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Yachting World

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Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS Reviewed

• By Chris Caswell
• September 28, 2023

When I reviewed the Cruisers Yachts 42 GLS two years ago, I decided that GLS must mean “great little ship.” With the 50 GLS flagship, I know it means “greater little ship.”

It actually means Grand Luxury Sport, which is also an apt description of the Cruisers GLS “adventuring” series. Cruisers, now owned by MarineMax, has paid attention to how we use our boats. The 50 GLS is a bowrider on steroids, an express cruiser with entertaining ambitions, an overnighter with comfort and a performance boat (49.6 knots) with the oomph to yank skiers or tubers with aplomb.

The 50 GLS is powered by three 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 outboards . When I put the hammer down from idle, I was literally shoved back into the comfy, Ultraleather helm seat. And the yacht has fold-down terraces (Cruisers calls them beach doors) on each side of the cockpit, whose beam expands from 14 feet, 6 inches to more than 21 feet. That’s about the beam of many 95-foot yachts. The combination—with the outboard engines being out of the way on the transom—creates a cockpit that feels like a ballroom filled with dining and seating options.

This is also a good-looking yacht, with a black slash on the topsides to conceal the windows, and a windshield that rakes steeply into the sleek hardtop with a sunroof. For passengers boarding from dockside, the transom platform is wide and one level to the cockpit. That transom on the 50 GLS that I got aboard had a pair of Kenyon grills (one is standard). This positioning means smoke from charred steak won’t intrude into the cockpit. Just forward of the barbecue is a forward-facing settee with twin removable tables for dining or cocktails.

In the forward corner of the cockpit are an L-shaped counter, dual Isotherm fridges, an ice maker and a sink. Opposite this space—on an 8-inch raised platform—is another dining table, this one facing a 55-inch pop-up TV.

A secure walkway to port leads to the bow, which has three seats with headrests and an electric table that rises for cocktails or meals on the hook. This cockpit is deep (40 inches) and safe for kids. A cooler with a chiller plate (read no ice needed) is tucked under a seat.

At the helm is an intuitive dashboard with three 19-inch Simrad monitors and a joystick linked to the Side-Power bow thruster. We used that Mercury JPO joystick to make painless work of a normally tough situation: a fierce side wind, a strong current and a skinny dock. Dock-watchers hoping for a Sunday afternoon show will be disappointed.

And the 50 GLS is about more than alfresco living. A sliding hatch (with a screen) leads into a bright cabin with overhead and side windows. A counter holds a microwave and a fridge for morning coffee and warm croissants without having to leave the cabin.

Forward is a stateroom, with a wider-than-queen berth, hanging lockers and privacy from French doors. Headroom is a surprising 6 feet, 8 inches, which adds to the airy feeling. Just aft and to starboard is the head, with a separate stall shower that is also oversize: 4 feet by nearly 3 feet.

Another stateroom is tucked under the cockpit with a pair of berths that can be configured as seats or as a “playpen,” with a TV on the bulkhead. This space is perfect for an afternoon nap for kids, and it’s comfortable (I stretched out with no problem) for adult overnighters, though it won’t encourage them to linger.

Underway, the 50 GLS is simply great fun. Hammer down, it came up fast and flat, regardless of whether we were using no tabs or letting the auto-tab system think for us. The boat topped out at 49.6 knots. For a 50-footer weighing some 19 tons, going 85 feet per second is impressive.

Even better, the 50 GLS felt solid, and I had a chance to check out the bottom before it hit the water. There are two full-length strakes below the waterline. Our result was a soft ride through a 2-to-3-foot wake when we circled back at full throttle. The spray was thrown far to the side, thanks to wide chine flats. This yacht begged to be treated like a 20-foot bowrider. We carved some swoops just for fun.

Those swoops were accomplished in silence too. My decibel meter read just 58 at idle (65 dBs is the level of normal conversation), and it got no higher than 85 at full throttle. The federal government’s safety agency says that’s the noise level of a vacuum cleaner.

The 50 GLS I got aboard had a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer (we didn’t need it) and a 16 kW Kohler genset to provide air conditioning all day at anchor or at the sandbar. This equipage was under a hatch in the cockpit. Access via a ladder was outstanding, with room left to stow all the gear, from fenders to inflatable toys.

Everything said and done, the Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS is an on-the-water delight: fast and fun with varied entertaining spaces, thoughtful luxuries and the facilities for comfortable overnighting. This yacht truly is a greater little ship.

Major Power

Mercury’s V-12, 7.6-liter engine is revolutionary because the lower-unit gear case is steerable. A two-speed transmission provides torque in first gear and efficiency in second, and the dual-prop design provides solid bite, even in hard turns.

Catching Air

The 50 GLS has power-operated “vent windows” like those on older cars, providing a steady flow of controllable air. Electric side windows add to the breeze, as does the opening sunroof in the hardtop. Opening ports in the staterooms are another fresh-air plus.

Built Right

Cruisers Yachts uses a mix of modern and traditional methods in the 50 GLS, including hand-laid and resin-infused fiberglass for specific areas. The stringer grid that supports the interior components is wood-free with all-foam coring for a long-life, no-rot hull.

Take the next step: cruisersyachts.com

• More: August 2023 , Cruisers Yachts , Express Cruisers , Reviewed , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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Boat Test: 2023 Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

• By Chris Caldwell
• August 22, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Interior and Accessories

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read Next: 2022 Cruisers Yachts 34GLS

How We Tested

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

High Points

• Folding cockpit “terraces” add flexibility and space at rest (but rails would be nice).
• High coamings and grab rails everywhere are safe for kids.
• Cockpit phone-charging station handles six phones, plus one by the skipper.
• Galley “splash rail” won’t keep any spilled gazpacho from hitting the upholstery.
• A handrail into the cabin would be appreciated.
• White dashboard creates huge reflections in windshield. Buy black felt!

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; cruisersyachts.com

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Founded in 1904

Founded by Thompson Brothers

Cruisers Yachts

Since 1904, the ingenuity behind Cruisers Yachts has delivered on-the-water experiences aboard yachts that perfectly harmonize luxurious details, performance, and craftsmanship. From incredibly well-designed interiors finished with elegant details to head-turning exterior designs, Cruisers Yachts maintains their mission of delivering superior yachts to this day. Under the Cruisers Yachts name, boaters will find a series of luxury yachts for all types of adventure. With unrivaled quality, style, and luxury, a Cruisers Yacht is your first step towards paradise.

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Luxury Cruiser

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

So what, exactly, constitutes a “luxury cruiser”? It’s certainly up for debate and open for interpretation. However, for the purposes of this discussion directly related to the 2022 Boat of the Year contest, let’s go down a checklist: price tag in the seven figures? Check. Over 60 feet? Check. Provisions for a “crew cabin” so the boat can accommodate a professional skipper and/or mate? Check. Not every one of the boats in this category will require the latter (the CNB 66 we tested was owned and operated by a very experienced cruising couple, who had voyaged extensively aboard her), but you get the idea. These are big, rangy, systems-rich, well-executed cruisers with the ability to take you anywhere on the planet (another criteria). State-of-the-art? Check. And a big challenge for the BOTY judges to test and analyze? Check, mate.

The Contest 67 CS was the first up on the docket, which the BOTY team examined and then sailed on a windy Chesapeake Bay afternoon on the concluding afternoon of 2022’s U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland. 

Judge Tim Murphy said: “The Contest comes from a Dutch boatyard, and while this is the most expensive boat in this year’s competition, they do really fine work, and this yacht certainly reflected that. It’s built to Lloyd’s specifications, so there’s a high level of inspection in the quality of construction, the systems and so on. It’s more on the boutique side of the equation as far as production boats are concerned. And man, she really sailed well.” Gerry Douglas said: “It was presented as a blue-water performance cruiser, and it certainly met those qualifications. Vacuum-infused construction with a foam core: pretty high-tech for a traditional-looking boat.” Frankly, the BOTY crew was blown away by the sophistication and presentation of the Contest, which was run by the young couple of pro sailors who are entrusted to her care and management. 

Next up was the Dufour 61 , the company’s flagship vessel, which is somewhat of a departure from previous models from the well-established French builder. Having tested many a Dufour in previous BOTY contests, Tim Murphy was well-acquainted with the brand. “Dufour has done well here over the years,” he said. “They generally have a few common denominators: They come in at a fair price point within their given category, and they usually have a strong mix of good accommodations and performance, though I’d say they typically lean more toward the performance end of the equation.” Now under new management, the company is taking a different tack: While Dufours used to share a common aesthetic, the 470 (the smaller of two Dufour yachts entered in the 2022 BOTY contest) and the 61 are clearly different craft. A new Dufour age is upon us—an interesting one.

Of course, Jeanneau is another French brand that has enjoyed entering many a winning vessel in previous BOTY contests. A collaboration between renowned French naval architect Philippe Briand and British interior designer and stylist Andrew Winch, the Jeanneau Yachts 60 is part of the company’s high end Yachts collection, which also includes a 51, 54 and 65. The profile is striking, with a long waterline, sleek coach roof, a cockpit arch that anchors the mainsheet and provides the foundation for an opening Bimini and enclosed cockpit dodger, and an integrated bowsprit from which to launch both the ground tackle and a code zero reacher or asymmetric kite. A dedicated dinghy garage houses a RIB, and there are multiple interior -layouts from which to choose. Like several recent Jeanneaus, the Yachts 60 incorporates the walk-around deck layout that is the signature feature of BOTY category winners over the last few years. 

But it was the final French entry in the Luxury class, making its US debut at the Annapolis show, that exceeded the efforts of all the others. The BOTY judges actually inspected a pair of CNB 66s , a semicustom yacht with countless available options. The dockside model was brand new; the one we sailed had been cruised by a husband and wife for two years (underscoring the company’s claim that it could indeed be handled by a savvy sailing couple). Judge Gerry Douglas found much to like: “The build quality was just impeccable. The layout [of the older CNB] was terrific; they didn’t try to cram things in but had three really nice cabins with en suite heads and a nice desk/office area, plus the chart table. Aesthetically, it’s a really pretty boat. The owner understood how to sail it well, and he had a system where he could handle it solo. He proved that you could operate a big, sophisticated boat alone.”

In fact, that demonstration played a big role when the time came to deliberate the pros and cons of this big-boat class. “The sail plan really worked for the (heavy) displacement of the boat,” said Murphy. “It was a real pleasure to sail. You know, when we started to see boats getting this big marketed to couples, maybe 10 years ago, we were all extremely skeptical about whether it would really work. You know, can they actually handle it when things get real? And it was lovely, actually, to spend time with the people who have been doing it for more than a year and have some real ocean miles under their belt at this point. And I’m a believer that they can. So that was good, I thought. It was a big, big boat, but it looked like it worked. And we sailed it today in very light air, and she moved well. So, I came away with a stronger impression after being aboard with the owners under sail.”

In such a competitive class, even in light winds, the sail trial swayed the votes in favor of the CNB 66, so much so that it was the runaway winner of the Best Luxury Cruiser category for 2022.

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Full Chapter One

• Cruisers 4280

by David Pascoe

Its not easy to think of a forty-two footer as being an entry-level boat, but there are such things. Our subject boat was a 1990 model with twin Detroit Diesel 6V53's rated at 400 hp each,  an Onan 8.0 Kw generator and air conditioning, but was otherwise rather devoid of optional equipment.

We get a lot of requests for reviews ons smaller Cruisers, Inc. boats. Its hard not to regard a boat with a name like "Villa Vee" as little more than the   "floating camper' category. Floating villas? So we've taken a pass on reviewing them since, if you can't identify them for what they are, nothing we can say is likely to help you. But anytime a builder aspires to a 42 footer, costing a lot of dollars, that gets our attention. Then again, we cautioned in our Introduction to Boat Reviews against painting all the boats of a particular builder with the same brush. Here you'll see why.

Actually, we approached the 4280 with a great deal of trepidation that turned out not to be wholely justified. Unquestionably a "price" boat, compare this one with some of the things we've written about SeaRay and you will find it compares favorably. Surprised? So were we. Our client was about as apprehensive as we were, giving us instructions to really "rip her apart." Well, we couldn't do that literally, but we did look extra close.

Cutting to the chase, this boat isn't falling apart. The hull is decently constructed of solid glass, no cores except the deck which is apparently balsa. Didn't find any hull problems, although she'd had some blister repairs and a few more were popping up. But no big deal.

Yes, there were quality issues that would drive a discerning buyer nuts. Like they decked over the bilge areas up forward for storage compartments with plywood situated only a few inches above the bilge.  Needless to say, it got wet and the decks in all three compartments was badly rotted. But we didn't find any problems with structural parts.

The straight-line traffic pattern here makes moving around very easy. But the high bar counter at left is not very useful and the high stools don't make it any more so.

Although a bit unusual, this bridge layout is quite convenient. Without the pipe frame top, trying to keep it covered wouldn't be much fun, and would go to rot and ruin in a big hurry.

Yes, it has cheap aluminum rub rails that were just battered all to hell and back. But at least there weren't a lot of stress cracks along the toe rails. The deck didn't fit the hull, leaving a large gap at the transom which was filled with putty that was now falling out, causing water to leak into the hull. The aluminum pipe frame arch was bolted onto raised side coamings which were too weak. The resultant water leaks got into the balsa cored deck on one side, causing a big soft spot, meaning that the core was probably rotted out. The bridge seating is again foam/vinyl/plywood which, even though the bridge has enclosures, was starting to rot. Left exposed, this stuff will rot very quickly.

The fuel tanks vents were installed wrong, so that they were channeling water into the fuel tanks. Our pointing this out to the owner ended a seven year battle with fuel problems. Then they put the plastic shore power receptacles low on the built in swim platform, so you can guess what happened to these. Sea water and 125 VAC don't mix too well. The large side windows are only inches from the guard rails. Can you guess what happens when the boat bumps against the dock? Surprisingly, this one wasn't leaking too badly. There were water stains on the headliner, but we couldn't locate the source of the leaks. Plus its got one of those wonderful plastic deck hatches that feels like you'll fall through when you step on it. Most of the other hardware was fairly decent.

The engine spaces leave a lot to be desired. The generator, barely visible at top, is nearly impossible to reach.

The design of this boat is kinda weird, but once we got over the way it looked, we found that it was actually rather convenient. Getting around on her is real easy and there are no safety issues at all. A pretty good boat for people with small kids. The bridge with a center console style helm and an inside windshield attached is also kinda weird, but fairly practical as it keeps the salt spray off the electronics. The drawback is that there is no space to mount anything big. Although quite spacious, the first thing you notice is that the front seating faces aft. Problem is, no one wants to sit facing the rear.

The two stateroom interior layout is well done. With all that room from a 14-6 beam, there would be no excuse for it not to be. Its got a straight down the middle traffic pattern that makes moving around real easy. The galley is plenty large, although the transverse high bar type partition with tall stools is a bad idea that renders this counter space nearly useless as it is much too high. A large hi-lo coffee table does the same thing for the settee, forcing people to only want to sit at the ends. A guest stateroom with an upper/lower berth actually has some floor space in it! The interior is basic contemporary mobile home or  Holiday Inn room. But then you're not going to get any better with a boat priced like this. But at least it wasn't falling apart.

The appliances and systems are about what you'd expect. Basically cheap stuff that doesn't last long. Nothing does at prices like this. Originally supplied with el cheapo bilge pumps, the boat nearly sank once. The owner replaced them with four Rule pumps after this incident.

The engine compartment layout was poor. They stuffed the twin 200 gallon aluminum tanks back there along with the engines and generator. While three large hatches open things up the engines from the top, there's a lot of things stuffed in places you can't reach. The worst of which is the generator back  in the swim platform well, forcing you to crawl over the batteries to reach it, which is a very painful ordeal. And its got four car batteries instead of real ones. Once again, there is no decking between the engines, which are very close together, making service work that much more difficult.

We were really surprised by a pair of 6V53's, engines we hadn't seen in quite a while, and never rated at 400 hp. But on a lengthy sea trial they really purred and pushed this very light boat  (24,000 lbs) along at very respectable speeds. There were only 2' swells out on the Stream so we really didn't get to find out how she handles a sea. But she's big and beamy with a fairly full bow, so we wouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary. With all that weight back aft, we thought she'd be unbalanced, but she wasn't. Although the tanks weren't full, either. The vee drive seemed to be set up right and didn't see any problems with that. With seven years on them, these engines seemed to be holding up well, and there was no sign of major overhauls. That's usually the way it works out when a boat has more than adequate power/weight ratio.

Its easy to be critical about the overall quality of this boat, but the basic structure is fairly decent. Without the pipe frame top, we'd expect that the bridge area wouldn't hold up so well.  Too much stuff up there that won't hold up to the weather. But you could do worse with more expensive boats. Priced in the mid $100, its a lot of boat for little money.  For what it is, we give it:

David Pascoe - Biography

David Pascoe is a second generation marine surveyor in his family who began his surveying career at age 16 as an apprentice in 1965 as the era of wooden boats was drawing to a close.

Certified by the National Association of Marine Surveyors in 1972, he has conducted over 5,000 pre purchase surveys in addition to having conducted hundreds of boating accident investigations, including fires, sinkings, hull failures and machinery failure analysis.

Over forty years of knowledge and experience are brought to bear in following books. David Pascoe is the author of:

• " Mid Size Power Boats " (2003)
• " Buyers’ Guide to Outboard Boats " (2002)
• " Surveying Fiberglass Power Boats " (2001, 2nd Edition - 2005)
• " Marine Investigations " (2004).

In addition to readers in the United States, boaters and boat industry professionals worldwide from nearly 80 countries have purchased David Pascoe's books, since introduction of his first book in 2001.

In 2012, David Pascoe has retired from marine surveying business at age 65.

On November 23rd, 2018, David Pascoe has passed away at age 71.

Biography - Long version

Boat Reviews Articles At-A-Glance

• Introduction to Boat Reviews
• Albemarle 305
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• Baha 260 Targa (not "Baja")
• Bertram Yachts
• Bertram Yachts: Introduction
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• Blackfin Yachts
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• Grady-White 24 Voyager
• Grady White 272 Sailfish
• Grand Banks 42
• Gulfstar 43  Trawler-style Yacht
• Hatteras Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts: Introduction
• Hatteras 36 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible
• Hatteras 38 Convertible - Updated Review
• Hatteras 39 Sport Express
• Hatteras 45 Convertible
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• Hatteras 53 Motor Yacht & Convertible
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• Maxum 4600 1998
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• Offshore 48
• Post 46 Convertible
• Pursuit 2855
• Pursuit 3000 Offshore
• Pursuit 3070 CC
• Sea Ray and Balsa Core Bottoms (from "Structural Issues")
• Sea Ray 250 Sundancer
• Sea Ray Sundancer 290
• Sea Say Sundancer 290 Update
• Sea Ray 370 AC
• Sea Ray 39 Express
• Sea Ray 500
• Shamrock 26
• Thompson Santa Cruz 2700
• Tiara Yachts
• Tiara Today
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• Tiara 3600 Open
• Topaz 28_1981
• Trojan 10-8 Meter
• Trojan 14 Meter Convertible
• Trojan 440 Express
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• from Buying a Boat cat.
• Marlin Monroe 42 Bertram Convertible Make an Old Boat New
• A Few Favorites

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• Basic Hull Construction
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• Decks & Superstructure
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• The Art of the Deal
• Boat Shopping
• The Survey & Post Survey
• Boat Builders by Company

• What is Pre-Purchase Survey?
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• Surveying the Hull
• Using Moisture Meters
• Stress Cracks & Surface Irregularities
• Deck & Superstructure
• Drive Train
• Gas Engines
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• Electrical Systems
• Plumbing Systems

Published by: D. H. Pascoe & Co., Inc. Articles, Images: Copyright © 1997 - 2018 David H. Pascoe All rights reserved. Articles, Images: Copyright © 2019-2022 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site design & developement: Copyright © 1997 - 2023 Junko A. Pascoe All rights reserved. Web site: Maintained by Junko A. Pascoe

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The 10 Most-Exciting Yacht Debuts at the Palm Beach International Boat Show

Besides the debut of smaller vessels, more than 60 yachts over 100 feet will be at palm beach this week. it promises to be a banner event., howard walker, howard walker's most recent stories.

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For superyacht shoppers, the Palm Beach International Boat Show, kicking off its four-day run this week, is set to break records with more than 60 yachts over 100 feet long on display. Last year was also a banner year for superyachts at the show. 

Headliners will include the likes of the 295-foot Corsair Nero ,  the 278-foot Victorious by AKYacht, the 230-foot Turquoise-built Talisman C , and 213-foot Benetti Triumph among brokerage yachts, and in new yachts, the 113-foot Ocean Alexander Puro 35 is making its world debut.  

There are so many gleaming white vessels over 100 feet, in fact, that the fleet will be split between the Palm Harbor Marina at the main show site on the downtown West Palm Beach waterfront and the Safe Harbor Rybovich Marina two miles north. 

Now in its 42nd year, PBIBS will also showcase hundreds of models of dayboats, cruisers, and fishing boats, as well as marine accessories. Running from this Thursday through Sunday, the show coincides with the Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary art show, a fortuitous opportunity for yacht owners wanting to add new art to their collections.

Here are 10 must-see boats at this year’s show.

Corsair Yachts ‘Nero’

The undisputed star of this year’s Palm Beach show? That would be the 295-foot, classically styled superyacht Nero , built in 2007 and inspired by American financier J.P. Morgan’s legendary 1930s steamer Corsair IV . Nero ‘s attendance at PBIBS marks its return to the charter market after an extensive refit in 2021. Now better than new, the boat is being managed by Burgess. With weekly charter rates from $497,000, the vessel offers five-star accommodations for 12 guests in six cabins, with pampering from a crew of 20. Part of the refit included a full interior refresh by Italian interior designer Laura Pomponi, plus a major focus on wellness. That meant the construction of a new, state-of-the-art gym and spa, the assistance of a certified onboard trainer, a masseuse and beautician. After PBIBS, Nero will spend the winter in the Caribbean before returning to the Med for the summer season.

Ocean Alexander Puro 35P

Ocean Alexander is debuting the first of its new Puro superyacht series at PBIBS. The 113-foot Puro 35P comes from the drawing board of Italian designer Giorgio M. Cassetta and is a step back from the polarizing lines of OA’s recent Revolution and Explorer series with their bold, vertical bow designs. Aimed at long-distance cruising, the 35P can carry over 5,000 gallons of fuel and is powered by twin 2,000 hp MAN V12s for a 24-knot top speed. Twin 55kW Kohler generators can also keep the yacht powered at anchor for long periods. Other standout features include extensive glazing in the chiseled fiberglass hull, a forward deck plunge pool, and spacious accommodations for 10 guests. 

Think of it as the “starter” Sirena. Aimed at a younger demographic, the Turkish builder’s brand-new Sirena 48 is making its U.S. debut at PBIBS after a global reveal at last fall’s Cannes boat show. Such is its appeal that 27 hulls have already been sold, with 13 of the orders coming from North America. Looking like a scaled-down version of Sirena’s popular 58, its distinctive, trawler-style lines are from Argentinian designer Germán Frers. With more interior space than a typical 48-footer, the yacht offers three staterooms—plus a crew cabin—a spacious, light-filled salon, a large cockpit, an oversized flybridge, and a vast forward social area. Take your pick from twin 550 hp Cummins QSB, or 670 hp Volvo D11 turbo diesels. Or the builder is also offering hybrid power with twin 285 hp electric motors charged up by variable-speed generators that are good for a 30-mile battery-only range.

Feadship ‘Olympus’

Picture purchasing a classic 180-foot Feadship superyacht, and then getting a $10 million bill for a major refit. That was the case with Olympus , built by the Dutch masters at Feadship in 1996 to a design by Britain’s Andrew Winch and the celebrated naval architect Frits De Voogt. Sold in 2022, the new owner sent it to the Monaco Marine refit center in La Ciotat, France for a major makeover. It included overhauling the 2,600 hp Caterpillar engines and generators, repairs to the structure, substantial upgrades to the guest areas and crew quarters, and new paint throughout. With the work completed just last year, the vessel is said to be in mint condition. Offered jointly by brokers Fraser and Edmiston, Olympus has an asking price of $28.5 million. With accommodations for 16 guests in eight cabins, the boat’s highlights include two primary suites, tropical-spec air conditioning, and Palm Beach-chic decor.

Benetti ‘Triumph’

Italian yachting powerhouse Benetti is showing off its superyacht-building skills with the 213-foot Triumph . Delivered in 2021, this Giorgio M. Cassetta-designed steel-and-aluminum world girder features six decks, a 1,400-square-foot primary suite with outdoor terrace and adjoining lounge, a 750-square-foot beach club, and a touch-and-go helipad. What sets Triumph apart, however, is its lavish interior furnishings put together by the owner along with Benetti Interior Style and Monaco-based Green & Mingarelli Design. It includes pieces by French glassmaker Lalique, marble from Marfil, Statuario and Armani, furs, silk and wool carpets, plus a collection of cool black-and-white wildlife photographs by British fine art photographer David Yarrow. The pièce de résistance? That would be the owner’s Triumph Bonneville motorcycle displayed in the salon.

Fjord 39 XP/XL

Germany’s Fjord Yachts, part of the Hanse Group, has a new 39-foot day boat that it’s unveiling at the Palm Beach show. The 39 XP and XL keep all the bold design cues of the bigger Fjord 41 XP and XL, like a big, open cockpit, walkaround center console, vertical bow, mile-high windshield and stretched hardtop. As for the differences between the XP and XL, it’s all about power. The XL comes with a choice of twin 320hp Volvo D4 diesels, or bigger 440 hp D6 versions, both with Volvo stern drives. Likely more appealing to U.S. buyers will be the XP powered by twin 400 hp Mercury Verado V10 outboards giving a 50-knot top speed. Pricing starts at around $500,000.

Turquoise ‘Talisman C’

Chandeliers don’t come more dramatic than this. Cascading down the central spiral staircase of the Turkish-built, 231-foot superyacht Talisman C , this jaw-dropping piece of art comprises an array of multi-colored glass balls threaded on stainless-steel rods and illuminated by hanging fiber-optic strands. It’s the creation of Prague-based Crystal Caviar and is one of a number of glass installations on this sleek, low-profile superyacht. Built in 2011 by the Proteksan Turquoise shipyard, Talisman C was designed inside and out by London-based studio H2 Yacht Design, with naval architecture by Italy’s Hydro Tec. With cabins for 12 guests, one of its highlights is a huge primary suite, which boasts more crystal chandeliers and a private library. Twin 2,447 hp Caterpillar diesels give a top speed of 18 knots and a transatlantic range of 7,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. It’s listed with Burgess for $59.9 million. 

Sanlorenzo 44 ‘Kamakasa’

Delivered in 2020 and sold to a new buyer just last August, the 146-foot Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy Kamakasa will be for sale at PBIBS. The asking price, through the Italian Yacht Group, is $23.75 million. Lack of use might also be the issue here; the yacht’s twin 2,600 hp MTU V16 diesels have a mere 289 hours on the clock. Built in aluminum to a design by Rome-based Zuccon International Project, Kamakasa was the second hull in the Sanlorenzo 44 Alloy series. One of the top features is a primary suite that spans three levels and almost 1,600 square feet; it also comes with a private Jacuzzi, separate bathrooms, a walk-in closet, and a private study. The yacht’s lightweight construction and MTU power combine to deliver an impressive 20-knot top speed.

Bahama 41 GT2

As ultimate, reel-’em-in, fishing center consoles go, the Bahama 41 from West Palm Beach-based Bahama Boat Works is as hard-core as they come. But when owners kept asking for a little more comfort for the family, the builder responded. The result is the brand-new flagship 41 GT debuting at PBIBS. While the proven, wave-slicing hull stays the same, the cockpit layout is new. In place of the single bench seat, there are now three-across bucket seats with a second row behind. The wider console now has space for a pair of 22-inch Garmin screens, while the new extended hardtop features sun shades and even a rain shower. Outboard choices stay the same with either twin Mercury V12 600s, or four 400 hp Mercury V10s, good for a 65-knot-plus top speed. Pricing is from around $920,000.

Heesen ‘Book Ends’

Launched in 2022, this 164-foot Heesen is part of the Book Ends collection, owned by an American couple who have had more than 18 yachts with the same name. The exterior design of this Heesen was by Omega Architects, while Dutch studio Van Oossanen did the naval architecture. The yacht is part of Heesen’s fast cruising series, which is more efficient than other vessels its size, and can reach 23 knots at full speed with its MTU 16V 4000 M65L engines. The yacht is listed through Ocean Independence for 42 million Euro, or about $45.7 million.

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• Sep 20, 2023

Cruisers Yachts Expanding to Build Larger Boats

North American stalwart Cruisers Yachts is expanding in order to build larger boats.

The Oconto, Wisconsin manufacturer has long held a sterling reputation in the central U.S. and Canada thanks to their penchant for quality midsize to larger cruisers catered to the Great Lakes market.

The news comes on the heels of several big moves from the company. They were acquired by MarineMax in mid-2021 for $63 million, which many considered a surprising move. The Florida-based MarineMax is the world's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer.

The momentum from the sale, despite occuring during the height of the pandemic, carried into 2022 when Cruisers announced an impressive all-new flagship 50 GLS at Fort Lauderdale.

Now it appears Cruisers Yachts will enter another chapter of expansion with the announcement of a new 56,000 square foot manufacturing facility.

Mark Pedersen, President of Cruisers Yachts, said in a company statement : "One of our core values is to look to the long term, and this expansion project is a testament to that belief. We have been looking to expand since we acquired the Pulaski facility in 2021. That plant is designed to build larger yachts, and this expansion provides us with a facility that aligns with our New Product Development plans for the next five years."

Of note in the statement is Cruisers intention to build larger yachts. Cruisers currently offers two lines of boats, the Cantius series and GLS series, both of which have been gradually increasing in size and popularity over the last few years.

The expansion will introduce two new production lines with the capability to accommodate yachts of up to 75 feet in any style.

MarineMax, for its part, currently has several larger yacht brands under its brokerage portfolio in North America including Aquila, Azimut, Bertram, Galeon, MJM Yachts, and more.

The company said the expansion comprises several key areas, each designed to enhance production and accommodate larger vessels:

• Assembly: A brand-new production line spanning 10,893 square feet will feature increased ceiling heights, enabling the assembly of larger yachts. • Upholstery: With an expanded footprint of 4,300 square feet, this section will facilitate increased production capabilities, ensuring every yacht bears the hallmark of luxury. • Metal/Maintenance: Boasting a generous 15,120 square feet, this area will see increased capacity, providing the company with the ability to expand production and maintain the highest standards. • Warehouse: Spanning a substantial 25,749 square feet, the warehouse will see the addition of new loading docks and expanded storage capacity, streamlining operations and ensuring efficient inventory management. • Chemical Storage Building: A dedicated 1,200-square-foot chemical storage building will be incorporated for the safekeeping of essential materials. • Expanded Outdoor Cold Storage: This expansion will allow Cruisers Yachts to securely store materials and parts outdoors, further optimizing the production process.

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Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS Outboard

The 38 GLS OB for sale at your local dealer combines the unmatched performance and entertainment capabilities of the 38 GLS with powerful, easy-to-maintain outboards. It’s a match made in heaven for lovers of on-the-water fun.

Expand your swimming area by lowering the side of the 38 GLS to convert it into a swim platform. The easy to access controls and safety mechanisms allow for endless family fun. The aft facing bench backrest can swivel to either face the cockpit or the beach door.

The 38 GLS is powered by triple 300 – 400 Mercury Verados. The joystick piloting allows you to navigate with ease at a top speed of 53 mph.

The open-concept cockpit was designed with entertainment in mind. You can find endless seating options between the bow lounge, two mid-ship L-shaped dinettes, and an aft-facing bench. For alternative seating options, the aft-facing bench backrest can swivel to face the beach door.

Luxury Finishes

Cruisers Yachts incorporates numerous intricate details for superior finishes. 316L-grade stainless steel metal components enhance durability throughout the vessel, reinforcing key elements such as deck cleats, rail stanchions, arch legs, and sump and bilge pump foundations. Cutting-edge machines and hand-sewn techniques create high-quality upholstery. Top-quality materials are used for a classic and durable interior look. Exotic woods are meticulously selected, machine-sanded, and finished to withstand marine environments.

Cockpit Galley

The galley features a fiberglass inlay sink, fridge, bottle storage along with optional grill and TV. Continue the conversation while sitting on swivel bar stools at the raised wet bar.

Bow Seating

Lower Salon

Aft Stateroom

Specifications

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Get access to the full features list for the 38 GLS OB for a complete list of specifications, accommodations, and options.

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Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS OB

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