Six inches can often make a huge difference in many things, but we’re talking about boats here. The new Cruisers Yachts Cantius 42 is just 6 inches longer than the former Cantius 41 (now retired) but, more important than adding half a foot, this cruiser’s debut marks a huge rethink of how people use their boats. And I’ll give away my conclusion: Cruisers Yachts nailed it with this new Cantius 42.
One word kept coming to mind: flow. The cockpit flows seamlessly (no step) into the salon because the triple-wide sliding doors tuck completely away, creating an entertainment zone literally from transom to helm. The cockpit has an L-shaped settee, which, with the doors out of sight, matches up nicely to the aft-facing L settee in the cabin.
Even better, the galley is in the salon right next to the sliders, making it easy to serve munchies to the cockpit or meals to the dining tables. And with the transom barbecue station with grill and drawer fridge (no-brainer options), this cockpit/salon is where the party starts.
A big, smooth-running Webasto sunroof is standard, which can further open the salon to fresh air, as well as sliding windows port and starboard. Want some private space? The entire foredeck is a sun pad that converts to a cleverly designed settee with flip-out table, and you can add an optional sunshade.
The galley isn’t just for making popcorn, as on some dine-ashore boats, but for serious cooking projects, with ample counter space, two-burner cooktop, microwave/convection oven and fridge.
The helm isn’t overlooked on the Cantius 42, with a stylish carbon-fiber dash encircled by stitched Ultraleather and space for the two optional Raymarine Axiom Pro 12-inch monitors, plus an array of lighted and labeled rocker switches. The skipper gets a bolstered double-wide helm seat and footrest, with throttles and the Volvo Penta joystick controls under an opening window. Forward, the view is unblemished through a huge one-piece windshield. Opposite the helm is a raised mini seating area with psychiatrist-style backrest at the forward end.
After you entertain in the cockpit and salon, sweep everyone out because you have two quite lovely staterooms for two couples to recuperate on the lower deck. Cruisers labels the forward cabin as the master, probably because it has an en-suite head. The island berth is eight-sided, 8 inches wider than a queen and longer, with walk-around space on each side. Large windows provide ample light, and I give Cruisers Yachts big points for two full-height hanging lockers that won’t crumple your clothes, plus four big lockers under the berth. The en-suite head is comfortably large, with a raised Dometic electric head, vessel sink, and big stall shower with seat and Lucite door.
The midcabin stateroom is a close runner-up to the master, with an athwartships queen berth that has the bonus (unlike many midcabins) of walking space on one side, making bed entry much more graceful. Besides having a square berth and good headroom, I might be tempted to make this my master cabin for two reasons. First, it has access to the day-head with yet another full-stall shower, and second, it has a comfy couch/love seat running along the starboard-side. It’s here that I might retire to get away from the party going on in the cockpit. Whichever you decide is the master and which is the VIP, no one is going to feel second-class.
Cruisers doesn’t cut any corners on construction with the Cantius 42, with an all-fiberglass hull reinforced with rot-free foam and glass stringers, plus numerous molded sections for monocoque strength.
If you're shopping, the Sea Ray Sundancer 400 ($707,435) is a slightly smaller express cruiser with two cabins but one head, and twin Cummins diesels (480 hp) with a conventional shaft drive.
Power for the Cantius 42 is either twin Volvo Penta IPS 500 or 600 pod drives, and their compactness is what gives the after stateroom extra space. Our test 42 had the 500s of 370 hp each, topping out respectably at just under 35 mph. A 14 kW Onan genset is standard, and Cruisers Yachts has thoughtfully created a space in the engine room for a Seakeeper gyro. This is a factory option but, if you decide to add it later, it's pre-wired and easily installed. Boating's tests of Seakeeper gyros validate that it virtually eliminates roll.
The Cantius 42, as you’d expect with pod drives, is both agile and economical. The joystick control makes close-quarters handling a cinch, and the Volvo Penta throttle/shifters offer low-speed, sport-fish and single-lever settings. You’ll find your own “best” cruising speed, but we liked 2,750 rpm, which gave us 21.5 mph at 18 gph, or 1.2 mpg.
Whether you want to party with a dozen friends or get away with another couple for a lazy weekend, the Cruisers Yachts Cantius 42 is ready to meet your needs with style and quality.
High Points
- Large engine room with excellent access to service points.
- Pre-wired for Seakeeper gyrostabilizer.
- Standard equipment list includes Onan genset, joystick controls, and shore power.
Low Points
- Windshield reflection is distracting from the white dashboard.
- Space from the door to the midcabin is narrow (17 inches).
Price: $880,480
Available Power: Pod Drives
How We Tested
Engines: Twin 370 hp Volvo Penta D6 Diesels
Drive/Prop: IPS 500 pods / T-3 Nibral propsets
Gear Ratio: 1.94:1
Fuel Load: 270 gal.
Water on Board: 80 gal.
Crew Weight: 550 lb.
More Information: Cruisers Yachts - Oconto, Wisconsin; 920-834-2211; cruisersyachts.com
