Boston Boatworks BB52 Offshore Express Cruiser: A Purpose-Built Owner-Operator Boat

When Boston Boatworks’ team realized they could design and build a boat entirely under their own name, the response was simple: make something purposeful and seaworthy. Scott Smith, the shipyard’s co-founder and CEO, recalls the moment the 27-year-old Massachusetts yard decided to build a boat for themselves. With decades of experience crafting custom grand prix racing sailboats and producing more than 300 express cruisers for other brands, the yard set out to create an offshore express cruiser that prioritized handling, safety and everyday comfort for owners who like to be at the helm.

The result is the Boston Boatworks 52 Offshore Express Cruiser (BB52). Designed in collaboration with longtime exterior designer Doug Zurn and with interiors by London-based Winch Design—marking Winch’s first American offshore cruiser—the BB52 blends classic lines with contemporary details. The partners focused on an owner-operator mindset: a boat that performs offshore, keeps people safe and comfortable, and still entertains well when at anchor or dockside.

Safety and practical access are core to the BB52’s layout. The pilothouse includes a dedicated helm door that opens onto a side deck, and that side deck is protected by an 8-inch bulwark and a continuous safety rail running bow to stern. All deck hardware is accessible from the side deck, so crew or the owner don’t have to climb over cockpit furniture to handle lines or fenders. These choices reflect a clear intention: ease of singlehanded or small-crew operation without sacrificing offshore capability.

Boston Boatworks and Zurn crafted an exterior that reads classic yet contemporary, with sightlines and proportions aimed at owners who will regularly spend time on the throttle. The pilothouse windshield is a single, uninterrupted pane with no mullions, providing expansive, unobstructed visibility. The A-pillars are set back from the helm, reducing visual obstruction ahead and improving sightlines over the bow—an important consideration for confident handling in open water.

The BB52’s interior approach prioritizes light, flow and connection to the outside. Winch Design worked on several interior configurations and will collaborate directly with owners to select palettes and finishes. One of the signature design moves is how the pilothouse and lower deck relate: the windscreen visually aligns with the bulkhead forward of the galley to create an atrium-like effect. The result is abundant natural light and a spatial continuity that reads more like a split-level apartment than the traditional separation between pilothouse and below-deck spaces.

Connection to the water and comfort for everyone aboard were key themes. Electrically lowering side windows, a removable after bulkhead, and other flexible openings help keep decks feeling open and engaged with the sea. Inside, the HVAC system is integrated thoughtfully: pilothouse pillars conceal ductwork so that conditioned air is distributed without the need for visible louvered vents, preserving a clean interior aesthetic while maintaining climate comfort.

Boston Boatworks positioned the BB52 squarely as an owner-operator boat that nevertheless suits guests and extended cruising. The layout and systems are designed to make handling straightforward, while finishes and flow cater to entertaining. Smith describes Winch’s presentation of the BB52 as a complement to the complexities of superyacht life—a simpler, more immediate experience that still benefits from top-tier design and attention to detail.

Production plans for the BB52 are already in motion. Construction on the first hull is scheduled to begin later this year, and Smith reports three hulls have already been sold, with delivery of the fourth hull expected in late 2024. The yard is also exploring additional sizes to expand the line, considering both smaller and larger models that would follow the same owner-focused philosophy.

The BB52 represents Boston Boatworks’ first model launched under its own name—a thoughtful synthesis of offshore capability, practical systems, and refined interior flow. It aims to give owners confidence at sea, convenience while handling the boat, and an inviting onboard environment for cruising and entertaining.

—Kim Kavin

This article was originally published in the June 2023 issue.