![]() In general, these are semi-custom boats meaning that customers have wide latitude in setting the boat up to meet their own needs. Downeast Runabouts are a niche segment of today’s express-boat market. When it comes to construction, some brands are more high-tech than others. (Mainship, unfortunately, is out of business - the original Mainship, that is - but they once had the distinction of being the only high-volume manufacturer of Downeast boats in the business.)Īll of the models featured here have single-diesel power, and all are built on seaworthy hulls with a deep keel offering at least partial protection to the rudder and prop. ![]() The rest come from smaller builders, mostly in New England where the Downeast boats originated many generations ago. Half are from well-known builders with an entire line of Downeast models to choose from. The Downeast-style runabouts profiled below consist of eight-under 30-foot cruisers with a large cockpit and seating for six to eight people - often called “ Day Boats” by boating enthusiasts. The Picnic Boat was a huge success for Hinckley, and it wasn’t long before other, mostly New-England builders followed with a variety of new Downeast runabouts under 30 feet that caught the attention of buyers across the country. Much of that popularity can be traced back to 1994 when Hinckley introduced the classic 36 Picnic Boat, a beautiful Downeast day cruiser with unique waterjet propulsion and open-air seating for a small crowd. The growing popularity across the country of Downeast-style cruisers has been enjoyable for many boating traditionalists to watch. Written by, Ed McKnew, PowerBoat Guide Founder This post was updated on January 14, 2021. ![]() Find Your Next Downeast Runabout, Perfect For Boating In New England.
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