New Back Cove 372 Marks the Peak of a Lifelong Boating Journey

“I started boating when I was 12 years old,” Robert explains. Since then, it’s been a constant draw in his life. The Keslers bought their first cruising boat, a Monk 36, in 2003. That purchase marked the beginning of a new chapter: extended cruises, weekend getaways, and countless memories made on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Since then, they’ve owned several Grand Banks yachts, including a 42 Europa and an Eastbay 54—classic, beautifully built boats that reflect their taste for quality and tradition.

But even with that pedigree of owning larger vessels, the Keslers say this Back Cove is their favorite yet, choosing to call it High Tide. “We chose the name to reflect that this is the peak of our boat ownership,” Robert says.

The Total Package

The Back Cove 372 is designed for couples who cruise with purpose—those who value a thoughtful layout, practical features, and a luxurious onboard experience without excess complexity. With two staterooms and generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, the 372 offers just the right amount of everything. For the Keslers, who enjoy exploring the rivers and coves of the Chesapeake Bay, it seems to be the perfect fit for this chapter of their story.

At the heart of the boat is a single 600 horsepower Cummins engine—a configuration that appeals to experienced cruisers for its simplicity, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. The layout is optimized for two to four people, but still has room to entertain guests or host family aboard for a few nights.

The 372 boasts many new details aimed at improving cruisers’ experience aboard, while retaining many of the characteristics of the highly proven Back Cove 37. Some highlights include a more efficient 24-volt electrical system, improved helm space and materials and updated pilothouse windows, all of which make operation easier. Amenities-wise, the 372 introduces an aft-facing cockpit seat and bifold window to starboard, with a new salon door situated to port. The head was redesigned to expand the medicine cabinet space and over-sink mirror and features an updated shower stall as well.

What stands out most to the Keslers is the sum of hundreds of these small features adding up to make the whole package exceptional. “Back Cove has put incredible thought into the design of the 372, based on numerous customer comments and insight learned from building over 200 of the original Back Cove 37s,” he says.

Pleasurable Sales Experiences

When the Keslers first saw the Back Cove 372 at Bluewater Yacht Sales in Hampton, Virginia, it didn’t take long to make their decision. The boat was already at the dealership—no long wait, or construction timelines—just a beautifully crafted yacht waiting for the right owners to make it their own.

Acquiring their Back Cove marked another purchase in a series of successful collaborations with Bluewater’s Scott James, a trusted advisor and friend who has helped the Keslers buy and sell their motoryachts over the years.

“Scott is the best!” Robert exclaims. “He sold both of our Grand Banks and helped us purchase our new Back Cove.” The Keslers also credit Bluewater’s Lee Turlington, who oversees new boat deliveries, for providing exceptional support throughout the process. And when it came time for commissioning and service, Daryl Cooper and the Safe Harbor Bluewater team delivered in every way.

New Adventures Ahead

Although they took delivery of High Tide in October, making for an abbreviated first season, the Keslers wasted no time putting their new boat to good use. Early trips included a relaxing weekend at Smithfield Station and a few more excursions to the Cape Charles City Marina—two favorite local destinations for quick and quiet escapes.

Now, with warmer weather on the horizon, the Keslers have charted out some longer itineraries: including a 10-day cruise planned for July that will take them to Annapolis and Solomons Island, Maryland, then back to The Tides Inn on the Rappahannock River in Virginia.

For the Keslers, High Tide represents more than just a new boat—it’s a culmination of everything they’ve learned and loved about life on the water. With the Chesapeake Bay as their backyard and a boat that meets all their needs, they’re cruising into this next chapter with enthusiasm, gratitude, and the joy that a well-matched vessel can bring