At one time, buying a motoryacht meant choosing a design that stressed volume over style, and home-like accommodations and comfort systems over speed. With the introduction of the Cruisers 385 Motoryacht, the gap between livability and sparkling performance narrows to nothing.
The 385 is the smallest of three aft-cabin motoryachts offered by Oconto, Wisconsin-based Cruisers Yachts, but like its larger siblings the 385 brings to new owners the benefits of the builder’s 52 years of experience designing good-looking, great-performing express cruisers. The 385 Motoryacht displays a blend of American and Euro-styling that is distinctly Cruisers and a turn of speed that will make other motoryacht owners envious.
From the top down, there’s plenty to like about the 385 Motoryacht’s design. The flying bridge has a fore-and-aft, adjustable, double-width captain’s seat with independent flip-up bolsters for an occasional elevated view forward, and a companion lounge to port for those who want to enjoy the view and keep the helmsman company. Sight lines are excellent, even aft, because the hardtop’s leading edge is set back to allow a good view of the corners when backing in.
There’s a clever cutout in the leading edge of the aft deck hardtop that provides excellent clearance for tall family members and guests going up and down the stairs to the flying bridge. Tall yachtsmen will be attracted to this design, and that’s particularly appropriate, because the 385 has 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom in the main cabin (more in the well-appointed galley down and to port beneath the forward windows), and 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom in the staterooms and head compartments.
In the wide and spacious main saloon, a double incliner on the starboard side is perfectly positioned for a good view of the 20-inch LCD flat-screen TV with DVD, or to listen to the stereo with its five-disc CD changer. On the yacht I tested, the layout included a dinette to port, although there is another layout choice with a crescent-shaped settee. The main cabin is quite spacious and has wonderful views out the sides through overlapping elliptical frameless windows that provide great visibility for those sitting or standing.
The forward stateroom had private access to the head compartment, which was also equipped with a second door opening on the galley-level deck for ease of use as a day head. Cruisers’ designers included a double and a single berth in the forward stateroom, making it equally useful for couples or two individuals. The master stateroom aft featured an island double turned at a slight angle, allowing both sleepers easy ingress or egress. The private head compartment had a Tecma head (both do, actually) and a separate shower stall with a seat that’s large enough for most adults to use comfortably. Loads of storage, a cedar-lined hanging locker, and a wonderfully wide hatch looking out on the swimming platform are notable features of this very private stateroom.
Even though the 385 I tested was loaded with goodies, and a quick glance at the standard equipment list revealed that Cruisers packs lots of standard equipment aboard that will be optional elsewhere, on the day of our test the 385 came on plane smoothly, banked turns gracefully and handled the wind chop on the Cape Fear River. Combined with the renowned craftsmanship that is a Cruisers trademark, the 385 Motoryacht will satisfy your needs for performance and cruising comfort alike.
Contact: Cruisers Yachts, (920) 834-2211; www.cruisersyachts.com.
