Review Notes

2009 CRUISERS YACHTS 420 SPORTS COUPE

FOR OPENERS

A trend of late by many cruiser manufacturers is to offer a hard top instead of a fabric top over the helm area of the boat. Others have gone to a fully enclosed hard top configuration so that front and side windows blend smoothly into the hard top and there is no need to handle canvas in this area.

Now, if you take the modern styling that Cruisers Yachts have brought to the market of late, add the innovations unique to the Cruisers line-up of boats and install the Volvo IPS engine / drive configuration you have the 420 Sports Coupe.

Boatcan had a chance to tour the Cruisers Yachts 420 Sports Coupe at the Toronto In-Water Boat Show located at Ontario Place Marina in September 2008. We had a full uninterrupted tour of the 420 and were able to enjoy the ins and outs of this new model that Cruisers has introduced to the marine market. The innovative design of this vessel is once again proving to be one of the real leaders in the manufacture of large cruisers in North America.

AT DOCKSIDE

The 420 Sports Coupe was backed into the dock at Ontario Place. Immediately you are taken by the pleasing look of the boat. The coupe design is configured so that windshield and side windows are affixed to the hardtop. There is no canvas or plastic windows to contend with in the front or sides of the cockpit area.

Next you see the smooth canvas that forms the enclosure of the aft cockpit. You are immediately impressed by a very pleasing and people friendly aft deck with a smooth transition to the seating area forward to left and the helm area to right. You also note the cockpit wetbar service area that really adds a functional dimension to the 420 Cruisers Sports Coupe.


BOARDING

As indicated previously, our review model was sterned in to the floating dock so our initial impression was of the back of the boat. There is a large extended swim platform that made boarding very simple. So often you come to your boat with arms full of groceries, clothes or other items and getting from the boat to the dock safely can be a challenge. But the design of the 420 Sports Coupe made this task simple and without any incident.

The transom is clean and with a lot of storage. Mid the transom is a pulldown rumble seat that offers a great venue to watch the kids swim or to simply sit, relax and enjoy the sunset. To the right, or the starboard side of the transom, is a self-contained area that houses a large storage space, dockside water hookup and the telephone, television cable entries to the boat’s systems. The retractable 50 amp power cord is just below this hatch and very easy to access for plugging into the shore electrical connection. These are well designed and well out of the way of view, but easily accessed which is really important to the user.

Finally, to get aboard the 420 you take a short couple of steps up and walk through the easy to use swing gate to enter a large flat floor aft cockpit area.

THE DECK AREA

The rear cockpit area is open and uncluttered. A straight clear path to the salon entry door is available and the aft area is truly people pleasing and welcoming. To your right is a large semi-circular seating space which provides seating across the transom and around behind the helm. When people sit in this area they can talk, dine, have snacks and refreshments and entertain in style and total comfort.

Immediately to your left on the port side of the boat is a built-in service area. This area lets you impress and entertain your guests with a feature that includes a wet bar, built-in sink, refrigerator, an optional cockpit grill and a 20 inch flat screen television. The weather was warm on our visit and one of three air/heat units was providing a comfortable temperature in the aft deck space.

The aft area of the cockpit is definitely people friendly. It is very functional with canvas stowed away or in place in case the weather is a bit less than perfect. But care has been taken so the rear seat is usable even with all canvas in place. In short, the aft cockpit or rear deck area is perfectly designed for ease and comfortable use at all times. With the optional AC/Heat package, t the use of this space is extended whether extremely hot or cooler temperatures prevail.

As we move forward we find a good sized and well designed lounge to our left while immediately to our right is the helm. While you have to step up two short steps instead of having a completely flat floor to traverse, this feature provides ample height in the mid cabin and ample visibility from the helm station.

Ahead of you, and built into the forward bulkhead, is a set of stairs that goes forward to the front deck. The flip open windshield is great since it affords a lot of ventilation if desired and the access to the fore deck is safe and always in view of the captain. There are walkarounds along the side of the boat. While these are quite narrow they are passable and safe. There are strong stainless handrails along the coupe roof sides providing for safe movement in this area. What this does do however is provide considerably more interior space for use.

This writer in the past has been skeptical about stair access to the front deck from the cockpit. But when you really analyze this feature it makes perfect sense. Those heading forward are always in sight of the captain and this in and of itself is much safer than the idea of first heading to aft area of the boat and then going forward along the side.

LET’S GO BELOW

As you go below on the Cruisers 420 Sports Coupe, you feel truly welcomed. The salon is warm and the richness of the satin finish cherry laminate interior makes you feel that you are home. The salon is large with an open concept arrangement. There is a feeling of a much larger yacht than the 420 badge would suggest.

On the port side there is a very roomy crescent shaped dinette lounge with the optional leather seating. The large oval hi-lo table easily adapts to provide plenty of space to eat dinner or have snacks and cocktails. The carpeted floor in this region is luxurious and soft providing a true feeling of opulence.

To starboard is the galley. The teak / holly laminated floor is simple and easy to maintain. The granite like counter surfaces look rich. The flattop cook surface is easy to use and the large high polished sink gives the galley a feeling of richness. There are above and below counter cupboards affording a good amount of storage space. Directly behind the counter area are three vertical portholes ...(there are 3 on the port side too) that shed an abundance of warm natural light into the salon. There are wood blinds that come standard to cover the portholes if desired. In this area there is also plenty of storage space for the blender, toaster, and knife block ensuring that these are extremely easy to find and to use.

As you face the galley itself, there is a large two door refrigerator under the counter, a microwave with coffee maker built into the wall and a large 26 inch flat screen overhead. Also, in this general area to the right, there is a beautiful and large liquor cabinet. The glass front allows the cabinet to be a focal point in the room. It provides the perfect area to serve guests who are visiting while you do not have to be far from the conversation. It is warm and a pleasant asset to the salon.

Also on your right as you enter the 420 is a large head. The vanity and toilet are completely separate from the glass-doored shower. This is particularly nice since the crew often use this facility at different times and having a dry head allows for all to use the space equally comfortably. Located where it is, visitors and owners can both access this facility equally well.

Fully forward is the Master Stateroom. Here you can enjoy plenty of natural light and air thanks to the Ocean-Air hatch with built-in screen and sky shade. There is generous storage with two large cedar-lined lockers on each side of the cabin and storage underneath the large island berth. The berth is in the centre of the cabin and along the length of the boat, which makes the task of fixing the sheets etc. much simpler. A TV/DVD combo comes standard and zoned air/heat controls and stereo adjustments make this room a sanctuary unto itself and a get away for the owners even if aboard by themselves. Our review boat had the optional bulkhead door which keeps this area private and out of sight of guests if this is desired.

In the mid section of the boat and immediately aft of the dinette lounge, is the Midship Stateroom. This cabin features a split twin berth that easily converts into a full berth when the filler cushion is installed. There is limited storage at the head of the bed while an opening porthole near the head of the bed provides extra light and ventilation. This room comes complete with a large hanging locker, a good amount of storage, a TV/DVD combo and direct access to the secondary head. The head/shower is separated from the vanity so that simultaneous use of each can be employed and the porthole behind the vanity gives extra natural light and ventilation. Your guests will enjoy luxurious comfort both day and night.

VENTILATION and LIGHT

The feeling aboard and below on the Cruisers 420 Coupe is that this boat is airy and bright. The extra large vertical side ports, the overhead hatches and the opening portholes front and aft provide both natural light and ventilation. The many small pot lights add to the light sources but also to the mood aboard the boat. Lights can be controlled with several different switches for numerous settings of light intensity. Regardless of the light origin, this boat below feels like home... with a feeling of richness also.

BACK TOP SIDES

As you move to the upper cockpit area again, you are taken by the large teak stair treads set beautifully into the carpet of the stairs. As well as being visually appealing, the stairs are large and flat to give really good footing which is important. Also the stairs are straight into the salon and there are no curved treads that that can cause footing difficulties.

In the forward area of the cockpit under the fully enclosed hardtop coupe you see the electrically operated sunroof. When opened it gives even easier access to the foredeck and a lot of extra natural light and ventilation. You see the large expanse of the aft deck space and all of the seating provided and the amenities available to all who board this beautiful 420 Sports Coupe.

AT THE HELM

The helm on the Cruisers 420 is a captain’s dream. The ergonomic dash panel has been precisely designed for intuitive engine monitoring and precise navigation and vessel control. All gauges have been carefully placed for ease of use and maximum viewing. The electronic screens are in the middle of the dash so that course setting, checking and alterations are efficiently handled. All rocker switch controls are at your finger tips and the VHF radio and electronic engine monitors are equally easy to see. The Volvo IPS shifter controls and the IPS Joystick are located to the right of the helm console, also easy to reach and to use.

Rounding out the helm space, the flip-up bolsters are a welcome touch and having a double captain’s seat allows guests or the First mate to join the captain when out for a long cruise or an afternoon jaunt to an anchorage or restaurant.

There is storage tucked beneath the helm seat area. The raised helm station provides an unobstructed 360 degree view of your location and surroundings. The real glass forward and to the sides of you gives a much clearer vision of all that is around you.

UNDERWAY

This actual test information is yet to come. But we did have the opportunity to discuss the trips taken by Angus Yachts of Toronto who are Cruisers Yachts Number One in the World dealership.

They report that this boat is exceptionally quiet with the twin Volvo D6 500 IPS, 370 HP diesel engines. The Joy Stick option is truly remarkable and allows the operator at the helm to avoid mishaps easily and immediately when coming into or going out of a dock space. A simple twist of the Joy Stick and you easily compensate for wind or currents that otherwise might have you onto a dock or another boat. But the joy of IPS does not end when out on the open water.

Like the previous 420 we tested, she flattens quickly and with almost no bow lift. She is very responsive to the wheel. Since there are no struts, rudders or shafts beneath the surface, the boat is very efficient because the drag on the underwater running gear is greatly lessened.

SImply stated, Angus personnel indicated that this boat is equally comfortable in smooth waters and conditions that are less than perfect. She is dry, there is some hull thump on the big lumps, but that is to be expected.

More will follow in this area soon about our on the water review and the actual experience on this model...

AS REVIEWED

Standard Features

Ant-Fouling Bottom Paint

Cockpit Wetbar

Table and Sun Lounge Cushion Cockpit

Windlass with Anchor and Chain

Windshield Walk-Thru Foredeck Access

Compas and Depth Finder

Cetrifuge Head with Holding Tank

Air Horn

2 Hour Meters

Spotlight with remote Control

Air Conditioner / heater

Battery Charging System

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

9.0 KW Generator with Sound Shield

Tilt Steering Wheel

Trim Tabs Cockpit Stereo and CD Player with remote at helm

Salon Stereo with Digital Theatre System and CD/DVD

Salon 26 inch LCD TV/DVD with Home Thatre

TV Antenna and Wiring

Hardtop with Full Enclosure and Sunroof

Electric Engine Hatch

Included Options

Blue Accent Hull Colour

Chaise Loiunge Fordeck

Cockpit Seating Sand pebble

Rumble Seat

Deep Cycle Batteries

Central Vac

Salon Stools

Front Bulkhead Door Forward Stateroom

Cherry Treads on Cabin Entry

TV/DVD in Front and Aft Stateroom and Therapeutic mattress in Front Statroom

Towel and Pillow Package

Custom Sheets and Pillow Cases in front Stateroom

Anchor Washdown System

Cockpit Washdown System

Cockpit Electric Grill and refrigerator

Premium Electronics Package

VHF Radio

Oil Change System with generator

Premium Entertainment Package

Underwater Lighting

Electronics Platform

FINAL THOUGHTS

Quoting Cruisers Yachts about the NEW 420 Sports Coupe. “With an incredible list of features previously reserved for much larger yachts, the 420 Sports Coupe offers an oasis free from stress and envy... Well for you and your guests anyway. Passers-by will be jealous of its fluid spacious design, not to mention an all new interior layout. Plus the 420 SC is the only express style yacht in its class with a standard walk-thru windshield and sunroof. So prepare yourself! You may just become the most ogled yacht owner in the marina.”

We could not help but agree. Whether it is the fully enclosed coupe hard top configuration, the very pleasing and welcoming back cockpit area or the electrically activated aft deck that lifts at the flick of a switch for complete access to the mechanicals below, the Cruisers Yachts 420 Sport Coupe is a very pleasing package. This boat is the new style with almost no canvas to handle or store. Climate controlled aft deck cockpit space gives you the ability to grill, serve cocktails and snacks without ever having to leave your guests on the back deck. Then there is the extremely large space below.

This boat is luxurious, fully appointed, and the power drive train is state of the art from Volvo Penta. To say the very least, this boat is a very fine example once again that Cruisers Yachts is not only here to stay but setting the bar very high for the other manufacturers to reach. This is a beauty to be certain..

FINALLY

For more information about the 2009 Cruisers Yachts 420 Sport Coupe Cruiser, contact The Sales Staff at Crates Marine Sales - Keswick.

To view the Crates Marine Sales complete list of boats on Boatcan click on KESWICK MARINE SALES BOAT LIST

This model is also available through:

MAPLE CITY MARINE