Saw a really cool boat moored off p-town last week, it was a 20-21 foot downeast hull with nice high gunnels and an outboard, and a small doghouse which enclosed the center console.

I loved it. Always on the lookout for my dream retirement boat ( a 22 - 26 foot center console workboat, single outboard, lots of fishable deck space). There’s Something about that downeast hull design that I like. I don’t know too many downeast center console manufacturers. Any suggestions as to where to look?

Not looking for a boat you’d expect to be driven by a guy with a cashmere sweater tied around his neck. I want a boat I can get bloody, maybe something I can use to manage 10 lobster pots someday, if I have a few good years between retirement and the grave.

I’d love somehing around 24-25 feet that has that Maine, downeast, Calvin Beal kind of a look to it. Something like a Weber’s cove, general marine, somehing like that.

Judge yachts down on the Chesapeake look like nice boats, semi custom. Not sure you’d call them downeast?

Fun to look. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

How about an eastern ?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

How about an eastern ?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device


This was what I was thinking.

That said a Northcoast might be a good consideration as it is a bit downeast and a bit more R&R spec'd

This was what I was thinking.

That said a Northcoast might be a good consideration as it is a bit downeast and a bit more R&R spec'd

Those are great suggestions, thanks nebe and John.

I want something that can take a beating too. And low maintenance if possible, with more of a commercial, spartan finish. Not downeast, but I often wander back to pacific boats, Welded aluminum tanks that are indestructible, require no waxing or polishing, just blast it with a pressure washer now and then.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Get a Hinckley Picnic Boat. Just make sure you scotch guard the cushions so the blood doesn’t stain them. I’ve got lots of nice Italian cashmere, you’re covered there.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Get a Hinckley Picnic Boat. Just make sure you scotch guard the cushions so the blood doesn’t stain them. I’ve got lots of nice Italian cashmere, you’re covered there.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

No picnic boats!! I’d love an older Calvin Beal lobster boat, converted to a center console, and set up for an outboard.

Have a great holiday.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

something like this 22' northern bay...but 2-3 feet bigger,,,

OK, northern bay makes a 26 footer available as a center console, and can be set up for outboards per the website.

Anybody know anything about them? This is the 26 foot center console, this is pretty close to what I am envisioning...except I want a puny little console...

Not to stear anyone from this site but you should check out thedowneastdorum.com.
Nothing but Downeast boat !
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

Not to stear anyone from this site but you should check out thedowneastdorum.com.
Nothing but Downeast boat !
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device




https://downeastboatforum.com/

FIFY ; )

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

They can be wet. I knew a guy who had one, liked the efficiency and ride. Thanks for the comments though, appreciate that!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[QUOTE=numbskull;1145978]Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry.


1/2 correct
Downeast hulls are Displacement hulls with Steep Narrow entries and flatten out towards the stern.
Some builders will modify by adding lifting rails to give them some lift (planing hull) but they generally plow through the water (displace)
The steep narrow entries make them superior in a head Sea but the flat aft stern makes them a challenge in a following Sea.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

While the looks of the downeast type craft certainly has eye appeal, you have to really investigate the type of graft of your interested. The term work craft is just that and many are designed for certain types of work. The Downeast typically Beals Isle, Royal Lowell, Holland, and Macintosh are a product of years of development for existing conditions. The typical "lobster boat" if that exists usually is defined by a fine entry a somewhat full bilge and a straight run aft. The two forward sections are an effort to compensate for the straight run aft that is needed for heavy loads of pots and deck space to store them. Unloaded the aft will pound even with eased bilges, in some case a steady sail is used to help with handling. Loaded, these boats are very safe and can take a beating, light, requires care and an able skipper.
You really need to research style you are considering.
On the retail market of days gone by the Mackensie "Cuttyhunk" and the Brownell (an Elridge design) later "Fortier" were craft well known for craft for fishing and eye catching details. And even here there are those that would argue both for and against these designs.
Good luck with your search!!!!
Ed

On the retail market of days gone by the Mackensie "Cuttyhunk" and the Brownell (an Elridge design) later "Fortier" were craft well known for craft for fishing and eye catching details


Ed


The Cuttyhunk bass boat was the first thing I thought of when I read Jim's post.
Just the history of those is amazing but the work involved in the wood can be overbearing. A labor of love for sure.

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-) :wall:

My brother has been in a partnership owning a 1957 Beals Island 34 since the late 90s. I will try to get a pic up later. It was a working lobster boat in its previous life. 2 1/2 years out of water to take most of the hog out of the hull's starboard side. Slippery bottom that shallows out aft, made it a challenge to baffle when we changed out from dry stack to wet exhaust. Had to raise coach roof to accommodate partner when at helm. Cut a hole in floor and installed Nomex platform until we did the coach roof. Rebuilt transom, knees, etc so she now 34-ish feet long... Old wood boats.... Aptly named for what he should have done; Firewood

its tough decision I had to choose between what i wanted and what i could afford

I enjoy my 234 Seahunt Ultra but I should have just bit the bullet and went 26 or 28 ft saw a New Calcutta 26 off Sakonnet point 2 days ago its on my wishlist

I am a complete newbie in terms of boats, but i have this retirement pipe dream about owning one i could use around Martha's Vineyard, poking and prodding the north shore. I was wondering if the Allied fits into this conversation at all??
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I am a complete newbie in terms of boats, but i have this retirement pipe dream about owning one i could use around Martha's Vineyard, poking and prodding the north shore. I was wondering if the Allied fits into this conversation at all??
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I don't know much about boats either, that's why I love picking their brains. The Allieds look pretty tough, I see they make a 24 footer. Hmmm.

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-) :wall:

Found her.... (one just like it ;-) )

https://boats-from-usa.com/chris-craft/chris-craft-25-ftexpress-cruiser-red-white-77466

My brother owns an Allied,not sure why.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

My brother has been in a partnership owning a 1957 Beals Island 34 since the late 90s. I will try to get a pic up later. It was a working lobster boat in its previous life. 2 1/2 years out of water to take most of the hog out of the hull's starboard side. Slippery bottom that shallows out aft, made it a challenge to baffle when we changed out from dry stack to wet exhaust. Had to raise coach roof to accommodate partner when at helm. Cut a hole in floor and installed Nomex platform until we did the coach roof. Rebuilt transom, knees, etc so she now 34-ish feet long... Old wood boats.... Aptly named for what he should have done; Firewood

Beautiful vessel. Lots of labor there.

Ive grown up and owned Deep V Center consoles and never wanted anything else. Now that I have a 28 Albin ive fell in love with a keeled single screw diesel. My next boat (after daycare is over), will be a H&H 32' Osmond beal with some creature comforts for the wife and son for overnights.

Ive grown up and owned Deep V Center consoles and never wanted anything else. Now that I have a 28 Albin ive fell in love with a keeled single screw diesel. My next boat (after daycare is over), will be a H&H 32' Osmond beal with some creature comforts for the wife and son for overnights.

32 H&H is a very good boat.
But if you want a great Sea boat with speed look into a 33 Flower’s.
Best Downeast boat in its size range in my opinion.
My son Leo & I are planning to move up to one in a year or 2 (after he graduates from Ma Maritime) from my 28 BHM.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

32 H&H is a very good boat.
But if you want a great Sea boat with speed look into a 33 Flower’s.
Best Downeast boat in its size range in my opinion.
My son Leo & I are planning to move up to one in a year or 2 (after he graduates from Ma Maritime) from my 28 BHM.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Ive fished a bunch on a 28' BHM and loved that boat as well

Ive fished a bunch on a 28' BHM and loved that boat as well

It’s probably the biggest 28 Downeast but has its limitations.
Steve Law built 1 I know of as a center console..
Search 28 Seaworthy center console on the DEboat forum
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

It’s probably the biggest 28 Downeast but has its limitations.
Steve Law built 1 I know of as a center console..
Search 28 Seaworthy center console on the DEboat forum
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

That is a bad azz center console, the 28 seaworthy...

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

I'll 2nd that.

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-) :wall:


Similar to a mackenzie bass boat... I love wood boats :huh:


https://www.firstlightboatworks.com/design-build/

Roger that Bob :claps:

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-) :wall:

Ray, I had one of those in the early 80s. 26' with a 327/300hp inboard.

Ray, I had one of those in the early 80s. 26' with a 327/300hp inboard.

Ride like a cady I’ll bet...

Someone mentioned aluminum.
Rugged and beautiful .....Jesse Lowell 22'

Cost $40 grand ..without power!!!

https://youtu.be/cpFi3Ovccf0?t=13

That boat doesn't look anything like a "downeast" design.

That boat doesn't look anything like a "downeast" design.

I am far from being an expert on the subject but....It was posted in the Downeast boat forum, and was regarded by the enthusiasts there as a good example of that stlye.
Maybe you could post some examples of what you consider downeast skiff in the 20-24' range

Here is an Ellis 20...the company calls it classic downeast style.

That boat doesn't look anything like a "downeast" design.

The Westpointer is also described as Downeast

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-) :wall:


I could never afford one but I can dream.

There was a beauty for sale on the way out of the river several years ago Bob. One of those Mackensie Cuttyhunk beauties moored right near boathouse row.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

....I do think/dream about building another boat and it would be similar. Would do it if the funds became available by some miracle....and a commitment from my son to help....build time would be about two years if I retire and work on it instead of building houses.
My son piloted the boat over to cuttyhunk for the first time on sunday.....he was ecstatic.
We need a boat that can make that trip....even when it isn't great conditions like it was.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

...My son piloted the boat over to cuttyhunk for the first time on sunday...


I bet you had a silent sigh of relief as you approached the island...in a smaller boat, it seems like you're never going to get there....until you finally get there...:happy:

yes ....but from previous runs out there i worry more about the trip back. It's an idyllic setting...very beautiful.......if you relax too long.....the sea state can change quickly and make the trip back longer and rougher.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device