“It is the perfect boat that is easily manageable by a couple. It has the perfect amount of space for the two of us and our two King Charles Cavaliers – Charlie and Lilly.” 

Back Cove 33’—On Holidays

INTERVIEW WITH THE CAPTAINS—Matt & Heather Keeling

Why did you choose to buy a Back Cove and what else did you consider?
We were initially introduced to Back Cove Yachts by a friend who at the time, had a 2005 BC 26. After spending a couple of hours aboard his boat for the evening, we began to fall in love with the down east style. Initially, we were considering a center console but realized that we would be limited to day boating. We liked the idea of having a cabin and a head so that we could easily overnight if we wished.

What boats have you previously owned?
2008 Back Cove 26 and 2009 Back Cove 33. These are the only two boats we have ever owned and certainly won’t be the last!

What are the features you like most about your boat?
We love our Back Cove 33! It is the perfect boat that is easily manageable by a couple. It has the perfect amount of space for the two of us and our two King Charles Cavaliers – Charlie and Lilly. The large V-berth provides a comfortable place to sleep, while the cabin has enough room to move around and stand up (we aren’t super tall, but we aren’t short either!) The single engine allows for great fuel economy and for a small yacht, it handles really well. The size is easy to dock (especially with bow and stern thrusters) and allows for us to pull into slips and explore places that the bigger yachts can’t with our 3-foot draft. We also love that our boat was freshly painted with Awlgrip before purchasing. It looks brand new next to the boats that have gel coat.

What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
Since we took ownership of our BC 33, we replaced and refinished the galley cabinets, replaced both refrigerators, added an ice maker and upgraded the Raymarine electronics to the new Axiom+ with Quantum2 doppler RADAR. Other than minor wear and tear to things like maintaining the canvas and teak eyebrows, we do not have any major upgrade plans – in fact, most people think our boat is brand new!

The previous owner had replaced the cooktop, replaced the upholstery, had the boat painted and replaced the entire bow rail.

Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating organizations?
Captain Matt belongs to the Portland Marine Society.

What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Right now, the biggest challenge is that everyone is so busy. Normally we are so lucky in Maine because we are close to so many reputable boat yards. We would be remiss to not give a big shoutout to: 

  • Dimillo’s who is always there when we call day or night on the water or on land to help us out.
  • Journey’s End Marina (Rockland) who competed the install of our new fridges and ice maker as well as the cabinet work.
  • Navtronics who installed updated Raymarine electronics last summer.
  • Coastal Carolina Yachts who serviced our AC/Heat this winter in Charleston, SC
    Captain Heath who ceramic coated the entire exterior before cruising home from Charleston to Portland.

Who first introduced you to boating?
Captain Matt was in the Canadian Navy for 12 years and retired early as a Submariner. A few of our family members had power boats on lakes used for fishing and we always had a love for the water. We’d have to say our good friends Chuck and Rachelle who had a BC 32 when we first met, introduced us to cruising life! We have gone on many cruising adventures with them!

Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Back Cove like yours?
We recommend reaching out to the sales team at Dimillo’s Yacht Sales. They are very knowledge of Back Cove Yachts and have valuable insights on new and used inventory. Our broker Scott McLean has always been honest with us and helped us purchase both our BC 26 and BC 33.

What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
On Holidays… well this is kind of a funny one. It’s really hard to pick a name for a boat and have it feel unique. Captain Matt is originally from Canada. I (Heather) went to dental school in Halifax, Nova Scotia and that is where we met. The common phrase the Canadians would use when on vacation was “were going on holidays”. One night we were having a party with my parents and their friends. We were all having a good time and a few cocktails were had. I thought Matt maybe was getting a little carried away and told him he might want to switch to water. In good Matt fashion, he gave me a little smirk, laughed, and said Heather, we’re On Holidays. That wasn’t the last time Matt used that phrase and it still continues to this day. We equate On Holidays to having fun and letting loose, which is why we chose this name.

Any recent boating-related purchase you’ve been enjoying (e.g., product/tool/equipment etc.)?
Some of our favorite products are: The Magma grill – we grill on the boat even when we’re just staying on the dock.
Pretty Rugged windproof, faux fur blanket. This is the best blanket for those cool nights, and it packs up in a bag!
Dawn power wash dish soap – the literal best invention if you have a limited water tank you need to last before you get back to the dock.

Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc.)?
Navionics, Predict Wind & Dockwa

 CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about On Holidays!