8 Great Family Cruisers

Styles change and different types of boats come and go, but one constant through the years has been the enduring popularity of the family cruiser. Combining the sporty performance of a runabout with the comfort and overnight accommodations of a luxury yacht, the cruiser is ideal for weekend getaways, extended summer vacation voyages, and everything in between. Little wonder the type has been a family favourite for generations.

But cruisers have changed a lot over the last several years, leveraging new technologies in boat building to include more features than ever – from expansive bow seating to glass helms to outboard power – giving these boats even greater appeal.

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors but without really giving up the comforts of home, one of these eight great cruisers might just be ideal for you and your family.

Azimut Verve 47

Azimut Verve 47

Azimut’s bold new Verve 47 rides on a performance V-hull with twin steps and a ventilated transom tunnel, letting it make the most of its quad 450-horsepower Mercury Racing outboard standard power. With a custom-designed glass helm, a fold-out side beach platform, a fully recessed hi-lo cockpit table, a full galley kitchen with a flat-screen TV on a lift, a massive bow sun deck and luxurious below decks accommodations for four, this is one family cruiser that can’t help raising eyebrows everywhere it goes.

Back Cove 372

Back Cove 372

Those who appreciate the comfort of a luxury yacht as well as the seakeeping and ride of a traditional down-east lobster boat will find a lot to like about Back Cove’s beautiful 372. The replacement for the company’s best-selling Back Cove 37 model offers a spacious cockpit for enjoying the outdoors, a super-comfy salon with a loveseat facing an L-shaped settee, a gourmet galley and a welcoming V-berth for overnight accommodations – all with spectacular wooden accents throughout.

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

Trawlers aren’t generally known for being fast boats – comfortable, yes, but hardly quick. French builder Beneteau changed all of that with its aptly-named Swift Trawler lineup, topped by the all-new Swift Trawler 48. With its hardtop-covered upper flybridge, big open cockpit, luxurious main deck salon and exquisite three-stateroom lower decks accommodations, this is one family cruiser made for comfort – and the ability to get to its destination in a hurry.

Cruisers 42 GLS

Cruisers 42 GLS

With its twin fold-down stern beach doors, U-shaped dinette, galley with raised wet bar, spacious bow seating and luxurious cockpit seating, the all-new 42 GLS from Cruisers Yachts puts the focus on family entertaining. The lower cabin features an aft stateroom and U-shaped dinette that converts into a berth, while a full galley and stand-up head with shower ensure guest comfort. With power options up to triple 450-horsepower Mercury outboards with joystick piloting, this is one family cruiser that’s truly ready to go anywhere.

Galeon 410 HTC

Galeon 410 HTC

Built in Poland, Galeon’s all-new 410 HTC – short for Hard Top Cruiser – is based on the company’s popular 400 Flybridge model, but wrapped in a sportier package. A big stern swim platform, L-shaped cockpit seating and panoramic glass sunroof just begin to hint at the luxury that awaits onboard. Opulent appointments, tasteful furnishings, twin fold-down beach steps and every manner of modern convenience await boating families, including a pull-out TV, a full galley with residential appliances, and twin staterooms with full ensuites including glass showers.

Regal 38FXO

Regal 38FXO

Combining a traditional upper-deck open flybridge layout with contemporary outboard power, Regal’s all-new 38FXO embodies the best of today’s cruiser design in a neat and sporty package. A versatile open cockpit for entertaining, a climate-controlled interior salon, both forward and aft staterooms and luxurious appointments including an electric cockpit grill, pop-down television screens, a Garmin glass dash, a spacious galley and an audiophile Fusion stereo set the big new Regal apart.

Sea Ray Sundancer 370

Sea Ray Sundancer 370

Introduced at this year’s Miami International Boat Show, Sea Ray’s outboard-powered Sundancer 370 features an inspired design that includes massive salon windows to flood interior spaces with natural light, an asymmetrical windshield to allow remarkably spacious bow seating, a Simrad fully glass helm with joystick piloting, and luxurious below-decks accommodations with a forward berth, a mid-berth, opulent spaces for relaxing and an expansive galley for gourmet meals at sea.

Tiara 48 LS

Tiara 48 LS

Tiara’s largest outboard-powered cruiser to date, the 48 LS delights guests with its innovative rotating lounge seating and cockpit terrace. A big stern swim platform and wrap-around bow seating invite serious relaxation, while the owner enjoys a glass helm with state-of-the-art electronics. Belowdecks there’s a forward pedestal berth and private head, in addition to the aft stateroom that features dual twin berths to ensure a great night’s sleep. Power options include triple Mercury Verado 600 horsepower V12 outboards, giving the 48 LS more than enough power to get where it’s going in true Tiara style.