Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius

Cruisers Yachts launched the all-new 60-foot Cantius at their annual dealer meeting in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin this past July. This new yacht is the biggest, most luxurious and most technologically advanced yacht the company has built to date, making her the reigning queen of their fleet.

Cruisers Yachts launched the all-new 60-foot Cantius at their annual dealer meeting in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin this past July. This new yacht is the biggest, most luxurious and most technologically advanced yacht the company has built to date, making her the reigning queen of their fleet.

The new 60 is the fourth model addition to the Cantius product line, and represents more than two years of design development and construction work. Creating a new yacht this size is no small undertaking, and it was not accomplished in a vacuum.

Throughout the development process, current Cruisers yacht owners and dealers were invited to contribute their thoughts and suggestions on how to improve upon the original design. Cruisers also worked with DeBasto Designs on the interior, and Facheris Designs on the exterior. The result is a yacht that has been influenced by hundreds of people who know a whole lot about complex marine design.

Picture windows

When approaching the new 60 Cantius from dockside you will immediately notice the unique array of large windows mounted within the yacht’s hull-sides. The technology used to manufacture hull-side windows, such as these, is very new and, because of the cost, is only used on larger vessels. The black frames and smoked glass not only add to the style lines of the yacht but also offer a very practical benefit by delivering huge amounts of illumination below decks. The result is that every living space within this yacht is lit by a lot of natural sunlight. These windows meet or exceed all CE and ISO requirements, so there is no need to be concerned about their installation compromising the structural integrity of the hull.

Front and center

For years, yacht designers seemed to pay little attention to a yacht’s foredeck; this space was typically an uninteresting, deserted wasteland, left to the domain of a few lonely cleats, a hatch, bicycles tied to bow rails, and perhaps a dinghy lashed to the deck. But the 60 Cantius foredeck is an oasis. Comfortable seats, thickly padded sun lounges, secured storage, nifty pop-up night lights and an overhead sun shade combine to create a wonderful area. The only thing missing is a few palm trees.

While on sea trial, I turned the helm over to my host so I could spend some time on the foredeck while underway. The only thing I heard was the hissing and swishing sounds of the water flowing past the hull; there was zero engine noise on the foredeck while at cruising speed, which added to the feeling of being on a remote island in paradise.

Open layout

The design spirit of all boats under the Cantius marquee lies in the unified environment of the yacht’s deck-level living spaces. Swing open the door between the cockpit and salon, and power down the portside windowed bulkhead, to create an open environment from the yacht’s salon, to the galley and cockpit. The layout includes a peninsula-shaped counter between the galley and cockpit, that melds these areas into one expansive space. Matching stools are installed in the cockpit, so friends can gather around the table — much like in the kitchen of most homes today. It’s easy to envision this as most people’s favorite gathering place while on board. And, because of the unique seawater drain system engineered into the yacht’s cockpit sole, there are zero steps between the cockpit and the yacht’s interior.

Ample accommodations

The open characteristic of the Cantius salon is wisely carried through into the yacht’s accommodations deck; this is where you will experience the value of the hull-side windows mentioned earlier. Access to the two large en suite staterooms and lower salon (with an option for third stateroom) is gained from an open landing area at the bottom of a few extra-wide stair steps. It is unlikely that anybody will feel cramped or confined when down below. Both staterooms — on opposite ends of the boat — utilize the benefits of the hull-side windows; saying that these rooms are bathed in natural light is quite an understatement.

The master stateroom is equipped with custom-made, power-activated shades to create privacy and keep out daylight for people who like to sleep beyond reveille.

A lot of attention is given to the layout and outfitting of the master stateroom on yachts of this magnitude; the owners of the vessel deserve to be treated well. The 60 Cantius layout accommodates a beam-to-beam master stateroom, which company representatives tell me is the largest of any yacht in this size class. I really like the cafe table on the starboard side of the master stateroom. Combine this dinette with the stateroom’s built-in coffee/espresso maker and refrigerator and you have a great place to relax with a beverage any time of the day.

Stately details

The workmanship on board the new 60 Cantius is very impressive — as you would expect of a yacht this size and price (about $2.4 million as equipped). The fit and finish of the wood used throughout the yacht is impressive and world class. Cruisers Yachts continue to impress with the design and quality of their cushions and upholstery — all of which are assembled and sewn at their Oconto, Wisconsin facility. When you get a chance to tour this boat, take time to inspect the upholstery, as it is among the best you’ll see.

Sometimes the simplest details are what impress the most, as is the case with the Soft-Close hardware used on all the cabinetry. No more wrestling with spring-loaded latches every time you open or close a cabinet door or drawer — like magic, each door and drawer gently closes without a sound.

Silent power

Our test vessel (hull #1) is equipped with twin Volvo IPS950 D11 diesel engines, rated at 725-hp each. With these engines, the yacht cruised at 32 mph (2,250 rpm) and attained a top speed of 39 mph (2,563 rpm). Fuel consumption indicated a cumulative rate of 56 gallons per hour (gph) cruise and 73 gph wide-open throttle.

When I took the helm for a session of close quarters maneuvering, I noticed something was missing. It was turbo lag — that irritating period of hesitation between when you engage the engines and they begin to produce thrust. These engines are quiet and very smooth due to Volvo’s new twin-entry turbo system, which virtually eliminates turbo lag.

Simplified systems

A nifty gizmo installed on this Cantius is Raymarine’s Digital Switching system, which allows the owner and/or captain to control all of the yacht’s systems on their smartphone or tablet. Now, simply using a mobile device, it’s possible to adjust the HVAC system, monitor bilge pump cycles, check fuel level, turn on or off deck lights and a seemingly endless list of other tasks. This system eliminated the expansive switch panels — filled with meters, breakers and switches — as well as hundreds of feet of electrical wiring. The helm station utilizes a very clean design, and is further enhanced with Raymarine navigation gear and Volvo’s digital engine monitors. The dual helm chairs are both stylish and ultra-plush, and visibility from the helm, while operating and docking the yacht, is outstanding, both forward and aft.

A great new yacht is only as good as the company and dealer network that supports it. Dealers attending the Cruisers Yachts meeting this year represent the “who’s who” of U.S. boat retailers.
 
“Cruisers Yachts are sold by the best network of independent boat dealers in the United States,” stated Matthew VanGrunsven, director of marketing for Cruisers Yachts. “Our dealers are well established and financially sound, which enables them to represent the highest quality brands, accept trades and deliver outstanding service to their customers. Our dealers are why so many people are initially attracted to the Cruisers Yachts brand and continue to trade up within our product line.”

Christening the new 60 Cantius is a significant milestone for this independent, aggressive yacht builder. This luxury yacht has style and grace, and is truly worthy of royal status.