Top 10 Lobster Boats 2027

1. Sabre 38 Salon Express

The Sabre 38 Salon Express ranks first because it delivers the most complete balance of Downeast heritage, four-season comfort, and efficient twin-diesel performance in the class. Its Maine-built semi-displacement hull measures 39 ft 6 in LOA with a 14-ft beam, and twin Volvo Penta IPS600 diesels produce about 870 hp for a 22-knot cruise and 30-knot top end.

This boat is for buyers who want a genuine four-season Downeast cruiser and are willing to pay for it, not for commercial lobstermen needing an open work deck. Compared to the Back Cove 39 below it, the Sabre costs roughly $400,000 more but adds twin-engine redundancy, IPS joystick docking, and a heated salon that the Back Cove lacks. It trades working utility for yacht-class comfort and handling, making it ideal for couples who cruise in varied weather.

2. Back Cove 39

The Back Cove 39 ranks second as the best value in the segment, offering genuine Maine build quality and Downeast styling for hundreds of thousands less than its sister-ship Sabre. It runs 41 ft 6 in LOA on a 14-ft 4-in beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull, and a single Volvo Penta D11 diesel makes about 725 hp for a 20-knot cruise and 28-knot top end.

This boat suits buyers who want Downeast quality and efficiency without paying for twin engines or a heated salon, and who accept single-engine simplicity. Compared to the Sabre 38 above it, the Back Cove trades redundancy and joystick docking for significant cost savings and lower maintenance. It is not a working platform, but its single diesel keeps purchase and upkeep costs down for recreational cruisers.

3. Hunt Yachts Harrier 36

The Hunt Yachts Harrier 36 ranks third because it brings C. Raymond Hunt's legendary deep-V hull to the Downeast form, delivering a soft, dry, and fast ride that few competitors match. At 37 ft LOA with an 11-ft 6-in beam, its deep-V fiberglass hull splits chop effectively, and twin Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesels up to 880 hp cruise near 26 knots and top out around 35 knots.

This boat is for buyers who want sportboat performance wrapped in classic Downeast lines, not for those needing maximum interior volume or working deck space. Compared to the Back Cove 39 above it, the Harrier offers significantly higher top speed and a drier ride but burns more fuel due to its deep-V hull. It trades interior room and single-engine efficiency for twin-engine power and seakeeping in rough water.

4. MJM 35z

The MJM 35z ranks fourth as the efficiency and handling standout, using epoxy-composite construction to achieve light weight and excellent fuel economy without sacrificing strength. It measures 36 ft 8 in LOA on an 11-ft beam with a deep-V semi-planing hull, and twin Volvo Penta IPS500 diesels produce about 760 hp for a 25-knot cruise and 34-knot top end.

This boat is for couples who value light weight, easy docking, and fuel efficiency over interior volume, and who want a convertible open deck for day cruising. Compared to the Hunt Harrier 36 above it, the MJM offers similar speed but with better fuel economy and simpler handling thanks to IPS, though it has a smaller cabin. It trades interior space and working utility for cutting-edge composite build and joystick control.

5. Wesmac 46

The Wesmac 46 ranks fifth as the top choice for serious commercial lobstering, offering a heavy Maine-built semi-displacement hull renowned for seakeeping in rough water. At 46 ft LOA with a 15-ft 6-in beam, it provides a wide open working deck designed for traps and hauling gear, with a hydraulic pot hauler mount as standard.

This boat is for working lobstermen or buyers who want a no-nonsense seakeeping cruiser, not for those seeking luxury appointments or high top speeds. Compared to the MJM 35z above it, the Wesmac trades speed and efficiency for ruggedness, deck space, and commercial utility, with a much lower price. It offers customizable commercial or pleasure finishes, but working versions lack the refinements of yacht-class boats.

6. Calvin Beal 38

The Calvin Beal 38 ranks sixth as one of the most respected workboat hull designs on the Maine coast, built by SW Boatworks on a semi-displacement fiberglass hull prized for stability and a soft ride. It runs 38 ft LOA on a 14-ft 6-in beam, and a single diesel from 500 to 750 hp (John Deere or Scania) cruises near 17 knots and tops around 24 knots from a 300-gallon tank.

This boat is for buyers who want a proven workboat hull they can finish their way, whether for commercial lobstering or family cruising. Compared to the Wesmac 46 above it, the Calvin Beal is smaller and slower but more affordable and easier to handle for a single owner-operator. It trades top-end speed and interior volume for legendary sea-holding at trolling speeds, and build quality varies by finishing yard.

7. Northern Bay 36

The Northern Bay 36 ranks seventh as a versatile Maine-built hull that crosses easily between commercial and recreational use, offering a stable, dry ride at a strong value. It measures 36 ft LOA on a 14-ft beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull, and a single diesel from 450 to 700 hp cruises near 18 knots and tops around 25 knots from a 250-plus-gallon tank.

This boat is for owners who want one boat that can haul gear during the season and cruise the family in the off-season, without paying yacht-class prices. Compared to the Calvin Beal 38 above it, the Northern Bay offers similar versatility but at a slightly lower price, though finish quality depends on the rigging yard. It trades some interior refinement and top speed for practicality and value.

8. Duffy 35

The Duffy 35 ranks eighth as a classic Spencer Lincoln-designed Downeast hull built by Atlantic Boat Company in Brooklin, Maine, renowned for its sea-kindly manners. It runs 35 ft LOA on a 13-ft beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull that is famously soft and dry in a chop, and a single diesel from 400 to 600 hp cruises near 16 knots and tops around 22 knots.

This boat is for traditionalists who value a classic, sea-kindly ride and Maine craftsmanship over modern speed or luxury, and who plan to use it for lobstering or coastal cruising. Compared to the Northern Bay 36 above it, the Duffy is more expensive but carries a more storied hull design and better resale value. It trades top speed and interior volume for a proven, comfortable platform that holds the sea well at displacement speeds.

9. BHM 36

The BHM 36 ranks ninth as a rugged, no-nonsense hull carrying the lineage of the legendary Jarvis Newman Downeast designs, built for hard use on the Maine coast. It measures 36 ft LOA on a 13-ft 6-in beam with a heavy semi-displacement fiberglass hull known for stability and toughness, and a single diesel from 450 to 700 hp cruises near 17 knots and tops around 24 knots.

This boat is for owners who want a proven, rugged commercial hull they can rig for lobstering or finish as a sturdy family cruiser, without luxury pretensions. Compared to the Duffy 35 above it, the BHM is more utilitarian and slightly faster, but it lacks the Duffy's refined sea manners and traditional styling. It trades elegance for toughness and simplicity, and working versions have a utilitarian finish.

10. Holland 38

The Holland 38 ranks tenth as a fast, sea-proven racing-lobster-boat hull built by Holland's Boat Shop in Belfast, Maine, celebrated for winning races up and down the coast. It runs 38 ft LOA on a 13-ft 6-in beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull tuned for speed and a clean wake, and a single diesel from 600 to 850 hp cruises near 20 knots and tops around 30 knots.

This boat is for lobstermen who want to get to the grounds fast and for enthusiasts who love a quick, sea-proven Downeast hull, not for those prioritizing fuel efficiency or luxury. Compared to the BHM 36 above it, the Holland is faster and more exciting but trades some fuel economy due to its speed tuning. It offers a working finish that lacks yacht-class refinements, and its racing pedigree comes at a slight efficiency cost.

How we ranked these

We ranked each boat against six weighted criteria drawn from what Downeast and commercial buyers tell builders they value most. Build quality and seakeeping carried 25% of the score, on-water performance and efficiency 20%, value and price 15%, comfort and layout 15%, working or fishing utility 15%, and resale value 10%. We used published data from Power & Motoryacht, Yachting, Soundings, boats.com, Maine Boats Magazine, BoatTEST, and manufacturer spec sheets.

A boat that failed on seakeeping or resale dropped regardless of looks or luxury.

We deliberately ignored marketing hype, brand prestige, and headline top speed. A couple of extra knots matter far less than hull design, diesel efficiency, and builder reputation for safety, running costs, and resale. We also excluded subjective styling preferences and unverifiable owner anecdotes. Our goal was a practical ranking based on measurable specs and real-world reputation, not on which boat looks best in a brochure or wins a race.

What to look for

What actually matters is matching the hull to your primary use. If you are hauling traps commercially, choose a proven working hull like the Wesmac 46 or Calvin Beal 38 with a broad open deck, single diesel, and pot hauler mount. For recreational cruising, prioritize a finished interior, joystick docking, and four-season comfort like the Sabre 38 or Back Cove 39. Fuel capacity and range are critical for offshore days, and builder reputation directly affects resale value.

The mistake most buyers make is fixating on top speed or brand name while ignoring seakeeping and build quality. A fast boat that pounds in a chop or has poor glasswork will cost you in comfort, safety, and resale. Also, many underestimate the cost of twin-engine maintenance versus a single diesel. For a lobster boat, the hull design and how it handles rough water are far more important than a few extra knots.

Related questions

What is the best lobster boat for commercial lobstering?

The Wesmac 46, Calvin Beal 38, BHM 36, and Northern Bay 36 are proven working hulls with broad open decks, single diesels from 450 to 1,000 hp, and the seakeeping needed to haul traps in rough water. The Wesmac 46 offers the most space and power, while the Calvin Beal 38 is a coast favorite for stability.

What is the fastest lobster boat on this list?

The Holland 38, on a race-proven hull, tops around 30 knots with a 600-to-850-hp diesel. Among yacht-class boats, the Hunt Harrier 36 and MJM 35z reach 34–35 knots with twin diesels. The Holland 38 is the quickest working hull, while the Hunt and MJM are faster express cruisers.

What is a semi-displacement hull and why does it matter?

A semi-displacement hull runs efficiently at slow displacement speeds for trolling and hauling, yet still planes for moderate cruising. This is the defining trait of a Downeast lobster boat, giving the sea-kindly ride these hulls are known for. It balances fuel economy at low speeds with the ability to move faster when needed.

How much does a quality lobster boat cost in 2027?

Plan on roughly $475,000 to $650,000 for a finished Maine working hull like the Northern Bay 36, Calvin Beal 38, or Wesmac 46. The Back Cove 39 starts near $995,000, and luxury express boats like the Sabre 38 Salon Express or Hunt Harrier 36 range from $1.15 million to $1.4 million.

What is the difference between single and twin diesel engines in a lobster boat?

Working hulls usually run a single diesel for simplicity, cockpit room, and fuel economy. Twin engines, like the Volvo IPS in the Sabre 38, offer redundancy and joystick docking for easier handling. Singles are cheaper to maintain and more efficient, while twins provide more power and maneuverability.

Which lobster boat has the best resale value?

Sabre, Back Cove, Hunt, and Duffy carry especially strong resale due to their Maine build quality and long track records. The Sabre 38 and Back Cove 39, built by the same Maine yard, hold value well. Duffy's classic Spencer Lincoln hull also retains strong demand among traditionalists.

What should I look for in a lobster boat hull?

Look for a proven semi-displacement hull design from a reputable builder like Calvin Beal, Wesmac, or Spencer Lincoln (Duffy). Check the glasswork, stringers, and hull-to-deck joint. A hull that is known for seakeeping and stability in rough water is more important than top speed or fancy features.

Can I use a lobster boat for recreational cruising?

Yes, many lobster boats are finished for pleasure use with a pilothouse, galley, and enclosed head. The Sabre 38 Salon Express and Back Cove 39 are designed as four-season cruisers with heated salons and lower helms. Working hulls like the Northern Bay 36 can also be finished for family cruising.

FAQ

Which lobster boat is the best overall for 2027?

The Sabre 38 Salon Express earns our top spot for balancing a classic Downeast semi-displacement hull, efficient twin IPS600 diesels cruising at 22 knots, a heated four-season salon, and outstanding Maine build quality and resale. It is the most complete Downeast yacht in the class.

What is the best value lobster boat?

The Back Cove 39, starting near $995,000, offers the same Maine build quality and Downeast styling as Sabre with an efficient single diesel for hundreds of thousands less. It cruises near 20 knots and provides excellent range, making it the smartest value play in the segment.

Which boats are best for actual commercial lobstering?

The Wesmac 46, Calvin Beal 38, BHM 36, and Northern Bay 36 are proven working hulls with broad open decks, single diesels from 450 to 1,000 hp, and the seakeeping needed to haul traps in rough water. They offer customizable commercial or pleasure finishes.

What is a semi-displacement hull and why does it matter?

A semi-displacement hull runs efficiently at slow displacement speeds for trolling and hauling, yet still planes for moderate cruising. This is the defining trait of a Downeast lobster boat, giving the sea-kindly ride these hulls are known for. It balances fuel economy with the ability to move faster when needed.

Which lobster boat is the fastest?

The Holland 38, on a race-proven hull, tops around 30 knots with a 600-to-850-hp diesel. Among yacht-class boats, the Hunt Harrier 36 and MJM 35z reach 34–35 knots with twin diesels. The Holland 38 is the quickest working hull, while the Hunt and MJM are faster express cruisers.

How much does a quality lobster boat cost in 2027?

Plan on roughly $475,000 to $650,000 for a finished Maine working hull like the Northern Bay 36, Calvin Beal 38, or Wesmac 46. The Back Cove 39 starts near $995,000, and luxury express boats like the Sabre 38 Salon Express or Hunt Harrier 36 range from $1.15 million to $1.4 million.

What is the difference between single and twin diesel engines in a lobster boat?

Working hulls usually run a single diesel for simplicity, cockpit room, and fuel economy. Twin engines, like the Volvo IPS in the Sabre 38, offer redundancy and joystick docking for easier handling. Singles are cheaper to maintain and more efficient, while twins provide more power and maneuverability.

Which lobster boat has the best resale value?

Sabre, Back Cove, Hunt, and Duffy carry especially strong resale due to their Maine build quality and long track records. The Sabre 38 and Back Cove 39, built by the same Maine yard, hold value well. Duffy's classic Spencer Lincoln hull also retains strong demand among traditionalists.

What should I look for in a lobster boat hull?

Look for a proven semi-displacement hull design from a reputable builder like Calvin Beal, Wesmac, or Spencer Lincoln (Duffy). Check the glasswork, stringers, and hull-to-deck joint. A hull that is known for seakeeping and stability in rough water is more important than top speed or fancy features.

Can I use a lobster boat for recreational cruising?

Yes, many lobster boats are finished for pleasure use with a pilothouse, galley, and enclosed head. The Sabre 38 Salon Express and Back Cove 39 are designed as four-season cruisers with heated salons and lower helms. Working hulls like the Northern Bay 36 can also be finished for family cruising.

Sources

• https://bostonyacht.com/sabre-yacht/sabre-38-salon-express/
• https://southjerseyyachtsales.com/yacht-listing/2024-back-cove-39o-wally-world/
• https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2005-hunt-yachts-harrier-36-9341379/
• https://www.chesapeakebaymagazine.com/mjm-35z-some-sweet-rig/
• https://www.wesmac.com/Gallery/Category/1008/
• https://cruisingodyssey.com/2018/08/27/new-calvin-beal-38-with-a-rich-maine-built-heritage-and-20-knot-speed/
• https://www.generalmarine.com/our-boats/36-northern-bay/
• https://kusleryachts.com/boats-for-sale/35-ft-1991-duffy-35-downeast/
• https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2001-bhm-36-flybridge-9697321/
• https://dimillosyachtsales.com/yachts/2000-holland-38-downeast-cruiser/

Related on PULSE

• [More lobster boats 2027 rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)