As the team continued through the building, they witnessed the evolution of the 45 and the 43 from bare hulls to fully completed yachts on the production line. First, the hulls are moved to the line and are outfitted with the engines, mechanical components, and electrical wiring. Then the lower interior accommodations are built before being topped with the deck and house. One unique technique of both brands is that the transoms are actually part of the deck mold, which allows the transom gate to be a solid piece instead of a patched junction between the deck and hull as seen in other production builders. A similar build process is followed at the newer Sabre building just around the corner, where the Sabre 48 models are built, except for the hulls which arrive from the Rockland facility. This part of the trip was especially memorable because Bluewater’s own Sabre 48 was on the line preparing for delivery in the Summer. The Bluewater team was able to spend time going through the boat inside and out, inspecting it closely while the boat was moving down the line. After the hull and deck are fastened together, the Sabre craftsmen add the remaining interior features before finishing the builds. Finally, the quality controllers go through the boats to make sure that everything is just right before going to the customer or dealer. The Sabre teamalsohasdedicated“boatparents”who are employees responsible for keeping an eye on a specific boat from start to finish, to make sure that the boats receive all of the correct options and nothing is missed along the way. The result is a high level of quality control throughout each boat’s progress down the production line. “There is an exactness to how each boat is built, which is very reassuring to witness,” explains Mark. Observing the Back Cove and Sabre manufacturing process as a welloiled machine bolsters the Bluewater team’s long-held confidence in offering these world-class cruising boats to our customers. Part of being successful brand specialists is immersion with the product, not just on the water or at the dock, but behind the scenes where the boats are designed, engineered, and built. Spending the time to visit both Sabre and Back Cove Yachts facilities not only helps our team keep tabs on the constantly evolving features and techniques, but will also enable them to provide customers with inside information to help identify the right boat for their needs. 34 BLUEWATER
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