Yes, we do like them.  Some might ask "why is that?"  The simple reasons are pretty straighforward, a lot of these are addressed in Bruce Krauses' article on the subject in our Downeast Section.  As for me, I started seriously looking at and studying  them several years ago as we got involved with the Newman project. Later on ,  I met an experienced Downeast afficionado and I asked him the same question about his favorite Downeast builder.  He replied, "for me they're like wine.  At first encounter they're appealing, tasteful, but the longer you experience them, the more you can discern and appreciate their depth, differences, nuances and subleties."

Last year after selling a GB 36 I'd largely refinished, I happened across a local  Newman 32 which seemed to offer the capabilities I wanted in my next boat.  At the time, I found her look to be acceptable, but have since been amazed by the constant, consistent widespread nature of her appeal on that level.  The boat constantly receives compliments.  So personally,  I think Downeast boata are favored due to their classic looks, exceptional seakindly natures, potential for speed and as well, their fuel efficient capacities at lower speeds.  

That they range in size and are found in the most popular configurations (cabin, sedan, flybridge, etc.) helps too, as does the level of fit, finish and end all cost.  Whatever one might be after in size, look, price point, or capacity  - she's out there somewhere.  How about this one here?

"Johnny come lately, the new kid in town
Everybody loves you, so don't let them down
You look in her eyes; the music begins to play
Hopeless romantics, here we go again "

There is a new kid, actually a couple, that you might want to check out:
1. 2005 Eastbay 49 Sedan.  This boat is fabulous - one to build a dream on.


2. 2000 Albin 28 "Cattle Man"  Ordered and originally delivered by OYA,  Nicely equipped, "picnizied" model of this versatile, all around proven performer.


3. Dickerson Flybridge Sedan "Moxie."  One of the few powerboats built by Dickerson Boatbuilders in the late 70s.  "Moxie's" in town receiving some maintenance and we hear - getting ready to be on the market.  She looks like a nice take on the local "Bay Built" offerings. As we know more about her particulars, we'll be updating you  accordingly.

Grand Banks and Eastbay salons both have large windows which an provide a comfortable,  open feeling  with very good  visibility.  Tinted windows also reduce glare and UV exposure. At anchor, or  the dock, privacy is typically provided by curtains and /or blinds of various types.  Curtains on tracks tend to be tedious to collectively extend, correctly tie off,and then eventually then put back in place.  Blinds offer an expedient solution as they are easily quickly adjustable. Particularly advantageous are those which are secured by means of cords or small wires which prevent the blinds from moving about it in a seaway.  A third alternative are  Oceanair  Skysol blinds which provide an optimal, elegant solution.  They're instantly adjustable to any position, are color coordinated to the interior and when not in use practically invisible yet provide full coverage to virtually any shape of window.   Grand Banks (as have other manufacturers) have been installing Oceanairs' screen/shades to overhead hatches, and offer their Skysol blinds as well.  If when considering a boats' various equipment and features, definitely put those with boat or Skysol blinds or in the plus category.  As you use either you'll appreciate them more and more.  Boatyard blog readers might have noted a set of Skysol blinds being installed in and Eastbay 43HX and our latest Eastbay 49 listing just happens to have the full Skysol blinds treatment too.