2006 Robalo R227DC
2006 Crownline 230LS
2007 Crownline 240LS
2006 Cruisers Yachts 520 Express
2006 Cruisers Yachts 560 Express
2007 Cruisers Yachts 447 Sports Sedan
2007 Cruisers Yachts 395 Motor Yacht
2007 Cruisers Yachts 390 Sport Coupe
2007 Crownline 255CCR
2007 Crownline 340CR
2007 Cruisers Yachts 300CXI

This is a tournament-grade fishboat that doubles as a comfortable family runabout well with a Yamaha outboard. The boat ran well, the optional trim tabs will help you dial in the sweetest cruising spots. The bottom cleaved open the seas, and wide reversed chines kept it steady on the drift.

As we drift fished for stripers, it was easy to control the angle from dead downwind to nearly beam-to by turning the engine.

The nonslip hatch surfaces beneath the bow seat cushions are wide enough to stand on and cast from, while the gunwale bolsters steady your calves.

The port console houses a head that’s large enough to move around in. The helm console is comfortable for either sitting or standing, and the helm chair has a flip-up bolster that converts it into a leaning post. Under the sole is a locker with racks for half a dozen rods, plus space for PFDs and waterskis. The bow has a heavily insulated cooler and two fishboxes. The livewell is located in the jump seat behind the helm. The transom has a large bench that folds away, and there’s a pylon for tow toys. Plus, fit and finish is excellent.

"Who Will Fish It Serious" anglers with families that love other forms of water play will love the R227DC. Fuel capacity 112 gallons.

When you’re checking out a boat, putting it through its paces, trying to see how well it does the things you want it to and how well it fits your style, you generally try pretty hard not to let external stimuli affect your impression. Thing is, it’s next to impossible not to be swayed by things that really have nothing to do with the boat. For example, if you’re caught out in a terrible thunderstorm with lightning crashing all around, you’re liable to have a less-than-sterling impression of the boat you were on. On the other hand, if you’re out on Lake Travis, just outside Austin, Texas, and you’re testing a brand-new Crownline 230 LS, and it’s an achingly beautiful day, you’re likely to look kindly on that boat. It helps, of course, that the Crownline 230 LS is a pretty darn good boat, one that you’d appreciate even without the external stimuli. But if there’s a choice between going out for a drizzly, dreary day on a new boat or going out for a day when Lake Travis is reflecting so much blue sky that it almost seems as if a bit of the Caribbean has been relocated to central Texas, why not take the good one, right? The wise boater is one who’s willing to risk the influence of a beautiful day on his or her impression of a new boat.

And at first glance, under the bright Texas sun, the wise boater can see clearly that the 230 LS lines are traditional, even conservative, which isn’t a bad thing. If you ask, you’ll find that the vast majority of boaters want a 24-foot runabout, like the Crownline 230 LS, to look like a 24-foot runabout, not like something George Jetson would be tooling around in. There’s a little bit of aggressive styling to be seen in the 230 LS’s body, especially at the transom, where the integrated swim platform makes a graceful little leap up and away from the waterline, echoing the boat’s graphics package. That’s the sort of understated flourish that’s appreciated.

There’s a bit more flash for the eyes inside the Crownline 230 LS. The bow seating area is about average for a boat this size, but there’s a bonus up front — an optional forward boarding ladder ($215) that shares the anchor locker, giving the 230 LS a bit of a deck boat-like feel and greatly improving its capabilities as an easygoing swim platform. The fact that the anchor locker is self-bailing is also nice.

Of course, it’s one thing to look good and another thing entirely to actually perform well. Taking turns riding in the bow, although it’s not where you’d usually expect to find fully grown adults, proves the 230 LS’s real-world capability. The only beef, and it’s minor: On this particular test boat, the anchor locker door rattles, a mild annoyance that could easily be fixed by adding a little extra weather stripping purchased from the local hardware store.

A wide walkthrough offers in-floor watersports gear storage and makes the passage from the bow seating area to the cockpit a breeze, even for an overfed marine journalist. It would be nice, though, if Crownline would add a door — even if it were optional — so you could close off the walkthrough and cut down on the cold breeze that ventures through on chilly mornings or evenings. On a warm afternoon like this one, though, the breeze sailing past your ankles is a welcome thing.

Seating in the cockpit is comfortable and well laid-out. Both pilot and observer get a captain’s chair with flip-up bolster. The aft bench seat is extra-roomy, with a lot of seat depth so your thighs are well supported, something that really adds to the comfort on longer cruises. Those on board report that the added thigh support helps even on a shorter cruise, such as the run from the Lakeway Inn & Conference Center’s marina (this test’s home port) down to Windy Point for a look at the scores of sailboarders who fill the lake whenever there’s even the slightest hint of a breeze.

Although the Lakeway-to-Windy Point run is relatively short, just a few miles, it’s a good one. Lakeway more or less represents the northern edge of the most popular section of Lake Travis, and as you head south, toward Windy Point, the waters get more and more crowded. Passing the big, boat-up restaurants — Carlos’n Charlie’s, Johnny Fins, Aunt Tilly’s — and the nearby marinas, one has to start fighting the urge to turn the boat test into a margarita-centric pub-crawl.

The sailboarders of Windy Point are fun to watch for a few minutes, the way the dot race is fun to watch on the JumboTron at a baseball game for a minute or so. But the reality is that sailboarding is one of those things that’s a lot more fun to do than to watch, so after a few minutes, the 230 LS and its passengers motor on, making the traditional sweep past Hippy Hollow, Texas’ only legal clothing-optional beach (and on this day, it’s apparently attendance-optional, as there’s not a soul to be seen soaking up sun, clothed or otherwise).

Arcing past the cliffs that mark the southern tip of Lake Travis and heading back north toward Lakeway and points beyond, the general consensus is that adding the optional Premium Package Plus tacks $1,500 onto the 230 LS’s MSRP, but it’s money well spent. Along with the forward boarding ladder, the package gives you a key chain remote that operates the courtesy lights (something you’ll really appreciate if you’re boarding after dark, when you’re liable to stub a toe) and a cockpit table with two bases, for better entertaining. And as long as you’re spending money, go ahead and order the Razor Package ($2,315), which adds a wakeboard tower — which you know you’re going to wish you had before long — and some spiffy graphics.

The Premium Package Plus also adds some flair to the helm by color-matching the dash and steering wheel. The racing-style steering wheel looks and feels good, and carries out the very rounded, organic motif that predominates the 230 LS helm.

In terms of power, Crownline’s focus is just fine. From the base power package, a 5.7L MerCruiser Alpha with 250 hp, all the way up to the top-line 6.2L MerCruiser MX MPI Bravo III or 5.7L Volvo-Penta GXi SX, each with 320 horses, there’s plenty of muscle to be found in the 230 LS’s expansive motor compartment. The test boat is nicely equipped with a midline package, a 5.7L Volvo-Penta Gi DuoProp, delivering 280 hp, and landing more or less right in the center of the MSRP range, listing at $51,542 before options.

That midrange power package works very well. With two persons and gear on board, and three quarters of a tank of gas, the 230 LS accelerates from 0 to 30 mph in a hair less than 5 seconds (4.95 seconds, to be exact), en route to a top speed of 50.6 mph. Thanks to the DuoProp, the power comes on quickly, with little lag between the hammering of the throttle and the feeling of your back sinking into the captain’s chair.

Adding to the driving experience is the new Fast-Tab platform. The boat feels very light in the water, but there’s no hull slide to speak of, even in hard, high-speed maneuvers. The overall effect is something like a Mazda Miata on the water — super light and nimble, yet stable and surefooted. Simply put, the 230 LS is a load of fun for the pilot, while still delivering a dry, stable ride that the passengers will enjoy as well. Although finding rough water on such a perfect day isn’t easy, there’s enough boat traffic down near Mansfield Dam, where the famed Oasis restaurant hangs off the cliffs overlooking Lake Travis, to churn up some wakes that put the Fast-Tab hull’s ability to ride out the rough to the test. And to its credit, the hull deals with the washing-machine turbulence easily. True, the bumps are felt, but that’s to be expected on any boat this size. The end result, though, is a ride as smooth and comfortable as any in its class.

If you venture behind the boat, you’ll find, as expected, a pretty good wakeboard/inflatable wake, and an acceptable recreational slalom wake. With room for eight people to sit comfortably (Crownline claims an 11-person capacity, but that’s a little crowded) and with the Razor Package installed, it’s not hard to see the Crownline 230 LS serving as a solid fun boat for the gang, pulling wakeboards and inflatables until everyone’s too tired to take one more pass.

For now, the Crownline 230 LS will have to stand on its own merits, and it stands up pretty well. And that’s not just the influence of the beautiful day, the puffy clouds, and the 75-degree water of Lake Travis talking. Returning to the Lakeway Marina to dock for the night and enjoy a couple of festive beverages while watching the sun set over the lake, everyone involved agrees: The FastTab platform is a winner, and the Crownline 230 LS is a serious contender with solid potential.

2007 240LS 

This year while celebrating its 50th anniversary of manufacturing high-end express machines, Cruisers Yachts appropriately unveiled its striking new 520 Express Yacht. Carrying over styling from the 560 flagship, the 520 fills a niche that may not be obvious with all the production cruisers available on the market these days.

Design and Layout

The new express is simply about two things; entertaining in absolute elegance, and getting to a destination quickly. And the cockpit brings the two together with immense amounts of seating under an optional fiberglass hard-top. The two tiered, winged top looks like it was shaped by an artist, and employs skylights to add filtered light and fresh air to the giant cockpit.

The entertainment potential of the outdoor party patio is amazing. Located to port is a refrigerator console with ice maker and freezer, where you can keep your steaks and lobster. Good thing, because right next to the fridge, is an electric grill to cook the surf and turf. There is also a sink and faucet for clean up joined by a cabinet with space for liquor bottles and a host of other accoutrements.

At the Control Station

Cruisers Yachts has gone all out in comfort and plush seating at the helm. They mounted a pair of admiral style chairs, complete with flip-up bolsters and winged armrests within reach of an enormous dash panel. It is occupied by a pair of small digital readouts for the engine management system. All this space leaves room for a host of electronic navigation screens.

Luxuries Below

A sliding acrylic door leads you to the ultra luxurious saloon which provides 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom and is awash in cherry wood cabinetry and trim. Located to port is one of the finest galleys we’ve seen. It is complete with all the chef’s basic needs, plus a dishwasher, trash compactor and a refrigerated wine locker. The chef can also keep up on the latest news or sporting events with the giant 30 inch flat panel LCD TV that is flush mounted in the cabinets.

Seating in the cabin is supplied by an uncompromising sofa that spans the saloon’s starboard side. The crescent shaped lounge is wrapped in ultra-leather and features reclining seats and a convertible dining table for a multitude of functional lounging.

Staterooms

All the way aft in the boat the master stateroom offers unparalleled space and comfort. Filling the room with light are six large port holes that are reminiscent of European mega yachts. A queen-sized berth is beautifully presented and accompanied by a large number of storage cabinets. An en-suite head compartment and separate shower stall complete the owner’s stunning cabin.

The guest stateroom is located at the forepeak and is available with two different layouts. Our test boat had a single queen berth, but you can opt for a pair of twin berths depending upon your cruising needs. There is a day head located forward in the saloon and provides a second door for access from the guest cabin.

Specs

This world class yacht has an overall length of 52 feet, 3 inches. Her beam measures 15 feet, 6 inches and she weights 39,500 pound dry. Loaded with gear and 500 gallons of fuel, you can expect a draft of 44 inches to clear the massive four-bladed propellers.

The Ride

Compared to other boats in this class the 520 Express delivered slightly better top end and cruise speed numbers. Handling was about what you would expect from a 20 ton luxury cruiser; slow, with plenty of forethought needed before making any turns. But where this boat truly stands out from the rest is with its fantastic styling, amenities and outstanding build quality.

When you see yachts in movies or hear about luxurious yachts, the image that comes to mind is probably not far from what you see when you step aboard Cruisers Yachts’ 560.

Starting at the stern, the swim platform is an integral part of the hull and large enough to bolt in your jet ski. Two easy grab handles leads to a 4-rung stainless steel swim ladder and a hot/cold transom shower is just where you need it when coming in from the water.

This is the first boat we’ve seen with an aft rumble seat. There is terrific storage underneath as it opens up with gas-assisted struts. You control the Glendenning cable masters with a switch inside and there's room for good size fenders.

As soon as you come aboard port side, there is a nice level walkway to the cockpit. There we found a nicely laid out c-shaped lounge that seats 6-8 people. One of the cleverest things on this boat is an electric sun pad that emerges from under the aft seating with the press of a button.

Cruisers Yachts makes it so you never have to leave the cockpit area to entertain guests. The main wet bar console is aft facing with an outlet above for your blender and a freshwater sink. A mini-fridge with icemaker is underneath adjacent to a bottle storage area and a small storage locker. Just starboard is an optional helm A/C unit that is great when the canvas is on. A Clarion CD player is standard at this hosting console. Just port of the cockpit is access to the foredeck by a narrow walkway.

Another impressive feature is the hardtop with an acrylic, electric sun window just above the cockpit. With the press of a button, an abundance of light and fresh sea air will flood the cockpit of this luxurious vessel.

There are plenty of single and double love seats aft and behind the companionway. You can easily seat 12 people comfortably, and with a lot of storage underneath they’ll have a place to put their things.

The helm is remarkably laid out in a semi-circle with electronic Volvo controls. Cruisers Yachts has simplified the instrumentation on the 560 by taking all the rocket switches and combining them into one easy to use panel that displays all the information you need to know. A keyless ignition system adds to the cruiser's mystique and keeps your vessel safe.

Below Deck

When you first come down the companionway stairs, you’re greeted with the large, wide open main saloon. Eight to ten people can be seated on the ultraleather love seats and electrically actuated sofa. The inside has gorgeous woodworking with a cherry finish and there is no need to slouch with 6 feet 6 inches of headroom.

The lack of a table stands out upon entering, but never fear, Cruisers Yachts makes that available with the push of a button. The table emerges electrically from the floor to give you a spacious dining table when its time to eat. Above the saloon is a decorative panel that covers the air conditioning. This unique unit eliminates the needs for vents all over and gives 360-degree dispersion.

Included within the saloon is a little cocktail area with room to store bottles, glasses, and anything else you might need during an impromptu happy hour. There is a good amount of storage above and below and a light up vanity at eye level. A large speaker can be found underneath as well giving you something to shake your martini to.

Cocktail Time

The cocktail area is just a taste of what you’ll find forward in the massive, in-line angled galley. A solid surface counter leads to a little breakfast nook with a large screen television in front. A refrigerator/freezer, two stainless steel sinks, three burner stove top, and microwave give the feeling of your kitchen at home. Storage is not a problem either with six large lockers with room enough to hold even the biggest of lobster pots.

Accommodations

From the galley forward, is the guest stateroom. It is a centerline island double berth with 2 steps on either side. There is great access to storage surrounding it with small lockers above and 2 large storage drawers at the foot of the bed. An overhead hatch brings the natural light in. A large cedar lined hanging locker with shelf is to starboard.

Easily accessible from both the forward stateroom and the saloon is the “day head.” It has a separate shower stall with seat to keep the water out of the head. Made from molded-in fiberglass, there is ample headroom.

Mounted athwart ship, is the large master stateroom featuring a double berth. Under the bridge and low in the boat, this is by far the steadiest cabin. There is a large amount of storage in this cabin with a walk-in cedar lined, storage area. A built-in 20’’ television and CD player faces the berth. Built-in is the Splendide 2000, a washer/dryer combo with easy access.

Engine Room

Everything in the engine room is well labeled and easy to access. The V-drives are not a problem with strong dripless shaft seals. Cruisers Yachts has mounted the engines on steel beds directly on top of the stringers.

The impressive 560 packs every ounce of luxury and style into its 58 foot length. She is a massive vessel with a 16’ beam and weighing in at a dry weight of 46,000 lbs. Its fuel capacity is approximately 650 gallons.

The 560 can hold its own with a top speed of 40.3 mph and a best cruise of 32.3 mph at 2000 rpm. Double 700-hp Volvo Penta D twelves with a ZF V-drive transmission gives this luxurious beauty some strength to match its style.

Cruisers Yachts has always been known for performance, with all of their models targeting a cruising speed at least in the mid-twenties from standard power, and with most models well exceeding that. On larger yachts these numbers are often achieved with diesel power, but in some areas of the country gasoline engines are more popular. With this in mind, the 395 Motoryacht was designed as the largest motoryacht in the Cruisers Yachts lineup that offers exhilarating performance with either gas or diesel power.

Impressive Handling & Performance

While it is one thing to claim performance it is another to actually provide it, which the 395 does. In five foot swells off Fort Lauderdale our test boat topped out at 35 mph, and clearly would have gone faster in calmer water with Cruisers Yachts claiming about 36 mph at wide-open-throttle. With twin 420 horsepower Volvo 8.1 liter gas inboards, the boat cruised most economically at 4000 RPM, making 29.3 mph and providing a 188 mile range. Overall, both performance and handling of the boat were more what I would expect from an express cruiser, better than the typical motoryacht.

Maximizing Space

In addition to performance, the 395 offers lots of space inside and out. This is most noticeable on the bridge where a very large crescent shaped settee provides plenty of seating near the captain, with a removable high-low table for dining or cocktails. Just a few steps down from the helm, the aft deck can be equipped with a built in settee or left open for the owner’s choice of furnishings. But what was most noticeable here is how the bridge and aft deck are closely tied together with a clear sense that entire area is all part of a single, large outdoor living space. So just as with the boat’s performance, the exterior layout is more reminiscent of an express cruiser than a motoryacht.

One of the ways Cruisers Yachts maximizes space on the bridge is to make the side walkways to the bow as narrow as possible, increasing the width available both on the bridge and in the salon. While this is a common tradeoff in yacht design, the company has done a very good job minimizing the side decks while still providing adequate passage to the bow. They accomplished this by angling the cabin sides in slightly and flaring the railings out slightly, so while the deck is narrow, there is plenty of width up around hip level.

Redesigns

Cruisers Yachts has raised the side decks slightly, allowing the entire width of the hull for salon furnishings, with the side decks encroaching slightly on the width of the salon only above shoulder level. This makes the 395 salon significantly larger than the 375 model this boat replaces, even though the boat’s beam remains the same. Large windows and an open layout further enhance the spacious feel inside the boat, and similar design tweaks increase room throughout the boat. The master stateroom, for instance, features a generous queen bed set nearly fore-and-aft but at a slight angle. This allows enough room to walk around the starboard side of the bed but makes best use of space in the rest of the stateroom, which is again noticeably larger than the master stateroom of the previous 375 model.

Choice of Gas or Diesel

In their quest to provide generous accommodations and invigorating performance from gasoline engines, Cruisers Yachts has succeeded admirably. The boat is also offered with twin Volvo diesels, up to 370 horsepower each. Because of the increased torque provided by diesel engines, these engines should offer similar top end performance, and an increased cruising speed. But whichever engines, the Cruisers Yachts 395 offers the added accommodations of an aft cabin motoryacht without losing the sporty feel and functional exterior layout of an express cruiser.

An inevitable design addition for larger express cruisers has been the hardtop. While there are a number of yacht builders with hardtops as optional features, only a few include this feature as standard equipment. I recently had the opportunity to go aboard the Cruisers Yachts 390 Sports Coupe. This, indeed, is a forty-footer with a standard hardtop. With a sliding insert and a full glass enclosure, this is one of the best examples I’ve seen.

Bow Features

Starting up on the bow, what seems to be an acre of deck space can be customized by adding a sun pad, safety rails, and drinkholders. Make anchor work easy by adding an optional windlass to complement the standard roller. The foredeck is surrounded by double stainless steel handrails, so you don’t have to worry about the safety of your guests when they’re up here.

One of the common features you’ll find on all the express models in the Cruisers Yachts lineup is the walk-thru windshield. The 390 Sports Coupe is no exception. The challenge for the designers was to integrate the walk-thru feature it into the hardtop and full glass enclosure. Let me be the first to tell you that it’s indeed a success; execution of the design is excellent. It both looks and functions very well. A “sunroof” insert slides aft in a pair of heavy-duty tracks and the opening windshield is easy to operate. The hardware looks and feels sturdy and reliable.

Stylish & Innovative

Once you’re in the cockpit, you’re surrounded by so much glass that you don’t feel at all claustrophobic. Air conditioning and heat registers provide climate control, so you can extend your boating season into the cooler months. A couple of adjustable fresh air vents have been fitted into the overhead as well. While underway, the cockpit is quiet and wind-free, even when you have the “sunroof” open. There are also some other clever design features in the cockpit worth looking at. There’s a convertible dinette/companion seat, a sink, and an optional refrigerator and icemaker. They’ve even found a spot for a flip-down flat screen TV, if you want one here. The helm seat is a double with a flip-up bolster. The balance of the cockpit is surrounded by an L-shaped lounge, and the swim platform is of substantial size.

Down Below

In contrast to the stylish and innovative deck design, down below you’ll find a fairly typical express layout. There’s an angled double berth up forward. Amenities include a therapeutic foam mattress, cedar-lined lockers, and an opening hatch and portholes for fresh air. On the standard layout, privacy for this cabin is provided by a curtain., An optional layout includes a bulkhead with a door.

The head compartment is of decent size, and includes a stall shower.

The salon/galley area features an entertainment/TV package, an attractively curved dinette, and appears light and airy as the result of six opening ports and a couple of deck hatches. In the galley you’ll find sufficient workspace, an over and under fridge/freezer, and a clever microwave/coffeemaker combination, which I appreciate.

Engine Access

Beneath the electric hatch, the engine compartment and systems are designed and installed using the latest techniques and materials. Beyond the standard Twin Volvo 8.1 Gi 375 HP Gas setup, seven more options include both gas and diesels from MerCruiser, Volvo, and Yanmar. The 390 is also available with Volvo’s new IPS system. Based on a little bit of experience with this breakthrough system, I suspect this boat is a very suitable platform and I’d love to give it a try. Horsepower ratings range from a pair of 310’s to a pair of 420’s.

Specifications & Performance

The 390 Sports Coupe measures 40’2” in length, 13’ 0” abeam and draws 39” with traditional propulsion and 45” with the IPS gear. Tank capacities are 300 gallons of fuel, 75 gallons of water, and she weighs approximately 22,000 pounds.

Our test included some close quarters work and speed runs in the winding creeks and channels inshore of Atlantic City, NJ. I liked how the 390 Sport Sedan handled around the docks, but keep in mind that our boat was equipped with the optional bow thruster. Call me a sissy if you want, but I’ve run a lot of boats over the last thirty years and now that they’re practical, I think bow thrusters should be standard equipment on boats in this size range, if only as stress-relief for weekend skippers and shorthanded crews. When we ran her up, the 390 reached a top speed of 37.6 mph, and our best cruising performance indicated a range of 332 statute miles at 28.8 mph. She’s nice and quiet in the cockpit, there’s plenty of fresh air, and the glass enclosure works really well.

When it comes to 40 foot express cruisers, I can safely say that Cruisers Yachts has a strong entry with the 390 Sports Coupe. The hardtop and full glass enclosure is great, and a long list of factory options keeps the base price attractive while allowing you to fit yours out exactly how you want it.

By Captain John B. Wenz

A Striking Profile

The dramatic styling and the low profile mean much more than what you might initially conclude. At first glance your impression is that she looks like a contemporary European design. Sleek and luxurious are two words which come to mind. Lots of curves, lots of glass, lots of shiny chrome and stainless; traditional she’s not, but this boat definitely catches your eye. With 18.5 degrees of deadrise and a low center of gravity, the 447 promises to be a good ride in the sloppy stuff; something which is often a compromise in sedans and cruisers in this size range. Although I didn’t get a chance to test her in those kinds of conditions, I think it fair to say that she’d probably hold true to the builder’s claims.

Up on the flying bridge, visibility’s good and everything you need is within easy reach of the Captain’s chair. There’s also plenty of space for a full compliment of electronics and Cruisers offers a couple of factory installed optional packages. For your guests, there’s L-shaped seating around a removable table, a wet bar, and a slide-out refrigerator. There’s also a sunning area with a pair of incline loungers which adjust for just the right sun angle.

Although the standard cockpit is relatively spartan, the available options offer a wide variety of possibilities tailored to your needs. Additions might include seating, a wet bar, and an icemaker. You can also install synthetic teak decking or carpeting, and add a deck enclosure, if you like. The swim platform can also be fitted-out as an 800 pound hydraulic lift for a dinghy or small PWC.

Interior Space- Where the 447 Really Shines

Step into the salon and you’ll be pleased by the feeling of open space. The number of square feet of glass is huge and allows for lots of natural light and visibility. The salon and galley are both nicely equipped with appropriate features and conveniences. In addition, there’s the added flexibility of a sleeper/sofa. One of the 447’s big advantages is found below the salon floor; Cruisers Yachts calls it the basement. With the space saving advantages of either V-drives or IPS, you get a huge storage area for just about anything- which is what a family like mine wants to bring aboard- anything and everything!

Up forward you’ll find things suitably appointed with the luxuries and conveniences deserving of the master stateroom. Included are a queen-sized island berth, cedar-lined lockers, and access to a European-style head with vessel sink and stall shower. The second head is entered from either the salon or the mid stateroom. This full-beam cabin features a comfy sitting area and lots of natural light from six opening ports. The highlight here is the berth- it converts from a queen to a pair of twins. That’s a real advantage whether you’ve got a couple of kids or a couple of adults who don’t really care to share one bed.

Propulsion Systems- Saving Space

Any one of the available propulsion options, V-drive or Volvo IPS, is a good choice. They range from twin 370’s to twin 480’s and include both gas and diesels; standard are the twin Volvo gas motors rated at 420-hp. Our test boat was equipped with the Volvo 435-hp diesels, which I like, but I’d love to test a 447 fitted with IPS. In any case, they’re all efficiently laid out in an aft, under-cockpit engine room. Not only does this type of arrangement save space, but it also eliminates the possibility of a greasy mechanic messing up the salon carpeting.

Our Test

Given that conditions were relatively benign, wind and noise levels were still pleasingly low. I noticed that the electronics arch and soft top seemed to make a difference in the noise level- they didn’t rattle when this boat accelerated.

The Cruisers Yachts 447 Sedan measures 45’2” in length including the swim platform. She’s got a beam of 14’6” and draws 46” of water. Her tanks hold 375 gallons of fuel, 100 gallons of water, and she weighs in at 29,500 pounds. Out on the water we found the 447 to cruise optimally at 3000 rpm for a speed of 25.1 mph yielding a cruising range of 319 miles. She got up on plane in 7.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 34.1 mph or 29.7 knots. Along with everything else I’ve mentioned, our test boat had a bow thruster. Although not necessary, I’d like to see one included as standard equipment on any boat of this size. It’s an addition that has proven itself to be a real stress-reliever for many a weekend skipper. It can replace a deckhand on the bow and get you out of trouble when you’re in close quarters on a breezy day.

For either a boating family or an adult couple, the Cruisers 447 is a good choice. She’s got the standard equipment you need at a competitive price. With an extensive list of factory options and a little thought, you can set this boat up to fit you like a glove.

Crownline 255 CCR

2007

Coolest Feature The enclosed head, which comes with a portable head, shower, sink and vanity.

Families Will Love The multifaceted dining area in the cabin, which converts from wraparound seating to a V-berth area in no time.

Top Amenities Galley with sink and refrigerator, clothes locker, extended swim platform, portable head with pumpout feature, pressurized water system, handheld freshwater shower, snap-in cockpit carpet, and Sony marine stereo.

Best Reason To Buy The Crownline 255 CCR's list of amenities completes a checklist of essentials for lengthy trips.

LOA 26'6"
Beam 8'6"
Weight 6,000 lbs.
Fuel 62 gal.
Base Price $72,067
(w/280-hp, 5.7L I/O)
Maximum HP 425

Crownline, 11884 Country Club Road, West Frankfort, IL 62896 (618) 937-6426, www.crownline.com

2007 Crownline 340 CR

It took a few minutes to settle our mental bearings after boarding the new 340 CR. We would have been slightly less surprised if we were invitedto a Corvette test only to fi nd a luxury car waiting on the track. Crownline is so acclaimed for its deep roster of sportsminded boats that the competition uses them when designing their own spiced-up models. The 340 has the genes of those centerfold-worthy boats, including the high energy that pervades the entire Crownline company. The difference is this boat is nearly eight feet longer than Crownline’s largest boat of a year ago. And footage doesn’t begin to describe the expansiveness of the 340. Everything on our test boat is standard, much of it fresh. The hard top, for example, takes the place of the typical radar arch and gives the boat a look all its own. Within it is a hatch, stereo speakers and four courtesy lights. Fussing with a canvas top is a non-issue. Passengers who want to catch some rays can retreat to the patio-size aft cockpit, or to the convertible loveseat that can face aft along the transom. The unique tone continues belowdecks. The generous amount of teak flooring is easy to maintain since it’s out of the sun, and is especially handy in areas like the entry to the shower. The galley practically glistens with a large stainless-steel refrigerator and a faux-stainless microwave, but more important is the sizable counter space and coffee station (more than a simple coffee maker).

The 340 CR needs few options because so much comes standard. 

 

- TEST ENGINE: MERCRUISER 496 MAG BRAVO III

- TEST PROP: 23-INCH XR 7-BLADE

- TEST LOAD: PEOPLE (705 LB.), FUEL (50 GAL.)

- TOP SPEED: 49.4 MPH @ 4,950 RPM

- TIME TO PLANE: 7.3 SEC.

- TIME TO 20 MPH: 8.5 SEC.

- MINIMUM PLANE: 24 MPH @ 3,000 RPM

- LENGTH OVERALL: 36’

- BEAM: 11’11”

- DRY WEIGHT: 16,300 LB.

- FUEL CAPACITY: 193 GAL.

- MAX HP: 850

- NMMA CERTIFIED? YES

 

Amidst all of this the engineers kept the focus on living space. We noticed the beam is pulled forward and the cabinetry slimmed down. The width allowed us to stretch out sideways in the forward berth, which also has slopes or “dished” sides that we used as headrests. The mid-cabin is large enough for a pit seating area where tall adults can sit without hunching over. It then converts to a queen-size berth. Where a crew beds down depends on how much of the 193-gallon fuel tank is used. We found 28 to 30 mph to be a nice cruising speed, burning 22 gallons per hour. For fun we wound it up to nearly 50 mph, just because it isn’t the norm with a boat this size. But when you combine the marine equivalent of a Corvette with luxury living, a lot of things become possible. The exterior appeal carries to the cabin where the cabinetry and stainless appliances offer style.

 

notable features

• A 23-inch flat-screen TV in the salon is visible for a cabin-load of guests, but it stays out of play when not in use.

• The middle of the windshield has a unique slider feature, so boaters can put it down for ventilation and easier access to the foredeck.

• The battery switch is triggered with a red button on the helm; it’s easy to find and remember when you don’t want to drain the four batteries.

• A generator is standard, as is heat and air conditioning.

• The fiberglass head includes a large top lid on the toilet, which allows easy changing.