The Cruisers Yachts VTR series are boats for all reasons: tow inflatables, soak up the sun in the bow, grill burgers, take a nap below. You can tailor the VTR to your needs with two versions: a 38 VTR, with an airy cockpit under a hardtop, or the 38 VTR EC, which has a fully enclosed cockpit for all weather boating pleasure.
Uncluttered aft, there’s a 4-foot-wide “beach door,” and you can opt for bench seating, a sunlounge or open base configuration to make the layout how you want it. The available three-person sunlounge configuration houses either huge storage or a cabin underneath. 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, Mercury Verado V-8 300s give you a solid 46 mph, while optional Mercury V-10 400s will kick up performance even more. Both feature joystick control for confident handling.
One reason for those performance numbers is the Cruisers Yachts unique hybrid stepped hull 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. |
