Cruisers Yachts 420 Coupe

One of Cruisers Yachts newest designs, the 420 Coupe is a major step forward in this size range. Actually, it’s a step up too. First the obvious: this yacht features a hardtop that is enclosed on three sides by massive glass areas. Cruisers Yachts calls this its Coupe design. We have spent time aboard other Cruisers Coupe models and found them really comfortable.

The 390 Coupe was the first one we ran and later, we spent time on the big 520 Coupe with triple IPS drives. There is a strong family resemblance there but as its newest model, the 420 is a major step up in cabin height.

I joke that at exactly 6 feet, I am the perfect height for a boat tester. If I can stand straight up in a cabin, head or companionway, I judge that to be acceptable or adequate headroom. Cruisers saw an opportunity to do far better than that and the 420 Coupe has over 7 feet of headroom in parts of the saloon. As you enter the cabin, it feels deep and spacious – and it is. This is perfect for those who are 6’2” or more. You will fit and feel comfortable!

Although exterior appearance is a subjective area, I felt this is a handsome boat with no awkward angles in spite of the generous cabin and bridge headroom. The big glass balances the height. Some features that visually stretch this 43-footer are the large, full beam swim platform with a boarding ladder under a fibreglass cover. The test boat was non-skid fiberglass but a teak surface is also available. There is a large storage compartment in the transom (like a trunk) for lines, fenders, cleaning supplies and the Cablemaster automatic cable retractor for the massive 50 amp cables. There is also a fold-down aft seat with drink holders and a bottom cushion that does not absorb water. Other features include a fresh water wash down and a cockpit shower by the transom door.

We liked the side decks because of the well-located handholds, big railing and the outstanding feature of courtesy footlights lights to help you get around in the dark.

The side decks are good but the walk-through in the windshield is the safer way to reach the forward deck. The huge windshield section swings open with a double action latch; another latch releases the sliding hardtop sunroof, opening up a large roof area. You step up three steps to get to the forward deck and the chaise lounge.

These days, more attention is given to the bridge and cockpit. It’s the “cool” living area and Cruisers gave the 420 Coupe an outstanding refreshment center with an optional Kenyon custom grill, a Vitrifrigo refrigerator, trash locker, bottle racks and an optional, removable TV mount and flat screen. The U-shaped seating can handle seven or eight people snacking off two removable tables. Other good features include the snap-out carpet, stereo system with sub-woofer and four speakers; the test boat also had overhead and courtesy footlights for nighttime and was equipped with underwater lights – a fabulous display at night!

The bridge on the test boat had the optional camel-coloured upholstery and the helm seat adjusts fore and aft. Equipment included a pair of Raymarine E120s, a digital engine monitor system by Murphy, Raymarine autopilot and 4 kW radar array. We loved the footrest and the tilt steering. The 420 Coupe has great outward vision even in rough water and (thankfully) excellent big windshield wipers that have a quick wipe feature.

For a yacht in the 42-foot range, the 420 Coupe has an impressive mid-cabin stateroom. It was equipped with an HDTV and DVD, opening ports, full standing headroom on the port side. This cabin has two berths with a filler to make it a double.

But that’s not all. There are two heads aboard and the mid-cabin gets a really nice one with a sink in vanity, mirror, MSD and a shower, all behind a clear glass door that gives a bright, spacious quality. Beside that is a vanity dressing table. The test boat was equipped with high power macerator MSDs that offer three flush options for energy and tank savings.

The saloon is surprisingly deep and high as you enter. To the port side is a crescent-shaped settee with storage under, a high-gloss finished table and the test boat had two useful little stools for added seating. A Sony 26-inch, high-definition television graces the area, with storage lockers above and wooden blinds over the three portholes per side as other added features.

Cruiser’s special E-Plex electrical system panel is conveniently located and handles all the circuits.

Opposite is the galley featuring a nice conventional shape, Nova Kool refrigerator and freezer with an LG microwave and coffee maker, Eurokera two burner stove featuring two deck hatches overhead to bring in daylight. We really liked the fiddles on the shelves, deep provision lockers, separate trash locker and the home-style trap in the drain is a great feature as is the huge sink.

The master stateroom is forward with an island queen berth, hanging lockers lined in aromatic cedar, three drawers under the berth and a huge bin for larger items. There is also side storage in three places with an option of a HDTV there as well.

The main head is located aft of the galley by the companionway steps to serve as a day head. It features a separate glassed shower stall, MSD, sink in vanity, mirror and excellent headroom. Adding to the many other great features is two zone heating and air conditioning in the cabin as well as the bridge.

The test boat was running twin Volvo Penta IPS 500’s with 370 hp per side. Each drive has counter-rotating twin props that face forward of the drives to operate in clear water, relatively far forward under the hull and driving exactly parallel with the running surface. This helps the 420 Coupe plane off fast and ride flat although Bennett trim tabs are fitted (useful too in nasty conditions). The diesel engines are electronically controlled and the IPS drives have electronic throttle and shift as well as the now-famous joy stick control for low speeds and docking.

A day with high winds and a nasty 4-foot chop tried out both the sea-keeping qualities and the solidarity of construction!

I brought my two sons, ages 10 and 13 to try out the ride and they asked, “What do we hang onto!?” (Note to Cruisers: Add more passenger grab handles on the companion seat.)

With the engines singing and the winds howling we saw a top speed of 37 mph. The helm is light and precise at all speeds and the Cruisers 420 would carve a turn that made all the passengers uneasy! Handling is precise and crisp. The ride is soft even when mainly airbourne – pretty impressive for such a large yacht.

If you are lucky enough to be shopping in this price bracket, the Cruisers Yachts 420 Coupe is a “must-see”!

SPECIFICATIONS

Test boat engines: Twin Volvo Penta IPS 500, 4-stroke electronic diesel with 370 hp, 336 ci displacement driving IPS systems with twin counter rotating prop sets.

ENGINE RPM SPEED MPH

Idle 3.2