Top 10 Lobster Boats 2027

Direct Answer

The Best Overall lobster boat for 2027 is the Sabre 38 Salon Express, starting around $1,395,000, which pairs a classic Downeast semi-displacement hull, twin-diesel efficiency, and a heated salon to beat the field for buyers who want a true four-season cruiser with lobster-boat soul.

The Best Value pick is the Back Cove 39, starting near $995,000, which delivers the same Downeast looks, a fuel-sipping single or twin diesel, and a livable interior for hundreds of thousands less. This list spans working lobstermen, recreational cruisers, and Downeast-style enthusiasts — from rugged Maine builders like Wesmac, Calvin Beal, Northern Bay, BHM, and Holland to refined yacht-class boats from Sabre, Back Cove, Hunt Yachts, and MJM.

Budgets range from roughly $300,000 for a working hull to $2,000,000 for a luxury express. Every pick below uses real model specs and pricing.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each boat against what real Downeast and commercial buyers tell builders they care about. We leaned on published data from Power & Motoryacht, Yachting, Soundings, boats.com, Maine Boats Magazine, BoatTEST, and manufacturer and yard spec sheets. The weighting:

• Build quality and seakeeping — 25%
• On-water performance and efficiency — 20%
• Value and price — 15%
• Comfort and layout — 15%
• Working or fishing utility — 15%
• Resale value — 10%

A boat that nails looks but flunks seakeeping, or wins on luxury but bleeds money at resale, drops fast. The winners balance all six.

1. Sabre 38 Salon Express 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $1,395,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a true four-season Downeast cruiser with lobster-boat heritage

The Sabre 38 Salon Express is the most complete Downeast yacht in the class. It measures 39 ft 6 in LOA with a 14-ft beam and a Maine-built semi-displacement fiberglass hull that runs efficiently and handles a seaway with composure. Twin Volvo Penta IPS600 diesels make about 870 hp combined, cruising near 22 knots and topping out around 30 knots, while sipping fuel from a 400-gallon tank.

It sleeps four in two cabins, draws about 3 ft 9 in, and offers an enclosed head with shower and a full galley. The heated, air-conditioned salon with a lower helm makes it a genuine four-season boat, and Volvo IPS joystick docking plus a Garmin glass helm make handling easy for a couple.

Pros:

• Heated salon and lower helm for true four-season use
• Efficient twin IPS600 diesels cruising at 22 knots
• Hand-built Maine quality with outstanding resale
• Two-cabin layout sleeps four with a full galley

Cons:

• Premium pricing past $1.4 million
• Not a working platform for commercial hauling

Verdict: The Sabre 38 wins on balance — Downeast soul, diesel efficiency, four-season comfort, and resale with no weak spot.

2. Back Cove 39 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $995,000 | Best for: Buyers who want Downeast style and diesel efficiency for less money

The Back Cove 39 is the smartest value play in the segment, built by Sabre's sister yard in Maine. It runs 41 ft 6 in LOA on a 14-ft 4-in beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull. A single Volvo Penta D11 diesel makes about 725 hp (with optional twin IPS), cruising near 20 knots and topping around 28 knots from a 400-gallon tank with excellent range.

It sleeps two-plus in a forward cabin with a convertible dinette, draws about 3 ft 6 in, and includes an enclosed head with shower and a galley. The single-engine layout keeps purchase and maintenance costs down while preserving the Downeast look, soft ride, and Maine build quality buyers want.

Pros:

• Hundreds of thousands less than rival Downeast yachts
• Efficient single-diesel cruising near 20 knots with long range
• Same Maine build quality as Sabre at a lower price
• Single-engine simplicity lowers maintenance cost

Cons:

• Single engine offers less redundancy than twins
• Smaller interior than the largest picks

Verdict: The Back Cove 39 is the value champion — genuine Downeast quality and efficiency for far less money.

3. Hunt Yachts Harrier 36

Starting MSRP: $1,150,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a deep-V Downeast express with a soft, fast ride

The Hunt Yachts Harrier 36 brings C. Raymond Hunt's legendary deep-V to the Downeast form. It measures 37 ft LOA on an 11-ft 6-in beam with a deep-V fiberglass hull that splits chop and stays dry.

Twin Volvo Penta or Yanmar diesels up to 880 hp combined cruise near 26 knots and top out around 35 knots from a 300-gallon tank. It sleeps two in a forward cabin, draws about 3 ft, and includes an enclosed head and a compact galley. The Harrier blends sportboat performance with classic Downeast lines, and a Garmin glass helm plus a teak-trimmed cockpit make it as refined as it is quick.

Pros:

• Legendary deep-V Hunt hull for a soft, dry, fast ride
• Up to 880 hp twin diesels topping 35 knots
• Classic Downeast styling with sportboat performance
• Strong Hunt Yachts build quality and resale

Cons:

• Tighter interior than the larger picks
• Deep-V burns more fuel than semi-displacement hulls

Verdict: The performance Downeast pick — buy it for a fast, dry ride wrapped in classic lines.

4. MJM 35z

Starting MSRP: $1,250,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a light, efficient, easy-handling Downeast express

The MJM 35z is the efficiency and handling standout, built with epoxy-composite construction for light weight. It runs 36 ft 8 in LOA on an 11-ft beam with a deep-V semi-planing hull. Twin Volvo Penta IPS500 diesels make about 760 hp combined, cruising near 25 knots and topping around 34 knots while sipping fuel from a 250-gallon tank.

It sleeps two-plus, draws about 3 ft 2 in, and offers an enclosed head and galley below an open, convertible deck. The IPS joystick docking, low weight, and a wide windshield make it remarkably easy for a couple to run, and MJM's epoxy build resists rot and adds strength.

Pros:

• Light epoxy-composite build for efficiency and strength
• Twin IPS500 diesels with joystick docking ease handling
• Cruises near 25 knots with excellent fuel economy
• Open, convertible deck ideal for day cruising

Cons:

• Smaller interior volume than heavier rivals
• Premium pricing for the size

Verdict: The efficiency-and-handling pick — ideal for a couple who values light weight and easy docking.

5. Wesmac 46

Starting MSRP: $650,000 | Best for: Commercial lobstermen and sportfish buyers who need a serious working hull

The Wesmac 46 is a true Maine working hull, built in Surry for commercial fishing and sportfishing duty. It measures 46 ft LOA on a 15-ft 6-in beam with a heavy semi-displacement fiberglass hull famous for seakeeping in rough water. A single diesel from 600 to 1,000 hp (Scania, John Deere, or Caterpillar options) cruises near 18 knots and tops around 25 knots depending on power, from a 400-plus-gallon tank.

It offers a wide, open working deck for traps and hauling gear, a hydraulic pot hauler mount, and a pilothouse with berths forward. Buyers can spec it as a bare commercial hull or finished pleasure boat.

Pros:

• Heavy Maine working hull with outstanding seakeeping
• Single diesel from 600 to 1,000 hp for any workload
• Wide open deck built for traps and gear hauling
• Customizable as commercial or pleasure finish

Cons:

• Slower top end than yacht-class picks
• Working finish lacks luxury appointments

Verdict: The serious working boat — buy it for commercial hauling or a no-nonsense seakeeping cruiser.

6. Calvin Beal 38

Starting MSRP: $525,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a proven Maine workboat hull finished their way

The Calvin Beal 38 is one of the most respected workboat hull designs on the Maine coast, built by SW Boatworks. It runs 38 ft LOA on a 14-ft 6-in beam with a semi-displacement fiberglass hull prized for stability and a soft ride. 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.

It offers a broad open work deck, a pilothouse with forward berths, an enclosed head, and a galley on pleasure-finished versions. The Calvin Beal hull is a coast favorite for lobstering precisely because it holds the sea so well at slow trolling speeds.

Pros:

• Legendary Calvin Beal hull with proven seakeeping
• Single diesel from 500 to 750 hp for work or cruising
• Broad work deck built for hauling traps
• Customizable commercial or pleasure finish

Cons:

• Modest top speed compared to express yachts
• Build quality varies by finishing yard

Verdict: The working-hull favorite — buy it for a proven Maine lobster hull finished to your needs.

7. Northern Bay 36

Starting MSRP: $475,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a versatile Maine hull for lobstering or pleasure cruising

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

It offers a wide open deck ideal for traps or for fishing, a pilothouse with V-berth, and an enclosed head; pleasure versions add a galley and finished cabin. The Northern Bay hull is a popular choice along the coast for owners who want one boat that can haul gear during the season and cruise the family in the off-season.

Pros:

• Versatile Maine hull for work or pleasure use
• Single diesel from 450 to 700 hp
• Stable, dry ride with a broad open deck
• Strong value among finished Downeast boats

Cons:

• Finish quality depends on the rigging yard
• Smaller cabin than yacht-class rivals

Verdict: The versatile coastal pick — ideal for owners who want a work-and-play Maine hull.

8. Duffy 35

Starting MSRP: $595,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a classic Spencer Lincoln-designed Downeast hull

The Duffy 35 is a coast classic built by Atlantic Boat Company in Brooklin, Maine, on a Spencer Lincoln hull renowned for its sea 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. A single diesel from 400 to 600 hp cruises near 16 knots and tops around 22 knots from a 250-gallon tank, prizing efficiency over speed.

It offers a pilothouse with a settee and forward berth, an enclosed head, and a galley on cruising versions, plus an open aft deck. The Duffy is a favorite for lobstering and for owners who value a traditional, sea-kindly ride.

Pros:

• Classic Spencer Lincoln hull with superb sea manners
• Efficient single diesel ideal for trolling and cruising
• Brooklin, Maine craftsmanship and strong resale
• Traditional pilothouse comfort with open aft deck

Cons:

• Modest top speed for the size
• Traditional styling not for everyone

Verdict: The traditionalist's pick — buy it for sea-kindly manners and classic Maine craftsmanship.

9. BHM 36

Starting MSRP: $525,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a rugged, no-nonsense Jarvis Newman-lineage hull

The BHM 36 carries the lineage of the legendary Jarvis Newman Downeast hulls, 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. A single diesel from 450 to 700 hp cruises near 17 knots and tops around 24 knots from a 300-gallon tank.

It offers a roomy open work deck, a pilothouse with forward berths, an enclosed head, and a galley on finished versions. The BHM 36 is the choice for owners who want a proven, rugged commercial hull they can rig for lobstering or finish as a sturdy family cruiser.

Pros:

• Rugged Jarvis Newman-lineage hull built for hard use
• Single diesel from 450 to 700 hp
• Roomy work deck for traps and gear
• Stable, tough, sea-kindly platform

Cons:

• Utilitarian finish on working versions
• Slower than express-yacht rivals

Verdict: The rugged workhorse — buy it for a proven, tough Maine hull that works or cruises.

10. Holland 38

Starting MSRP: $575,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a fast, sea-proven racing-lobster-boat hull

The Holland 38 is built by Holland's Boat Shop in Belfast, Maine, on a hull celebrated for winning lobster-boat 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. A single diesel from 600 to 850 hp cruises near 20 knots and tops around 30 knots — quick for a working hull — from a 300-gallon tank.

It offers a broad open work deck, a pilothouse with forward berths, an enclosed head, and a galley on pleasure versions. The Holland 38 appeals to lobstermen who want to get to the grounds fast and to enthusiasts who love a quick, sea-proven Downeast hull.

Pros:

• Race-proven hull that is fast for a working boat
• Single diesel from 600 to 850 hp topping 30 knots
• Broad open deck for lobstering or fishing
• Belfast, Maine craftsmanship and coastal reputation

Cons:

• Speed tuning trades some fuel efficiency
• Working finish lacks yacht-class luxury

Verdict: The speed-and-work pick — buy it for a fast, race-proven hull that earns its keep.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Lobster Boat

• Hull type and seakeeping — A semi-displacement Downeast hull runs efficiently at displacement speeds and still planes for moderate speed; it is the defining trait of a lobster boat. Proven designs from Calvin Beal, Wesmac, and Spencer Lincoln (Duffy) earn their reputations.
• Single vs twin diesel — Working hulls usually run a single diesel for simplicity, cockpit room, and fuel economy; yacht-class boats like the Sabre 38 use twin IPS for redundancy and joystick docking. Match it to your use and budget.
• Working deck vs finished interior — Decide whether you need an open deck for traps and a pot hauler, or a finished salon and galley. Builders like Wesmac and BHM offer both bare and finished versions.
• Builder reputation and resale — Maine yards with long track records hold value. Sabre, Back Cove, Hunt, and Duffy carry especially strong resale.
• Fuel capacity and range — Diesel range matters offshore and on the grounds. Most picks here carry 250 to 400-plus gallons for long days.
• Construction quality — Inspect glasswork, stringers, and the hull-to-deck joint. MJM's epoxy build and Sabre's Maine hand-layup set high bars.

What matters less than marketing implies: headline top speed and brand badging. For a lobster boat, hull design, seakeeping, diesel efficiency, and builder reputation affect your safety, costs, and resale far more than a couple of extra knots.

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.

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.

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.

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 — the defining trait of a Downeast lobster boat, giving the sea-kindly ride these hulls are known for.

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, while yacht-class boats like the Hunt Harrier 36 and MJM 35z reach 34–35 knots with twin diesels.

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, around $995,000 for a Back Cove 39, and $1.15 million or more for luxury express yachts like the Hunt Harrier 36, MJM 35z, and Sabre 38.

Bottom Line

For 2027, the Sabre 38 Salon Express is our Best Overall lobster boat — starting around $1,395,000, it wins on Downeast heritage, twin-diesel efficiency, a heated four-season salon, and Maine build quality with strong resale. The Back Cove 39, from about $995,000, is our Best Value, delivering the same Downeast looks and efficiency for far less.

If your needs lean toward commercial hauling, a fast race-bred hull, or a light easy-handling express, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the Wesmac 46, Calvin Beal 38, Holland 38, or MJM 35z instead. Buy on hull design, seakeeping, and builder reputation — not headline speed — and you will own a boat that holds the sea and its value for decades.

Sources

• Power & Motoryacht — Downeast and lobster boat reviews
• Yachting — express cruiser and Downeast reviews
• Soundings — Downeast boat features
• boats.com — listings, reviews, and specs
• Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors — Maine builder coverage
• BoatTEST — certified boat tests and data
• Sabre Yachts — 38 Salon Express specs
• Back Cove Yachts — Back Cove 39 specs
• Hunt Yachts — Harrier 36 specs
• MJM Yachts — 35z specs

*Lobster boat review — best lobster boats 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top Downeast and working hull picks for buyers.*