best cabin cruiser yachts

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16 Best Cabin Cruiser Boat Brands With Range That Can Plane

2nd nov 2023 by lenny rudow.

There are many different types of boats with cabins , so the term “cabin cruisers” is a bit of a catch-all, but if you’re interested in finding a powerboat with a cabin that can run for long distances at and above planing speeds, the cabin cruiser moniker fits. There’s a huge range of boats fitting into this category, but which are the best? What manufacturers build the best small cabin cruiser boats , and at the opposite end of the spectrum, the best luxury cabin cruiser boats? Who makes the best cabin cruiser boats for families? We’ll answer these questions, and more.

Best Small Cabin Cruiser Boats

Smaller boats are less expensive than larger ones, and thus there are a lot of them out there. Still, to qualify for this category, a boat must have enough room and appointments to arguably be among the best overnight cabin cruisers because if you can’t sleep aboard, you’ll miss out on half the fun. That means boats under the 25-foot mark don’t make the cut, while any boat over 30 feet can’t really be called “small”. Within the five-foot range in between, these are the manufacturers who build stand-out boats.

Crownline boats offers three models that fit into the small cabin cruiser category, the 270 CR, 280 CRX, and 294 CR. Cabins are designed around convertibility, with a forward U-shaped settee that can change into a dinette or an extended V-berth. The galleys are fully outfitted for cruising, too, and even the smallest model includes a stove-top, refrigerator, microwave oven, sink, and cabinetry.

Crownline 294 CR, Crownline photo.

Ranger Tugs

Ranger Tugs builds three models that fall into the small cabin cruiser category, the R-23 (a 28’5” long, 8’6” wide boat), the R25 Northwest Edition, and the R25 Luxury Edition (which share the same dimensions). The main differences between these models is in how they’re outfitted; however, all share the same essential layout with a forward lower V-berth, an enclosed head compartment, a small galley behind the helm, and a dinette to port with a second mini-berth underneath of it. 

Ranger Tugs R-25, Ranger Tugs photo.

Regal has been building boats going all the way back to 1969. Today, their extensive lineup includes a 26 Express, 26 XO, and 28 Express, which all will earn votes for best small cabin cruiser boats. (They also have a 24’5” model cuddy-cabin boat suitable for weekending, which is a little small but worthy of noting). These boats are commonly termed “mid-cabin” cruisers, because they have an elevated cockpit with a small cabin just forward of the powerplant. Although everything may be a bit miniaturized as compared to larger cabin cruisers, they’re complete with saloons that convert to berths, enclosed private head compartments, and galleys.

Regal 26 Express, Regal photo. 

Best Cabin Cruiser Boats for Beginners

New boaters hunting for the best cabin cruiser boats for beginners will probably be interested in finding a boat that’s relatively simple operate, easy to maintain, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. These three top choices fit the bill for beginners.

Defiance Boats

Defiance mostly builds fishing boats; however, they have one model which works for beginner cruisers and a second one that might be termed a “micro-cruiser.” The 250 San Juan has an extended pilothouse with a V-berth forward, a dinette (which converts into a second berth) and small galley. The boat is small, simple, has an open aft cockpit, and will be incredibly easy to maintain as compared to boats with carpeting and lots of upholstery. The 220 San Juan is worth a mention despite its diminutive size, because it has the same cabin features but a smaller cockpit.

Guadalupe 250 San Juan, Defiance Boats photo. 

The name Jeanneau may bring sailboats to mind, but this company also builds a wide range of powerboats. And among them, the NC Weekender series will prove a great choice for beginner cruisers. Ranging from 24’5” all the way up to a 41-footer (though the upper end of that range will be a bit much for beginners), the NC Weekenders have fully enclosed cabins with an open cockpit aft, swim platforms, dinettes, and sleeping accommodations for at least four people.

Jeanneau NC 895, Jeanneau photo.

Katanacraft

How do you radically reduce maintenance on a cabin cruiser? Build it out of aluminum. Katanacraft boats are welded with 0.250” thick bottoms and 0.160” sides, so they’re as rugged as they come—no waxing, rubbing, or buffing needed. This builder focuses on fishing boats, and their Monsoon 250 and Monsoon 280 are intended for making big catches, but they also have full cabins with V-berths and heads. The galley with dinette is one option you’ll need to get for cruising, and if you plan to head out in chilly conditions there are also options for diesel heaters and full Alaskan bulkheads.

Katanacraft official website

Monsoon 250, Katanacraft photo. 

Best Cabin Cruiser Boats for Families

What makes a cabin cruiser great for families? In truth, all boats are great for family time and your spouse and kids are bound to love whichever you choose. Each of these brands, however, do have extra advantages for the whole crew.

Beneteau has a huge range of both sail and powerboats, but for a cruising family, two offerings in the Flyer series, the 29’10” Flyer 9 SUNdeck and the 34’10” Flyer 10, have an unusual trick up their sleeves. These boats can be equipped with a tow arch to pull water skis and wakeboards. What kids won’t find that an attractive addition to a boat that has a full cabin with all the amenities needed for cruising? None of them!

Beneteau Flyer 9 SUNdeck, Beneteau photo.

Boston Whaler

Boston Whaler builds a model line called the Conquest, which includes the 285, 325, and 405. All offer full cabins with all the comforts of home. So, what makes these earn a spot among the best cabin cruiser boats for families? Boston Whalers are built with a fiberglass-foam-fiberglass sandwich construction which makes them completely unsinkable. And when your loved ones are all aboard, that trait alone delivers so much peace of mind that there’s no doubt Boston Whaler belongs in this roundup.

Boston Whaler 325 Conquest, Boston Whaler photo. 

Sea Ray is one of the most popular recreational boat builders on the planet, and all of the models in their Sundancer series (ranging from 32’10” to 37’8”) are ideal for family boating. Sea Ray takes a bit of a different approach than most with their modern Sundancer line, including bow cockpit seating above the cabin. Food prep areas shift to the topsides to give cabin space a boost. This means you enjoy expanded outdoor areas you and your kids can enjoy, without giving up topnotch luxury levels and spacious overnighting abilities inside.

Sea Ray Sundancer 370, Sea Ray photo.  

Best Cabin Cruiser Fishing Boats

Maybe you can drop a line from any old cabin cruiser, but to truly rate among the best cabin cruiser fishing boats the cockpit and accessories have to be designed specifically for angling. Fortunately, there are plenty of eminently fishable cabin cruisers on the water.

Yes, Boston Whaler has already appeared in this roundup, but their boats unquestionably rate a spot in the best cabin cruiser fishing boats section, as well. All of their models come ready to fish right out of the box and along with all the standard-issue armaments, Whalers also feature surprisingly fast cruising speeds (usually in the mid-30-mph range or above) along with extended ranges that make offshore fishing a possibility.

Boston Whaler Conquest 405, Boston Whaler photo.  

Grady-White

Grady-White boats are all designed for serious anglers from their smallest to their largest. The models that will be of interest to cruisers include the Express Cabin 330 and 370, the Marlin 300, and the 456 Canyon—which may be considered a center console but is so large it has a full cabin with all the comforts of home inside the console. All of these boats have everything you’ll need for serious angling, too, ranging from livewells to fishboxes to rod holders.

Grady-White Express 370, Grady White photo. 

Mikelson Yachts

Though the level of expense goes far beyond most of the other boats we’ve talked about here, Mikelson Yachts builds a series of cruising yachts ranging from their 43 to their 75 that are well equipped for fishing. These take luxury to the next level, with multiple private staterooms, full saloons, and flying bridges. However, they also have open aft cockpits designed and outfitted for offshore fishing.

Mikelson 75, Mikelson Yachts photo.  

Best Luxury Cabin Cruisers

What separates a luxury cabin cruiser from a yacht? There’s no dictionary delineation we know of, and each of the cabin cruiser brands we look at here could easily be called a yacht. If you’re ready to experience the ultimate in floating luxury, give these top picks a look.

Cruisers Yachts

Cruisers Yachts redefined the cabin cruiser with its Cantius series decades ago, and this lineup continues to be very popular among boaters who enjoy cruising in complete comfort. The Cantius ranges from 42 to 60 feet, all with trademark features like massive saloon and hull-side windows, retractable sunroofs (except on flybridge models), full-beam staterooms, cedar-lined closets, and bow lounges.

Cruiser Yachts 42 Cantius, Cruiser Yachts photo. 

Sabre Yachts

The Sabre lineup ranges from 38 to 58, all with topnotch fit, finish, upholstery, and woodwork throughout. Where these boats separate themselves from the crowd, however, is their traditional Downeast designs. Built in Maine with the classic look of a lobster boat, Sabres draw the eye in a way few cabin cruisers can match.

Sabre Salon Express 48, Sabre photo. 

Tiara Yachts builds a mix of dayboats and cruisers from 34’9” to 60’3”, and the entire lineup is well known for being infused with luxury. They have some rather spectacular features, as well, including huge loungers and sofas that can spin 360-degrees, saloons surrounded entirely by windows, and full-beam staterooms naturally lighted by huge hull-side windows.

Tiara C39 Coupe, Tiara Yachts photo. 

Best Aft Cabin Cruisers

To some it may seem strange to focus on the best aft cabin cruiser boats, because in many markets this type of boat has more or less disappeared. In fact, most major American boat builders ceased producing aft cabin cruisers a decade or more ago. However, you’ll find them on the used boat market and there are a few European builders who still manufacture them.

UK boatbuilder Hardy Motor Yachts offers a range of aft cabin cruisers culminating with the 65DS, one of the largest aft cabin cruisers around. As expected these boats take advantage of their extra interior territory by adding private staterooms, while the area above is utilized in the form of an elevated cockpit. Note that the 65DS won for Best Passagemaker in the 2019 Motorboating & Yachting awards.

Hardy 42H, Hardy Marine photo.

A Norwegian builder, Marex, has in its lineup the 320 Aft Cabin, which houses a substantial aft cabin below a sunpad, aft behind the helm deck. Utilizing the space in this fashion, the 320 has two separate private staterooms, a saloon, and a fully enclosed head with shower, all packaged inside of a 32’5” LOA. Note that on its introduction in 2013, the 320 Aft Cabin won multiple awards including Motorboat of the Year, European Yacht of the Year, Best Boat over 25 Feet at the Oslo International Boat Show, and Adriatic Boat of the Year.

Marex 320 Aft Cabin Cruiser, Marex Boats photo.  

So, are you ready to run right out and buy one of these best cabin cruiser boats? Maybe, but probably not so fast. Buying a boat is a long process that requires lots of careful thought, research, and legwork. At least now, however, you have some top prospects to choose from.

Written By: Lenny Rudow

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites. Rudow lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk ; he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

More from: Lenny Rudow

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Best cabin cruisers: 5 of the most versatile options under 30ft

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Serial boat owner Elliott Maurice picks out 5 of the best cabin cruisers and explains what makes them stand out in this highly competitive market…

Some of the most successful cabin cruiser designs can trace their lineage back to the ‘weekender’ style boats from the likes of Chris-Craft , which originated in 1960s America with the aim of accommodating a whole family for a weekend away.

The 1960 Chris Craft Cavalier 25 offered a galley, complete with a sink and gas hob, enclosed head, a forward V berth cabin and convertible saloon with a drop-down table creating a midships berth suitable for children.

Allowing weekends away with facilities only previously available from larger purpose-built motor yachts, the cabin cruiser concept took off.

The 1980s saw some excellent boats appear from the likes of Fairline with models such as the Mirage 29 Aft Cabin and the Holiday 23. These boats brought weekend cruising comfort to the rivers, estuaries, and coastlines of Europe in huge numbers.

Now over 50 years later the choice of small family cabin cruisers is excellent, with offerings from both sides of the Atlantic providing the ideal solution, even offering extended liveaboard cruising in a trailerable sized boat.

When considering what is the best cabin cruiser boat for you, there are a few key things to consider. Where do you plan to use it? A coastal boat will require significantly more horsepower than a river boat.

How long will you spend on board? Liveaboard cabin cruisers will prioritize interior comfort over outside lounging space. Personal style and price will also be key guiding factors.

I have selected what I consider to be some of the best weekender and compact cabin cruisers available on the market today.

5 of the best cabin cruisers available right now

The Marlin version of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 won our 2020 Motor Board Award for Best Wheelhouse or Cockpit Cruiser

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Sport

Best all-round cabin cruiser

A great starting point and overall, a great boat. This nearly 29ft long cabin cruiser (including pulpit and outboard ) offers everything a small family could want for weekends away, with two light and comfortable berths in separate double cabins, an excellent helm and cockpit with a comfortable dinette seating four.

You also get full standing headroom in the ensuite, with a pullout shower, and all of this is accommodated in a sturdy and capable hull. Power options range from a single 175hp outboard up to twin 250hp engines, so the Merry Fisher can be powered to suit both inland river and coastal conditions.

Extras include bow thruster, reverse cycle heat and air air-conditioning and, as the name suggests, plenty of fishing options. The light and airy Jeanneau can be upgraded significantly to well over $160,000. However even at the starting price of $130,000 the 895 Sport makes an excellent and versatile small family cabin cruiser.

Read our full review of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895

Article continues below…

Best center consoles under 30 feet: Latest models combine seakeeping and performance

Best bowriders: 6 top options over 25ft for versatile open deck cruising, ranger tug r29s.

Best liveaboard cabin cruiser

A modern American classic, the R29S is a marvel for its size. Designed more as a small ship than a normal pleasure boat, the R29 is only offered with a single 320hp Volvo D4 diesel engine. Bow and stern thrusters are fitted as standard for easy docking.

The Ranger is an expensive option starting at a lofty $350,000, however it is capable of comfortably taking a couple bluewater cruising around the Bahamas or on the 5,500-mile trip around the American Great Loop. Featuring curved glass wheelhouse windows with opening glass roof hatches, the R29S has an excellent helm with superb visibility and a robust, seaworthy hull.

Accommodation can be heated or air conditioned for cruising comfort, all the while the D4 is sipping just 2gph at 7 knots, giving a cruising range of 500 miles. But there’s enough top end to punch a tide when you need to – the top speed on the R29S is a healthy 23.4 knots.

The comprehensive standard inventory includes 12in Garmin MFD, AIS and xHD radar, while optional extras include dingy and davits, generator, solar panels, ice maker, TVs in the saloon and master, and even an aft docking station.

Although the Ranger can sleep up to six, it is built to accommodate two in long distance comfort usually only equalled by boats in the 40ft+ class.

We likened the Pilot 8 to a seagoing SUV in our 2020 review

Finnmaster Pilot 8

Best high performance cabin cruiser

Due to the tough local weather conditions, Scandinavian boats are built to a higher standard than most brands, and the Finnmaster is no exception. Exceptionally rugged, the Pilot 8 is an extremely capable and fast sea boat, with accommodation for up to six people.

The 27ft 6in Pilot 8 can reach a speed of 43.5 knots flat out, with power coming from twin 200hp outboard engines. Starting at around €150,000, the Pilot 8 is top notch in terms of its fit and finish throughout.

With its 18in Garmin MFD, optional joystick control, rugged forward canting windscreen and bucket helm seat, the helm of the Pilot 8 is well suited to making the most of the boat’s performance capabilities.

What’s more, a handy side door leading off the asymmetric wheelhouse to a wide side deck provides excellent access to the fore deck for docking maneuvers.

More compact and performance orientated than its French rivals, the Finnmaster is still capable of accommodating four people in comfort, with a cockpit galley that features a diesel-powered hob, microwave, sink and refrigerator.

A decent enclosed heads with pull out shower and two separate sleeping cabins bely the boat’s performance capabilities, and with options like a high-end Fusion stereo, diesel heating and HD radar, the Finnmaster offers a lot of flexibility.

Read our full review of the Finnmaster Pilot 8

Regal 28 Express

Best warm weather cabin cruiser

Better suited to warmer climes, the Regal is more of a mini-Med style cabin cruiser than its all-weather rivals. When it comes to outdoor lounging and sun worshipping, the Regal does things better than most.

Accommodation is far more open below – the air-conditioned cabin includes a double berth situated aft under the cockpit and a forward double berth created by dropping the forward table and adding an infill cushion, while the enclosed head boasts 6ft of standing headroom and a pull-out shower.

The lower galley comes equipped with an electric hob, microwave, refrigerator and sink that can easily cater for simple meals and breakfast on board.

Where the Regal offers a different approach is in its open cockpit design with multiple sunbathing spaces, seating that converts into a sun pad and an outdoor wet bar. With power up to a 380hp Volvo petrol sterndrive, the 28 Express is capable of just under 32 knots flat out.

The Regal can cope with fair weather coastal navigation between marinas, and it is ideal for lounging at a sandbar or anchored off a beach. With the optional 32in TV in the saloon and a large wraparound sofa, family weekends away are easily accommodated. And as a handy bonus, the radar arch can be lowered electrically to reduce bridge clearance when towing.

The Beneteau Antares 8 comes in Cruising and Fishing variants

Beneteau Antares 8

Best value cabin cruiser

Starting at an exceptionally low $88,000 the Antares 8 should definitely be in the mix if you’re searching for the best cabin cruiser on a budget. Although cost savings are evident compared to some of the boats mentioned above, the Antares is an excellent small weekender.

Power starts with a super quiet 200hp Mercury V6 outboard, or you can upgrade to the 250hp V8 single outboard. Options include an electric head, 12in Garmin MFD and Fusion sound system and, for fishing lovers, roof mounted rocket launcher style rod holders.

This two-cabin boat accommodates four using the convertible upper saloon as a double berth as well as the forward twin cabin, with the midships area reserved for storage.

A side door allows safe boarding for children off the dock, and at a compact 26ft 5in, this small cabin cruiser is well equipped for short family cruises.

A small but usable galley with a choice of gas or electric cooking, refrigeration, and plenty of seating for four people can be found in the convertible saloon.

The well-equipped helm with power steering, digital controls and optional bow thruster make the Antares an excellent starter boat, and with the optional lithium-ion air conditioning unit and large aft cockpit the Antares would work just as well in warmer climates as well as cooler ones.

Watch our yacht tour video of the Beneteau Antares 8

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Cabin Cruiser

Cabin cruiser boats are just like mobile mini vacation homes that you can use to take the entire family on waterborne adventures. Even with small cabin cruisers you have the flexibility to visit to new ports, spend long weekends enjoying the boating lifestyle, or just kick back for a day of swimming and relaxing on the water.

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Activities with Cabin Cruisers

GREAT FOR Day Cruising  • Overnight Cruising

The best cabin cruiser boats generally come fully-equipped for spending extended periods of time aboard, including sleeping, cooking, and bathroom accommodations—though on a boat, you always call the bathroom the “ head .” A large cabin cruiser will have enough space for private bedrooms (we call these “staterooms” in nautical parlance), and often can sleep up to a dozen people.

What if you down-size a bit? Let’s say you’ve found what you consider to be the best cabin cruiser under 40 feet. Models of this size are likely to have at least one private stateroom plus additional beds and berths for a guest couple or a boatload of kids. Go even smaller, maybe to a cabin cruiser under 30 feet, and there may be less elbow room. But even small cabin cruisers will likely have sleeping room for four to six people.

Having the ability to sleep aboard and cook in the galley (our nautical name for the kitchen) means that you have even more extensive travelling abilities than if you drove a car and stayed in a hotel room. Virtually all ports you might want to visit have slips for rent by the night or weekend, waterfront restaurants you can tie up at, and numerous attractions within easy walking- or ride-sharing distance.

One of the great things about a cabin cruiser is that along with that cabin, you get all the other perks and pleasures of owning any sort of boat. All of the best cabin cruiser boats have large swim platforms and ladders that make going for a dip and then re-boarding a piece of cake, large loungers and sunpads for relaxing, and decks where the kids can cast a fishing line. Day cruising can be just as much fun as staying on the boat overnight, and truth be told, there’s little limitation on the activities you have to choose from with a cabin cruiser underfoot.

Ownership Costs of Cabin Cruisers

The initial cost of a cabin cruiser can vary wildly, depending mostly on the size you choose. Sure, there are million-dollar cabin cruiser boats out there, but there are also plenty of small cabin cruisers that cost a lot less than you might think. In fact, many cost less than some motorhomes or RVs with comparable accommodations. To see what fits within your budget, be sure to utilize our Boat Loan Calculator .

Maintenance costs are certainly a factor every potential boat owner needs to consider in advance. Be sure to check out the Maintenance pages in our Owning a Boat section , which will give you an idea of what’s involved. Also remember that boats with multiple engines will have multiple maintenance costs.

Operation costs for a cabin cruiser can vary dramatically, since they depend to a great degree on just how you use the boat. Fortunately, there’s not much in the way of variables to worry about other than fuel. When considering your budget, however, you should also include the cost of mooring the boat. And in many areas of the nation storing your cabin cruiser in the off-season needs to be taken into account as well.

Cabin Cruiser Technology/Materials/Features

Like most aspects of life, modern technology has had a big impact on cabin cruiser boats. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the adoption of outboard engines. Historically most cabin cruisers have had inboards or stern drives. But outboard engines have become much more reliable and fuel efficient, and today when you identify the best cabin cruiser under 30 feet for you and your family, you’re likely to discover that it’s an outboard boat. The larger the cabin cruisers you look at, the more likely it becomes that you’ll see inboards and also pod drives. See the Boat Motors section of our Buying a Boat guide , to learn more about these different power systems.

Another big leap forward that’s taken place regarding cabin cruiser technology in recent years is the digitization of a boat’s control systems. This has made interfacing with your boat much simpler and easier than it used to be, since many aspects of running your boat are more or less like using an app. When you want to turn on the anchor lights, for example, instead of looking around to find the right switch and toggling it, you can swipe to the lighting icon on the touch-screen at the helm—or sometimes right on your phone.

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Top 8 Best Cabin Cruiser Boats: Most Popular Boats With Cabins

There are a lot of options available for those looking to purchase a boat for family outings. Each type of boat has different activities and lifestyles for which it best suits. For families seeking the freedom to travel longer distances in luxury, choosing from a selection of the best cabin cruiser boats is a great option.  

These vessels strike the right balance between adventure and comfort, luxury and cost, inboard and outboard engines, and size and ease of use. They’re ideal for families or individuals and couples who enjoy entertaining friends and want something bigger than fishing boats and motorboats. So anyone who wants a relaxing place to enjoy their free time in style and relaxation should consider a cabin cruiser.

There are tons of options to choose from—maybe even too many. So we thought you might like a list with some tips . So, we’ve compiled a list of the best cabin cruiser boats available in 2023, comparing their sizes and amenities to give you a better understanding of your options before your next boat show or yacht sale.

What Is a Cabin Cruiser Boat?

Cabin cruisers are power boats with cabins for living space and outdoor side decks for leisure. Most of the best cabin cruiser boats on the market are between 30 and 50 feet in length, though they can be a bit smaller or quite a bit larger. They have areas to sleep, a kitchen area to prepare food, and a bathroom. Some have luxury features like teak, while other motor yachts are more functional.

They’re one of the best lake boats available. This spacious design provides a very comfortable place for individuals, families, and groups to gather. Also, the kitchen and bathroom allow you to stay out all day without inconvenience, and the sleeping area makes them ideal for longer trips.

Top 8 Best Cabin Cruiser Boats

If you’re looking for boats with cabins to buy, then you’re in luck. We’ve collected information on the top 8 best cabin cruiser boats to help you decide. We’ve included cabin cruisers from some of the best boat brands, with wide-ranging features from wet bars to port-side sunning decks. This guide should help you narrow down your search for cabin cruisers for sale and then find the features that best meet your needs.   

1. Tiara 43 LE

This cabin cruiser has two chaise lounge seats on the bow and seating for four in the aft social area with rotating lounge seats and a fold-down terrace for water access.

The lounge space also has a grill and a small table for meals. The mid-cockpit galley is where the two-drawer refrigerators and sink are located. Then, below the deck are two sleeping spaces that fit four, a bathroom with a shower, and a microwave.

Back up top, you’ll find a cockpit outfitted with the latest technology for safe navigation and plenty of comfort features. There’s also tons of storage throughout the vessel and convenience and luxury features at every turn.

• Lots of comfort features
• Luxury amenities
• State-of-the-art technology and design
• Many of the high-end features are listed as optional add-ons.
• Somewhat limited food storage options

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2. Beneteau Antares 7

This compact cabin cruiser has a sun pad on the bow that comfortably seats two with a slightly larger lounge area at the back. Inside, there’s a single-seat helm station with a panoramic view and a dining area for up to five. The area features a modular design with built-in storage areas.

The modular bench seating converts to a sun pad or additional berth. The galley has a small fridge and sink. Also, the forward cabin has a bed that sleeps two and an optional marine toilet.  

• Has all the necessities
• Modular design that provides multiple options for limited spaces
• Comes in a fishing version
• The smallest cabin cruiser available
• Doesn’t have the same luxuries as others

3. The Grand Banks Eastbay 44

This spacious boat provides an aft galley with seating, a three-stateroom layout, and two large heads to fit six people onboard comfortably. The salon and cockpit feel spacious with their large electric windows. There’s also plenty of built-in storage.

• Large and spacious
• Beautiful design and customization options
• Room for six
• Smooth performance on rough water
• It may be more than you need.

4. Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

This luxury cruiser is one of the best cabin cruiser boats. It features a mid-ship galley, three L-shaped seating areas, and added bench seating. It also has a grill, a sink, a fridge, and storage with an optional second grill and fridge or pop-up TV. Passengers can enjoy a dinette area with convenient wine storage and two beach doors that create a perfect swim platform.

The pilothouse has powered chairs, and the bow seating area also features audio speakers, a chiller box, and a trash can. The lower saloon has a Samsung TV, fridge, and microwave. Between the two staterooms, there are features like TVs, a hanging locker, a skylight, and custom beds.  

• Large and comfortable, with plenty of headroom and walkthrough space
• Beautiful design
• Plenty of space for entertaining
• All the basics and luxury amenities, offering plenty of versatility
• The aft stateroom has a lot less appeal than the forward one.
• All the custom elements and add-on options will likely put it out of many people’s price range.

5. Rinker 270 Express Cruiser

This boat is one of the smallest boats with cabins on the list. But it comes complete with a galley, a head with shower, and sleeping accommodations for a maximum of four. It is a very compact boat that is built to feel more spacious than it is. But it has all the necessities. It’s also built for speed, and it’s great for watersports, making it one of the best lake boats for active families.

While the model is discontinued and you won’t find a new boat, it’s been a favorite of boaters for years, and there are still Rinker 270 Express cabin cruisers for sale with major used boat resellers.

• Has all the basics
• Great for watersports
• Well-designed
• No longer available new
• One of the smaller options

Save up to $1,200/year on boat storage

6. nimbus w11.

This gem is built for comfort and has an award-winning sidewalk design. It has multiple spacious, adaptable social areas and folding side balconies. So it’s built to provide you with options. With two berths to sleep four and a bathroom with a shower, the cabin is more than comfortable enough for a floating vacation.

• Spacious social areas
• Award-winning design
• Beautiful aesthetic features
• It’s more of a practical model than an extremely luxurious one.

7. Back Cove 34O

This boat has entertaining-built social areas with versatile seating designs. It features a comfortable cockpit with great visibility and storage space, a spacious sleeping area, and a bathroom with a shower. The aft seating can also be converted into a dinette or second berth area. It also boasts a unique proprietary Trailing Edge Lifting Surface (TRELIS) Ⓓ that requires less horsepower.

• Functional seating areas
• Versatile design
• Large bedroom
• The saloon looks cramped.

8. Galeon 410 HTC

This sporty, coupe-style cruiser features a push-button beach platform that lowers to the water’s edge. The two staterooms and two separate bathrooms are ideal for a double couple’s getaway. It also has an electrically actuated cockpit roof, a lounge with convertible seats at the bow, and a full galley.

• Unique features
• Built for comfort and privacy
• On the smaller side

Let’s go over some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic of the best cabin cruiser boats and provide answers.

What is the average cost of a cabin cruiser boat?

The average cabin cruiser usually costs somewhere between $100,000 and $500,000. But, typically, boats that cost less than $100,000 are more likely to be classified as cuddy cabins or mid-cabin boats. If you’re spending over half a million dollars for a boat, then chances are you’re getting something that most likely falls into the category of yacht or trawler.

Are the best cabin cruiser boats seaworthy?

Yes, cabin cruisers are considered to be seaworthy . They can handle rougher waters and have a relatively low rate of speed. However, they also make some of the best lake boats.  

Can you live in the best cabin cruiser boats?

Cabin cruisers have all the basic necessities you need, so technically, it is possible to live aboard one. However, they aren’t meant as a replacement for long-term housing. Depending on the size of the cabin and its features, it may not be feasible to keep enough food aboard to survive longer than a short vacation. You may want to buy a houseboat instead.

What is considered a cabin cruiser boat?

Cabin cruisers are power boats that are typically 30 to 50 feet long with spaces to cook, eat, sleep, and use the bathroom.

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Five Top Yachts For 2024

• By Kim Kavin
• April 9, 2024

During the Miami International Boat Show last February, a bevy of builders introduced a host of new models for yachting enthusiasts of all kinds. Attendees had the opportunity to see enhanced helm stations, eco-friendly propulsion options, plush creature comforts, and more. Here, we offer a glimpse at some of the yachts that were seen and talked about, whether they’re already under construction or just now coming off the drawing boards for early orders.

CLB80: Made for Different Cruising Styles

CL Yachts is adding a fourth model to its B Series: the CLB80, which joins the CLB65, CLB72 and CLB88 flagship. Aboard the CLB80, owners can choose a forward or aft galley. With the latter, there’s a stool-height dining table that can tuck away against the galley counter, becoming a high bar or a side table for different styles of entertaining. Owners also can choose a single or double helm station, depending on how they prefer to cruise. All four guest staterooms are belowdecks, including an amidships master that spans the 22-foot-6-inch beam. The VIP stateroom is forward with a skylight for additional natural light. There are also two crew cabins with separate access, located between the engine room and beach club.

Saxdor 400 GTO: A New Flagship

Saxdor Yachts is a Finnish yard that was established in 2019. It offers three models: the 270 GTO, the 320 GTO and the recently launched 400 GTO. Note the size of the foldout balcony in the image below; there’s another one on the starboard side of the vessel, substantially increasing the outdoor space when the boat is at anchor. Guests can have snacks or lunch in that shaded section or set out a spread forward on the table beneath open skies. Belowdecks are two staterooms: one forward and one amidships. For cruising families, the shipyard offers the option of adding a kids cabin. Standard power is a pair of 300 hp Mercury Marine V-8s, though the boat is designed for a maximum of 800 hp, if owners want other outboards at the transom.

Vicem TM 37: Sport Fishing in High Style

The TM in the model name of Vicem’s TM 37 stands for “Tuna Masters.” This is a line of center-console boats that the Turkish builder launched earlier this year, with more models expected to come at different lengths overall. Hull No. 1 of the TM 37 is powered by triple 350 hp Mercury Marine outboards that reportedly give eager-to-get-there anglers a top hop of nearly 48 knots. The standard power package is a pair of the 350s, which Vicem says allows for a top speed of about 40 knots. Range is estimated at 350 nautical miles, with a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer as part of the standard-equipment package for more-comfortable time spent on board. Belowdecks are twin berths and a wet head for overnights. Electronics at the helm are by Raymarine.

Cruisers Yachts 55 Fly: Coming this Spring

The 55 Fly is the first model in the new Flybridge series from Cruisers Yachts, which also offers Cantius and GLS series. Expect the official launch of the 55 Fly this spring, with the second model in the Flybridge series on tap for next year. Luiz De Basto collaborated with the Cruisers team on interiors, using the design theme “back to nature in a tech world.” Josh Delforge, vice president of operations and engineering at Cruisers, says that one goal with the 55 Fly was best-in-class water interaction—hence the foldout side platform and sizable swim platform shown in the image below. Power will be twin 725 hp Volvo Penta IPS950s, allowing extra volume to devote to the accommodations for six guests.

Princess Y95: High Style Meets 23-Knot Speed

The Y95 is the new flagship of Princess Yachts’ four-model Y Class of open-flybridge designs in larger sizes. There are five en suite staterooms for a total of 10 guests, with the master spanning the full beam on the main deck. The flybridge is set up for driving and entertaining in comfort. There are twin adjustable helm seats, along with a forward-facing L-shaped seating area for guests. The dining table up top seats 10 people (additional dining space is on the main deck). A bar on the flybridge includes a sink, an electric barbecue, a hob and a drawer refrigerator. Power is a pair of 2,000 hp MAN V-12s that, according to Princess, allow for a top speed of 23 knots. Crew quarters are abaft the engine room, separate from the guest spaces.

• More: CL Yachts , Cruisers Yachts , Currents , February 2024 , Princess , Saxdor Yachts , Vicem , Yachts
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Flotilla Radisson Royal

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Flotilla Radisson Royal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Guided tour

River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat

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Equipped with ice-breaking technology, these huge fancy yachts are the only river cruisers running all year around. The round trip journey takes two and a half hours and floats past all the big sights like the White House, Novodevichy monastery and the Kremlin. There’s a large open air observation deck up top, while the main body of the ship houses a restaurant with a dance floor for a romantic post dinner dance. For a particularly romantic experience take one of the evening boats and admire the bright lights of the city skyline at night.

The most relaxing and picturesque tour that Moscow can offer: a great way to see the city center and its main attractions. This is a perfect alternative to exploring the city by car, if you only have time to do sightseeing during weekday rush hours.

Your English-speaking guide is eager to share every bit of their knowledge about the surrounding landscape, the architecture and historical details.

We conduct Moscow river tour on Radisson Flotilla boats all year around!  It’s warm inside during winter months, while there’s air conditioning during hot summer days. You may also treat yourself to drinks, lunch or dinner on board (drinks and food are not included in tour price).

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Quay at Radisson Collection Hotel

Government Headquarters ("the White House")

Kievsky Railway Central

Novodevichy Convent

Luzhniki Stadium

Academy of Sciences

Monument to Peter I

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Moscow Kremlin

St.Basil's Cathedral

Novospassky Monastery

U-turn and back to Quay at Radisson Royal Hotel

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• Excursion River Cruise on Luxurious Radisson Boat
• Date and time:
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See photo of the meeting point