1998 Eastern 35 Casco Bay

Eastern / JC Downeast hulls are known throughout New England for their seakeeping ability, efficiency, and rugged, no-nonsense design, making them a top choice for serious offshore fishermen and coastal cruisers alike. REEL EASY is a unique and well-proven example, originally built as a 31’ Casco Bay and professionally extended to 35’ by JC Niggers (original builder Jack Caddario), with the work properly completed and the vessel re-documented to reflect her current configuration.

REEL EASY has been fished, cruised, and maintained by experienced local owners, and has built a strong reputation as a capable offshore platform. She is powered by a Cummins 6BTA (approx. 2,390 hours), cruising efficiently at 13–14 knots while delivering a stable, confident ride in a wide range of conditions. Known for tracking well in a following sea, sitting comfortably on the hook, and drifting cleanly on the line, she offers the classic Downeast performance that Northeast boaters rely on.

Outfitted for serious fishing, REEL EASY features an ElectraDyne 12V hauler with roof-mounted davit, custom tackle station with 40-gallon livewell, tuna door, (8) rod holders, raw water washdown, rear helm station, and Durabrite LED floodlights. She is a proven tournament competitor, with multiple appearances and a win in the 2019 Bluefin Blowout, along with participation in the Newburyport Shark & Tuna Tournament and Boston Bluefin Classic.

At the helm, she is equipped with updated electronics including a Simrad NSS Evo3S 12” MFD, Simrad NSS Evo2 9” display (autopilot interface), Simrad Halo 20+ radar (2024), Simrad autopilot with NAC-2, and dual ICOM VHF radios, along with Glendinning controls and a rear helm station for added versatility while fishing.

REEL EASY offers a comfortable and functional layout suitable for overnighting or family cruising, featuring a convertible settee, double V-berth forward, a head w/shower, reverse-cycle heat and air conditioning, AC/DC refrigeration, microwave, stove, hot water system, and approximately a 40-gallon freshwater system.

Mechanically, the boat has been consistently maintained with regular oil service (100–150 hours), aftercooler servicing, valve adjustment completed in 2024, and a new cutlass bearing and PYI dripless shaft seal installed in 2025. Additional equipment includes: a Westerbeke 5.5kW generator (~1,300 hours). 

Recent updates include: New forward and helm-side windows (2024), center window replacement with dry core confirmed, updated bilge pumps, and battery upgrade (2023).

REEL EASY represents a rare opportunity to own a proven, well-equipped 35’ Downeast platform that has successfully balanced serious offshore fishing capability with practical cruising comfort.

If you are looking for a turn-key fishing machine with a strong history and versatile layout, REEL EASY should not be overlooked.