An eye-catching exterior profile balances the well-proportioned hull length, house height and freeboard. Double-paned windshield and large salon windows enhance visibility while flooding the interior with ambient light. Hull side windows add flair.
Full-length side rails offer handholds, and non-skid decking minimizes slippage heading to the foredeck and its dual reclining sun pads and anchor gear.
In the aft cockpit, there’s a wraparound U-shaped settee served by a double-post wood table and shielded by a retractable awning built into the hardtop. Ample room beneath allows storage of fenders, lines and more. Twin barstools forward and to port sidle up to the aft window. Guests can be part of any conversation, or just enjoy a cocktail at the bar.
Thanks to a simple, modular approach, functional areas can be separated without a feeling of isolation. For example, the indoor and outdoor areas of the main deck are blended when you fold back the glass door/wall combo unit and lower the power actuated window between the aft cockpit and main cabin. The galley is aft to port, centralizing the food, meal prep and serving location. It also keeps the chef in the middle of the action when guests are spread fore and aft.
Thanks to the U-shaped galley design, appliances are central to the operation. Our test boat, Hull No. 1 of the 54 Cantius line, included an under-counter Cuisinart microwave/convection oven, drawer-style Vitrifrigo fridge/freezer, recessed Whale two-burner flat cooktop with cover, and double stainless-steel sinks with designer multi-angle faucet. Across, to starboard, a nook houses a third fridge/freezer drawer unit, along with a Fisher & Paykel dishwasher unit.
Comfort Abounds
To port is a U-shaped settee and wood table with foldout leafs and wood-finished pedestal. Opposite sits a sofa. Both have plush cushions. Be surrounded in sound by the Polk Soundbar 5000 speakers, which give crisp tone to the TV and audio devices throughout the salon. Additional features include a glass-paneled sunroof with shade, opening side windows with blinds, overhead lighting, black oak Amtico flooring and Tay oak wood on walls.
Ergonomically designed for comfort, the starboard helm station has a doublewide Stidd seat to accommodate the captain and a guest navigator. Utilizing the Volvo Glass Cockpit system with Raymarine electronics in dual 12-inch displays creates a sleek dash with integrated engine and navigation controls. Touchscreen, pinch-to-zoom and pushbuttons make easy work out of managing the systems. Note that the Volvo joystick control is located left, allowing the operator to stand centerline while backing.
The foyer to the staterooms below includes an atrium that’s bright and open, courtesy of a cutaway above and side windows. A credenza with optional wine chiller is to port, and across is a sofa; this layout creates a cozy hideaway from the main deck, or the space can be converted for a third stateroom with upper/lower bunks.
Forward is the VIP cabin with centerline queen berth, hull windows, locker and TV. A hatch and four skylights above add illumination and a feeling of space. A great idea is the separate shower room on one side of the VIP, with the shared head opposite.
Mid-ship is the full-beam master suite, lavishly appointed with a king berth, walk-in closet and portside credenza. Cruisers created a desk with facing seats that works as a breakfast nook, desk or vanity on one side and storage on the other, as the tops lift to uncover each function. Side windows open, allowing for cross ventilation.
Positive Feedback
Noticed immediately was the amount of space to move about the engine room. Even with a pair of Volvo Penta IPS 950 blocks producing 725 horsepower, there’s room to get up, over and around the engines thanks to the 6-feet of headroom. Fuel filters, Cummins Onan generator and pod drives are easily accessible and visible to spot any issues.
Running the numbers, our test boat matched spot-on with what the manufacturer stated on the spec sheet. At 1200 RPM, the yacht runs up to 10.5 mph. Step it up to 1800 RPM for 25 mph. Top end was 42 mph at wide-open throttle (2550 RPM). Not bad for a 43,000-pound fiberglass platform.
A balanced design, attention to detail and smart utilization of space make the Cruisers Yachts 54 Cantius a serious contender for your yachting desires.
Cruisers 54 Cantius
Length Overall: 53’4”
Beam: 15’6”
Draft: 4’4”
Dry Weight: 43,000 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 520 gals.
Water Capacity: 150 gals.
Base Price: Contact Dealer
www.cruisersyachts.com
Author: Capt. Tom Serio is a contributor to HeartLand Boating magazine
