With its proud bow, classic Downeast lines and elegant fit and finish, the Mark Ellis-designed Bruckmann Abaco 40 offers a combination of traditional appeal with modern performance. Designed as a single-diesel weekender, the Bruckmann 40 is a master of salty understatement, although it tops out at about 30 knots and only sips about a gallon a mile at cruising speed of 24 knots.
Based in Toronto, Canada, Bruckmann Yachts is a high-end sailboat builder, and that heritage shows in the Abaco 40; there’s nothing fancy here, just everything you need in just the right place. From the cockpit, you enter the protected helm deck through two large glass sliding doors. Two long – 6’6” – convertible settees face each other along the sides, sailboat style, and a drop-leaf dining table is to port. The captain and mate each have Stidd chairs; the captain faces an elegant mahogany helm, while the mate has a matching chart table with fiddles.
Three steps down the galley is to port, a large head and shower to starboard, and the centerline berth is forward. The interior is Herreshoff style, while seven coats of varnish cover all the mahogany and solid teak caprails. The Ellis-designed hull has fairly flat aft sections with broad chine flats for stability. A large skeg protects the prop and rudder. Specs.: LOA: 39’3”; Beam: 12’9”; Draft: 3’11”; Disp.: 19,000 lbs.; Fuel: 300 gals.; Water: 80 gals.; Power: 1×670-hp Cummins diesel. Price: $763,000. bruckmannyachts.com
