Skip to main content
Boat TestsBoats

Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius

By April 1, 2019No Comments

Your new home away from home.

by Capt. Tom Serio

To appreciate the 46 Cantius by Cruisers Yachts is to understand what it really offers.

 It’s not just about the cut of speed it provides — which is impressive at just over 30 knots — it’s also about the level of relaxation that can be attained thanks to the layout, furnishings and amenities. It’s kind of a home away from home setup, one that will have you wanting to be onboard whether cruising or just chilling at the dock.   

Historically speaking

The 46 Cantius is not a one-hit-wonder for Cruisers Yachts. It’s part of a proven and successful pedigree of Cantius models from 42 to 60 feet, along with several flybridge and express models under the Cruisers flag. Tracing its lineage, Cruisers Yachts began in the early 1900s as the Thompson Bros. Boat Works, building wood lapstrake cabin cruisers with outboard power. In 1956, they introduced the Cruisers brand of boats, later changing their build process from wood to fiberglass in 1965. After changing hands several times over the years, K.C. Stock purchased the company in 1993 and changed the name to Cruisers Yachts, under the K.C. International Inc. business. The first Cantius model was introduced in 2011, and the rest is Wisconsin history. 
 

Power up

On the power side, the 46 has a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 600 diesel engines pushing 435 hp each. These blocks get the 32,200-pound boat up and charging when commanded. Our numbers checked in with three persons onboard, 130 gallons of fuel, and empty water and waste tanks. 
For leisurely cruises around 6.2 knots, the Volvos will burn about 2.3 gallons at 1200 RPM. Improved fuel efficiency is when you can get the ponies charging and the hull up and out of the water. Pushing the throttles to 2500 RPM, we saw 16 knots at 22 gph burn rate. If the need is for speed, there’s 23.2 knots at 3000 RPM and 30 gph. Operating the 46 Cantius at this speed is effortless, and the hull holds a true track with 16-degree deadrise at the transom with no wavering or chine hopping. And there’s a little extra Oomph! if needing to beat the weather. Pinning the throttles at 3550 RPM delivers 31.1 knots at 44 gph. Your numbers may differ slightly due to load and location, but you can see that Cruisers built the 46 with the power capabilities for a wide range of cruising preferences.
One benefit of Volvo IPS drives is that they can be mounted further back than a conventional engine and drive shaft setup. This affords more interior space in the living areas as well as potentially more space in the engine room, where access is via a hatch in the aft deck floor. Note that the hatch drain channel is 1.5 inches deep, sufficient to ship water to the dedicated drain openings.
Below, there’s room to not only get around and access the engines and pod drives, but also the ancillary systems, oil and fuel filters, generator and more. Hoses are double clamped at 180 degrees. Nice job, Cruisers!

At the con

Managing that horsepower as well as the operation is a forward helm to starboard on the single-level main deck. Twin 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays offer up all the information you need, from system data to navigation charts. Rocker switches are on the helm console and front face, with throttles, joystick, tab controls and Garmin screen controller/mouse all housed on the right-side arm console. Ergonomically it works thanks to the adjustable helm seat bench, helm footrest and fold-down stand. Visibility is excellent all around, enhanced by the single-pane windshield, full side windows and glass aft door that slides open. And it all lends to the open feel, including the hardtop’s retractable sunroof. 
With headroom of 6 feet, 7 inches throughout the main deck and a 5-foot, 5-inch wide opening of the sliding aft doors, the areas are roomy enough to cure any claustrophobia. The aft deck sports an L-shaped settee across the transom and to port, with a diagonal cut teak table that serves dinners well without obstructing the walk path.
Inside, the L-galley is aft to port, with a recessed two-burner Kenyon cooktop, large circular sink with Donze faucet, Muave convection microwave oven, upper/lower cabinets and several drawers. Across to starboard is the side-by-side Nova Kool undercounter fridge/freezer. A recessed 32-inch flat-screen TV pulls out and swings almost 180 degrees, viewable from any seat — even from the aft seating.
Forward to port is the L-shaped dining settee that’s almost 6 feet long centered by a teak table. A raised two-step platform offers great visibility all around and is certain to be a favorite resting spot. The table ends fold up for easy access to the seating, and also can be converted into an additional sleeping area.
Across to starboard is a double settee just behind the helm seat. This keeps the center of the boat a blended social area and within easy ear-shot of the operator. Storage is ample below the seating.

Slumber time — or not

Down below there’s a full-beam master stateroom midship. High ceilings and large hullside windows that can be opened bring in ample light and breeze. A queen berth, portside chaise lounge and a 32-inch flat-screen TV are some of the reasons that the master may not be used just for sleeping. A private ensuite head has a Scandvik basin sink, Dometic toilet, separate shower stall and walnut wood finish. Opt for the washer/dryer unit if cruising for extended periods.
Up forward is the VIP stateroom, with center island walkaround queen berth, side windows, overhead hatch and lockers. A 32-inch TV tops it. What’s neat are the two under-berth drawers; they’re not skimpy but measure in at 20 inches deep, 6 inches high and 26 inches wide. 
A day head off the hall and with an entrance from the VIP includes a Scandvik basin sink, Dometic toilet and separate shower stall. 

On deck

You’ll want to venture to the foredeck, and it can be done safely thanks to the grabrail along the house edge. Side decks are wide and the side rails will guide you all the way forward.
Here, you’ll find a generously sized U-shaped sunpad. Each side lounger pad has a tilt-up backrest. The center pad is a seat in a rectangular well. Cruisers cleverly built in a teak table that scissors up and out from underneath the seat, allowing the sunpad area to transform into a comfy sitting area, perfect for sunset cocktails at anchor. Opt for the foredeck sunshade, with the four poles and canvas that store underneath the sunpads.
With all of the features found on the Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius, you won’t need a reason to go boating. You’ll just want to. 
Specifications
  • LOA: 46’11”
  • Beam: 14’9″
  • Draft: 42″
  • Weight: 32,200 lbs.
  • Fuel Capacity: 360 gals.
  • Water Capacity: 100 gals.
  • Power: T-Volvo Penta IPS 600 435-hp
  • Price: Contact dealer
  • Website: cruisersyachts.com

Photo Courtesy of Cruisers Yachts

Photo Courtesy of Cruisers Yachts

Photo Courtesy of Cruisers Yachts