Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS

When buying a new boat, many factors have to be considered: The type of boating, locations, destinations and, of course, financing.

But there’s one more thing that should be counted, almost by default, and that’s trust. There needs to be an intrinsic level of trust in the builder, in the process and in the product.

Having reviewed several Cruisers Yachts over the years, I have gained trust in its boats — trust that Cruisers is expected to not only maintain a level of quality, innovation and seakeeping in its vessels, but also to exceed it with new models. And it has, with the brand-new Cruisers Yachts 50 GLS.

Creative innovation

Even before stepping aboard, it’s evident Cruisers has stepped up its game. From the rendering you can see how the cockpit converts into a “party platform.” Making this happen are the hull beach doors, where the side gunwales fold down, increasing deck space (to a beam of 21 feet). It also yields great views of the water. Not only that, Cruisers designed a neat layout with aft-facing port and starboard L-shaped settees, suitable for lounging or seating, with padded backrests. Just aft in the center is a large transom bench seat, making this entire area its own little haven. Split wood tables that attach at the base of the seat can be removed and used at the lounge seats, thanks to slide in/out mounts on the seat base and not holes in the deck. With the gunwale sides up and locked, it’s still a favorite gathering space.

You can see that Cruisers thought of access from stem to stern, and appropriately designed the entire main deck for easy transit even if all seats are filled; no knee bumping when trying to move around.

The 50 GLS has aft platform decking allowing for access to the built-in 155-square-inch electric grill, sink and storage on the transom’s back side. Twin swim platforms flank the triple outboards, adding to deck space and access to the water.

As explained to me by Matt VanGrunsen, director of marketing, the Cruisers team is thorough with this design. “We made a full-scale mock-up that we had for about a year for everyone to review and make changes to,” he says. This aids them in being able to touch each area, make enhancements prior to production, and get a real feel for the size and spaces. Input from their dealers is also sought after.

Bow to the bow

What may be more impressive is the open bow, which is something to be admired. With a U-shaped settee offering three sides for seating, access is through a portside door and sliding windshield.

First, this is no standard bowrider. With a high freeboard exterior design and a 36-inch inside freeboard, this is a safe and stable ride. On the fore-facing bench seat, there are three bucket backrests with fold-down armrests. Angled backrest sides, a custom headrest and diamond stitching make these seats akin to those on speedboats. But why not, as I saw the 50 GLS top out near 55 mph on my test ride. Sweet seats, indeed!

Forward is wraparound seating. Want a table? It rises from the deck and also acts as the filler base for a giant sunpad. There’s a chiller box and in-deck storage. A hidden anchor and ground tackle closet keep the gear out of the way. For extra coverage, there are four poles for an optional sunshade.

Main attractions

For more seating options, there’s a helm area midship. With the station to starboard, it offers a split Ultraleather helm seat setup. The captain has a single electric seat outward with a double companion bench right next to it, perfect for a second person during navigation or for guests to be with the captain. A nice touch is the team footrest. Three 19-inch Simrad multifunction displays allow for most everything to be monitored on-screen, reducing the number of dash switches and gauges. Neatly mounted are the Seakeeper 6 display, VHF and engine monitor. Throttles, trim tab and joystick are neatly laid out to the right. Supplying power is a 16 kW Kohler diesel generator.

Across to port is an L-settee with a fold-out wood table, creating another comfortable social/dining area.

Some gems on deck include a wetbar with a sink and a glass backsplash, an under-counter 3-cubic-foot fridge and freezer, and a large L-shape counter. Between the port settee and aft seat is a cabinet with a pull-out bottle/storage pantry and recessed tray in the top for wireless phone charging. There’s a charger by the captain, too! Behind the wetbar is a pop-up 55-inch (yes, not a typo) TV. From the hardtop aft is an electric extending sunshade. Crank the tunes as there are 12 JL Audio speakers and subwoofers strategically placed throughout the boat.

Protection from the elements is a robust integrated hardtop with sunroof, opening side windows and a huge windshield. For extended cruising, have aft Bimini curtains installed to enclose the main deck. Trust in the design

Trust in the Design

Trust that Cruisers did its due diligence and has designed this as a cruiser boat, not just a weekender (which it could be). Below is a cabin with 6 feet, 8 inches of headroom, finished in high-gloss Mocha Oak wood, white Ultraleather and wood flooring. Forward is a stateroom with a centerline queen berth, locker and a 32-inch TV. Overhead is a skylight that offers ambient lighting. Midship is an aft stateroom with a berth, side seats that can be filled for extra sleeping room and a 32-inch TV.

The head has a nice-size separate shower stall; sometimes it’s the little things! Galley features include a microwave and a 2.3-cubic-foot fridge.

Those horses

Strapped onto the 50 GLS are triple Mercury Verado 600-hp outboards. If you didn’t know, these 600s are solid mounted engines and do not move to steer. The lower unit rotates to steer — quite a feature. I still have to get used to seeing stationary engines while turning.

These powerplants perform and have the speed when needed. We topped out at 54.5 mph in a 2-plus-foot chop, with the GLS ready for more. Cruise at 41 mph for a burn of 82 gph total and range of approximately 280 nm. Or pull back more to 15.6 mph for a range of 560 nm drinking only 15.5 gph. The ride is exciting, and the 50 GLS feels like a sports car in the turns yet more yacht-like in the straights. Hard-over turns at speed lean the boat well into the turns but with true tracking. No white knuckles here.

When looking for a boat, do your work and gain trust in the builder. Cruisers Yachts has earned the trust. Just look at the 50 GLS for proof.