Cruisers 385 Motoryacht

Style and performance mark this big new Cruisers.

By John Wooldridge October 3, 2007  

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. 

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.

Recent Maintenance & Upgrades:

• New canvas and eisenglass 
• Props redone 
• New bottom paint, 
• New oil coolers, 
• New raw water intake lines, 
• Newer a/c units 
• New anchor chain and rode

Vessel Layout:

Forward stateroom sleeps 3 w/elevated bunk to starboard. Overhead hatch & portholes equipped with bug screens. Vinyl padded sidewalls and ceiling with recessed ceiling lights.

Electrical outlets and A/C vent plus thermostat and CO2 detector. Privacy doors for salon and forward head. All cabinet doors and drawers have high gloss cherry-wood finish. Flat screen Sharp TV w/ Magnavox Blue Ray DVDplayer.

Forward head has privacy doors and separate shower with folding smoked glass doors, entire head has fiberglass interior. Solid surface Corian countertop w/ integral basin with chrome faucet, mirrored vanity above and cabinet storage below with under cabinet lighting. Cabinets have high gloss cherry finish. Recessed light in ceiling, exhaust fan, GFI outlet and A/C vent. Elevated toilet bowl with macerator & Tankwatch tank monitor. Separate controls for flush & bowl fill.

Galley:

Teak & holly floors with traffic runners. Comes equipped with Princess 2 burner flattop stove, side-by-side Novakool refrigerator freezer, microwave-convection oven and coffee maker.

Convenient under-cabinet lighting. Smooth surface Corian countertop with covers for double sinks as well. All cabinets, trim and drawers have high gloss cherry-wood finish.

Dinette has convertible settee with leatherette cushions and seat backs, custom solid wood tabletop. Storage area below seats.

Salon:

Comfortable leatherette wrap-around settee which converts to sleeper. Fully carpeted with traffic runners and high gloss cherry finish shelves, cabinets & trim. Vinyl padded sidewalls & ceiling, recessed ceiling lights. Accordion style blinds on upper windows and horizontal pull blinds for lower windows.Sole flat-screen HDTV, Sony 5 disc CD/DVD player. Ample A/C vents.

Central Vacuum system and 2 way light switches. 22”

Aft Stateroom & Ensuite:

Aft Stateroom has privacy door and is also fully carpeted w/ traffic runners and threshold lighting. Center Island queen berth w/custom mattress and mirrored headboard Horizontal pull drapes over windows and matching for aft hatch. Cedar lined hanging locker w/shelves & light. 2 portholes to starboard, and fully functional aft hatch allowing egress. Recessed ceiling lights, CO2 detector and A/C thermostat.

Ensuite head features separate shower with integral seat and smoked glass door. Electric flushtoilet, macerator, Tankwatch monitor and separate controls for flush & bowl fill. Solid surface Corian countertop with integral sink. Recessed ceiling lights in head and shower. High gloss cherry finish cabinets with under cabinet lighting. Privacy door with full length mirror, AC vent, exhaust fan and 2 functioning portholes.

Aquos 13”HDTV flat-screen TV and Vizio Blue Ray DVD player. 

Splendide 2000 washer & dryer.

Electronics

• Raymarine VHF Raymarine E120- Chart plotter,
• GPS, 
• Radar 
• 3 Flat screen TV’s w /DVD players
• 1 Clarion 6CD/AM/FM/MP3 player 10 stereo speakers,1 subwoofer

Electrical:

• 4 batteries -  Battery parallel tie system - Battery isolation
• Kohler 7.3 kw generator w/sound shield - approx 700 hrs
• 2- Intel power marine inverter/battery chargers
• 120v - 30 amp AC 12v DC/30 amp shore cords

Deck & Hull:

• Full enclosure with 2104 Isinglass & U-zips
• Fully carpeted flooring within confines of enclosed area
• Wet bar Icemaker U-Line refrigerator
• Clarion 6CD/AM/FM/MP3 player - 7 speakers, 1 subwoofer
• Hardtop for aft deck, bimini for helm area
• Recessed lights in hardtop.
• Courtesy floor lighting
• Aft deck seating with storage below
• Wrap around settee in helm area w/removable table (converts to sleeper)
• Leather wrapped helm wheel
• Separate throttle & transmission controls
• Sliding adjustable captain & mate’s seat, folding bolster for captain
• Sun-pads for bow with covers
• Sunbrella for fwd windshield
• Easy access from port & starboard sides of boat to bow
• SS rails
• Wing doors on aft deck
• Snap davits
• Hot & cold transom shower
• Integral swim platform w/ stowable telescopic swim ladder
• SS handrail for steps leading to aft deck
• Fender storage rack

Mechanical:

• Twin Volvo 8.1 GXi – 385 hrs, fresh water cooled
• New manifolds on both engines installed 2014
• Fireboy fire suppression system
• Lighted engine compartment
• Fuel crossover system
• 2 spare props  
• Side Power bow thruster w/ dedicated battery
• 3 bilge pumps
• High water alarm
• Jabsco spotlight w/remote at helm
• Maxwell windlass w remote at helm & foot controls
• Docking lights, boarding lights, Spreader lights
• Trim tabs
• Faria gauges with brushed SS rings
• Rudder angle indicator
• Fuel crossover system
• Engine alarms
• Bilge blowers
• Bilge blower for generator
• Bronze sea cocks & thru hulls for all underwater fittings
• 2-Cruisair 16,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioners
• Tecma heads
• Tankwatch holding tank monitor
• Splendide 2000 washer/dryer unit
• Central vacuum system
• Macerators
• 11 Gal. hot water heater