was a chance to negotiate for that contract on a boat already under construction. James and Bluewater’s long-time relationship with Back Cove led to Cross being offered a sea trial aboard hull #1 of this new model while it was at Bluewater in Hampton. “I test drove that boat and by fall of 2020 we had a contract, and my new boat, hull #8, delivered in summer of 2021,” Cross recalls. Equipped with his new dream boat, Cross was not yet prepared for big adventures as he continued working and caring for his mother. “I ordered this boat 1-2 years before I knew I would need it.” Cross says, “An opportunity arose, and I took it.” THE TIME HAS COME Cross recently retired in the spring of 2023 and excitedly shares his plans for travel and adventure aboard his new outboardpowered Back Cove. Cross is attending the annual Bluewater Summer Cruise in July at St. Michaels Marina and he plans to travel up the Chesapeake early and stay beyond the event. “I plan to make trips south to Beaufort, Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah and Fernandina Beach,” Cross explains. “I can easily travel 100-150 miles a day, making stops along the way.” Cross did not land on the Back Cove 39O as his perfect boat simply based on some images in a magazine. His research and travelplansplayedabigroleinthedecision, and as it were, the 39O is a perfect match. “I like the lines of the boat, the outboards, the range,” says Cross. When considering his dream to traverse the Great Loop, the mariner must consider a low mast height, lower draft, maneuverability and having all the amenities for comfort. “The Back Cove 39O met all the criteria,” Cross exclaims. This boat also surprised him. Originally spec’d with Yamaha power, the outboards were unavailable from the manufacturer when it was time to power the boat. So Back Cove installed a triple set of supercharged Mercury Verados rated at 400 horsepower each. Cross rattles off the performance numbers Back Cove obtained with this power package: cruise speed at 35-37 knots and a top speed exceeding 40 knots. Despite a lifetime of experience and love for Yamaha Outboards, “I have been so satisfied with the Mercury outboards and they are really quiet,” Cross admits. NOTHING BUT THE BEST As Devlin made its way through production at the Back Cove facility, Cross was also very pleased with the communication and the photo updates he would receive along the way. “Communication with Jamie [Bloomquist] at Back Cove and other guys—they are phenomenal. Anytime I had a question, during or after the build, they have been quick to respond and outstanding with their post-sale service,” Cross reports. Upgrades to the boat include a shark gray hull, faux teak swim platform, and radar along with the electronics package of his choice, including a Mercury joystick control for the triple Verados that also works in tandem with the bow thruster. Cross was initially hesitant on the need for the joystick control, but James was persuasive in the system’s convenience and safety. “I did not think I needed it, but when the wind blows and you’re trying to dock, the joystick is nice for easily swinging around a 27,000-pound boat!” he exclaims. “I cannot say enough good things about Safe Harbor Bluewater in Hampton,” says Cross. “Bluewater Salesman Scott James is top notch. Guy Moorman, Lee Turlington in service, Dave Farlow on the docks, Brandon Mumford… everybody at Bluewater is like your family.” As Cross enters retirement and prepares to set off on a season of adventure in his new Back Cove 39O, we are excited to follow along. And, no matter where his travels may take him, he is likely to enjoy that family feel he has enjoyed in Hampton since taking delivery of his boat. “One of the advantages of Bluewater joining Safe Harbor is that you become part of a family the moment you deal with the company, and now a much bigger family once you’re a Safe Harbor member.” With a new boat and the largest marina support network in the world, Marshall Cross is well on his way to fulfilling his father’s suggestion to work less and explore more. 21 2023 SEASON
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