Eastport Yacht, the boutique builder in Annapolis, is moving to Florida, and launching a flybridge version of its classic Chesapeake Bay deadrise 32 at the same time.
Eastport started in 2006 in the Eastport section of Annapolis, basically a boater’s haven, and they made a practical, no-nonsense 32 with inboard diesel power and a transom that dropped down to open the cockpit fully for loading dinks, diving gear, large fish, whatever. It was a true original of the SUV-of -the-water style that had the looks of a working bay boat.
The original Eastport 32 (pictured at top) had a shallow draft, lots of shade from its extended hardtop, and efficient performance from its twin 270-hp Volvos. Top speed: 27 knots.
I tested that boat off Annapolis many years ago, and was impressed by its performance, easy handling, and promise of no-hassle cruising in the Chesapeake or just about any other place I wanted to go.
The ride was solid and comfortable. The boat had a deep-V entry, some flare in the bow, and a moderate 12-degree deadrise aft for stability. It also drew only 22 inches, a big advantage in the Chesapeake, and many other places as well.
The boat was fairly utilitarian, with a V-berth and head below, a galley and wet bar on the main deck. Visibility from the helm was excellent, truly 360-degrees all around. And, even at 6’ 1”, I didn’t have to slouch; headroom was a full 6’7”.
More recently, Eastport introduced a twin outboard version of that boat (pictured above), acknowledging the increasing popularity of outboard propulsion. It doesn’t have the drop-down transom, but it still has the wide-open cockpit of the original, with a transom door on the starboard side for boarding. Power comes from twin 250-hp Suzukis, topping out at 40 knots.
Now, Eastport has announced that it is moving its boat-building business to Stuart, Florida, where it will build a new flybridge version of its 32. The company says it will be “a pocket battleship” with room for five people on the flybridge. Twin 320-hp Volvos will produce a 32-knot cruise. Base price: $700,000.
Specs. (Inboard version): LOA: 32’6”; Beam: 11’6”; Draft: 22”; Disp: 10,500 lbs.; Fuel: 170 gals.; Water: NA; Power: 2×270-hp Volvo D4 diesels.
Specs. (Outboard version): LOA: 35’6”; Beam: 11’6”; Draft: 22”; Disp.: 10,000 lbs.; Fuel: 300 gals.; Water: NA; Power: 2×250-hp Suzuki outboards.
Specs. (Flybridge version): LOA: 32’6”; Beam: 11’6”; Draft: 22”; Disp.: 12,500 lbs.; Fuel: 170 gals.; Water: NA; Power: 2×270-hp Volvo D4 diesels. Read more:
