Cruisers 38 GLS OB

In a presidential election cycle, candidates often pay homage to the voters in the swing state of Wisconsin.

You can sense a tremendous pride in Wisconsin voters, too, for exercising one’s civil duty, despite obstacles — look no further than the long lines of voters social distancing around polling places this past April. There’s an ethic, if you will, that has been instilled for generations in a state known for hard workers and a diverse workforce.

Inside Cruisers Yachts’ manufacturing plant in Oconto, Wisconsin, north of Green Bay, you’ll find 400 of those hard workers hand-building 14 different models – each a sterling example of versatility and unrivaled quality. This includes the company’s latest offspring, the 38 GLS with outboard power.

This is a significant step for a conservative boatbuilder quite satisfied with Volvo and Mercury sterndrives and IPS units. Cruisers Yachts has only turned out a cabin cruiser with outboards in 2018 and the very early 1950s, when the second generation of Thompsons (the company founders) started building wood lapstrake outboard cabin cruisers in Oconto.

However, the company recognizes that outboards are the power du jour. While triple Mercury 300s are standard, those looking for an extra boost can order this boat with triple Mercurys up to 450 hp. Either way, we were up on plane at 22 knots and clocked a thrilling 53 mph at wide open throttle: For a 38-foot cabin cruiser, that’s moving. Mercury joystick control is part of the standard package and takes the anxiety out of docking in any marina setting, at seawalls or in wetslips.

Brains and beauty

While the Mercury Verados are the headline feature for the 38 GLS, there are two other aesthetic design treats likely to steal your heart. One is a fold-out “beach door” starboard side aft that electronically deploys into a water-level replacement for the transom platform, now dedicated to engines. This nifty feature shifts the swimming, lounging and socializing center from traditional boat design. Aft seating swivels to face this “beach,” allowing parents to keep an eye on little ones in the water. The second feature is the full bar, complete with swivel stools that complement an outdoor kitchen with grill, sink, refrigerator and ice maker. Positioned port side, opposite the helm, this layout begs for days anchored up at the sandbar – or for having another couple over for “docktails” in the marina.

Mercury’s racy, low profile restyling of the engine’s cowling angles carries the eye right into the cockpit of the boat. Adjustable aft seating is high enough to look over and past the engines or to swivel to starboard when the “beach” option is deployed. Or, simply move the backrests to allow for forward seating as a bench seat in the cockpit. Versatile indeed!

Before the term social distancing entered our vocabulary, I always thought bow seating was an obligatory use of space, created for teenagers who wanted space from their parental units. Cruisers wisely took a page out of living room design to create a welcoming den, complete with Rockford Fosgate speakers, multiple cup holders and a removable teak table. Sunpad, nap zone or social zone, it’s your choice. With exquisite cushion stitching and a no-nonsense eye for color blocking design in the vinyl, this area is way too inviting to even consider keeping your distance from the ones you love.

One trend all boatbuilders are noticing is the return to overnighting on boats. Cruisers never moved production away, perhaps influenced by their proximity to Door County and other spectacular Great Lakes destinations. The 38 GLS is an ideal boat for weekends or summer vacations – even for you tall fellows. With 6′ 5″ of headroom throughout the cabin and a nearly queen-size berth in an aft stateroom, there is ample room to move around. The lower salon performs double duty as a U-shaped dinette that converts into a berth, and an enclosed head features a hot and cold freshwater shower.

Ask your dealer about the optional 5.5 kW generator to power the cabin’s air and heat, along with the salon microwave, fridge and optional TV. Ideal for a family of four or empty nesters, this is a very complete package.

Power, your way

So, what if you really don’t want outboards? You’re in luck. This same layout is available with sterndrive power, with a few notable differences. The “beach” folds down and creates a massive aft and side swim platform. Engine choices are Volvo’s V8-380 hp with joystick or Merc 8.2 MAG with Axius Premier joystick control.

Both models feature an integrated hardtop for antennas, Simrad radar and the optional retractable sunshade that covers the cockpit. A foredeck shade to keep your guests cool is another option for those that love to entertain.

Helm-wise, two Simrad flat screens are the focal point. I may have opted for larger screens to take full advantage of the real estate available and to make it easier for older captains like myself to see the myriad of information that once required dozens of analog gauges. The arrangement of screens and blend of push- button accessory controls is neatly spaced. One thoughtful touch is the wireless phone charging pad at the helm.

Underneath the bolster helm chair is storage for an optional ice maker. The stainless door is accessed in the companionway and does not interfere or distract the skipper. It also is within arm’s reach of the bar and those two swivel bar chairs, so an “A+” to the ergonomics designer at Cruisers Yachts.

For those looking for just a bit more than a day yacht, the Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS with outboards opens a new chapter in satisfaction.