The Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR EC is a boat for all reasons: tow inflatables, grab rays in the bow cockpit, grill burgers, take a nap below. You can tailor the 38 to your needs with two versions: base VT, with an airy cockpit under a hardtop, or the 38EC, which has a fully enclosed cabin for all weather boating pleasure.
Uncluttered aft, there’s a 4-foot-wide “beach door,” and you can opt for bench seating. The available three-person sun lounge module houses either huge storage or a cabin. Forward, the light-filled standard cabin offers a V-berth that converts to a dinette, and there’s an enclosed head with a shower and an electric toilet.
Four-foot sliders each side of the helm provide easy access to the decks, plus lend an open, sport-boat feel. A trio of bolstered helm seats rotate to face the aft table for meals. The wide dash holds the standard Simrad 9-inch monitor or optional twin 15-inchers (choose these!) above a row of clearly marked and lighted rocker switches. The view is great, with a large forward-raked windshield (no reflections).
For power, the standard Mercury Verado V-8 300s give you a solid 46 mph, while optional Mercury V-10 400s kick the top end into the 50s. Both feature joystick control for confident handling.
One reason for those performance numbers is the Cruisers Hybrid Stepped Hull from designer Donald Blount with full-length strakes for a soft ride, twin steps to create speed, and a wide chine flat that throws spray far from the boat.
When it comes to construction, the 38 VTR EC is pure quality, with a fully fiberglass (no wood to rot) hull assembled in a sequential interlocking process for strength without squeaks. The cockpit, one level from stern to bow (Aunt Edna won’t trip!), is fully self-draining for rain or rough seas. All underwater fittings, including seacocks, are bronze.
Lots of details to see, too, such as the outdoor galley aft with a Kenyon grill and a sink, the Thule brackets on the hardtop to carry boards, kayaks or bikes, and a tow bar to handle water skiing or tubing.
Fast, fun and solidly built, the Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR EC is a delightful surprise from this legendary builder.
High Points
- Deep, secure, 35-inch sidedecks.
- One level from bow to stern.
- The aft cabin surprises with a 6-by-7-foot berth, as well as 5 feet, 10 inches of headroom.
- Dometic air conditioning and heating makes the EC version truly all-weather.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Mercury Verado V-8 300 hp
- Drive/Props: Outboard/Revolution 14.6″x 20″ stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $584,900 (with twin Mercury 300s) |
| LOA: | 40’0″ |
| Beam: | 11’10” |
| Draft (max): | 3’0″ |
| Dry Weight: | 15,146 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 233 gal. |
