The new Cruisers Yachts 38 GLS takes all the ingredients you -really, really want—bowrider, outboard, luxury overnighter—and blends them into a delightful concoction. Upon first boarding and walking through the 38 GLS, most first-time boat shoppers will take away several high points, such as the foldout “beach door” that turns a big chunk of the starboard coaming into a water-level replacement for the transom platform you lose with outboards. It’s an elegant solution for allowing the corrosion resistance and other benefits of outboard power, while simultaneously offering the ability to use the stern of the boat as a swimming, -lounging and socializing center.
Even better, the aft seating swivels to face this “beach” so that parents can watch their little water rats paddle around. The rest of the 38 GLS’s capacious cockpit is notable for offering a full bar—complete with stools—and an outdoor kitchen including a grill, sink, refrigerator and an ice maker. Cruisers Yachts makes the most of the bowrider seating with streamlined headrests and a removable table, adding flexibility and function.
The other takeaway is the cabin, which surprises first with 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom, second with a nearly queen-size berth in a private stateroom for naps or overnighting, and last—but -really -important—is an enclosed head with a hot-and-cold freshwater shower. No more rinse-offs on the transom, although there is another shower there. The settee/-dinette below also converts into a double, offering comfy sleeping for four.
Standard power is a trio of 300 hp -Mercury Verado outboards (350 hp -Verados are optional), and we easily hit 53 mph with a bunch of people aboard and a full fuel tank. These Mercs give you joystick maneuvering for docking; they’re surprisingly fuel-efficient too.
Want to play with water toys? The twin 300 hp Mercury outboard engines hit planing speed—22 knots—in just 5.5 seconds, and ran flat-out at top speed in 21 seconds.
Another convenience option is a 5.5 kW generator to power the cabin’s air conditioning or run the blender at the sandbar.
High Points
⋅Ignition interlock on beach door to prevent use when engines are running.
⋅Thoughtfully designed helm with no-reflection dash and bolstered seat.
⋅Nice touches include standard vacuum (sandy feet!), microwave and screen door to prevent no-see-ums from entering the cabin.
⋅Smooth-riding hull with 21-plus-degree deadrise to handle chop.
Specs
LOA: 38′
Beam: 12′6″
Draft (max): 44′3″
Dry Weight: 23,916 lb.
Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 335 gal.
Price: $610,920
How We Tested
Engines: Triple 300 hp Mercury Verado
Drive/Props: Outboard/16″ x 18″ 4-blade
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 200 gal.
Crew Weight: 850 lb.
More Information
Cruisers Yachts – Oconto, Wisconsin; 800-743-3478; cruisersyachts.com
