Cruiser Yacht has specialised in building luxury boats for years, but they shied away from building bowriders or small, affordable models. That simply wasn’t the manufacturer’s specialty. But that was then, and this is now. KCS International Inc., the business that owns Cruiser Yacht, recently purchased Azure and now offers a range of smaller models under the Cruiser Sports Series label. Yes, indeed! This is the latest development in the limbo of restructuring, takeovers and buybacks that has characterized the industry ever since the economic downturn hit us.

Whatever the case may be, Cruiser Yacht remains an independent product line that offers 11 models this year, in sizes ranging from 31 to 56 feet. Most are Express Cruisers, models distinguished by their sleek lines and sporty appeal. Known as the 540 SC since 2012 (instead of the 520 SC), our test model’s impressive size is surprising at first glance. With a total length greater than 54 feet (15.9 m) and a 15.6-foot (4.7 m) beam, the Cruiser Yacht 540 SC stands out from the rest of the pack. You can be confident it won’t be overlooked. One of the boat’s most striking features is its style – hands down. While some models have boxier lines, the 540 SC goes in the opposite direction with a nicely rounded look owing to its strongly arched hardtop and the curved design of its wide lateral windows. You would be hard pressed to confuse it with models made by other manufacturers.

Onboard layout
To the stern is the broad hydraulic swim platform that not only simplifies onboard access, but adds to the usable area, especially when swimming. It’s practically your own private beach! Of course, you could also use it to carry a dinghy or some other recreational watercraft. Two passages on either side of the boat provide cockpit access, another practical feature of this model. You might think the second passage would cut into onboard space because it must be kept clear, but the manufacturer avoided the problem thanks to the addition of a sliding bench. In its usual position, this round bench is located right in the stern, leaving both passages free and making it easy to move around. For a more hospitable environment, the bench can quickly be rotated next to the main bench, blocking the left passage but creating a warmer atmosphere and giving a few more people access to the eating area. The layout can be reconfigured at the flick of a switch, adding to the boat’s practicality and the main deck’s flexibility. This huge deck is also fully equipped. There’s no point rushing down to the galley, you have everything you need to prepare your meals and drinks. Located right behind the helm console, this mini-galley includes a counter with an electric grill, a fridge and an abundance of storage space. You can even install a 26-inch TV that slides in or out of the counter at the touch of a button.

Forward space is primarily devoted to the helm console, which includes two captain’s seats, allowing you to pilot the ship in good company. Modern and impressive, the port console is well-designed and has plenty of space for all the necessary electronic fittings. Everything is highly ergonomic and easy to use. There are two ways to access the foredeck to take advantage of the broad sunpad: down either side deck or by the port side windshield walkthrough.

Luxury and comfort
Given the model’s generous dimensions, the cabin is of course rather large. We were stunned by how spacious it feels, and particularly by the amount of headroom. At first glance it is simply magnificent and thoroughly luxurious, particularly in the choice of materials and the attention to detail. Stainless-steel appliances and rounded cabinets with glass doors are all nice touches. As is usually the case on yachts, the master stateroom is in the stern and takes up the boat’s full beam. This layout offers lots of space with several practical storage spaces and a private head. The second, equally roomy stateroom is located at the forward end. It can be furnished with two single berths or one queen berth. In short, the Cruiser Yacht 540 SC can host several passengers comfortably and luxuriously, no matter how long the trip.

On the water
“Choosing” an engine is rather simple with the 540 SC because only one engine configuration is offered. It has three Volvo IPS 600 D6 engines with 435 hp each. This triple engine guarantees the boat’s power and maneuverability, without excessive fuel consumption. Of course, the IPS system and its joystick greatly simplify docking manoeuvres, neutralizing the stress linked to operating such a massive beast. Whatever the winds or the current, this boat can be handled with a flick of the wrist and gently and seamlessly steered wherever you want to go.
On the water, you can start planing and bring the boat to cruising speed in just over five seconds. We reached a maximum speed of 44 mph (70.1 km/h) at 3,600 rpm, while the ideal cruising speed is around 25 mph (40 km/h) at approximately 2,500 rpm, with fuel consumption of 29 gallons per hour (109 l/h).

From the helm console, the large forward windows provide excellent visibility and you quickly get used to the additional mullions for the walk-through windshield. The same goes for side visibility, which is aided by large windows. Only the view to the stern is problematic. The way the top dramatically arches aftward is certainly appealing in terms of style, but it blocks the pilot’s view, forcing him or her to duck frequently to see farther back. This is the only complaint I can make about this model.

As for the rest, with its weight and size the Cruiser Yacht 540 SC gives you no reason to fear troubled waters and offers stable, safe performance.

Review boat provided by: Crates Québec