Cruisers Yachts has been celebrating 70 years all through 2023. Events and gatherings have taken place at MarineMax locations, and elsewhere. Also, a new plant expansion and new model development have taken place.

The Oconto, Wisconsin boat builder is widely known and respected. From humble roots, through several ownership changes and even through the ticking of time into a new century, the values and commitment to quality that permeates Cruisers Yachts have remained.

At Boating, we’ve been testing “Cruisers” ( a nickname, sometimes used,  that refers to the early formation of the company) boat models since the early days of fiberglass production boatbuilding, before the sterndrive was even invented. We then conducted our Certified Boat Tests on a wide variety of boats powered by sterndrive and inboard power. We ran our first test of Volvo Penta’s IPS aboard a Cruisers Yachts almost 20 years ago. Then, in 2013, we honored the Cruisers Sport Series 328 as Boat of the Year, the highest award in recreational boating.

In recent years, our test team’s produced content about the GLS line of outboard-powered Cruisers Yachts models. And now, as 2024 approaches, and the builder begins its 71^st year, we are looking forward to sea trials of a new flying bridge line of boats from the storied builder.

We’ll be bringing you more information about the upcoming line of flying bridge models from Cruisers Yachts, including our full boat tests. We will kick-off this coverage with a special video interview, which will be live in January 2024. Look for it!

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Scout Boats

Scout Boats will be showing a fleet of boats including the new 357 LXF and 281 X Signature Edition. Also, they will be revealing more about the in-development 67 LX series (rendering shown). Lots to see and learn about at: Bahia Mar Dock C/D 45.

Aviara AV28

Aviara’s AV 28 is one unique dayboat. It is available in three versions, one with outboard power, one with conventional sterndrive power and one with a forward-facing sterndrive that allows this great-looking, high-performing dayboat to deliver its owners a wakesurfing experience, too. Bahia Mar F/G Dock.

Blackfin 400 CC

Wow! Our Tech Team was impressed by this Queen of the Blackfin fleet. It sports multiple outboard power, all the fishing features contemporary anglers demand, plus high-performance and a confidence-inspiring ride. See it at: Convention Center 2075.

Formula 457 Center Consoles

Formula is debuting the 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish at FLIBS 2023! Hot off the success of its 357 CC Sport and Fish version CC’s, the renown boatbuilder breaks out with these bigger sisters. See them! Bahia Mar Yachting Center, slips H818-H824.

Grady-White

Man, get yourself to the convention center if you are a fan of this storied, North Carolina boatbuilder. Grady-White will be debuting a brand new boat , so top-secret that even we could not get advance intel. Don’t miss it! Convention Center 2025.

Wellcraft 435

Looking for speed, style and seakeeping? Versatility and luxury combine aboard this newest Wellcraft. Its powered by over 1,000 horsepower. Check out the outboard-powered Wellcraft’s 435 at: Slip H821 in the North Basin of Bahia Mar.

Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top)

This is the boatbuilder responsible for the rise of the “adventure” or “ commuter” class of boats. Increasingly popular, these stepped-hull, straight-stemmed vessels offer great versatility and also quality, but without lots of frills. Axopar’s newest is the 45 ST Sun Top. See it: Bahia Mar F/G dock, booth 9. (Nautical Ventures)

Four Winns TH36

Is it the year of the cat? This 36 foot Four Winns dayboat rides twin hulls for ride comfort, efficiency and a completely different use of deck space, compared to monohull dayboats. See it at: Slip B214 in the South Basin of Bahia Mar.

Cruisers Yachts

Celebrating 70 years of boatbuilding, Cruisers Yachts will have a large fleet on display. So, why not see a large boat! It shows the open bow layout, the transforming aft cockpit and more. The 50 GLS evinces style and substance and innovation and you, “must-see” it at: Bahia Mar Dock GH, Slip 3.

Sea Ray SLX Outboard Series

Here’s twin engine bowriders/ dayboats up to 40 feet. They are built to the highest quality and with every feature oozing thoughtful detail. Luxury, a 55-mph top-speeds, touchscreen helm displays…. these Sea Rays are certainly a, “must-see.” Do just that at: Bahia Mar GH Dock.

Intrepid 51 Panacea

Sport Yachts are an elite segment of recreational boats. One of the most unique sport yachts must be the new Intrepid 51 Panacea. Naturally it runs on Intrepid’s vaunted transverse step hull form, delivering ride, handling and performance that is unrivaled. Learn more! See it at: Bahia Mar (on land and in water) at G Dock.

Tiara 48 LE

The 48 LE is a great blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities. The rotating lounge module has power actuation allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft, and anywhere in between. See more of the Tiara 48 LE! Bahia Mar C/D Dock.

Fountain 39 DX

Dual consoles are one hot boat segment, offering offshore hull, build and ride with the layout and comfort of a bowrider. Two consoles, three outboards, one great boat: Fountain’s 39 DX! See Fountain Powerboats in the Convention Center at Booth 2017!

Chaparral 280 OSX

Outboard dayboats are among the most popular on the water. Want to see a top-notch example? See the Chaparral 280 OSX in the Convention Center at booth 2072.

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Overview

After a day on the water testing the new Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS, I realized why it seemed so familiar. It reminded me of the Porsche 356 coupe I owned decades ago. It was fast, it was fun, it was comfortable, and everyone looked when I blew past. I loved that car dearly and still regret selling it. 

GLS stands for Grand Luxury Sport and, as the flagship of the “adventuring” GLS series of Cruisers Yachts boats, the 50 is all that and more. This yacht is about fun and entertaining on the water. Once you get past using the words “Cruisers” and “outboards” in the same sentence, this is a quite spectacular yacht. 

Cruisers calls the 50 GLS “the ultimate dayboat,” which is accurate in one sense, but limiting in another. The 50 is great for entertaining a boatload of friends, but also doubles as a surprisingly luxe overnighter, with two staterooms and a spacious head with a separate stall shower.

For starters, the cockpit is spacious, and even more so when the sides butterfly down to a 21-foot beam, leaving the aft seating in an island of comfort with its own table. The transom grill (or optional two grills) is convenient to the cockpit and allows the chef to ­surreptitiously dispose of charred burgers overboard.

Engines

Set well behind the chef is a whacking-great trio of 600 hp ­Mercs that push this 19 tons of comfortableness to just shy of 50 knots (56 mph) with more than enough punch to yank skiers and tow toys right out of the water when you put the hammer down.

Interior and Accessories

Three separate seating areas dot the cockpit, with more than enough room to move about without banging knees, and then there is the bow seating. Press a button and the windshield slides open (no lifting ­required), ­offering a deep walkway (safe for all ages) to reach the trio of adjustable sun lounges (with armrests) on the cabin top. You won’t want to walk 15 feet to the twin Isotherm fridges in the aft cockpit, so a cooler is tucked under a seat with a chiller plate (no ice).   

Cruisers Yachts, now owned by MarineMax, created a good-looking yacht, from the black slash on the topsides that conceals the windows to the sleek hardtop that presents you with choices. Want sun and breeze? Open the sunroof and walkway door, plus lower the electric side windows. Hiding from the sun? A 9-foot MakeFast awning grows from the top to shade the aft cockpit. 

The helm features a trio of 19-inch Simrad monitors (including CZone digital switching), a joystick linked to the Side-Power bow thruster, and a fully adjustable helm seat next to a double companion seat.

Step below and the bright cabin is surprising, with 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom and a queen-size berth forward behind French doors. A mini galley holds a microwave for morning coffee and croissants, and an Isotherm fridge augments the two in the cockpit galley. The enclosed head is most civilized, with a Lucite-doored stall shower more than 4 feet wide. 

A second cabin is tucked under the ­cockpit, with a pair of berths that convert to a queen berth—perfect for kid naps or guests, although it won’t encourage them to linger. Each cabin has 32-inch TVs, and a 55-inch TV pops up behind the cockpit galley.

Before the 50 GLS was dropped into the water, I had a chance to examine the Donald L. Blount-designed hull with two full-length strakes and wide chine flats that threw the spray far to the side underway. It’s clear that Blount’s performance-boat background provided us with a soft ride through 2- to 3-foot seas, but more importantly, the 50 GLS begs you to exercise your secret Mr. Toad. Crank the wheel, and the twin-propped Merc ­V-12s bite like a Rottweiler. The 50 just grins, banks comfortably, and asks for more dog treats, please. Even Aunt Edna is going to love this ride.   

And while you’d think that 36 cylinders hanging on the transom should make muscle-car noises, well, they don’t. At idle, we registered just 58 dB(A) on the decibel meter, and with the throttles down flat, we were at 85 dB(A), which OSHA says equates to the sound of a vacuum cleaner. There’s no “I didn’t hear you” excuse on the 50 GLS.

Hanging those outboards on the stern also opened immense undercockpit space, which had a Kohler 15 kW genset on our test boat (for keeping those blenders mixing margaritas and the AC going at the sandbar), plus a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer. There was also ample storage for boat gear, from fenders to inflatable toys. 

The speed chart tells part of the story (56.6 mph), but not the real-life part. Think in terms of Lauderdale to Bimini in 60 minutes, Long Beach to Catalina in a half-hour, and the same from Cape Cod to Nantucket. Even ­better, this isn’t a pounding ride, but a comfortably luxurious adventure.

Shopping? Another $1 million gets you a ­Formula 500 SSC with four Merc 600s ($3,537,110), plus another 10 mph at wide-open throttle. Do compare and run both boats.

The Cruisers 50 GLS checks all the boxes. It is a bowrider on steroids, an express cruiser with entertaining ambitions, an overnighter in comfort, and a performance boat. 

Like my long-gone Porsche, the 50 GLS is a classic for our own times, and one that should bring you as much fun as my little silver four-banger.

Read Next: 2022 Cruisers Yachts 34GLS

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Verado 18″ x 27.5″ 4-blade (front); 3-blade (rear)
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• Folding cockpit “terraces” add flexibility and space at rest (but rails would be nice).
• High coamings and grab rails everywhere are safe for kids.
• Cockpit phone-charging station handles six phones, plus one by the skipper.

Low Points

• Galley “splash rail” won’t keep any spilled gazpacho from hitting the upholstery.
• A handrail into the cabin would be appreciated.
• White dashboard creates huge reflections in windshield. Buy black felt!

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Cruisers Yachts debuts its new 50 GLS as the ultimate dayboat, which is true in one sense, but limiting in another. Yes, this is a huge express bowrider pushed along by triple 600 hp Merc outboards. But it’s also perfect for long weekends aboard, with two separate cabins and a surprisingly spacious head.

Start at the stern, where the Mercs hang from a wide transom that allows ample room to use the outdoor kitchen, featuring twin grills and a sink. Fold-down bulwarks stretch the usable floor space from the 14-foot-6-inch beam to 21 feet. The cockpit behind the windshield adds an L-shaped galley with twin fridges behind the helm, plus three L-shaped lounges and a settee aft with twin tables.

Stroll through the opening windshield and there is wraparound seating with three dedicated forward-facing seats with armrests for security. (Don’t forget the 1,800 hp on the transom.)  

The skipper gets a dedicated adjustable seat with a headrest, and the companion seat handles two guests to keep an eye on the glass dash with triple 19-inch Simrad screens and advanced CZone digital switching. A bow thruster adds to the maneuverability. Most of the cockpit is covered by the fiberglass hardtop (with sunroof), while an awning extends to protect the remaining deck. 

Below, a private master cabin has a queen-size berth forward, while the aft cabin has flexible single or double berths. Both cabins share a spacious head with a separate stall shower, and the salon has a fridge and TV.

The flagship of the Cruisers GLS line of seven boats (four with outboards), the 50 clearly calls to experienced boaters with the fold-down terraces aft, triple outboards that provide speed (56 mph), and a deep forward cockpit that’s safe for kids. Add to that the overnighting and long-weekending ability from the two cabins, full air conditioning with a generator, and thoughtful amenities, from cellphone chargers to a microwave for morning coffee.  

Cruisers’ construction, from the sturdy stringer grid to the flawless joinerwork, has long been a hallmark of this company, and the 50 GLS with its modern details just adds to that luster.  

High Points

• All-fiberglass construction with foam coring prevents rot.
• Folding cockpit “terraces” add flexibility and space at rest.
• Designed to handle Mercury V-12 outboards.
• Two distinct sleeping cabins make this more than just a dayboat.
• The wide transom makes the outdoor galley and grills fully usable.
• High coamings both fore and aft are safe for kids.

Pricing and Specs

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

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Overview

The new Cruisers Yachts 34GLS is the latest iteration of the popular GLS series from Cruisers Yachts, which persists in claiming that GLS stands for Grand Luxury Sport. But I like to think it stands for Great Little Ship. This yacht defines family fun—if you look up “family fun” in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of the 34GLS. Well, not really, but you get the idea.

The 34GLS is aimed at day outings and occasional overnight adventures, and it has enough speed (45 mph) with twin Mercury Verado outboards to satisfy all the towed water-toy needs.

Outboards generally preclude a usable transom platform, but the 34GLS has two “wings” extending alongside the engines as well as a comfortably wide walkway forward of the outboards, with all the plumbing and connections hidden so no one will trip. Like the rest of the cockpit, the area is covered with SeaDek for a cushy nonslip surface.

Interior and Accessories

The cockpit seating is offset to allow a rear-facing seat to port, the outdoor galley console, and a settee with a back that flips to become either a companion seat or aft-facing lounge. To starboard is an L-shaped settee, also with a flipping back for facing aft or forming a sun pad when folded flat. Cruisers gets credit not just for two perfectly finished tables (standard), but also for providing dedicated stowage (in a bag for varnish protection).

The mini galley includes a sink, but be sure to order the optional grill, fridge or ice maker for serious outings, and maybe even the fridge drawer under the helm seat. A standard fiberglass hardtop covers the cockpit, and our boat had both the optional SureShade to stretch the sun protection and an opening sunroof.

The skipper gets a well-arranged throne with a bench seat (adult-plus-kid size), and a Simrad electronics package with twin 9-inch displays in an eyebrowed dash to prevent reflections.  

The bow seating is via a passage to port, with a closing windshield and wind door to protect the cockpit. This is an area where parents worry, but Cruisers made the coamings high at 33 inches. The cockpit is even deeper at about 40 inches for safety.

There’s nothing unusual forward, with wraparound seats, a pedestal table that becomes a sun pad, and a 48-quart cooler. The forward-facing seats have flip-down armrests with beverage holders. The windlass ($7,355) tucks under a flush foredeck hatch, with push-button controls at the helm and at the bow.

Going below, I was impressed by the sliding screen door and usual fiberglass door. One night of dodging no-see-ums and you’ll also appreciate them. Cruisers managed to jigsaw all the important things into the living area, with a pair of settees that convert to a 77-by-48-inch double berth using the dining table, and our test boat had the optional fridge and microwave for morning coffee. A second cabin is just aft, with a single 6-by-3-foot berth tucked athwartships—perfect for a kid or mother-in-law.

A strong selling point for the 34GLS is the enclosed head with a Dometic electric flush toilet, and a counter with a vessel sink and Euro faucet. It’s a wet head with a wraparound shower curtain, a shower wand, and an opening port to vent the steam.

Cruisers also gets points for paying attention to details, such as the fully finished lockers. Lift a hatch and you find all the plumbing carefully secured and labeled in a white-finished bilge for easy cleaning. A sump handles the shower and sink so soapy water doesn’t go into the bilge, and Cruisers doesn’t cut any corners on construction with the 34GLS. The all-fiberglass hull is reinforced with rot-free foam and glass stringers, plus numerous molded sections for monocoque strength. I was also impressed by the deep gutters in the deck hatches, which should easily handle enthusiastic washdowns or downpours without water leaking belowdecks.

Engines

Our test boat had the standard Merc 300 Verados with Joystick Piloting, but you can up the ante to 350, 400 or even 450R outboards if you have a need for speed. For the Great Lakes, the 34GLS can also be fitted with Volvo Penta or MerCruiser sterndrives up to 350 hp each, but you’d lose the immense utility room under the cockpit sole. With outboards, that cavern can handle a 5 kW Kohler diesel generator, although our 34 boasted the inverter ($6,740) that can power the air conditioning ($6,235) for up to six hours.

The 34GLS has hydraulic trim tabs as standard, but the boat came up flat and fast during our test without needing a nudge from the tabs to get onto plane. Because we ran flat at speed, I suspect the tabs are there to balance the boat when Aunt Edna parks to one side.

The bottom was designed by Ocean Five naval architects, a growing force in production boats, and it sliced neatly through wakes and chop with its 21-degree transom deadrise without throwing spray everywhere. The 34GLS is fun to drive too, and the skipper is going to have people lined up saying, “My turn, my turn!”

If you’re looking around, check out the Scout 350LXZ ($551,000), which is a foot shorter but offers triple outboards.

Whether you’re entertaining a bunch of friends or getting away for a lazy weekend, the Cruisers 34GLS fulfills the promise of grand luxury sport; even better, it’s also a great little ship.

How We Tested

• Engine: Twin 300 hp Mercury Verado V-8s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16″ x 16.5″ Enertia 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb

High Points 

• Immense finished stowage throughout, including for large items such as fenders.
• Clearly labeled and user-friendly dash, with shifter and throttles, joystick, and trim-tab controls in the armrest.
• Wide walkway to the bow from the cockpit with high coamings.
• Deep hatch gutters with rubber seals and double drains.

Low Points

• Needs more handrails for moving around the cockpit safely, and the strange knee-high rails on the seats are too low.
• Getting into the aft cabin past the stairs requires a bit of wiggling.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

The post 2022 Cruisers Yachts 34GLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

We got onboard Cruisers Yachts’ new 34 GLS at the 2022 Miami International Boat Show. Watch the video for all of the details and an inside look. To learn more about Cruiser Yachts and see their full lineup, visit cruisersyachts.com.

The post Boating On Board the Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Some builders enter the outboard market timidly, with one toe in the water at a time. Cruisers, however, jumped into the deep end with a full cannonball, first with its 38GLS and now with the triple-engine 42GLS. If you don’t fall in love with this fun boat at first glance, well, check your pulse.

For starters, Cruisers decided that if one foldout beach on the 38 was good, then two on the 42 would be more than twice as good. And the builder is right. Having hullsides that morph into extended deck areas doesn’t just recapture space lost to outboards on the transom platform, but it also creates an entirely new fun area to explore. Suddenly, you don’t just have a boat with 13-foot beam, but one with nearly 19 feet of deck for entertaining and playing in the water.

Aside from the 4 feet in length and two beaches, why opt for the 42? There’s a lot of reasons. The 42GLS is a true express cruiser with a full hardtop running far enough aft from the windshield to give sun protection to the wraparound dinette, and it has a big electric sunroof (standard) for when you want some breeze. The 38GLS had a T-top but is really a big bowrider, while the 42GLS has not only the hardtop but also a full glass enclosure on the sides, an express-cruiser feature we appreciated in a lumpy inlet leading to the Gulf Stream.

Interior and Accessories

That 4 feet also translates into a civilized cabin (6 feet, 7 inches of headroom) that would encourage overnighting, with a full queen berth tucked in a private playpen aft, a dinette that converts to a tapered queen for kids (or in-laws), and a mini galley with a fridge and microwave to heat the coffee when you don’t want to tiptoe out to the cockpit galley in your jammies. 

There’s a rinse-off shower on the transom, but the big enclosed head in the cabin has a stand-up shower to get you squeaky clean, plus a vanity with toiletry stowage.

The cockpit galley is impressive, with the available Kenyon grill, and even a TV (think alfresco movie nights) that moves from the salon to the cockpit. Stools turn the raised galley counter into a bar, and I settled in there quite comfortably for our outing.   

The skipper has the best seat in the house: a bolstered double-wide helm chair overlooking an impeccably arranged dash with twin Simrad monitors and clearly labeled buttons for systems. The joystick for the triple outboards is exactly where I wanted it, just in front of the throttle and shifters. The skipper gets air-conditioning vents, and with the addition of a zippered back door to the cockpit, this entertaining area can be cooled or heated for all-season comfort just like the cabin. 

Safe access to the bow is through a clever windshield door that flips away. There’s also a recessed gate for spray or breeze protection, and parents will delight in the high coamings forward for kid security.  

There’s nothing unusual about the wraparound seating in the bow until you lift a cushion, where you’ll find nicely finished storage bins. In fact, Cruisers has gone to lengths to make every possible dead space into a stowage nook, cranny or locker. The bow seating has a table that converts to a sun pad, multiple cup holders (even in the fold-down armrest), and an optional sunshade. A Genius anchor windlass is hidden out of sight under a foredeck hatch, with controls by foot buttons or at the helm. 

This hull is a development of the well-proven 38GLS, and we had a chance to give the 42GLS a serious test in some square-edged Atlantic seas. On a couple of waves, we got to play astronaut—you know, we went weightless. But the hull, with its 21-degree transom deadrise, brought us down softly. 

Cruisers does an excellent job with construction, using a mix of infused resin and hand-laid glass (but no wood) to create a tough hull and superstructure. I was impressed that the builder makes all its own wiring harnesses in-house, with every wire labeled for future tracing, and it does its own woodwork and upholstery to a luxurious level. The weld work on stanchions and rails is polished and jewellike. 

I also liked the outstanding access to the various underdeck systems, with filters, batteries and seacocks in well-finished bilges and compartments. Our test boat had the optional 5.5 kW diesel genset to keep the margaritas flowing and the air conditioner blowing, and it was readily accessible along with its separate 20-gallon fuel tank. A Seakeeper gyrostabilizer is an option, and Cruisers has allotted ample room for it in the machinery area aft.

Shopping around? Check out the Sea Ray 400 SLX ($718,078), which is a bit shorter, and comes with a T-top and no beaches.

Engines

So, what’ll the 42 do? Our test boat had a trio of 400 hp Mercury Verados, giving us a solid 52 mph in the smooth spots. You can opt for 350 or 450 hp Verados, but I thought this triple outboard package was perfect.

I loved the 42GLS for its flexibility, fun, performance, and solid design and construction. Small enough and fast enough for water toys, elegant enough for cocktail cruises, and comfortable enough that overnighting will be a plan, not an afterthought. What’s not to like with this cannonball into the deep end?

How We Tested

• Engine: Triple 400 hp Mercury Verado
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.5″ x 15″ Merc 4-blade XP
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 350 gal. Water On Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• No-wood construction uses fiberglass infusion and hand layup for strength and durability.
• Deep gutters on deck hatches prevent water intrusion.  
• Oversize and sturdy hinges on all lockers and hatches.

Low Points

• Not enough handrails or sissy bars.
• Bar stools might not be a suitable substitute for a companion seat.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

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The newest in Cruisers Yachts’ fleet of GLS boats, a group of boats that ranges up to 42 feet in length, the 34 GLS shines as an example of a design informed by the desires of those boaters who seek to impress and entertain their guests while retaining the ability to enjoy weekends aboard with a smaller group in high style and plush comfort. 

Of course, any boat’s ability to fulfill its promise starts with its ride and performance. The 34 GLS utilizes Mercury outboard power to deliver brisk speeds, shallow-draft capability for visiting beaches and coves, and quiet, vibration-free operation. The exclusive JPO joystick greatly enhances maneuverability—and lowers the stress level of the helmsperson—while docking or in other tight spots, giving the captain confident control. Just twist or push the joystick in the direction you need the boat to go, and it goes there.

The topside layout serves as a blueprint for a boat built to host a party. There are easy and natural pedestrian traffic routes for milling and mingling guests. And the ambience is fresh and modern thanks to aesthetic cues such as the angular edges of the helm, lounges and other items. Specifics include an innovative aft cockpit with two designer-style convertible lounges, the one to starboard larger than the one to port. The backrests of these can be arrayed to face forward or aft, and the larger one becomes a sun lounge. The broad swim platform provides unfettered water access and easy boarding dockside, and expands socializing space. In the bow, find additional elegant seating. Sit around the table, or fill the center and create another big sun lounge.

Belowdecks, find a well-lit and stylish space with a private aft stateroom (you’ll claim this space), and a forward dinette that converts into a spacious berth. The lower galley boasts a refrigerator, microwave and TV. The 34 GLS’s head rivals that of larger cruising boats with its vessel sink, residential-style commode, standing shower and designer fixtures.

Looking for an impression-making dayboat that also affords weekend getaway opportunities? Schedule a viewing of Cruisers Yachts’ 34 GLS.

High Points

• Boasting architectural style and a functional layout that allows for ease of moving about and provides multiple social spaces, this boat is built and equipped for entertaining.  
• Outboard power provides the most user-friendly type of marine propulsion while delivering a virtually smoke- and vibration-free ride along with shallow-draft capability and unparalleled corrosion resistance.
• Asymmetrically sized convertible aft lounges are but one highlight of this boat’s layout.

Pricing and Specs

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

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Largest in the adventurous GLS series from Cruisers, the new 42 GLS clearly shouts “fun on the water.” Certainly, the most visible features are the twin fold-down beach doors that create a spacious swim and lounge platform aft, complete with rear-facing seating. Swim ladders are on each side, and a shower is hidden for rinse-offs.

The cantilevered hardtop, with large sliding fiberglass sunroof, provides full sun protection, and an optional powered Makefast awning slides from the hardtop to cool the transom beach as well.

The cockpit is unique, with a dinette to starboard that wraps around a custom wood table, while the galley opposite is equipped for entertaining with a grill, fridge drawer, ice maker, sink and storage. Twin bar stools with a counter are thoughtful touches for entertaining.

The skipper enjoys a fully adjustable double bench seat behind a twin all-glass Simrad navigation cluster, with push-button accessory switches and a Mercury joystick for easy maneuvering. Power for the 42 GLS comes from a choice of triple 350 to 450 hp Mercury Verado outboards and, with the midsize 400s, it tops out at 52 mph.

The forward cockpit, separated by a gas-assisted opening windshield panel and a lower air-dam door to protect the cockpit from wind, is another full entertainment area. The U-shaped bow seating showcases a table that converts into a sun pad, Rockford Fosgate speakers with volume controls, and multiple cup holders. The settee also transforms into forward-facing seats with an elbow rest. A hidden anchor locker conceals a Genius anchor windlass, which can be controlled by foot buttons or from the helm.

The cabin is reached through a sliding door with built-in screen, and features a spacious private stateroom with a custom berth, reading lights, and inclined backrests for watching the TV. In the main cabin, a convertible U-shaped dinette becomes a full berth, and both areas enjoy great stowage. The head compartment features a sink, electric toilet and stand-up shower, plus more storage.

High Points

• Beach doors fold out and down to create a spacious platform for easy boarding and swimming.
• Comfortable overnighting for four people belowdecks, with a full head and shower.
• Deep-V dual-strake 21-degree hull is soft-riding and dry.
• Construction is solid and long-lasting, with no wood used in the hull, and a combination of fiberglass infusion and hand layup for maximum strength and durability.

Specs

LOA: 42′0″

Beam: 13′0″

Draft (max): 3′7″

Dry Weight: 27,000 lb. (with power)

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 403 gal.

Available Power: Triple outboards to 450 hp total

Price: $928,340 (base with triple 400 hp outboards)

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Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478, cruisersyachts.com

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Editor’s Note: Check out our in-depth test of each model – Formula 380 SSC OB, Tiara Sport 38 LX, Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS, Monterey 385 SE, Sea Ray SLX 400

Formula 380 SSC

Formula is historically all about performance combined with top-level fit and finish. The 380 SSC has everything Formula brings to the table in this large dayboat that the builder calls a crossover. Beyond performance, the 380 SSC is designed for relaxation and entertainment. Start with the bow, which features a deep, secure and spacious lounge, with wraparound seating and stainless-steel grab rails along the gunwales. It makes a fantastic sun lounge, or you can set up the bow table for a social gathering point.

Like its predecessor Super Sport Crossover models—the 430 and 400—the Formula 380 SSC is a joy to operate. It’s a 10-ton boat that, once up and running, carves through the water with the grace of one of Formula’s 24-foot bowriders. While Formula enthusiasts have always appreciated the brand’s performance attributes, any boater looking to cruise or anchor at the sandbar in style will appreciate the layout.

Visibility from the helm is excellent, with the driver’s line of sight extending above the heads of any bow passengers. The flush-mounted multifunction-display screens are easy to read underway, and the standard Joystick Piloting system makes docking and close-quarters handling stress-free endeavors. We especially loved that the triple-wide helm bench had three independent flip-up bolsters, so the captain and crew could adjust their seats to individual tastes.

If you prefer your power hanging from the transom, Formula offers the boat with triple Mercury Verado and Mercury Racing configurations. You sacrifice some space on the swim platform and the hydraulic swim step, but you can have 1,350 hp worth of outboards making you go. No matter what power you choose, you’ll benefit from Formula’s Fas3Tech hull, a performance design with twin steps to improve efficiency and running attitude. Powered by twin Mercury Racing 520s coupled with Bravo Three XR sterndrives, we raced to a top speed of just over 51 mph, an excellent number for a boat this size. The 380 SSC definitely lives up to its performance roots while offering a layout that provides entertainment and creature comforts anyone who steps aboard will love.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 520 hp Mercury Racing
• Drive/Props: Bravo Three XR/BIII XR 21″ propsets
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 188 gal. Crew Weight: 430 lb.

Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 260-724-9111; formulaboats.com

Tiara Sport 38 LX

Tiara Sport has earned the reputation for overbuilding its boats to withstand the worst conditions the Great Lakes and other big waters have to offer, and the latest Tiara Sport lineup is no exception. The 38 LX delivers that rugged ability with speed, power and a penchant for entertaining.

Our test boat boasted triple Mercury Verado 400s, but you can opt for triple Yamaha F350s, or Seven Marine 527 hp engines. The Mercs pushed us to over 55 mph (48-plus knots), which is more than enough to thrill everyone aboard. Cruise speed with these is right around 30 mph at 4,000 rpm, sipping 33 gph for 0.9 mpg, which isn’t bad when you’re pushing 9 tons of sleek, waterborne family fun through the water.

As for performance, the Tiara Sport 38 LX has a 20-degree deadrise at the transom, plus two full-length strakes underwater, and wide chine flats from bow to stern. What that means is the 38 LX slices the water like a knife through soft cheese. The strakes act like shock absorbers to soften the ride, the chines throw spray out to the side, and the result is what we’ve come to love about Tiara boats: soft-riding, stable, dry and seaworthy in all conditions.

On many outboard boats, you lose the swim platform, but the 38 LX has an ample platform to step aboard from a dock or climb aboard from a swim. We liked the one-level cockpit sole from transom to bow with no steps to trip Aunt Edna, and our test boat sported the optional faux-teak deck that looks terrific.

Tiara gets points for inventive aft seating with immense flexibility, with options to face aft or forward, and chaises with adjustable backs to lay flat as sun pads. And the space not used to house inboard or sterndrive engines creates tons of stowage, plus room for the standard Onan 5 kW diesel genset—you need it for the air conditioner, grill and other at-anchor niceties—and an optional Seakeeper 3 gyro. Under the standard full-beam hardtop with sunroof, you’ll find an L-shaped dinette to starboard with a gorgeous teak table, and an outdoor kitchen to port with a sink, drawer fridge and optional Kenyon grill.

The helm sports a double-wide seat with fold-up bolsters for standing and dual footrests at different heights. A padded anti-glare eyebrow shades twin Garmin 16-inch monitors, the Mercury joystick (a bow thruster is also standard), and digital throttles for smooth shifting. The companion seat is also innovative, and it swivels to face the dinette. The entire helm console tilts aft, giving full access to helm rigging. Competitors lack this convenience.

Forward, the bow seating wraps around, with folding armrests and undercushion stowage. The coaming backrests are a full 40 inches high for kiddie security. The bulkhead in front of the companion seat opens like a gull wing, revealing a spacious compartment with a teak step and designer flooring, VacuFlush electric head, and air conditioning.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 400 hp Mercury 400 Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 331 gal. Water: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

Tiara Sport – Holland, Michigan; 616-392-7163; tiarasport.com

Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS

The Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS includes everything most boaters love about their boats and combines them into a terrific dayboat with overnight capabilities. Upon first boarding and walking through the 38 GLS, most first-time boat shoppers will take away several high points, such as the foldout beach door that turns a big chunk of the starboard coaming into a water-level “beach,” a replacement for the transom platform you lose with outboards. It’s an elegant solution for allowing the corrosion resistance and other benefits of outboard power while simultaneously offering the ability to use the stern of the boat as a swimming, lounging and socializing center.

Even better, the aft seating swivels to face this “beach” so that parents can watch their little water rats paddle around. The rest of the 38 GLS’s capacious cockpit is notable for offering a full bar—complete with stools—and an outdoor kitchen including a grill, sink, refrigerator and ice maker. Cruisers Yachts makes the most of the bowrider seating with streamlined headrests and a removable table, adding flexibility and function.

The other takeaway is the cabin, which surprises first with 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom, second with a nearly queen-size berth in a private stateroom for naps or overnighting, and last—but really important—is an enclosed head with a hot-and-cold freshwater shower. That means no more rinse-offs on the transom, although there is another shower there. The settee/dinette below also converts into a double, offering comfy sleeping for four.

Standard power is a trio of 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards (350 hp Verados are optional), and we easily hit 53 mph with a bunch of people aboard and a full fuel tank. These Mercs give you joystick maneuvering for docking; they’re surprisingly fuel-efficient too. At a near 30 mph cruising speed, this boat has a range of almost 270 miles. Handling the boat at speed proved predictable, with no unpleasant surprises for the captain or crew.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 300 hp Mercury Verado
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Revolution 4 16″ x 18″ stainless-steel 4-blade
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 850 lb.

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com

Monterey 385 SE

The Monterey 385 SE deck design gives this cruiser a feel of sporty luxury, and it has seating for the largest of crews. It’s a mega-bowrider with a well-designed layout. Start on the starboard-side, where there’s a double-wide sun lounge with a fold-down armrest. An included filler cushion covers the synthetic teak sole to complete a double-wide sun pad. There’s a single-width lounge with folding armrest on the port side too. Without the center cushion, the entire area could seat six to eight without crowding, and the cup holders are tucked in behind the cushions, under the bolsters, so drinks won’t be jostled.

Seating in the cockpit includes the first-mate’s double seat, with a foldaway step for stand-up options. An L-shaped lounge begins behind that seat, and as it turns the corner to the transom, the seat bottom widens to become a nearly 6-by-6-foot sun pad. It converts from a back-to-back bench to an aft-facing lounge. The cabin below has a large berth, a galley area, and an enclosed head with a shower—all practical and well-designed.

On the performance end, the 385 SE does not disappoint. When a boat like this can jump up onto plane in about 4.5 seconds and hit a top speed of more than 57 mph, it’s certainly an eye-opener. But when it’s a 38-foot day cruiser with a connection to the water that happens to be sports-car-crisp (thanks to the Optimus 360 power steering with electronic throttle and shift), that’s downright startling. As we accelerated and trimmed up, the chines astern lifted nearly clear of the spray, yet the boat stayed hooked up and even accepted some authoritative rudder input, responding without complaint.

In port, the Optimus 360 joystick steering gives confidence to dock this boat like a runabout. Nudge the stick in the direction of travel, and the boat crabs sideways; twist the stick, and the boat pivots steadily. It’s the complete package.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Yamaha F300s
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Saltwater Series II 19″
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 125 gal. Water on Board: 7 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Monterey Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; montereyboats.com

Sea Ray 400 SLX

This 2017 Boating Boat of the Year still makes the grade as a boater’s version of a Swiss Army knife. The largest of the bowriders we’ve included here, it’s got a ton of well-thought-out amenities.

Why would we call it a Swiss Army knife? Start in the cockpit. The wide swim platform features a center section that lowers for easy water access, and the teak-planked starboard coaming folds out to vastly expand the deck. Sea Ray calls it a swim terrace and, though only for use at rest, it turns the cockpit into a waterfront patio. There’s a big sun pad next to it with a backrest cushion that transforms by spinning to create several sitting and lounging areas. There’s also a hidden compartment in the transom big enough to stow full-length stand-up paddleboards. No more strapping boards onto the hardtop.

The midcockpit has a wraparound dinette (using that movable backrest), and an outdoor galley with a sink is to starboard. Our test boat had double electric Kenyon grills plus an Isotherm fridge—both no-brainer options. An optional retractable sunshade deploys electrically from the hardtop. The double-wide seat opposite the helm spins around to face the cockpit seating, and the teak cockpit table unfolds to dining-size.

With our twin 380 hp Mercury sterndrive test power, the SLX 400 provided a performance that was nothing but sheer fun. In hard-over turns, it felt rock-solid, and no one aboard felt a need to reach for a grab rail. We topped out at a shade over 46 mph, and cruised at 3,500 rpm and 30-plus mph. If you prefer outboard power, the 400 SLX can be rigged with Mercury outboards.

Forward is another entertainment area, and getting there is easy and safe via a wide portside walkway and flush-mounted door, which combines with the folding windshield to protect the cockpit from wind and spray. Three forward-facing touring seats have folding armrests and storage bins on both sides. Seating on each side of the bow converts to a sun pad, and a removable table provides another area for munchies. Grab rails are everywhere, and the entire boat has padded coamings.

Stepping down from the helm through the slider and into the cabin, headroom is nearly 7 feet. The starboard-side head includes a shower and a VacuFlush toilet. A mini galley to port features a microwave and fridge, and a wraparound couch with a folding table converts into a V-berth. Tucked under the cockpit is a vast playroom with a queen-size mattress with padded backrests so you can stretch out.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 380 hp MerCruiser 8.2 Mag ECTs
• Drive/Props: Bravo III X/B3 24″ pitch stainless-steel propsets
• Gear Ratio: 2.00:1 Fuel Load: 240 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

Sea Ray Boats – Vonore, Tennessee; 423-884-6631; searay.com

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