Cruisers Yachts Cantius 50
Cruisers Yachts continues to innovate and evolve the Cantius line
By: John Armstrong and Andy Adams
Photos: Cruisers Yachts Inc.
Almost a decade ago, Cruisers Yachts Inc., launched an entire line of express cruisers called “Cantius” (named after company owner KC Stock’s grandfather) that began with the 48Cantius then came the 54, the 60 and now the Cantius 50. In the fall of 2017, we will be at the debut of the 42 Cantius at the Fort Lauderdale International boat show.
These designs have a strong family resemblance withhandsome and distinctive linesand with a design philosophy that you could say, pioneered the new version of the express cruiser. Cruisers offered a main cabin that was fully enclosed, (there was little or no canvas to stow) and yet that offered a huge electric opening sunroof and opening side windows that could transform this cruiser into almost a breezy open runabout. But the most important feature of the Cantius line is the flat floor that makes the entire cabin and cockpit one continuous living area.
The fore deck area is quite unique and provides you with a bow rider type seating area. Also, the Cantius 50 has recessed side decks, high rails and cabin side handles for securely moving around the boat.
Air conditioning and heat make this boat comfortable in almost any weather and the sunroof can bring in the sun when you want it or shelter you from the glare when you don’t. The same is true for the big cockpit area – that’s got an electrically retractablesunshade over the entire space.
The whole layout and the details of the cabin and glass bulkhead give great convenience and the ease of quickly hauling in the power cord, stowing the fenders and casting off for a quick spin after work, or for a cruising holiday.
In fact, have some friends join you for dinner on the boat and have your own version of the movable feast.
The optional awning over the deck lounge
The success of the Cantius line lies in its convenience and the IPS drives are an important part of that. TheCantius 50 has Volvo Penta IPS 600s which are twin 435 hp diesels driving forward facing, counter-rotating prop sets on each drive with electrically controlled steering, joystick docking and frankly, impressive performance and handling.
As you come aboard the boat, you simply walk up to the substantial and beautifully made stainless steel frame door, unlock it and get ready to go. While the engines take a minute or two to warm up, you can take off the lines and using the joystick docking control, move confidently out of your slip and away from the docks.
When you arrive at the anchorage, the hydraulic swim platform can be lowered right into the water and Cruisers has designed a brilliant staircase that deploys as the platform goes down, making it simple to step back up to the boat after swimming. Also, the cockpit has a hand-held shower to rinse off after a swim in saltwater.
The full beam master stateroom is very spacious and has this convenient café lounge area on the port side.
The stern is really your teak beach and living area. Cruisers have equipped the Cantius 50 with a Kenyon electric transom grill and refreshment area. There is a wet bar in the cockpit along with lots of storage and drink holders and the test boat had the optional icemaker. Get out there and grill dinner while others relax on the big wraparound cockpit seat, or prepare food and serve drinks from the galley.
One of the most popular features of Cantius models is that theU-shaped galley is located up against the port side and aft bulkhead. The big sheet of bulkhead glass lowers electrically in seconds, making the counter a serving area. And, the chef is part of the party.
The mid cabin includes an opening portable, television and space for two adults.
The galley is really well equipped with four Vitrifrigo drawer type refrigerator freezers, big convection type microwave by Mauve as well as stovetop, large stainless steel sink and a bin for pots and pans, overhead lockers for provisions and more. You can really get a meal out on this yacht.
Just aft of the helm seat is a comfortable loveseat opposite the galley area, so you can sit and talk to the cook.
On a warm evening with the boat all opened up to the stars, you could serve dinner at thewraparound convertible dinette that’s just ahead of the galley. This has a great view out or, lower the blinds if you want privacy.
The helm is to starboard with a spacious double helm seat and big glass areas for nearly 360° visibility when running. The test boat had twin Garmin flush mount screens, tilt wheel and a footrest for comfortable standing or seated operation. The controls for the IPS are on the side console along with the joystick lever, trim tabs and the switches are all ahead within easy reach. Another unique Cantius feature is the innovative dashboard design that opens up the lower cabins below the windshield sections to bring lots of daylight in below decks.
All the cabin areas feel open and spacious.
Altogether, the Cantius 50 has three cabins and two heads for really gracious accommodations. Coming down the companionway, the day head is just to the port side and it is elegant with lots of hull side glazing for light and ventilation, a large sink in a vanity, Dometic centrifuge system MSD, medicine cabinet with mirrors and the best part, a fully enclosed shower stall with folding glass door. Very comfortable for everyone!
The VIP state room is in the bow with an island type queen berth, storage drawers below, private entrance to the day head, starboard side hanging locker, big windows and a large screen TV plus an audio system. It also has a mirrored forepeak adding to the feeling of spaciousness, an escape hatch above, hull side glazing to bring in more daylight as well as blinds for privacy, his and hers reading lights and more.
The Cantius 50 also has a mid-cabin with twin single bunks, big hanging locker, three drawers and a TV. There’s an opening porthole behind the blinds and the ship’s electrical panel is in the wall paneling.
Needless to say, the main event is the master stateroom which is full beam and includes a full rectangular island queen-size berth with a mirrored headboard, nightstands and reading lights on either side and an expanse of drawers and storage in a bureau up the starboard side that rivals what most people have at home!
On the port side, there is a charming and comfortable café lounge area where the owners can escape for quiet chat or a nap. The very large hull side windows make this area feel like it’s an above decks cabin it’s so bright.
The master has an en suite head with a glass door shower stall a large sink in a vanity with mirrored medicine cabinet, Dometic centrifuge system MSD, and room for lots of cosmetics and towels.
The Cantius has a large cedar lined closet, (much bigger than a hanging locker) and another great feature is the available Splendide combination washer dryer that’s built into the cabinetry here. This makes extended cruising much more comfortable. It’s bright and pleasant in the daytime but the extensive indirect lighting makes it really elegant at night.
All in all, this is a grand big yacht but wait! There’s more…
Many of the boats in this size and price range include bow cushions or recliners on the front deck, but Cruisers has gone one better with the Cantius 50.
The front deck has a wraparound seating area in the bow that has a foot well, side armrests, a foldout cocktail table and there is an optional awning that you can put up when moored to reduce the direct sun. Other boats may have a usable area here and even nice cushions but now, this looks and feels like a much more comfortable living space.
It’s like buying a yacht and getting a bow rider thrown into the bargain. I bet the kids would love the bow seating on the Cantius 50.
Cruisers Yachts Inc., continues to innovate and evolve their Cantius line and the new 50 is a great example!
SPECIFICATIONS
Engines: Volvo Penta IPS 600, twin 5.5L 6 cylinder common rail diesel engines with electronic control, 435 hp. Twin counter rotating forward-facing prop sets on IPS drives. Joystick docking and driving control.
ENGINE RPM MPH
Idle 4.2
1,500 8.7
2,000 10.7
2,400 12.8
2,600 14.8
2,800 18.0
3,000 22.5
3,200 26.8
3,500 31.8
3,630 33.3
Length Overall: 49′ 5″ / 15.06 m
Beam: 15′ / 4.57 m
Fuel Capacity: 450 g / 1703 l
Waste Capacity: 71 g / 269 l
Water Capacity: 111 g / 420 l
Weight, Dry 36,000 lbs / 16,329 kg
Price: (as tested in US $) $1,423,814
Test boat, performance data and pricing supplied by: Cruisers Yachts Inc., www.cruisersyachts.com and Crates Lake Country Boats http://www.cratesboats.com
