2024 Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Rick Layzell

Since 1953, the name Cruisers Yachts has been synonymous with exceptional quality in the midsize luxury pleasure yachts category. Today, the brand offers a range of models from 34-60’ across three unique series: Cantius, GLS, and Fly. The 46 Cantius rests middle of the Cantius range and offers insight into the craftsmanship and attention to detail from the well-renowned company.

Admittedly, our test was conducted very near my home port and I had seen her multiple times. While she was resting on the hard, I had an opportunity to check her out up close and caught a glimpse below the water line. The eye catcher is the IPS (Inboard Performance System) drives from Volvo Penta. There was also no chance of missing the sheer size of the windows offering endless natural light. A couple of weeks before our scheduled test she had been lovingly moved into the water. Naturally, I passed by very slowly while on the water. In a word, she was and is simply stunning.

Her sculpted body lines from the massive swim platform carry naturally forward with ease. Your eyes drink in the windows while recognizing the styling cues and cutting-edge angles used by the designers You gaze upwards and appreciate the full hardtop, more massive windows, and styling cues. She is drop dead gorgeous and I was incredibly excited for test day.

Making my way on board I was immediately struck by the play of both soft and rugged (i.e., durable) features. The fully submersible (with handheld remote control) swim platform delivers fit and functionality with an easy-to-use reboarding ladder on the port side. The beautifully sculpted steps to starboard deploy with the movement of the swim platform. The inlaid platform guides will readily accommodate a dinghy or PWC, and the platform is a massive entertainment zone for all ages of water babies. With the platform back in the raised position we found one of many onboard storage lockers to port and a built in BBQ to starboard.

Easing my way onboard, the aft exterior seating zone features an L-shaped lounger with a stowable hand crafted V-shaped dinette table, icemaker, refrigerator, hot and cold outdoor shower, and a powered retractable sunshade.

We entered the main salon to find a user-friendly galley to port featuring pantry storage, microwave/convection oven, massive sink, two burner stove, endless storage both upper and lower, and a fantastic amount of countertop space. To the starboard side resides a fridge/freezer combo, upper and lower storage, a built in flush mount TV screen and more countertop space for preparation of afternoon refreshments.

All interior seating was adorned in SnowCap White Ultraleather – appropriately fancy words for the most sumptuous boat seating I’ve ever sat in. A two (three if you’re really close) person settee rests to starboard and my eyes moved to the raised dinette on the port side. The standout here (beyond the wicked views) was the table. The degree of craftsmanship in the extendable table is beyond my wildest dreams. Quite frankly, it is a piece of art.

I moved to the helm where technology rules the day with state of the art Glass Cockpit from Volvo Penta overseeing all drive train and vessel operational systems. The two touchscreens are user-friendly, intuitive, and rich with information and personalization. We were treated to the benefits of joystick for vessel management – a dream in close quarters like docking or waiting in line for fuel. There is a full separate test report on the Volvo Penta systems here. What cannot be understated from the cockpit of this yacht is the view from all seating positions. It is amazing.

As eager as I was to pilot her, I was equally excited to move down below to explore the staterooms. At the bottom of the staircase, warm solid wood doors subtly disguise access to the VIP guest stateroom forward. I eased open the door to find a queen size walkaround birth, flush mount TV, my own heat/AC control, in-room sound system, cedar lined hanging closets, near full length windows on both sides, and a ‘cheater door’ into the three- piece day head.

The two-door day head (the second was on my right at the bottom of the stairs) is tastefully appointed, offers lots of storage, and has a separate shower behind glass doors. Your guests will feel the love everywhere on board including this space.

Next, I moved to the port side to open the door into the full beam master suite. Did I mention the beam is 14’9”? Moving down the hallway, the master suite has its own full head compartment with shower that features a built-in seat (I know somebody in my life who would appreciate that). There is a large hanging closet space tucked in the hallway which also houses the central vacuum system. Moving further into the suite we discovered the beauty, spaciousness, and benefits of the full beam. With a luxurious lounger on the port side, huge Queen bed positioned center, and exceptional headroom, this is like no other boat I have tested. The Cruiser’s engineering and design teams took painstaking effort to deliver maximum headroom throughout the suite. My 6’1” frame fully enjoyed the fruits of their labours. There are multiple lighting zones in both suites, the master hull side windows are enormous, in-room sound system, heat and AC unit, flush mount TV, built-in washer dryer package, and a huge dresser/storage unit rests below the windows on the starboard side. The light walnut cabinetry used throughout the yacht really stands out in the master suite. I had to pinch myself to get back to work.

Before leaving the dock I confidently walked to the bow – plenty of room on the walkway, plus readily available hand and bow rails instills confidence for when the crew needs to manage fenders and lines for docking. The bow seating section provides a safe and stunning perch for catching a sunset or sunrise or just sipping a glass of wine on a warm afternoon.

Our local pilot skillfully eased us away from the dock using the joystick control and we moved into calm water for our sea trials and testing work. The 46 Cantius weighs in at 32,200 lbs and there is no doubt about her capabilities. The marriage to the Volvo Penta D6 IPS 600 drives produced a subtle audible tone that was non-intrusive at any speed. These quiet diesel engines produce 440 HP each offering plenty of power to deliver exceptional ride and responsive performance results in a yacht of this stature.

We found she moved up to her cruising speeds with grace and style and nestled in anywhere between 26 and 30 MPH at optimal cruising. Backing off the throttle during cruising range delivered responsive and efficient turning characteristics while straight line tracking was both confidence inspiring and exhilarating. This is where the Glass Cockpit will deliver great experiences as you learn her optimal fuel burn and explore the endless options based on your operating preferences.

Rick’s Picks - my favourite features onboard the 46 Cantius were the exceptional craftsmanship in the three dining tables (the main salon table truly belongs in a gallery), the painstaking time and effort by the Cruisers design teams to maximize storage in every nook and cranny, and the incredible amount of head room in the full beam master stateroom.

This is an exceptional mid-range yacht from a brand with decades of experience that is clearly designed, engineered and built by skilled craftsmen and women to satisfy the most meticulous owners demands.

2024 Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius Photo Gallery

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