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What is a Cruiser?

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Chez Nous Bound for Sea

Tom's Chez Nous bound for sea.

— Published: July 2015

There's been a lot said in boating publications about cruising. At first we all knew what we were talking and reading about. And when you said you were a cruiser, boaters had a pretty good idea of what you meant. More importantly, so did you. Now the definition of the word has expanded. And that's good.

In the old days you had to be in a double ended boat that could only make about 3 knots in a gale, carried enough water for a monthly sponge bath from a teacup and enough fuel to run the engine for about half a day ... if it had an engine. In other words, to be a "cruiser," you had to be incredibly tough and you had to be happy living like a Spartan. It was pure and simple and your identity was secure. But as time went on that began to change and you had to define yourself more carefully.

The boats morphed into fast sailing machines. These boats had big tanks, big screen TV sets, queen sized beds, plush carpeting and big motors that could push them as fast as they could sail. Then people began to realize that it wasn't really necessary for a cruising boat to have that sail, unless maybe for "steadying." People began to cruise all over the world in, of all things, motor boats. What was the world coming to?

But during all this morphing, we kept running into good cruising folks who were widely considered to be the "real" cruisers. One who always stands out in my mind is Alvah Simon who, in addition to other amazing feats, deliberately froze his steel boat into the Arctic ice for a winter. He's one of the tough-in-extremis types. He survived in style (his style), spending much of his time coaxing polar bears away from his boat without hurting them and having an occasional celebration with Jack Daniels who was there in spirit only. I'll never forget eating lunch with Alvah once and talking about how the Jack Daniels bottles contrasted against the white snow. I always admired Alvah and others like him, but I didn't fit into that group and knew that I never could.

And all along there have been those who considered "cruising" to mean "traveling long distances in a boat with great difficulty", like going around the world without a motor. Some did it because they were too pure to even have one aboard. Some did it because even though they started out with one they couldn't fix it the first time it broke down. There were also those who did repair everything that broke or tore and those that didn't repair anything that broke or tore ... both bragging about it. There were many different opinions voiced of what "real" cruising really was.

Sometimes I think that the ultimate mantra of "real" cruising has been the rejection of the marine head. Some of the "true blue" cruisers never used the head even though they had one, preferring to use the "over the side" even if bullets were flying their way, sent along by irate citizenry ashore. These folks seem exceptionally proud of their lifestyle and when they call themselves cruisers you don't argue.

Although I've been a cruiser most of my life, I don't fit into many of these definitions of cruising. And I know that if I call myself a cruiser I must explain because I don't want people to think I'm that tough. If people think you're tougher than you are it could get you into big trouble. My status as a wimp cruiser must remain secure.

Unlike the true cruisers, I love my motor. I don't like storms, and I've known a few. I do like being somewhat clean, even to the point of taking a shower once a day. I don't like being cold. I don't like being uncomfortable. I don't want to sail around the world because I'm afraid I might fall off (the boat). And I'd hate to think that people think I don't use heads. So over the years I've created a self image of my type of cruising. I don't share it here because I figure that nobody else really cares and, come to think of it, I'm not sure what it is. But I've resolved many of these cruising identity issues and finally I began to feel pretty good about myself.

New Concepts

But not too long ago I came across yet another concept of cruising that has once again kicked my personal angst meter up a couple of notches. You've probably known about this all along, but remember, for many years, I've been in the protected world of floating about on a boat. I learned about this in a bar in a hotel where my wife and I were staying while on a land trip.

A rather beefy gentleman was also in attendance and enjoying the beverages while he earnestly engaged in talking with every lady around; never mind that the conversations were one-sided and usually that one side was to the back side of the heads of said ladies.

I was wearing one of my old "Cruising World" shirts. I used to be Editor at Large for that magazine and wrote the "On Watch" column and other projects for many years. They gave us lots of great shirts. The gentleman who kept striking out with the ladies suddenly stared in my direction in the mirror, his florid face indicating curiosity and interest. Then slowly but deliberately he swiveled his head toward me and turned to talk.

"I'm a cruiser too," he announced.

I like to talk about boats and cruising and I was bored so I innocently opened up. "Yeah, I've lived aboard since the ‘70s and travelled thousands of miles on my boat. Can't wait to get back to her."

He looked at me strangely, tottered a little on his barstool, squinted hard at the logo on my shirt, stared at me like I was some kind of a fruit cake from Mars and turned his back to me as a new lady entered the stage. This gave my wife the opportunity to explain to me that "Cruiser" meant different things to different people, and, more to the point, it often meant hanging out in bars trying to pick up people, for reasons I'll leave to your imagination, which I am sure is more fertile and less naïve than mine. Since then, I've given all this some thought and come to the realization that I'd better be even more careful when I call myself a cruiser. When you call yourself one you can't be sure what they think you're doing in your spare time.

Tom's Tips About Doing It Your Way

  • Don't let the preconceived notions of others stop you from having fun cruising your way.
  • Snobbery as to which way of boating and cruising is "better" or "more pure" or more macho is way out of place on and around the water.
  • If you get into trouble on the water you'll probably quickly see how the boating community is indeed a community. We're all in it together when we're on the water. And it's a good feeling.
  • Cruising can cover boats ranging from canoes to ships. It can be power or sail or both. It can be to far distances or just up the creek.
  • You can find in the archives of these columns many very practical suggestions about how to make your boat suitable for "cruising" the way you want to cruise. See, for example, www.boatus.com/cruising/tomneale/previousarticle.asp?bid=2699

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Technical Editor, BoatUS Magazine

One of the top technical experts in the marine industry, Tom Neale, BoatUS Magazine Technical Editor, has won nine first-place awards from Boating Writers International, and is author of the magazine’s popular "Ask The Experts" column. His depth of technical knowledge comes from living aboard various boats with his family for more than 30 years, cruising far and wide, and essentially learning how to install, fix, and rebuild every system onboard himself. A lawyer by training, for most of his career Tom has been an editor and columnist at national magazines such as Cruising World, PassageMaker, and Soundings. He wrote the acclaimed memoir All In The Same Boat (McGraw Hill), as well as Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide, Vol. 1. These days, Tom and his wife Mel enjoy cruising their 2006 Camano 41 Chez Nous with their grandchildren.

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  • Oct 19, 2021

The Pros and Cons of Cruisers

By: Captain Bill Jennings

Sea Ray Sundancer 350

When a person buys a boat today, he or she must first decide the "type" of boat that most interests them. With the many specialized categories of boats currently available this is not as simple as it may seem. The more a boat is designed to fit into a specific category, the less efficiently it will work in a different category. To help boaters navigate through the realities of boat types, I am presenting a series of unsponsored advertisement-free articles that reveal some of the unmarketed characteristics of different boat types. Revealing these facts can help you, the boat buyer, select a boat type that matches your needs. In this article, we look at cruisers .

The first step in discussing cruiser applications is to be clear on the definition of this type of boat. The non-military definition of 'cruiser' is:

A boat capable of being used to both transport and provide comfortable sheltered accommodations for at least two people. A cruiser is larger than a 'walkaround,' but smaller than a full blown 'yacht.' We note that sailors would define 'yacht' as a boat with a sail, but for our discussion, I limit the definition to power-only vessels. Cruisers fall within a length range of 28 to 40 feet.

When you consider that a well equipped cruiser provides safe water transit while offering creature comforts such as weather protection, beds, galley, dining facilities, toilet, shower, television, air conditioning, and a lounge area -- they are a highly versatile boat type. Many couples and small families enjoy 24 hours a day on their cruiser, and travel to interesting destinations.

Only when we look more closely, do we begin to see the weak points that are found in some cruisers. Most of these concerns are related to their size. When designers try to replicate the amenities of a 55 foot yacht into a 30-something floorplan, it is only logical that things are going to get a bit crowded. For example, tall people will notice a shortage of headroom in all but the largest of cruisers. The limited space is also reflected in the seating capacity, which becomes more noticeable as guests arrive. On smaller cruisers, taking a shower can be an elbow thumping experience, and don't drop the soap. Without air conditioning, it can be too stuffy to sleep in the small berth and unless your cruiser is large enough to have a generator, you will need to run your electrical requirements off engine power or the battery. The addition of yacht-like features makes cruisers heavier than other boats of equivalent length, and heavier boats call for more horsepower. This translates to higher fuel consumption. Cruisers are usually kept in the water so you may also incur slip fees. A final critique of some cruiser models is their limited access to the foredeck. Small cruisers may have you climb through the windshield and even larger ones provide the narrowest of gunwales. This means that foredeck access can necessitate some fancy dancing by your crew as you approach a dock.

But this list of concerns can seem like minor speed bumps when you consider the enjoyment of the yachting lifestyle that cruiser boats can provide. But, you need to work through your acquisition process very carefully because small differences in length and amenities added coincide directly with huge differences in price. Yes, the larger the cruiser the more you will enjoy cruiser comforts, but because cruiser prices can jump higher per foot than most other boats your first step in purchasing is to determine a budget. Allow sufficient funds to add some of the cruiser options that you want. This budget process will give you a cruiser length with which to go cruiser shopping.

Cruisers in the 26 to 30 foot range with single engines, can generally be had for between $125k and $175k, but while towable they will still have most of the unloving characteristics noted above.

Your next level of cruisers are those in the 31 to 38 foot range that typically carry price tags over $350k. Cruisers of this size will have twin power to make docking easier. Adults will enjoy a more comfortable night's sleep in full sized double berths, and you will find features like a cockpit grill and opening skylights in the cabin. Full sinks and refrigerators become standard in the galley. Look for the cruisers with asymmetrical catwalks from the stern to the foredeck so at least one side of your boat provides safe passage. Cruisers in this price range are perfect for a weekend getaway.

If you move up to the top of the cruiser category, 38 feet and above, you leave most of the cruiser negatives in your wash. The line between cruisers and yachts becomes blurred, with only the price point being a possible negative --- around $600 to $900k. Cruisers of this size offer the interior space and amenities to satisfy the most particular owners. Retractable sunroofs and walkthrough access to the foredeck are common. You'll find private staterooms and even two private heads. There is open and comfortable space for socializing and often a hydraulic swim platform to carry a dingy or PWC.

No matter what cruiser size you target, in order for your boat to open up more space I would recommend specifying engines that are outside the boat by going with outboard power . This could mean twin 200 HP engines on the smaller cruisers and up to four 400 HP engines on the larger ones. Your dealer will give you horsepower recommendations based upon your speed expectations.

Here is another important cruiser buying tip: there is no shame in buying a used cruiser . Actually, most cruiser purchases are pre-owned so if your budget is short on obtaining the length you want, buying a used cruiser could be your answer.

To add some specifics, here are my 'consideration' ratings on cruisers.

Life Expectancy : Excellent. Generally speaking, a cruiser is used less than a general runabout or large bowrider. With less hours, they tend to remain in good condition longer. Even ones that are used regularly are often kept in a covered boathouse, or on a lift. The major manufacturers of cruiser boats are usually more experienced craftsmen than those for small boats, therefore cruisers are usually well built to begin with.

Storage: Depends. Great for two people, but in the small cruisers there is barely enough for four. There is just not enough square footage to build large cabinets and lockers, but having that cabin to shelter items can be most welcome.

Off-Season Storage : Tricky. For many boaters, their cruiser is their summer cottage. Preparing your boat for winter is more difficult than folding up a family tent. Consideration must be given to the number of cruiser features present and their ability to winter safely.

Ride Comfort : Better than average. A cruiser will weigh more than an average boat of the same length. That added weight delivers a more solid ride that is less impacted by choppy water. Just don't leave breakables on the galley counter.

Capacity : Depends. Both actual seating available and the feeling of spaciousness will totally depend on the size of your cruiser. If you are claustrophobic or tall, you had better be prepared to buy one of the larger cruisers.

Towability : Limited. Thirty feet is considered the largest cruiser you would want to tow.

Cost : Average. There are a good number of cruiser manufacturers in business, so between different lengths and differing qualities/amenities you should be able to find a cruiser to match your budget. The used market is also generally plentiful with cruiser style boats.

Maintenance: Tricky. Maintenance on a cruiser can be a handful. This is because they can have similar amenities to a full sized yacht, but because the workings are contained within smaller spaces it is more difficult to access and repair them.

Bottom Line: A boat in the cruiser category is perfect for an existing boater who is ready to do some exploring. You may want to travel through different waterways, check out some popular boating destinations, or just get away for weekends. I believe that some 'doll house' cruisers can lead to frustrations, so select a size that will provide the transportation and space you need. Once you know what cruiser will work for you, it's just a matter of waiting until the right cruiser shows up for you to purchase. #tips #boattypes #cruisers

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When is a Boat a Yacht?

Types of yachts – sizes, styles, & categories.

With so many different types of yachts to choose from, it can be hard to know your Flybridges from your Tri-Decks if you’re just starting your search. Although there is a growing number of terms used to describe the different types of yachts out there, many of the terms overlap or are used interchangeably.

If you’re on the market for a yacht, the team here at Van Isle Marina has compiled a review of the different terms you’ll likely come across when cruising through yachts for sale .

definition of a yacht - megayacht

a luxury motoryacht

Below is our brief guide to understanding the different terms the boating community has been known to use to describe yachts.

Definition of a Yacht

What exactly makes a yacht a yacht, and not just a big boat? There is no nailed down definition of what makes a yacht a yacht, but most boaters consider a yacht to be any type of sea vessel that is used strictly for recreational or pleasure purposes like cruising , entertaining, water sports, fishing , or year-round accommodations.

Yachts are usually large enough to have some form of sleeping quarters (cabin) on board for overnight trips as well as a kitchen (galley) and a bathroom (head). They are also large enough that they require more than human inputs (i.e rowing) to propel forward.

Yachts are classed by many things, including their mode of propulsion, size, style, amenities, and function.

General Types of Yachts

Definition of a Yacht - Sailing Yacht

a sailing yacht

A yacht is first defined either as a sailing yacht, motor yacht, or gulet yacht, and then as a sports or luxury yacht.

  • Sailing Yacht: a yacht mainly propelled via wind and sails
  • Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors
  • Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors
  • Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining
  • Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance technology. The term ‘luxury’ can precede any type of yacht, i.e. “luxury motor yacht”, “luxury sailing yacht”, etc.
  • Sports Yacht: a yacht geared towards fishing, water sports, or cruising with a sleeker design and more powerful motor for faster cruising speeds. The term ‘sports’ can precede other types of yachts as well, i.e. “sports motor yacht”.

Definition of a yacht - Catamaran

a catamaran

Yacht Sizes

Yachts can further be defined as a superyacht or megayacht, depending on their size.

  • Super Yachts are typically 24 meters (78 feet) and above.
  • Mega Yachts are typically over 80 meters (260 feet).

Most motor yachts on the market are typically 24 meters (78 feet) or less.  There are only a handful of megayachts in the world due to their extravagant price tag.

Yacht Style Categories

Yachts can further be grouped or defined according to their form and function, such as with flybridge, sedan, pilot house, and sportfish yachts, for example.

  • Classic Motor Yacht: a yacht that was built between the 1920s and 1970s (before today’s modern technology began dominating modern yacht manufacturing). A modern yacht can be built based on the classic motor yacht style.
  • Sedan: a popular yacht style with deck space above the hull and living quarters below. The living quarters of a sedan yacht are enclosed and single-level.
  • Flybridge: a sedan-style yacht with an open deck and more comfortable living space above the main bridge of a vessel.
  • Daybridge: a multi-level yacht that is even more open than a flybridge. Belize Motoryachts are known for creating this distinctive style of yacht.
  • Open or Enclosed: a term used to describe the layout of and access to the flybridge. In an enclosed flybridge, access to the above flybridge is enclosed inside the living space. In an open flybridge, access to the flybridge above is open to the elements.
  • Downeast Style: a low-profile yacht with a large working cockpit and small helm station. This highly recognizable style is inspired by the mid-1900s traditional Maine lobster boat. Back Cove yachts are a shining example of downeast-style inspired yachts.
  • Pilothouse: A multi-deck yacht like a flybridge with a larger interior main deck.
  • Sky Lounge: an enclosed area at the top of the vessel that provides the benefits of the view but with several amenities, protection from the elements, expansive windows and sometimes a sunroof.
  • Cockpit Motor Yacht: a yacht with more cockpit space than deck space.
  • Sportfish or Sport Fishing Yacht: A yacht used for fishing with a large cockpit, storage space, and the ability to handle rougher seas. These can also be referred to as Flybridge Sportfish or Sportfish Express and are built for longer durations out on the water.
  • Convertible: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht with a sportfish yacht to have entertaining space when you need it, and also fishing space when you need it.
  • SUV: a yacht that combines features of a standard motor yacht and sport yacht.
  • Tri-Decks : a superyacht with three levels of staggered, enclosed living space.
  • Expedition Yachts: a large yacht with a deeper displacement hull for more stability and comfort during longer-range trips.

Read a few descriptions of yachts for sale and you’ll soon realize the boating community sometimes seems to have its own language. To accompany this roundup of yacht types, check out our Parts of a Boat post for more information, or jump right into checking out some of the models we at Van Isle Marina have for sale right now.

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Yacht definitions: What is a yacht? And does it need to have sails?

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By far the most common question we get asked here at Motor Boat & Yachting is ‘how can you call that a yacht if it doesn’t have sails?’ Here we explain why a boat doesn’t need sails to be called a yacht...

What’s in a name? Quite a lot if you’re a yacht! Not only are the names of yachts a source of endless amusement, but by defining your boat as a yacht in the first place, you’re setting up certain expectations.

Yacht definitions: A brief history

Whilst boating for fun dates back to Ancient Egypt and possibly even further than that, the word yacht comes from the Dutch ‘jachtschip’, which means hunting ship. Jachts were originally a class of sailboat used in the 16th century to hunt down enemies of the Dutch Republic.

However by the 19th century the term ‘yachting’ had developed to mean recreational boating in general, and with the advent of steam boats, sails were no longer the only method of propulsion available to Victorian yachtsmen.

Article continues below…

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In the early 20th century (1904 to be precise), our humble magazine was launched under its original title The Motor Boat , but by the 1950s the ‘& Yachting’ suffix had been added to refer to the general pastime enjoyed by motorboat owners. We even reviewed the occasional motorsailer for those who liked to enjoy the benefits of both power and sail.

Today’s Motor Boat & Yachting is dedicated purely to powered leisure vessels from 25-125ft with the occasional foray above and below that when interest dictates. Current editor Hugo Andreae insists that he is ‘terminology agnostic’ saying, “I’m not bothered whether people refer to their boats as yachts, cruisers, power boats or gin palaces just so long as they enjoy using them. But for the record my 22ft Karnic is definitely a gigayacht!”

ceramic-pro-boat-coating-review-after-relaunch-hero

Editor Hugo’s Karnic 2250 is his family’s pride and joy, but should it be called a yacht?

What makes a yacht, a yacht?

Some would argue that a yacht has to have sails, and as we’ve seen, that was originally the case, but we here at Motor Boat & Yachting beg to differ, as its common to refer to large motorboats as motoryachts, superyachts or even megayachts without any expectation that they would have sails.

Others assert that a yacht should have to have a cabin in order for it to be fully considered a yacht, or that it has to measure at least 10m in length. If that’s the case then some longer narrowboats could be technically considered as yachts, although you’d be hard pushed to find anyone who agrees with that definition.

The final test for something to be considered a yacht is harder to pin down, but it is generally accepted that all yachts have to have a certain aesthetic or architectural appeal in order to earn this haughty moniker.

cruiser yachts definition

The advent of internal combustion in the 19th Century allowed motor yachts, like this fine example from Camper & Nicholsons, to be launched. Photo: Getty Images

Whether a boat is worthy of being called a yacht is clearly subjective, but there’s one thing we won’t budge over – it certainly doesn’t have to have sails!

If it’s sailing yachts specifically that you’re interested in, you won’t find many of them here, but we can heartily recommend our sister titles Yachting Monthly and Yachting World , who know much more about them than we do.

Bigger yacht definitions: Superyacht, megayacht or gigayacht?

Beyond the simple term yacht, there are a few other yacht definitions worth clarifying. The most commonly used of which is superyacht .

The debate still rages over what constitutes a superyacht. Any pleasure yacht with a load line length of 24m or more (not length overall or waterline length as is often misquoted) and a gross tonnage of 80GT is classified as a Large Yacht under MCA coding rules, causing a number of additional regulations to kick in, most crucially the requirement for the skipper to hold a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate. This is the closest thing to a technical definition of a superyacht.

Azzam - the world's largest superyacht on of many belonging to Middle Eastern owners

At 180m Azzam is currently the largest yacht in the world, but an 183m gigayacht called REV is currently under construction in Norway. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

However, while this used to mean most leisure boats with an overall length (LOA) of 80ft or more fell into the Large Yacht category, yards have become so adept at designing bigger boats with a load line length of just under 24m that many craft with an LOA of 90ft or more still count as regular pleasure vessels.

For that reason some people prefer to use the simpler definition of a superyacht being any privately owned vessel with an LOA of 100ft or more. Even then some would argue that a true superyacht should be a custom built yacht of at least 35m or 120ft.

Such is the inflationary pressure on yacht sizes and terminology that the term superyacht itself has begun to lose currency among the yachting elite. Owners of craft over 50m now use the term megayacht to categorise their larger vessels, while the lesser-spotted gigayacht is reserved for yachts over 100m.

Fewer than 100 gigayachts have been built to date, making this the rarest of rare breeds. That said with the world’s largest yacht now measuring over 183m, it’s surely only a matter of time before the 200m mark will be broken and yet another term will be needed. Got any suggestions? Drop us an e-mail: [email protected]

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What is a Yacht?

Friday 7th September 2018

What is a yacht ? It might seem like an odd question, but it’s actually a very sensible one. What makes a yacht a yacht ? And when does a boat become a ship ? Here’s what you need to know.

Yacht origins – A Dutch ‘jaght’

A yacht is a craft used for pleasure and sport. The name comes from the Dutch word jaght , which translates as ‘hunter’, a fast, light sailing vessel used in the past by the nation’s navy to chase pirates and other ne’er do wells. When the English King Charles the Second was carried by ‘jacht’ from the Netherlands back home, in 1660, the word soon came to mean a vessel in which important people were carried, not just any old boat.

What defines a yacht – Cruisers, superyachts and mega yachts

These days there are two types of yacht, sailing yachts and motor-powered yachts. Size-wise, yachts tend to be anything from 10m long to hundreds of feet.

  • If you own a luxury craft less than 12 metres long it’s usually called a cabin cruiser, sometimes simply a cruiser.
  • A superyacht is usually more than 24m long.
  • What is a mega yacht ? They tend to be anything longer than 50 metres and there’s no upper limit! The world’s biggest yacht is 728 feet long, an awe inspiring 222 metres.

Why are yachts associated with luxury?

The fact that it’s luxurious doesn’t make it a yacht… but it does make it a luxury yacht. When King Charles the Second returned home to England aboard his Dutch jaght, his brother James, the Duke of York, fell in love with the impressive vessel, and the two brothers each had a jaght of their own built. Then they raced each other on the River Thames, the sport of sailing for pleasure was born, and it wasn’t long before the nobility of England all wanted a yacht (jaght) of their own.

Cleopatra’s Barge – Inspiring the future of luxury yachts

When the Dutch and English made their way over the Atlantic to America they carried on racing their yachts in the ‘new world’. In 1816 Cleopatra’s Barge  was built, the ultimate in opulence and a craft that sealed the happy fate of these beautiful boats for good.

She was 23 feet wide and weighed 192 tons, with a couple of elegant masts. She was fitted with fifty thousand dollars’ worth of luxurious interior and cost another fifty thousand to build, a feast of rare inlaid mahogany panelling, red velvet, golden lace and genuine solid silver kitchenware. And the outside was just as glorious, a masterpiece in colourful painted stripes on the starboard side plus a herring-bone pattern to port. Incredibly rare at the time, she even boasted indoor plumbing.

So luxurious that she soon became King Kamehameha II’s Royal Yacht, she was re-named Pride of Hawaii in his honour before being wrecked off the Hawaiian coast in 1824. An investor looked into creating a replica in 2008, at an estimated cost of more than seven million US dollars, but the project never got off the ground.

The invention of steam and combustion engines

The internal combustion engine followed the steam engine, and motor yachts were eventually born. The Great Depression in 1930s America put paid to the fledgling luxury yacht scene and ushered in a trend for smaller, neater, less expensive yachts. From the 1980s onwards, new developments in materials science and computer modelling expanded the possibilities yet again.  Embark on your luxury journey with the elegance of a yacht and the savvy of Dziennik Kody Rabatowe. Just as yachts represent the pinnacle of maritime luxury, Dziennik ensures your shopping experience is nothing short of splendid. Dive into a world where opulence meets affordability, and let Dziennik’s exclusive discount codes steer you towards spectacular savings. From the high seas to high-end deals, Dziennik Kody Rabatowe is your compass to the best offers, making every purchase a voyage worth celebrating.

Is it a yacht, ship or boat?

So how do you know whether you’re looking at a yacht, ship or boat? At first glance it’s complicated. A yacht tends to be fancier than a boat or ship. As we’ve mentioned, these days the word ‘yacht’ itself comes with connotations of luxury, a smart personal vessel designed for recreation, relaxation and comfort, not work.

A ship is larger than a yacht, and the term is usually used to describe a working craft rather than something recreational. A ship needs a full crew, whereas a yacht doesn’t always, and a boat rarely does. A boat can be anything from a basic rowing boat upwards, and plenty of captains affectionately call their ship a ‘boat’, no matter how large or small it happens to be. In fact many people call any floating object more complex than a raft a ‘boat’, which means it’s often more of a cover-all term for something that floats than a specific definition for a type or style of craft.

In summary – here’s a definition of yacht vs boat vs ship:

  • Boats are used for both commerce and recreation.
  • Yachts tend to be built for fun.
  • Boats are smaller than ships.
  • Yachts can be any size.
  • Ships are large, take to the seas, and are usually commercial.
  • Both boats and yachts can have either motors or sails.

Next time someone asks you what’s a yacht , you’ll be able to give them a satisfactory answer. If you’re in the market for a stunning yacht, we offer the very best in luxury yachts. And our excellent world-class reputation means our yachts are world-beaters, the very best of British. If you’d like to explore the potential, we’ll be delighted to oblige. Contact one of our team at Princess Motor Yacht Sales at [email protected] or +44 (0)1489 557755.

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cruiser yachts definition

Racer or cruiser?

cruiser yachts definition

What boat will best fit your needs? Rupert Holmes analyses the pros and cons of a variety of different yacht types

Racer or Cruiser

In theory a cruiser-racer is a dual purpose boat, which you can both race competitively and use for cruising, whether family weekends, that dream Atlantic crossing, or short jaunts on the French coast after an offshore race. For many people this sounds like the ideal compromise – and for some that’s undoubtedly the case – however often the reality doesn’t match the expectation.

Granted, many cruiser-racers make ideal cruising boats – in particular they are more rewarding and more fun to sail than many high-volume out-and-out cruisers. They also tend to be fitted  with quality deck gear that gives a lot more control over sail shape – decent backstay tensioners and mainsheet travellers, for example – so they are responsive to being tweaked by knowledgeable crew.

Cruising passage times can be very respectable, while other owners can  point to a string of podium results at major regattas and offshore races.

The trouble is that these are generally different people – very few owners use such a boat for both purposes.

And if your main interest is racing, it’s a bit like taking a VW Golf for a spin round a racetrack – good fun for sure, but not a patch on driving a race-engineered car. Similarly, there’s much to be said for racing a boat that’s optimised for the purpose.

Racer or Cruiser

Full-on raceboats

These offer full-on high adrenaline sailing in a boat that will fly downwind in a blow. And surely when you’re racing the whole point is to sail fast? Designers have been producing raceboats as small as 30ft that can top 20 knots downwind in a good breeze for more than a decade and a half – so why opt for one that will struggle to get into double figures in flat water?

Answers to this question may lie in the constraints owners had to live with in the past, when today’s owners  may well have been getting their first experiences crewing racing yachts. In the days when the design of raceboats was evolving rapidly – 20 years or more ago – the high depreciation of an all-out raceboat was a significant deterrent to all but the wealthiest owners. With a three-year old vessel having little or no hope of achieving a podium result at a major event, most new boat buyers understandably  considered it vital their boat would need to appeal to the second-hand market as a performance cruiser when the time came to sell it.

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However this is no longer the case – one of the successes of IRC as a rating system is that it has allowed designers to create boats that handle well and sail fast, without a need to find esoteric loopholes in the rule in order to gain a rating advantage.

Another reason often cited for racing a cruiser-racer is that they have better IRC ratings than out-and-out raceboats. While it’s certainly true that in the past some of the latter have appeared to be penalised by IRC – allcarbon hulls being an obvious example – the enduring success of the system is a reflection of the fair treatment it appears to give to a very wide range of vessels. It does however, remain true that a boat that’s entirely stripped out – without even galley or heads – will certainly not rate as well as one that has these conveniences, while adding further comforts can give an additional marginal advantage.

Therefore there are now many production or semi-production raceboats that are very fast, yet rate well and have excellent resale values.

Dragging two spare bedrooms around the racecourse is no longer a necessity of minimising the impact of running a racing programme on an owner’s already stretched wallet.

Of course, you’ll never get to go cruising with the family on an all-out raceboat. But don’t worry too much – as noted earlier very few keen racers with a cruiser-racer use it for family cruising – even if that was the original intention.

Racer or Cruiser

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Out and out cruisers

Generations of sailors have grown up with the notion that it’s best to buy the biggest boat you can afford. But in real terms boats have become much cheaper – 40 years ago the (now modest) 26ft Westerly Centaur cost as much as a house, but now a figure in the same ballpark as the average home can get a 45-footer offering accommodation that would compare favourably with the smartest of city apartments.

In many ways the appeal of this amount of living space is clearly understandable, but even if you have no intention of racing the boat do you really want to drag that much bulk and weight around if you don’t need to? The drawbacks are that such a boat tends to be less responsive, slower on all points of sail, especially to windward, and less easy to manoeuvre in a tight space.

It’s therefore easy to be dismissive of high-volume out-and-out cruising designs, saying that for anyone who really enjoys sailing, the only reason for buying one is that you really do need all of that room. However, that doesn’t explain why people who frequently feature in the pages of this magazine – Ian Walker, skipper of ‘Abu Dhabi’ in the current Volvo Ocean Race, for example – are from  time to time seen on such boats – and appear to enjoy the experience.

The other type of out-and-out cruising designs tend to be higher end boats conceived for serious cruising – often, but by no means always, coming from Scandinavian yards. X-Yachts’ XC series fits this description perfectly – they are boats that are fundamentally designed to be rewarding to sail, but the design is optimised for a different purpose to the yard’s XP performance cruiser line.

Another consideration is a classic boat – few can fail to be captivated by the charm of a nicely kept wooden yacht. Therefore, even despite the additional maintenance required, it’s perhaps no surprise that a good number of sailors with racing roots have succumbed to the temptation.

These include Whitbread Round the World Race and America’s Cup veteran, Craig Nutter who has an immaculate Harrison Butler, and Paralympic sailing coach Mark Rushall, who has a similarly flawless Honeybee 28 dating from the 1960s.

Racer or Cruiser

Making a decision

By necessity, we’ve grouped a very wide range of yachts into just three categories, when in reality there’s a continuum and the distinctions are somewhat blurred. Some cruiser-racers are really very racy with few comforts, while others are very comfortably appointed, even if somewhat lighter and leaner than an out-and-out cruiser.

It’s very much a case of ‘horses for courses’ – make sure the boat you buy is tailored to the use it will get.

But remember, very few boats end up genuinely being used for multiple purposes – if that’s your plan it’s worth considering buying a share in more than one vessel, so that each is matched to its intended purpose.

Done properly, this works for many people – there are plenty of examples of friends and acquaintances that successfully share raceboats, as well as a wide variety of cruisers that are run in a similar way. With a one-third share in two different boats you’re likely to get to sail just as much as if you owned one of them outright, but with less outlay and more flexibility.

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What is a Yacht?

Ian Fortey

A yacht does not have to meet any specific requirements to be considered a yacht. For our purposes a yacht is any recreational boat of around 30 feet or more that includes at least one cabin and is used for cruising or racing. This definition is not a hard and fast rule to go by as there is no settled definition for the word at all or what specifically makes a boat into a yacht.

Because a yacht is not a specific type of easily identified vessel like a pontoon boat or a fishing boat, we’ll cover the features of what makes a yacht worthy of the name so make it easier for you to identify one in the wild.

Defining What a Yacht Is

cruiser yachts definition

The difficulty in defining the term “yacht” is that, unlike the specific vessels mentioned above, a yacht is more of a description than a type. Yachts can be sailboats or motorboats, center console boats, house boats or any other kind of vessel that meets the generally accepted size and feature expectations of a yacht.

The definition I gave above includes a few key points:

  • A yacht is a recreational boat
  • A yacht is 30 feet long or more
  • A yacht has at least one cabin
  • A yacht is used for cruising or racing

This description allows you to weed out some things such as:

  • Boats under 30 feet which most recreational boats are
  • Specific purpose boats like commercial fishing vessels, barges, tugboats
  • Most pontoon boats, speed boats for racing, jon boats and recreational fishing boats

Reaching a Definition

Usually when people think of yachts they’re thinking of a medium to large vessel that is well appointed and higher end with a lot of luxury features. The word evokes a sense of value and expense. We consider a yacht to be an expensive boat.

Yachts can be very similar to a cabin cruiser or day sailing boats , but the difference seems to be in size and what may be included above and beyond a “normal” boat. For these reasons, “yacht” as a term is sometimes hard to define and definitions will not be consistent from one source to another.

Motor Yacht Vs. Sailing Yacht

V-Series by Destination Yachts

The initial definition of yacht that we provided doesn’t specify if a yacht is a boat that requires wind power to move or an engine. But the fact is that a yacht can be a sailing vessel or a powered vessel and either one can still qualify as a yacht.

Motor Yacht

The power source for a motor yacht is an engine. Some yachts are hybrid vessels which can run under sail but also have a backup engine in case of emergencies or if the wind is not reliable. These are sometimes called motorsailers.

Motor yachts are considered leisure vessels more often than sailing yachts due to how they work. A motor yacht takes less skill to operate than a sailing yacht.

Sailing Yacht

Sailing yachts run strictly on wind power. Most larger sail boats with cabins could be considered yachts. Many boaters still consider a sailing yacht a boat for people who are more adventurous and a little wild as they represent that idea of cutting loose at sea.  A sailing yacht is harder to operate than a motor yacht and requires more skill.

cruiser yachts definition

A motor yacht is going to get you where you want to go faster than a sailing yacht. That’s not to say these aren’t fast sailing vessels as modern yachts can reach great speeds, but they are still at the mercy of the wind. For that reason you’ll often see far more motor yachts around than sailing yachts as they tend to be more convenient for most boaters.

Motor yachts have no concrete average speed thanks to numerous factors that go into what makes a yacht. The largest yacht in the world is nearly 600 feet long. Obviously a boat of this size has many variables that will affect its speed compared to a 60 foot yacht. That said, yachts of any size tend to have cruising speeds that range from 20 mph to 30 mph.

Because a sailing yacht is powered by wind only it will be slower, on average, than a motor yacht. Sailing yachts often reach speeds of just 5 mph to around 10 mph. The size and construction of the vessel, its weight, and the skill of the captain can all affect these numbers.

cruiser yachts definition

A motor yacht has to make space for an engine room, which can get quite huge especially on large yachts. Space is also needed for fuel tanks. On some mega yachts they have fuel tanks that can hold over a million liters of fuel, which is absolutely staggering and requires a large portion of the vessel.

Motor yachts are more likely to devote space to luxury amenities like hot tubs or even swimming pools. The largest motor yachts have multiple luxury cabins, helipads, tenders, gyms and more. Some motor yachts can have up to 8 decks. You can expect a motor yacht at 150 feet to have around 50% or more space available than the exact same length in a sailing yacht. 

Sailing yachts can be designed smaller than motor yachts because they don’t need engine or fuel space. So a smaller sailing yacht can hold as many passengers as a larger motor yacht without sacrificing comfort or luxury. A sailing yacht is going to have a smaller and probably narrower structure than a motor yacht.

Sailing yachts often offer comfortable cabins but usually have few hotel-like luxuries on board.  A sailing yacht needs a lower profile to function properly. They will have fewer decks as well.

cruiser yachts definition

Motor yachts lend themselves more towards really having fun at sea. These are true recreational vessels. This is owing to the fact motor yachts are more likely to have tender garages and include jet skis and other equipment for getting out and having fun. 

Motor yachts also tend to be the ones that are more outfitted like small resorts. You can find dance floors, bars, swimming pools, jacuzzi tubs, gyms and more on some big luxury yachts. At some point they really start to look like small cruise ships. With the extra decks and of course because they don’t have masts in the way, there’s a lot more space for this kind of thing. 

Modern sailing yachts have been designed with more luxury features than older models and it’s not unheard of to find a jacuzzi on a sailing yacht or even a cinema on some, but it’s still a rarity when compared to motor yachts.

Sailing yachts can be used for some more limited type fun at sea – lots of snorkeling, swimming, fishing and so on, just not to the extreme that a motor yacht will do. A lot of the appeal of a sailing yacht is the fact that it’s for sailing, so the act of sailing itself is the draw. Usually people who own and operate sailing yachts want to engage in the activity of sailing, rather than the extra things you might enjoy on a motor yacht.

Cost of Motor Yachts vs Sailing Yachts

Gibson Cabin Yacht 5000

Motor yachts are more expensive than sailing yachts. The initial cost can vary widely but it’s the long term costs that nail you. Fuel and maintenance costs over time for a motor yacht will always keep raising the price. The largest motor yachts may cost millions of dollars to buy outright and also have yearly operating costs in the hundreds of thousands or even millions if they are fully crewed. The highest priced yacht in the world has a $1.5 billion price tag.

A sailing yacht continues to coast along at a much lower cost in terms of necessary maintenance. After all, you never need to refuel your sailing yacht. Some smaller yachts may cost under $30,000. 

Yacht Classifications

Yachts are often classified by size. As we defined early, any vessel over 30 feet can potentially be a yacht. But if you are talking about a vessel that is over 400 feet in length, it’s not an accurate picture to use the same term. 

We often classify yachts using common size or metric prefixes. You may have heard the terms “superyacht” and “megayacht.” These are ways of attempting to differentiate between the sizes of yachts because some of these vessels can get massive. The world’s largest yacht, the Azzam, is about 600 feet long. 

Large Yacht

According to the Commercial Yacht Code, a large yacht is any yacht that has reached 79 feet or more. At this size the boat needs to have an actual crew to keep it running. Anything under 79 feet would just be a standard yacht.

Super Yacht

To qualify as a super yacht, a vessel has to be at least 131 feet in length. Obviously this size means it needs a fairly extensive crew and, if it’s not a commercial vessel, it’s probably owned by someone extremely wealthy in order to maintain it. 

cruiser yachts definition

The term mega yacht is a bit sketchy which is no surprise given how there’s only a loose definition for the word “yacht” in the first place. Mega yacht and superyacht are often used synonymously. However, for some people, the term mega yacht can only be applied when the vessel reaches at least 200 feet. This doesn’t seem to be a definite rule though so if you hear the term it’s still best to look at the specs of the boat to see what’s being referred to. 

You hear this term a lot less frequently but it’s been tossed around to account for those yachts that would even leave a mega yacht in the dust. After all, if a super yacht is 131 feet and a mega yacht is 200 feet then a yacht like Azzam, at 600 feet, should probably be known by a different term since it’s so much bigger.

Giga yacht is sometimes used to represent these largest yachts. But again, this is an informal label for such a large boat and there are no hard and fast rules about what size a boat has to be in order to be called a giga yacht. In general it just means the biggest of the big. 

Racing Yachts

If the point of the yacht is specifically to be involved in racing, then it will likely be stripped down of many of the more luxurious but unnecessary amenities seen in recreational and cruising yachts. Usually a racing yacht has less space for relaxing or sleeping, for instance, but there are definitely yachts being built that offer a lot of nice features while still being designed to race.

The Bottom Line

There are no distinct rules for the size of a yacht or what it can even do. A yacht can operate under motor power or under sailing and you can use it to race, to just have fun, or for cruising. They can range in size from just 30 feet all the way up to the massive 600 foot Azzam. 

A yacht is a vessel that is fairly luxurious and used recreationally for a variety of purposes. A luxury yacht may be chartered for business or events and come with a full crew while smaller motor powered yachts and sailing yachts tend to be used for pleasure cruising.

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Cruisers Yachts

By Jeff Hemmel | July 2023

Learn more about Cruisers Yachts by viewing our extensive collection of boat tests, reviews and other related content. Boating-exclusive content is produced by Boating Editors, expert, longtime boating enthusiasts with extensive knowledge of the boating industry. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or just research the brand, our content is here to help.

Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS running

The roots of Cruisers Yachts date back to 1904 and the Thompson Bros. Boat Manufacturing Company. Builders of iconic lapstrake boats, by the 1950s a second generation of the Thompson family would begin building outboard-powered, wood lapstrake cabin cruisers under the Cruisers Inc. name. Cruisers saw multiple owners over the ensuing decades, before developing the first of their modern yacht lineup, the 48 Cantius , in 2011. Defined by its premium comfort and livability, the Cantius series would ultimately expand to boats from 34’ – 60’ . The GLS line, designed with an eye toward excitement and performance, would be added in 2019 and do likewise, and now includes models from 34’ – 50’ . In 2021, MarineMax acquired the company to add premium, American-built yachts to its portfolio. Today, Cruisers Yachts continues to be built in the brand’s original home state of Wisconsin by a knowledgeable workforce, some of whom are fourth-generation boatbuilders.

On this page:

Quick overview.

  • Types of Boats
  • Boat Tests & Reviews

Cruisers Yachts are divided into two distinct series, the luxurious and spacious 34’ – 60’ Cantius lineup and the sporty and aggressive 34’ – 50’ GLS models.

Types of Cruisers Yachts

Cruisers Yachts produces two distinct lines, Cantius express cruisers and flybridge model from 34’ – 60’ and GLS dayboats from 34’ – 50’.

  • A mix of inboard , sterndrive and outboard-powered express cruisers from 39’ – 60’, the Cantius series includes the 60 Cantius , 60 Fly , 50 Cantius , 46 Cantius , 42 Cantius and 39 Express Coupe .
  • Upper salons equipped with large windows for open feel, retractable sunroof, comfortable seating and access to helm, galley and dinette or, on larger models, formal dining area.
  • Modern, spacious galleys feature single or dual sinks, microwave/convection oven, flatscreen TV and refrigerator/freezer.
  • Cockpits include convertible seating, removable tables, available grille , refrigerator and bar stools.
  • Below-deck accommodations include both queen-berth Master and king-berth VIP staterooms , with private head compartments. Larger models offer a third stateroom.
  • Open-air bow lounges offer reclining sun lounges , wood table and cupholders.
  • 60 Flybridge adds piloting station along with open-air entertainment area with expansive views, an overhead hardtop, and a built-in grill and wet bar.
  • 39 EC features walk around access to bow deck ; relaxing aft deck; galley with sink, fridge, electric stovetop and microwave/convention oven; master stateroom with double-berth, portside settee, spacious head compartment; lower salon with convertible dinette.
  • Power options, depending on model, include Volvo Penta gas or diesel inboard engines , Volvo Penta gas or diesel IPS , Volvo Penta or MerCruiser gasoline sterndrives , and MerCruiser gasoline outboards .
  • Ideal for cruising , overnighting , and entertaining .
  • A collection of both outboard and sterndrive-powered dayboats from 34’ – 50’, GLS models include the 50 GLS , 42 GLS OB , 42 GLS I/O , 38 GLS OB , 38 GLS I/O , 34 GLS OB , and 34 GLS I/O .
  • Well-equipped helms include twin-to-triple Simrad touchscreen displays , joystick piloting control, and modern aesthetics. Larger models offer double-wide companion chairs with storage or an optional ice-maker below.
  • Cockpit amenities include fold-down bulwarks/beach doors for convenient water access , increased cockpit space, and an open feel.
  • Cockpit galleys feature sink, refrigerator, storage, available grill and TV options, and raised wet bar with swivel bar stools.
  • Forward and aft staterooms , along with convertible dinettes, and head compartments with sink, toilet and standing shower .
  • Bow seating accessed via port walk-thru, converts to large sunpad with available foredeck shade.
  • Available power options include triple Mercury Verado 600 s on the flagship 50 GLS, and the choice of either gas or diesel sterndrive pairings from both Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine , or Mercury outboards , on remaining models, all with joystick piloting.

Boat Tests & Reviews

As the most trusted source of boating information on the internet, Boating Magazine has produced in-depth reviews of numerous Cruisers Yachts. These tests are conducted by an expert staff made up of true boating enthusiasts. Tests and reviews include not only performance testing and passenger amenities , but also dig deep into a boat’s construction, handling, and overall safety .

Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS running

More Cruisers Yachts Boat Tests >>

Cruisers Yachts Videos

Boating Magazine has produced a variety of reviews of Cruisers Yachts. Video adds another element to any boat review, allowing viewers to see and experience a boat’s features firsthand. Video reviews are hosted by Boating’s same expert editorial staff , enthusiastic boaters themselves who know what to look for in a boat…and how it will improve a viewer’s boating experience.

Cruisers Yachts Boat Videos

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS

Boating Spotlight: Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS

Faqs about cruisers yachts.

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about Cruisers Yachts, including the types of boats Cruisers makes, where they’re produced and how to find a Cruisers Yachts boat that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Cruisers Yachts offerings are divided into the Cantius and GLS series. Cantius models are known for their exceptional interior volume and include the 60 Fly , 60 Cantius , 50 Cantius , 46 Cantius , 42 Cantius, and 39 EC . GLS models target the midrange, luxury yacht market with fast, agile models including the 50 GLS , 42 GLS OB , 42 GLS I/O , 38 GLS OB , 38 GLS I/O , 34 GLS OB , and 34 GLS I/O .

Cruisers Yachts are built in Pulaski, Wisconsin.

Cruisers Yachts use a variety of engines depending on the application, including Volvo Penta Inboards , Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS), MerCruiser and Volvo Penta sterndrives , and Mercury Marine outboard motors .

For more information on Cruisers Yachts warranty, visit cruisersyachts.com .

Like any boat, basic maintenance, including washing and waxing the fiberglass hull, keeping compartments clean and dry, and cleaning and using protectant on vinyl surfaces will keep a Cruisers Yacht looking and performing like new for years to come. Boats left in the water should have hulls cleaned yearly to remove marine growth; anti-fouling paint on submerged areas of the hull should also be applied. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including yearly engine service, to ensure reliable, safe operation. Factory-recommended service should be performed at an authorized Cruisers Yachts dealer.

All models produced by Cruisers Yachts can be used for family outings and overnights .

Cantius models stand out for their emphasis on comfort and space , and include multiple cabins, full-featured head compartments, and galley amenities including sinks, prep space, multiple cooking appliances, and refrigerators.

Though GLS models place more of an emphasis on performance, they also include multiple cabin options , head compartments and galleys, all of which combine for comfortable days and nights on the water with family or friends.

MarineMax, one of the largest and most recognizable retailers in the marine industry, acquired Cruisers Yachts in 2021 to fill a gap in their existing brand lineup. Cruisers Yachts will maintain its existing dealer network and be offered in select MarineMax locations.

Cruisers Yachts are available in the United States, Canada, and multiple international locations. Find your nearest Cruisers Yachts dealer here . 

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A Complete Guide to Cabin Cruiser Boats: All You Need to Know!

John Sampson

If you’re looking for a boat to go cruising, the cabin cruiser is a great option. These boats come in various styles, designs, and lengths, with many configurations for driver setups, cabins, below-deck utilities, and motor options.

The cabin cruiser is ideal for spending a few days out on the water without coming back to land. Take long cruises around islands or up and down the coast. Typically, the larger models are for the ocean, with the smaller boats being suitable for trailering between inland and coastal waters.

A cabin cruiser is suitable for fishing, and the smaller models are good for watersports as well. However, the larger luxury models have characteristics that make them more akin to yachts than boats. Depending on the manufacturing brand and model, you could end up spending a small fortune on your cabin cruiser for customizations.

This post gives you everything you need to know about cabin cruiser boats. We’ll unpack the characteristics of this vessel to provide you with an idea of whether it’s the right option for your new boat.

What Is a Cabin Cruiser?

Cabin cruisers have a design for traveling long distances. They also generally have living quarters in the V-berth of the boat, found towards the vessel’s front. The V-berth gives you all the same options as you would find in a cuddy cabin model, but they typically have more room, standing space, and better amenities, depending on the model.

The cabin cruiser is ideal for traveling between islands or up and down the coastline on longer boating trips that last a few days. The cabin cruiser has a small deck compared to the space available on the boat.

However, the living quarters are usually spacious, offering you setups for couches and beds, with plenty of luxuries like TVs, stereo systems, fridges, toilets, showers, air-conditioning, and galleys. You have everything you need onboard to enjoy your time on the water without the need to go back to land.

The cabin cruiser is one of the larger models of boats available. Most cabin cruisers range between 20 to 45-feet in length. The bigger boats offer you more luxury on the water, and some models even look like small yachts.

Cabin Interior

Benefits of Cabin Cruiser Boats

Is the cabin cruiser the right choice for your boat? Let’s look at some of the benefits of owning this vessel and how it can benefit your time on the water.

Cabin for overnight adventures

The cabin cruiser has a large v-berth in the vessel’s front, with a cabin over the driver cockpit. The cabin setup makes it easy to navigate the boat through rainy conditions, keeping you dry. Cabin cruiser models in the shorter range below 35-feet might have less luxury and more practicality to them.

However, when you get to the longer models, the price tag starts escalating thanks to the customizations and features of the boat. For example, the longer models may include generators to power amenities like showers and fridges.

The cabin cruiser comes with a setup for fishing, and they are popular diving boats for spending days out on the water doing research projects or taking tours. The cabin is a full enclosure with a hard roof, and some models may also offer enclosed cabins with air conditioning to control the climate.

Cabin cruisers have deep hulls allowing for easy cruising through all ocean-going conditions. The V-berth may include sleeping quarters and a dining area on larger models. Some of the larger cruisers may also have split v-berths, offering you separate living and sleeping quarters.

Cabin Cruiser Boats

Cabin cruisers come in many options, from basic models with small cabins the large boats that look like yachts. Typically, the boat starts at around 24-feet in length, with some models reaching up to 45-feet or longer.

Fittings and Customizations

As mentioned, the cabin cruiser comes with plenty of customization options, especially on larger boats. Some models may have heating and air conditioning, along with options like complete bathrooms, multiple v-berths, and generators.

You also have different options for driver configurations, with the center console design being popular for these models. Some boats come with split levels, providing the captain’s deck on top, and a lounge or living area below the cabin, leading into the berth.

Speed and Handling

The cruiser comes with powerful motors , but it’s more of a cruising boat than a high-performance model. These boats are ideal for lazy cruises, and they offer a stable platform out on the water, even in rough seas.

While they can reach high speeds, the longer models lack the maneuverability and tight turning arc of smaller boats like bowriders . They offer a very smooth driving experience, and they are suitable for beginners or experienced captains.

Trailering Small Models

The larger models of cruisers are not trailerable, and they require docking in a slip. However, the smaller boats under 28-feet are usually suitable for trailering.

However, the boat’s width might be a problem, and you’ll need to get a special permit for trailering the boat if it’s wider than 10-feet.

Motor Configurations

The cabin cruiser is a powerboat, and it comes with a dual or quadruple motor setup, depending on the model. Many larger boats rely on outboard or jet propulsion motors to provide the power the boat needs to cruise along without straining the engine.

There are plenty of motor configurations, with the jet propulsion system being the most expensive option. However, the jets run quiet, and they offer excellent power. It’s a great choice for serene cruises in waters where you want to go diving.

Cabin Cruiser Motor

Disadvantages of Cabin Cruiser Boats

Cabin cruisers are fantastic boats, but they don’t suit all activities on the water . Here are some of the drawbacks of owning a cabin cruiser over other models.

The cabin cruiser can be a very expensive boat, especially for the larger models.

Most start at around $100,000, with the luxury models costing up to $500,000 or more. The price depends on the finishes and customizations you order for the watercraft.

Less Seating Room

The smaller versions of cabin cruisers have less seating room than you would expect. The large v-berth area in the hull takes up plenty of space on luxury models. However, you can fit anywhere from four to nine people on the average cabin cruiser model.

No Trailers for Large Models

The large cabin cruiser model over 35-feet may struggle with trailers. As a result, they require docking in a slip, and you’ll have to pay fees for this service.

Maintenance

Cabin cruisers are expensive boats to purchase and maintain. They come with advanced engines and multiple configurations. The luxury models will be costly to service, so consider those costs when settling on the right model for your ocean adventures.

Cabin Cruiser Boats

Types of Cabin Cruiser Boats

Cabin cruisers come in several models with different setups for the cabin and v-berth areas. Typically, you’ll find that cabin cruisers fall into one of three categories.

These models have an open design without any roof. Some smaller models may have a sunshade, and open models usually feature a windscreen to keep the spray out of the driver’s face.

Closed Cabin

These models feature a solid roof overhead. Some boats may also feature sealed climate-controlled cabins. These boats are more expensive than open-cabin models, and they often come in split-level designs, similar to yachts.

Top Cabin Cruiser Brands and Models

Four winns vista 255 ob.

From the exterior, the Four Winns Vista 255 OB looks like a small boat. However, the clever design of this vessel utilizes every square inch of space available on the boat. As a result, you get a surprising amount of space on board, with plenty of functionality, allowing you to take long, overnight cruises.

You have several options for driving and seating configurations, with setups including sun pads, wide rear seats, or L-shaped seating for your guests. The driver seats come with swivels and extra padding to reduce driver fatigue on longer trips.

Four Winns Vista 255

The cockpit on the Four Winns features all the creature comforts you need for life out on the water. You get a dining table, hot plate, a galley, and a built-in cooler included for storing fish or drinks.

This Four Winns model features Yamaha or Mercury outboard motors, offering your efficiency and speed out on the open water. The living area is bright and spacious, featuring seven windows in the v-berth.

The Grand Banks Eastbay 44

This boat features outstanding build and design quality. You get excellent performance and plenty of useful amenities for living out on the water over a long weekend or a holiday. The Eastbay 44 by Grand Banks comes with a teak cockpit and dining/seating area featuring electric windows.

Grand Banks Eastbay 44

The boat has a wide beam, several cabin configuration options, and room for six people to sleep in the v-berth. The main cabin on the boat features a queen-size bed and a large wardrobe. This model is ideal for longer cruises around North American coastlines or the Great Loop, with its extended fuel tank .

There’s a deep V-hull for ultimate stability, even in rough ocean conditions. The design and length also offer excellent maneuverability, similar to what you would expect from a smaller cuddy cabin model.

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

If you want the best balance of functionality and comfort, the Rinker 270 Express is a great choice for your cabin cruiser. This boat features a 6’5″ headroom in the cabin for standing, and it’s a trailerable design. You also get a fully-equipped kitchen with a fridge and stove and a toilet with a shower.

Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

The sleeping quarters are ideal for two or three people, but you can fit four people in at a stretch. While it’s one of the smaller models, the boat’s design lends itself to a spacious feeling for its size. The boat has plenty of power for cruising, and the deep V-hull adds stability out on the open ocean.

The Rinker 270 Express Cruiser comes with your choice of Volvo Penta OceanX Drive or MerCruiser SeaCore Drive for gas-powered or diesel engine options.

Back Cove 34O

This model comes with the perfect balance of comfort and performance, with a setup ideal for couples that enjoy cruising the coastline on weekends. The boat’s hull is unique, featuring the patented “Trailing Edge Lifting Surface (TRELIS)” design, fitted with the standard bow-thruster.

The 34O model offers you a high-performance model compared to the traditional single diesel Back Cove, with cruising and top-end speeds that are around 10-knots faster. This model is the entertainer’s dream, featuring a cockpit with a salon and comfortable couch. There’s a fully-equipped galley, and the rear-facing seating converts into a U-shaped berth or dinette.

Back Cove 34O

The Back Cove 340 comes with a double outboard configuration, featuring twin 300-hp Yamaha motors, and you have the option to upgrade to the more powerful 350-hp option made by Suzuki. When you open up the engines, the boat feels a lot like a ski model with excellent maneuverability.

The innovative helm design is one of the highlights of the Back Cove 34O. You get superior visibility to other models, with plenty of storage space below the deck.

Pack away your fishing gear and watersports equipment out of sight without encroaching on cabin space. The master cabin features a queen-size bed and a toilet with a shower.

Wrapping Up

The cabin cruiser is a great choice if you spend a lot of time out on the ocean. These boats are ideal for spending the night out on the sea, and they come with all the living amenities you need to enjoy the life aquatic.

While they are an expensive boat, you get what you pay for with a cruiser. These boats can come in basic or luxury models to suit your taste, boating requirements, and budget. Set the boat up any way you want, with custom configurations for v-berths, driver cockpits, and roof and cabin designs.

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John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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What is a Cabin Cruiser Boat (and what makes it Unique)?

If you’re like most people, the word “cabin cruiser” conjures up images of luxury and relaxation. And you’re not wrong. Cabin cruiser boats are designed for comfort and entertaining, with plenty of space for overnight guests. But there’s more to these boats than meets the eye.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of cabin cruiser boats, their features, and what to look for when choosing the right one for you. So, whether you’re in the market for a new cabin cruiser or just want to learn more about these popular boats, read on!

Table of Contents

What is a Cabin Cruiser?

A cabin cruiser is a type of recreational boat that typically combines an enclosed living space with outdoor areas for relaxing and enjoying the scenery. They are popular for both day trips and extended cruising vacations, as they provide a comfortable place to stay while exploring new areas.

Cabin cruisers first became popular in the early 20th century as a way for people to enjoy the outdoors while also having a comfortable place to sleep at night. The first cabin cruisers were typically small and had only basic amenities, but they gradually became larger and more luxurious over time.

Today, most cabin cruisers are between 30 and 50 feet long and can accommodate up to 10 people comfortably. They usually have one or two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area, as well as an outdoor deck space. Some larger models may even have multiple decks and multiple bedrooms.

There are many different styles of cabin cruisers available, from small and basic models to large luxury boats. Whatever your budget or needs, there is likely a cabin cruiser out there that will suit you.

What are the different types of Cabin Cruiser, and what do they look like?

Cabin cruisers come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common: they’re designed for comfort and convenience. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a day of fishing on the open water or simply exploring a new coastline, cabin cruisers are a perfect choice.

Luxury Cruisers

cruiser yachts definition

Luxury cruisers are what most people think of when you refer to cabin cruisers. They usually have all the bells and whistles and amenities that make your life easy when out on the water. There most meant for those who boat recreationally; however you could easily rig them up for some deep-sea fishing.

Downeast Cabin Cruisers

cruiser yachts definition

Downeast cabin cruisers are characterized by their long, sleek hulls and slender profiles. These boats are designed for speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for exploring narrow waterways. Many downeast cabin cruisers also feature enclosed bridges, which offer protection from the elements while still providing ample seating and storage space.

Canal Cabin Cruisers

cruiser yachts definition

Canal cabin cruisers are similar to downeast cabin cruisers in terms of their overall design. However, these boats are typically shorter and thiner, which makes them more sutable for narrow canals. Canal cabin cruisers are also equipped with shallow-draft hulls, making them ideal for cruising through shallow waters.

Sport Fishing Cabin Cruisers

cruiser yachts definition

Sport fishing cabin cruisers are designed for serious anglers. These boats feature large cockpits and plenty of storage space for all your gear. Many sport fishing cabin cruisers also come equipped with live wells, bait stations, and fish finders, making them the perfect choice for a day of fishing on the open water.

How much do Cabin Cruisers Cost?

Cabin cruisers generally cost around $300,000-$1 million, depending on the size, brand, features, etc. You can find used cabin cruisers for significantly cheaper, even on boats just a couple of years old.

Cabin Cruiser vs Yacht vs Cuddy Cabin

There are a few key differences between cabin cruisers, yachts, and cuddy cabins that you should be aware of before making a purchase. For starters, cabin cruisers are typically smaller than yachts and cuddy cabins.

This makes them more maneuverable and easier to dock, but it also means they have less space on board. Yachts, on the other hand, are much larger and can accommodate more passengers and crew. Cuddy cabins are usually even smaller than cabin cruisers making them even easier to maneuver but offering less space.

Another key difference is that Yachts cabin cruisers typically have an open layout, while cuddy cabins tend to be more closed off. This means that cabin cruisers are generally more social boats, as there is less of a barrier between the cockpit and the rest of the boat.

Finally, yachts are typically the most expensive, cabin cruisers are second, and cuddy cabins are usually the cheapest. This makes cabin cruisers a great option for those looking for a quality boat without breaking the bank. However, cabin cruisers still can cost upwards of millions of dollars, so they are not an option for everyone.

Overall, cabin cruisers are a great choice for those looking for a quality boat that can be maneuvered by yourself without needing a captain and are relatively affordable compared to yachts. Yachts are better suited for those who have the budget for a more luxurious option and are looking for more space and privacy on board. Cuddy cabins are best for people who don’t want to spend a whole lot of money and what something smaller that involves less work.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Cabin Cruiser?

Cabin cruisers offer many advantages over other boats including more space and amenities, greater stability, and easier docking (compared to yachts). However, cabin cruisers also have some disadvantages, such as higher costs and heavier weight.

Advantages:

1. More Space: Cabin cruisers offer much more interior space than other types of boats of comparable size. This extra space can be used for storage, sleeping quarters or simply to provide a more comfortable cruising experience.

2. More Amenities: Cabin cruisers also typically come equipped with more amenities than other types of boats. These amenities can include anything from full kitchens and bathrooms to spacious lounge areas and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.

3. Greater Stability: Because of their larger size and weight, cabin cruisers are generally much more stable than other types of boats. This makes them ideal for cruising in rough waters or for hosting large parties on board.

4. Easier Docking: Cabin cruisers can be easier to dock than other types of boats, thanks to their greater stability and the fact that they typically have two or more engines for added maneuverability.

5. Luxurious Accommodations: Many cabin cruisers are designed with luxury in mind, offering high-end finishes and amenities that rival those found in upscale homes.

6. Ideal for Entertaining: Cabin cruisers are often used as floating party venues, thanks to their spacious interiors and convenient onboard amenities.

Disadvantages:

1. Higher Costs: Cabin cruisers can be significantly more expensive than other types of boats, both to purchase and to maintain.

2. Heavier Weight: Cabin cruisers are typically quite large and heavy, which can make them difficult to tow and store.

3. More Difficult to Maneuver: Because of their size and weight, cabin cruisers can be more difficult to maneuver than other types of boats. This can make them challenging to dock in tight spaces.

What are the top brands to purchase quality Cabin Cruisers?

There are a few great brands when it comes to cabin cruisers, including:

  • Sea Ray – luxurious cabin cruiser with all the bells and whistles
  • Tiara – reliable and well-built cabin cruisers
  • Formula – Very reputable brand
  • Cutwater – affordable and stylish cabin cruisers

All three manufacturers offer high-quality options that will provide you with years of enjoyment on the water. When choosing a cabin cruiser, it is important to consider your budget and what features are most important to you.

What should you look for before buying Cabin Cruisers?

There are many things you should look for before buying a cabin cruiser. The size of the boat, the type of engine, and the amenities offered are just a few things to consider. You also need to decide if you want a new or used model. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect cabin cruiser for your needs.

What do you plan to use your cabin cruiser for? Whether you want to spend weekends on the lake or cruise around the coastline, it’s important to choose a model that suits your needs.

One of the most important things to consider when buying a cabin cruiser is the size of the boat. You need to make sure that the boat is big enough for your needs. Cabin cruisers come in all different sizes, so you should be able to find one that is perfect for you.

  • Type of Engine

Another thing you need to consider when buying a cabin cruiser is the type of engine. There are two main types of engines, gasoline and diesel. Gasoline engines are less expensive, but they require more maintenance. Diesel engines are more expensive, but they last longer and require less maintenance.

When you are looking at cabin cruisers, you should also consider the amenities that are offered. Some cabin cruisers come with features like air conditioning, televisions, and stereos. Others do not have any of these features. You need to decide what amenities you want and how much you are willing to pay for them.

  • New or Used

Finally, you need to decide if you want a new or used cabin cruiser. Used models can be cheaper, but they may not have all of the features that you want. New models will be more expensive, but they will have all of the latest features. You need to decide what is more important to you, price or features.

These are just a few things to consider when you are looking at cabin cruisers. If you take your time and do your research, you should be able to find the perfect boat for your needs.

Final Words

In conclusion, a cabin cruiser boat is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile that you could live in and take anywhere. Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or just cruising around, a cabin cruiser boat can provide you with plenty of enjoyment. With so many different models and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect cabin cruiser boat for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start enjoying the water today.

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Regardless of what you want out of your boat, Cruisers Yachts has you covered. With over 600,000 square feet of facilities, plus our own test tank, Cruisers Yachts guarantees products manufactured with unmatched expertise and attention to detail. We have the capacity to build boats up to 73-feet length overall, and in nearly any style. Whether you desire the comfort and luxury of our much-loved Cantius line, or the performance and flair of our groundbreaking GLS models, Cruisers Yachts has everything you could want. We welcome you to have a look around, and get to know more about our boats, and our people.

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What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?

type of cruising yacht

According to the dictionary, cruising is the lifestyle of living on a boat while traveling from place to place. Beyond that simple definition it is as varied as one’s imagination.

Some folks like to stay in their home waters as they develop the skills and confidence of boat handling while enjoying the pleasure of living aboard. A woman on a semi-custom trawler once asked me why anyone would want to go somewhere new? She liked that they knew the local anchorages and she preferred being close to home. For her, living in her tiny home at anchor was joyful enough. Nothing more complicated than that.

Others like to go far over the horizon, seeking new destinations or returning to familiar places they’ve been to before. It might be a tropical island or wilderness area where they have fond memories, and they hope to remain for an extended period while immersing themselves in the local life. It can be very satisfying to be in one place for a while, becoming a temporary member of a community, learning when the farmer’s market has the freshest produce, and even giving back by helping rebuild buildings and infrastructure damaged in tropical storms, which is currently happening this winter in the Bahamas. Helping rebuild paradise also makes for lasting friendships within the cruising community.

Cruising can be a yearly event. Snowbirds go south in the fall and head to a favorite island or other destination for the winter, especially if they have past friends who will meet them there. It becomes a seasonal community with group activities and social events of like-minded boaters. Some owners’ groups follow this model very well and it becomes an attraction to the brand. One might say this is less about cruising than it is a seasonal migration of liveaboards. But there is nothing wrong with that as a form of the cruising lifestyle.

(Seen below: A Grand Banks cruising boat heads to its next destination.)

grand banks yacht cruising

Other cruisers have itchy feet and can’t seem to stay put very long. They are always on the go, never staying in one place except to reprovision and head out again. I know quite a few couples who feel accomplishment in checking off their list of stops along a planned cruise and yet never stop long enough to smell the roses. They might circumnavigate on a sailboat in record time or complete the Great Loop in a short number of months. (I’m not sure why that kind of cruising bothers me so much. But when I had lunch with three Midwest couples in Annapolis doing the Loop on their boats last summer, and who only stopped to have lunch with me and refill their propane tanks, they told me they expected to “do” the Chesapeake in three days, on their way up the East Coast. What is the point of that?)

I will argue that the ideal form of cruising for most people is somewhere in between. Once we reach a new destination, we want to discover what it has to share. An interesting waterfall, a local hot springs, or local museum or historical landmark...so much history awaits those who take the time. Guidebooks are very helpful to identify local attractions. It might take a couple of days to see it all at a leisurely pace, or a week. But after some number of days, it just feels right to move on, lest one falls into a routine that rots ships and men.

I find this phenomenon fascinating, whatever little voice inside us that hints that it is time to move on. I often ask cruisers how they know when it is time for them to leave, but have yet to hear a single, definitive answer.

An unhurried exploration of the Pacific, Southern Caribbean, or the world might be best done with no schedule. Northern Marine expedition trawlers define the breed of heavy, full displacement expedition yachts. Starr, Zeehaen, and Meander are outstanding examples of having all the comforts of an exquisite home which is completely self-sufficient. There is no need to rush the adventure and some prefer to spend months to experience the local scenery and culture. For world cruising, this type of yacht is ideal.

(Seen below: The new Northern Marine 57  is currently in production at the Anacortes, WA shipyard.)

northern marine 57

On the flipside, there are those too busy in life to slow down, and their need for speed means they are constantly on the move. They choose a sleek, fast boat, as they don’t need the living space and storage. They fuel up every day. They are not living aboard in the same sense as a couple on a traditional trawler. They sleep on the boat, but generally eat out most evenings and stay at marinas to take care of business and be ready for a quick getaway the next morning. They blend cruising with other life demands, such as a dentist and his wife I know who like to cruise for 10 days, then fly home to continue working for three weeks before returning to the boat. The balance of work and life works for them as they hopscotch up and down the coast.

(Read: A Guide To Buying & Owning A Trawler Yacht .)

Of course, most of us are somewhere in the middle of the cruising spectrum. Which is why I feel the semi-displacement trawler is the best choice for most people. It allows owners to do both and everything in between. There are exceptions, of course. When we traveled north on the ICW and stopped in Daytona Beach, we were put in a slip next to a nice couple on their 48-foot Sea Ray Sunseeker from Chicago. That is certainly not a “proper” cruising boat on anyone’s short list, but it was simply the boat they owned when they retired and decided to cruise the U.S. East Coast, at trawler speed, mind you. It burned way too much fuel to go fast!

How one cruises can also influence the size of the cruising boat. When we enjoyed a winter in the Florida Keys, we spent a couple of months in Marathon, about halfway down the island chain. Our 36-foot Downeast cruiser was just too small for living full time in a marina, especially with a golden retriever as crew. We would have much preferred a larger trawler.

(Seen below: An example of a downeast cruising boat, our Legacy Yachts 36.)

legacy yachts 36

And while I’m talking about the diversity in the power-cruising community, I must mention one Miami show when a diminutive couple approached our show booth. I asked what kind of boat they owned. The husband took out pictures of their boat and explained how they like to cruise the Florida Keys for a week or so at a time. They lived in Florida and trailer their boat down to the Keys. Their boat was a Boston Whaler 17-foot Montauk, a classic open boat they modified to fit their idea of a cruising boat. The Whaler had a full enclosure for rainy weather, a cassette toilet, and a sturdy cooler that also served as the galley counter. They had a small stove on the boat, and the couple came up with a bed configuration for sleeping. It was all they needed to go cruising.

(Read: What's The Best Cruising Boat For You .)

Another example of a pocket cruiser is the story of Dave Pike. I first met Dave and his wife in Seattle years ago. At the time they owned a Krogen 42, which they cruised to Alaska. Years later they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and when Dave approached a milestone birthday, he decided it was time for a solo adventure to celebrate. He bought a 15-foot Walker Bay RIB, and set it up to do the Great Loop, the 6,000-mile trip around the eastern portion of the U.S. and Canada. He planned to stay in motels each night, sleeping aboard the small boat only when necessary. As Dave is an avid pickleball player, he also arranged through its national association to play the game almost every afternoon with local players.

(Seen below: Dave's RIB appropriately named "Journey".)

dave pike rib journey

When I caught up with Dave near Annapolis, he was enjoying his adventure. He was in great shape from playing the game, and successful in finding a place to stop for the day where he could connect with fellow pickleball players, who picked him up. Dave completed his Great Loop over two summers and now has a lifetime of memories and many new friends. He said he rarely drove the RIB at speed as it was too tiring, so he mostly ran at near trawler speed. He chose the Walker Bay instead of a bigger boat so his grandchildren could later use it on the waters around Grand Rapids.

One day three men stopped into our offices. They wanted to tell me they were in town on their Hatteras motoryacht, heading south from Connecticut. Their wives had bid them farewell, and they planned to play every golf course they could find along the ICW down to Jacksonville. If this trip was successful, one man shared, he planned to do the same for the entire Great Loop and write a guidebook about playing golf on this popular cruising adventure.

And there is a new kind of cruising—some call it “resort cruising.” People buy a boat that is faster than a trawler, an efficient, get-there-safe-and-sound cruiser with complete if not elaborate accommodations, and head off to a resort, such as the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. The couple then relax at the resort, spa treatments and all, couples massage, fine dining…a day turns into three. Then it is off to the next exotic destination with a couple of nights at anchor to round out the cruising experience. Happy wife…happy life, you bet!

It takes all kinds.

I have lived as both a mover and a stayer, but I think I am more a stayer. I like to reach a new destination, settle in, and explore and enjoy my surroundings. The urge to move on comes naturally, often when I wake up and realize we’ve done what there is to experience. Obviously if I am on a specific trip, it might seem more like a delivery, with schedules to follow to keep moving. But when I am in cruise mode, schedules are less important than favorable weather windows.

One’s cruising style will likely change with age. My current boat, a Hunt Harrier 25, could be set up as a cruising boat, I suppose, but now that seems more like camping than cruising to me. And the age factor explains the change in our yacht club’s cruising fleet, where the number of sailboats once so popular has given way to trawlers and faster powerboats that don’t require the strength and agility required for sailing a big boat.

Most of the experienced sailors I know will not cross another ocean unless the sailboat is capable of 200-mile days.

In our youth, it was all about the journey. But as we get older, there seems to be a shift in focus from the journey to the destination, and the next one after that.

At whatever speed fits our style.

(Seen below: Several cruising boats wait for the lock to open at Great Bridge to continue their journey.)

cruising boats waiting for the lock to open

Read some of Bill Parlatore 's other articles about boating:

  • What to know about cruising the South Pacific
  • The Wish List: A couple reveal their requirements for buying a yacht
  • Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising: Alaska Edition
  • Provisioning Your Yacht For Extended Cruising: Caribbean Edition
  • A Trawlerman's New Year Resolution
  • The case for the semi-displacement hull-shape
  • Northern Marine Is Back!

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Meaning of cruiser in English

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cruiser noun [C] ( SHIP )

  • aircraft carrier
  • minesweeper
  • pocket battleship
  • the Navy Seals
  • transport ship

cruiser noun [C] ( BOAT )

  • cabin cruiser
  • dragon boat
  • rubber dinghy

cruiser noun [C] ( CAR )

Cruiser | intermediate english, examples of cruiser, collocations with cruiser.

These are words often used in combination with cruiser .

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COMMENTS

  1. What is a Cruiser?

    BoatUS Magazine Is A Benefit Of BoatUS Membership. Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…. All for only $25/year! When you said you were a cruiser, boaters had a pretty good idea of what you meant. Now the definition of the word has expanded.

  2. Cruising yacht

    A "woodie" trawler-style cruising yacht by Grand Banks. A cruising yacht is a sailing or motor yacht that is suitable for long-distance travel and offers enough amenities to live aboard the boat, yet is small enough to not require a professional crew. A yacht that would require a professional crew enters the category of superyacht .

  3. The Pros and Cons of Cruisers

    The first step in discussing cruiser applications is to be clear on the definition of this type of boat. The non-military definition of 'cruiser' is: A boat capable of being used to both transport and provide comfortable sheltered accommodations for at least two people. A cruiser is larger than a 'walkaround,' but smaller than a full blown 'yacht.'

  4. Yachts Vs. Boats: What's The Difference?

    The maritime definition of a yacht is a private pleasure ship of at least 33 feet. At YachtWorld, we tend to consider anything in the 35-40-foot range (or larger) a yacht. Then again, different kinds of boats approach being that long, even some pontoon boats and walkarounds. However, an engine-powered watercraft under 30 feet is not usually ...

  5. Yacht

    Yacht. A 45-foot cruising yacht in 2010. The superyacht Azzam, the largest private yacht by length, as of 2018. [1] A yacht ( / jɒt /) is a sailing or power vessel used for pleasure, cruising, or racing. [2] [3] [4] There is no standard definition, though the term generally applies to vessels with a cabin intended for overnight use.

  6. Different Types of Yachts

    Motor Yacht: a yacht propelled via one or more motors; Gulet Yacht: a hybrid yacht with both sails and motors; Open Yacht, Cruiser, Cabin Cruiser, Express Cruiser: an otherwise uncategorized standard yacht for cruising and entertaining; Luxury Yacht: a yacht that includes high-end finishes and features and the latest in modern performance ...

  7. Cruiser

    cruiser, large surface warship built for high speed and great cruising radius, capable of not only defending its own fleet and coastlines but also threatening those of the enemy. USS Boston, a protected cruiser, U.S. Navy, 1889. The word cruiser was applied originally to frigates of the sailing era, which, being smaller and faster than ships of ...

  8. Cruiser

    A cruiser is a type of warship. Modern cruisers are generally the largest ships in a fleet after aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, and can usually perform several operational roles from search-and-destroy to ocean escort to sea denial. The term "cruiser", which has been in use for several hundred years, has changed its meaning ...

  9. Motor Yachts: A Definitive Guide

    While the definition of a motor yacht can be a bit fuzzy, all of these vessels come equipped with certain must-haves - like cozy cabins with all the amenities you need for extended trips, private sleeping quarters, and bathrooms with showers and toilets. ... Sedan style cruisers are mid-sized boats between 35 feet through to 65 feet with a ...

  10. Yacht definitions: What is a yacht? And does it need to have sails?

    Yacht definitions: A brief history. Whilst boating for fun dates back to Ancient Egypt and possibly even further than that, the word yacht comes from the Dutch 'jachtschip', which means hunting ship. Jachts were originally a class of sailboat used in the 16th century to hunt down enemies of the Dutch Republic.

  11. Express Style Boats: A Guide To Fast Cruisers

    Express style cruisers, aka "Express Boats", come in many different shapes and sizes, and some can be specialized enough for specific activities that they may also qualify as saltwater fishing boats, high performance boats, or even as full blown motoryachts.Others may be designed to serve well at various purposes, and it's not unusual to find an express boat that can be used equally well ...

  12. CRUISER

    CRUISER definition: 1. a large fast ship used in war 2. a boat with an engine and a cabin in which people sail for…. Learn more.

  13. Bluewater Cruising And Sailing Guide

    Blue water in sailing means deep water, and bluewater cruising is a type of ocean cruising and yachting. Sailors who embark on long-range, oceangoing travel are often referred to as bluewater cruisers, and their vessels as bluewater sailing vessels, or bluewater cruisers. "Heading over the horizon" is a common phrase in the sailing world ...

  14. What is a Yacht?

    Yacht origins - A Dutch 'jaght'. A yacht is a craft used for pleasure and sport. The name comes from the Dutch word jaght, which translates as 'hunter', a fast, light sailing vessel used in the past by the nation's navy to chase pirates and other ne'er do wells. When the English King Charles the Second was carried by 'jacht ...

  15. Racer or cruiser?

    What boat will best fit your needs? Rupert Holmes analyses the pros and cons of a variety of different yacht types Photo: Tom Gruitt. In theory a cruiser-racer is a dual purpose boat, which you can both race competitively and use for cruising, whether family weekends, that dream Atlantic crossing, or short jaunts on the French coast after an offshore race.

  16. What is a Yacht?

    Yachts can be sailboats or motorboats, center console boats, house boats or any other kind of vessel that meets the generally accepted size and feature expectations of a yacht. The definition I gave above includes a few key points: A yacht is a recreational boat. A yacht is 30 feet long or more. A yacht has at least one cabin.

  17. Cruisers Yachts Tests, Videos and Information

    The roots of Cruisers Yachts date back to 1904 and the Thompson Bros. Boat Manufacturing Company. Builders of iconic lapstrake boats, by the 1950s a second generation of the Thompson family would begin building outboard-powered, wood lapstrake cabin cruisers under the Cruisers Inc. name. Cruisers saw multiple owners over the ensuing decades, before developing the first of their modern yacht ...

  18. A Complete Guide to Cabin Cruiser Boats: All You Need to Know!

    This boat features a 6'5″ headroom in the cabin for standing, and it's a trailerable design. You also get a fully-equipped kitchen with a fridge and stove and a toilet with a shower. Rinker 270 Express Cruiser. The sleeping quarters are ideal for two or three people, but you can fit four people in at a stretch.

  19. What is a Cabin Cruiser Boat (and what makes it Unique)?

    5. Luxurious Accommodations: Many cabin cruisers are designed with luxury in mind, offering high-end finishes and amenities that rival those found in upscale homes. 6. Ideal for Entertaining: Cabin cruisers are often used as floating party venues, thanks to their spacious interiors and convenient onboard amenities.

  20. Explore Cruisers Yachts

    Regardless of what you want out of your boat, Cruisers Yachts has you covered. With over 600,000 square feet of facilities, plus our own test tank, Cruisers Yachts guarantees products manufactured with unmatched expertise and attention to detail. We have the capacity to build boats up to 73-feet length overall, and in nearly any style.

  21. What Kind Of Cruiser Are You?

    Krogen Yachts. Grand Banks For Sale Seattle. Used Boats For Sale In West Palm Beach. (360) 293-3145. (410) 397-7323. According to the dictionary cruising is the lifestyle of living on a boat while traveling from place to place Beyond that simple definition it is as varied as one...

  22. CRUISER

    CRUISER meaning: 1. a large fast ship used in war 2. a boat with an engine and a cabin in which people sail for…. Learn more.

  23. Yacht vs Cruiser

    Cruiser is a hyponym of yacht. As nouns the difference between yacht and cruiser is that yacht is a slick and light ship for making pleasure trips or racing on water, having sails but often motor-powered. At times used as a residence offshore on a dock while cruiser is a frigate or other vessel, detached from the fleet, to cruise independently in search of the enemy or its merchant ships.