a couple for sale on yachtworld. There is one in our area and it is quite the boat, very similar to Albins, in fact the owner said he had difficulty chosing between the two when he made his purchase.

[Cape Codder]

Hmmm,
Price not object...
Visit architect Spencer Lincoln in Maine....and say "Start drawing".......
"I'll tell ya when to stop".....

[jcollins]

We were real close to getting the picnic boat. At that time the boat was 334k.

Hmmm, not to knock the Albin but wasn't there something in between... (or did this go right over my head)

Sure. Plenty of inbetween after that trip to Maine. The original poster mentioned Hinkley. Just came to mind. I must admit though, when I was searching for a safe, durable, convertible, the Albin was hands down my choice. And, it was in my price range. Now that I'm looking for a safe, durable, pilot house. Once again...

[Pitou]

okay ... I'll play:

Doug ... the grand banks EastBay is certainly one of my top 3. The other two in true traditional downeast fashion:

1). The Ellis 36 ft. Flybridge Express and the 36 ft. Express Cruiser. I did have the pleasure of delivering an Express Cruiser for a friend who was jammed and wanted her home. I quickly volunteered for the trip from Cos Cob, CT to Manchester, MA. Sweet ride with her full keel single screw design and 480 hp Yanmar. What Buzzard's Bay Slop!
On the lightly used market: 300K

36 Flybridge Cruiser.jpg

36flybridgehull.jpg

2). The 33 ft. Robinhood Power yacht / another true downeast full keel single screw design.
On the lightly used market : 199k to 300k

[JC78]

Anybody ever see/ride in/look at a MJM? Expensive boat, but I guess I did say IF money was no object....

[loubennett]

MJM is an interesting story. Bob Johnstone, co-founder of J-Boats, became interested in a power boat of this type for his personal use. He was not initially interested in being a power boat manufacturer. The story goes that he discussed the concept with Bob Hinckley at the Annapolis Boat Show one year and encouraged Hinckley to build such a boat. This ultimately led to the Hinckley Picnic Boat. Later Johnstone decided to enter the market by applying the technology that had been developed for construction of the J-Boat sailboats to a power boat. The result is a strong, light, fuel efficient power boat. It is said that Johnstone's initial interest in power boats was largely to satisfy the desires of his wife Mary. It is also said that MJM stands for "Mary Johnstone's Motorboat".

[DougSea]

Anybody ever see/ride in/look at a MJM? Expensive boat, but I guess I did say IF money was no object....

MJM is usually at the Norwalk Boat show and Kathy and I had looked at them as a possible upgrade from our 28. Very nice looking, huge side glass in the pilothouse and nicely laid out. And if their fuel burn/performance numbers are correct, a fast efficient hull.

IF money was no object I'd sure be looking at them! And since it's no object it wouldn't be for fuel cost, it would be in part for range! Can't find the tank specs on the 34 but assuming ~300 gallons she should do 400+ nm easily on one fuel load. Possibbly a lot more if you slow down (which I am incapable of doing!!)

[powerboater56]

The MJM 40 is a great boat, but expensive($900K+) for what you get. In the same size range the Sabre 40 is very nice, especially with the new Zeus or Volvo IPS drives. For less money the Back Cove 37 is a nice boat -- it has great open feeling between the cockpit and main saloon due to a huge sliding door system.

For an offbeat but worthwhile option you may want to consider the Island Pilot 39/40. The appearance is not classic down east -- a bit angular -- but the boat has great performance from Volvo IPS or sterndrives and it appears to be well made. There are a couple of not-too-old Island Pilots for sale under $300k, which compares very well to similar vintage East Bays, Sabres and Hinckleys.

East Bays are very well made boats and some models are getting quite reasonable on the used boat market -- older East Bay 38's and even the Eat Bay 49's are common on Yachtworld. I dislike the amount of brightwork, however -- East Bay's are maintenance-intensive.

If money is no object, consider the San Juan line -- they make beautiful boats with great performance and construction. Or possibly a new, custom Huckins -- very distinctive, classy and you can get exactly what you want.