Back Cove 41 Yacht Review

The Back Cove 41, reminiscent of the New England lobster boat, was designed with functionality over aesthetics; yet manages to shine and display the beauty of some Down East designs. The 41 offers whatever you need from awesome dockside handling, to comforting space for resting overnight without compromising speed that is faster than a line squall.

Performance

Back Cove 41 is fascinating with its single 600-horsepower Cummings QSC8.3 diesels inboard that turns the big wheel (28 inches) through a deep, torque-increasing 2:39:1 gear ratio. A sea trial was done on flat Florida water; our speed was recorded at 27 knots, which is amazing considering we are running on a single engine. Fuel consumption is minimized, which is very important for long distance cruisers. The fuel burn we recorded was at 1.5gph at a displacement of 7.5 knots which is very good for a boat.

Driving the 41 was a cool experience. Running attitude was at its best, increasing from zip to 4 degrees at a steady pace at wide open throttle. Much like other single engine boats, the turns were broad and had a tactical diameter of approximately four boat lengths. The control interface was free and easy to operate. Turning on the optional Lenco automatic trim tabs makes it much easier to drive, as you won’t need to touch any tab rockers; just drive freely with the wheel and throttle. She maneuvered every quarter easily, including very tight corners. She uses left hand turning, which is typical of single-engine vessels, and backs to starboard when in slow mode – this is very helpful when you want to back into a slip.

The 41 also has a hard-over rudder and forward reverse gear changeups which enable it to revolve through 180 degrees. In addition to these features are two powerful standard issue (one forward and one backward) side-power proportional thrusters; they all work together to make this boat easy to dock no matter the weather.

Construction

The 41 is built using modern and well refined procedures. It consists of a FRP hull and a structural grid which is made of glass; these two features are resin-infused into one full shot and don’t need any other form of bonding. Corecell coring material is used to minimize weight and increase the strength of the panel; some spots such as the through-hull fittings use Coosa board to prevent compression. Vinylester-impregnated skin coat is used to coat the boat to help retain her beauty and to avoid prints and prevent osmotic blistering on the boats surface.

Accommodation

The interior of the 41 is practical and beautiful. A set of cushy Stidd helm chairs are located forward, to starboard on the main deck, on top of a bulky fiberglass molding which has enough space for stowage inside (includes an air-conditioning unit with plenum). A petite L-shaped lounge is located opposite to port, a spacious U-shaped dinette at the far back to starboard; and also located midway, is a long galley with a cooktop any chef would appreciate; a refrigerator under the counter, and a microwave oven. All these are located in amazingly crafted cabinets which were made in U.S.A. Go a few steps further, and you will find yourself in the living quarters. Here you will find a master, located forward, which is island-queen equipped; on the starboard side, is a shower-stall-accoutered head. A less spacious dayhead is located across the hallway and is used for the spacious guest stateroom which has a double bunk, an opening port, drawers, lots of standing headroom and beautiful cabinets.

LOA: 46’6″
BEAM: 14’0″
DRAFT: 3’9″
DISPL.: 29,436 lb.
FUEL: 400 gal.
WATER: 150 gal.
TEST POWER: 1/600-hp Cummins QSC8.3 diesel
TRANSMISSIONS: ZF286A/2.39:1
PROPELLERS: 28×31 4-blade NiBrAI