Eastern Boats Expands Lineup With Rosborough Boats

MouseTrap

Admiral
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Seacoast, NH
Boat Make
Rosborough
I received an electronic newsletter the other day from our local Eastern Dealer (Yarmouth Boat Yard) that stated they were going to start carrying Rosboroughs. I am really jazzed because I would love to take one out on a trial. Rosboroughs are custom built to order in Nova Scotia, and it is a bit of a hassle to test one. Maybe that will change now...

I found the news release below:

Milton, NH (PRWEB) October 24, 2012

Eastern Boats, Inc., builder of Downeast boats, has announced the acquisition of several models of Rosborough Boats of Nova Scotia. The newly branded Rosborough Boats USA will now carry the popular RF-246 Sedan Cruiser, the RF-246 Custom Wheelhouse and the Seaskiff-22, with production beginning this fall at Eastern Boats Milton, N.H. facility.
The similarities in quality build capabilities and the business model between Eastern and Rosborough provide for Eastern Boats the logical progression for our line of Trailerable Trawlers and Weekend Cruisers going forward as U.S. boats, said Bob Rosborough of Rosborough Boats Canada.
With their many configurations, the advantages of building both the RF-246 and Seaskiff-22 locally guarantees owners the optimum investment value, providing the vessels with necessary U.S. documents, while eliminating the logistical and border issues associated with obtaining a Rosborough Boat from Canada.
The RF-246 celebrated its 25th year of production last March. Few semi-custom boats have endured the test of time like the RF-246, which is approaching the 500-hulls mark. The RF-246 has supplied vessels for a wide variety of clients, including work, leisure, scientific and patrol uses across North America. Imitated but never duplicated, the RF-246 remains the original and dominant pocket trawler. With the latest options, it has evolved into the most versatile boat on the market today.
The addition of the RF-246 Sedan Cruiser, along with the other configurations of this outstanding boat, allows Eastern Boats to offer a time-proven pocket trawler. The RF-246 is designed and constructed for ultimate usability and versatility. The stable, seaworthy, Atlantic Hull provides safety, comfort, and economical ease of operation. The accommodation areas provide spacious cruising and living aboard operation.
The helm and control center offers adequate areas for navigation and electronics, with maximum visibility through large windows, and easy accessibility to the deck, through the traditional pilot doors.
The Seaskiff-22, which was added to the Rosborough line in 1972, will enjoy a homecoming to New Hampshire, where it was developed and earned its reputation as the Sisu-22. The Seaskiff-22 and Sisu-22 share the same basic hull, but the Seaskiff-22 includes the advanced features and benefits of the Rosborough-built style.
The Sisu 22 was officially re-released as the Seaskiff 22 in 1994, with the Rosborough style, cruising comfort, fuel economy and sea-worthiness that has come to be expected from all Rosborough Craft. The Seaskiff 22 is a semi-custom platform that allows each boat to be tailored to the owners personal boating style.
The new U.S. manufactured line is expected to be shown at winter boat shows.
Visit the Eastern website at Center Console Boats | Custom Built Boats | Downeast | Eastern Boats

PatrickByrdsRosborough.jpg
 

jrg

1st Mate
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Portland, ME
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Eastern 24
Interesting... Those Eastern guys are on a roll. Only question is, how many 24' boats can one company make? Eastern, Seaway and Rosi????
 

roydawn

Deckhand
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N. Ft. Myers Fl.
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Sea Fox 256
eastern boats

When I talked to Bruce, the Eastern Boat Rep at the St. Pete boat show this week, he thought there was enough differences between the 3-24's that they each would fill a market niche. It worked when they were competitors, so if they keep the 3 lines as they are, under the same parent company it should work. ie Chevy- Buick- Caddy. Roy
 

MouseTrap

Admiral
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Seacoast, NH
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Rosborough
They are definitely different boats and different price points.

Seaway 24' Hardtop with 115hp: $45,888
2742428_24-ft2012seaway24-hardtop-sport.jpg


Eastern 248 with 150hp: $90,000
vp1885741_0.jpg


Rosborough 246 Sedan Cruiser (base price, hull only, last year): $89,000
with power and options: $130,000+
25th-anniversary.jpg
 

jrg

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Portland, ME
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Eastern 24
Guess I didn't realize the Seaway was that inexpensive. Surprised I don't see more of them. That Rosborough is a 24' tank...
 

Magnolia Sun

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Gloucester, MA.
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Seaway 24' Hardtop Sport
Guess I didn't realize the Seaway was that inexpensive. Surprised I don't see more of them. That Rosborough is a 24' tank...

I had a SW 24' built in April. The starting price was $42,990.00 w/ 115HP Mercury I went with a Honda BF150) Two months after we took delivery the base price jumped to $46,500. I think Eastern did this because when I went up there (4 times) over the build, most of the orders were for the SW 24' I would venture to say like 65% of the current orders (back then) for the SW 24'

I feel kind of lucky we bought the Seaway when we did. Great boat. We love it!

http://www.seawayboats.com/index.php?view=model_detail&id=6&model_id=6
 
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MouseTrap

Admiral
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Rosborough
Rosborough has removed all information about their 246 and 22 Sisu models off their Website. Looks like they will be focusing on their RIB Government models.

If you click on the Downeast boats link, it brings you to Rosborough USA's Website. Which simply states more to come...

Eastern_Rosborough_eblast.jpg
 

MASTERENEGADE

Admiral
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Had a DE, now 24' Privateer
Talking about eastern expansion.

A couple years back, there was rumor they also got the there hands on a 42'x16' mold. I have not seen any inclination of this being put into production. But this was what i had found out from one of the eastern booths in the norwalk boat show. This is one i would love to eastern build. I think any boat they take on they would do a fantastic job building.
 

MouseTrap

Admiral
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Location
Seacoast, NH
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Rosborough
There is a Rosborough Owner's Group Yahoo page that has the following posted:

Greetings from the new manufacturing site in Milton, NH. I want to let every
one know that the first sale for a US built 246 is complete. The boat will be
heading for the North Bay area of Lake Huron. It is going to be a dark green
hull with a cream colored deck (yes, the Eastern connection is very much into
colors). The first US boat, being built as a prototype is due out of the mold
this week with Bob Rosborough and Les Brown due down from Nova Scotia show the
Eastern crew how the pieces go together. Things are progressing well.

We will have a boat in Boston for the New England Boat Show in February (Feb 16
- 24) and we will be in Portland, Maine for the Maine Boat Builders Show in
March. (Mar 16-18).​

Glad to see the synergy between these companies, Eastern probably saved Rosborough from going under, it's nice to see the product line brought to the local New England economy.

The USA website is up, although it looks like has the exact same content as the old one.
 

guitarman

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Montana
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Dyer 29 Hardtop
seaway coastal cruiser

each year we take a trip from seattle to around Prince Rupert we have done the trip in several differant boats. from express cruisers, sail boats, to a Grand Banks 36, two years ago i bought a seaway 25 coastal cruiser, it did great in rough water it got great economy i could cruise like a trawler at six knots or run 25 knots if i needed to it was a great boat i wish eastern would have keep it in there line up. of all the boats i have had so far the seawy was the best for that trip all things considered.
 

roydawn

Deckhand
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N. Ft. Myers Fl.
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Sea Fox 256
guitarman, I'm very interested in the Eastern 25 Coastal Cruiser, looks like they only made them 2008-2011?? Did you buy yours new or used? What power do you have? Sorry to ask so many questions, just heard of the boat last week & it's hard to find info on it. Roy
 

guitarman

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Montana
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Dyer 29 Hardtop
seaway 25

I bought it new it was a 2009 used it to cruise the inland passage between seattle and Alaska. great little boat i sold it in may of this year.
What would you like to know about it. It had the 150 sukuki and a bow thruster cruise at 18 to 24 knots top speed of 29 to 30 knots.and you could cruise at 6 knots and burn 1/2 gallon an hour.
 
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