The Back Cove 41, with more than 100 hulls delivered so far, has to be one of the most popular mid-range family cruisers to come out of Maine. With its jaunty sheer, flared bows, attractive cabin with large windows, the 41 is a true Doowneast classic.
But even a classic can benefit from a few significant upgrades and tweaks. Thus, the birth of the Back Cove 412, which takes all the great qualities from the first generation and makes them better.
First generation 41s are remarkably versatile and many have plied the Intracoastal Waterway, crossed the stream to the Bahamas and, in quite a few cases, completed a Great Loop adventure. With two double cabins that share a head, the 412 is still a couple’s boat that can accommodate a small family or a couple of friends comfortably.
The salon has ample headroom and large windows –now electrically operated–so it feels spacious and well connected to outside environment. The helm has twin seats that provide excellent visibility forward and across from them there’s a small settee for co-pilots.
The improvements that Back Cove has built into the new 412 are subtle and important. The 412 now comes standard with a Volvo D 8 engine rated at 600-horsepower that turns a straight shaft. A D11 rated at 715 horsepower is available as an option.
Other refinements include a sliding door between the cockpit and salon that opens up the cockpit for a variety of arrangements. You can opt for twin forward facing settees or you can have one forward-facing settee and an aft facing one which leaves space for a built-in grill. This last option will be very popular.
In the salon, you will find a larger table that will easily seat four for meals, a larger standard TV and a refined design to the helm. Altogether, this classic feels modern and more comfortable than the 41 and this should carry the model forward for another decade.
Back Cove is a sister company to Sabre Yachts and offers four models from 34 to 41 feet. You could say Back Cove was Sabre’s little sister but that would be unfair. Back Cove boats are true yachts in their own right that are finished in yacht style and quality.
That “Maine-Built” ethos shows in every bit of interior joinery, in the deep glow of the varnished-surfaces, in the heirloom-quality cushions and fabrics and the impeccable layouts and arrangement of the engine room and electrical systems.
For an adventurous couple, the new classic 412 will make a perfect floating home.
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