Reliant Yachts X40

The Reliant Yachts X40 (40′ 4″ LOA, 12′ 6″ beam) is a modern interpretation of the Downeast style, and her sharp angles and plumb bow will stand out from the crowd whether in Newport, Miami or the French Riviera. Jim Ewing and partner David MacFarlane have long been known for their involvement in two of yachting’s classic names, Trumpy and Alden.

The X40 cockpit can accommodate up to 10 guests and has a walk-through transom door to the swim platform. The galley is below-decks and to port, with a two-burner stove, refrigerator, microwave, and plenty of storage. Across from the galley to starboard is a sitting area that converts to a guest berth. Forward to starboard is the head with a large separate shower, and the queen master is forward.

Powered by twin Cummins 480-hp diesels with optional Konrad drives, the X40 will top 40 knots and cruises at 32 knots. reliantyachts.com

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Downeast Boats Roundup

Downeast boats conjure scenes of lobster boils and comfortable cruising. Sit back, relax and enjoy our Downeast Boats Roundup.

More than 100 years ago, what’s now known as a “Downeast boat” was a working vessel. Built to plow through rough seas, it offered low windage, a stable hull and a cockpit big enough for hauling and accommodating lobster traps.

Sometime since then, boat designers took that look, added their personal brand of upscale and transformed the style into that of a luxury cruiser. What follows here is a look at the top 16 Downeast boats, each an elegant example of what happens when designers and builders work together to combine beauty with functionality. As you’ll learn in the following stories, getting it just right is what matters.

Back Cove Downeast 37

Reliant Yachts X40

Hinckley Picnic Boat 40

Legacy 42 IPS

Huckins Atlantic 44

Grand Banks Eastbay 44SX

NEB/ZURN 50

Sabre 45 Salon Express

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating December 2017

Want more of our Downeast Boats Roundup? Try our Downeast Buyers Guide.

Rockport Marine 45

The Rockport Marine 45 (45′ 5″ LOA, 14′ 3″ beam) is an elegant and practical 45-foot flybridge cruiser in the true Downeast tradition, pictured here in real life as the stalwart Boss Lady. Her design is by noted Maine boatbuilder and naval architect Joel White, and she is available to be built by his family at Rockport Marine. The 45 is built with cedar planks on white oak frames.

Powered by a single diesel engine, her deep forefoot, substantial skeg, and round bilges provide an exceptionally smooth ride at a cruising speed of 12 knots and a top speed of 17 knots. The standard engine is a six-cylinder 450-hp Cummins diesel installed in a large and easily accessible engine room under the wheelhouse. The roomy forward stateroom features a large double berth. A galley and heating stove are opposite a comfortable dinette. The flying bridge steering station is ideal for calm evenings and uninterrupted visibility. The 45’s straightforward construction and machinery installations speak to many years of low maintenance cruising.

rockportmarine.com

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