Cruisers Yachts was founded in 1904 by the Thompson Brothers, who started crafting custom timber runabouts for the local wealthy elite in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. This started a family boat-building business that became a multi-generation enterprise and is now the biggest Sports Yacht manufacturer in the U.S.

Since being recently bought out by the massive marine retailer network Marine Max, Cruisers has expanded and modernised the production facility and set about redesigning the fleet. They currently produce the Cantius Sports Yachts, ranging from 42 to 60 feet, and the GLS Premium bowrider, ranging from 34 to 50 feet, and have just released a 55 flybridge. But WOW, let’s take a look at this beautiful 34 GLS!

The party platform with its rear seating offering for/aft backrest for aft facing position

The Australian Dealers are Aussie Boat Sales from Williamstown, Victoria and whilst the GLS fleet offers flexible engine options, including inboard petrol or diesel and outboard configurations, our test boat was equipped with twin 6.2L Mercruisers providing 700 HP via Bravo 3 stern drives. It also has JPS joystick docking and hold station functions fitted, so when it comes to ease of use, ease of maintenance and overall performance, she ticks all of the boxes. 

The beautiful bowrider also offers optional foredeck shade

Performance and Precision on the Water

Man, did we have some fun pushing her up to 40 knots and throwing her around like a ski boat!  She was nimble, quick on the plane and fast enough to get the juices flowing. 

Yet, high power and performance don’t have to translate into noise; in fact, I was impressed with how quiet it was to be able to hold a conversation with the crew even at full noise. There were no discernible hull thumps, rattles or vibrations, even though we had a typical Port Phillip Bay chop on the day.   Visibility was good, especially while docking, and even though I reckon the joystick system is for cheats, I did appreciate the responsiveness and ease when the inevitable gust of wind blew at the exact wrong moment as we were entering our marina berth. Notably, 34 feet will work in most dry stack storage facilities, or in this case, a floating Seapen.

The Cruisers 34GLS showcases a masterclass in boatbuilding and finishing, seamlessly blending striking Euro design with meticulous attention to detail. The South Beach Edition's modern colour scheme complements its striking European design, while the meticulous attention to detail extends throughout all Cruisers' Yachts. Everywhere you look it is obvious that the Cruisers artisans are big on detail. For example, the custom wiring looms are all labelled and perfectly aligned in the engine bay, plus every wire is stamped every 300mm from end to end - now that’s craftsmanship!

Flexible Seating and Spacious Design

Cockpit L-shaped seating, adjustable backrests, large aft facing sunpad, lower saloon features

The layout is very clever! Firstly, the 3.6 metre beam allows plenty of free space to walk around, even when the seats are full, which many of the boats in this class lack. Two L-shaped lounges in the main cockpit zone have a removable teak table. The port side lounge shares a double flip-flop backrest with the passenger helm seat, and the starboard lounge shares a king-size backrest with the aft-facing sun lounge; just release the lock, and the backrest drops down to a sun lounge big enough for three or four people. There is plenty of storage under all of these seats, plus there’s an additional single aft-facing seat on the port side tucked in behind the wet bar, which has storage, a sink, a fridge and an electric BBQ.

Cruisers 34GLS - Entertainment centered yacht line with companion seat/s, galley features and portside seating

The cockpit on our test boat was covered with a big hardtop, which can include an optional electric sunroof, but it didn’t in this case. However, a big electric Sure-Shade awning was rolled up under the hardtop. When deployed, this large awning provides cover all the way past the aft seating. It also opted for a sturdy manual bow shade set-up, which can be used underway at lower speeds.

Cruisers 34GLS - You can comfortably watch swimmers from the large starboard side seating

The Ultimate Swim Platform

The swim platform can only be described as massive! You could have a party there with 10 mates and still have space!  Cruisers have chosen to keep the swim platform fixed and have added an electric step that drops down for easy water play.  There is also a foldaway stainless-steel ladder for quick access.  I didn’t like the stainless swim ladder set-up; it will get slimy over time, and it dropped down out of its locked position while underway; a ladder integrated into the top surface of the platform with a lid would be a better option in my opinion. 

However, the electric step was a good idea! It was a practical alternative to a full hydraulic platform. This boat is not the style nor big enough to need a tender mount on the transom, so I think they got that bit right.

Cruisers 34GLS swim platform

Helm Yeah, But About that Windscreen...

The helm area has two double seats with bolsters; the port side is courtesy of the flip-flop backrest mentioned earlier. The bow access is wide and easy, and the bow seating is also spacious with excellent little features such as deep cup holders, grabrails, armrests and a stereo remote. 

I think Cruisers could come up with a better walkthrough windscreen. We were worried about it getting damaged by a wind gust or bouncing when we hit a big wave, so we kept it closed for safety. It is a big panel, making it a bit difficult to open and close underway. 

The helm itself is state-of-the-art. It is ergonomically spot on, modern, and has two good-sized multi-function screens. The armrests are in the right place, and plenty of space between the seat and the wheel works well for a big fella like me. Importantly, sight lines are good both forward and aft when seated.

The Cruisers 34GLS cockpit features L shaped seating areas and a double helm/forward position

Cabin Comfort

Access to the cabin is easy via a big sliding door, and I was pleasantly surprised by the headroom and space down there.  Generally, a 34-foot bowrider only accommodates two. In contrast, the Cruisers 34 can handle three and maybe even four at a pinch by dropping the table and pulling the infill cushion out from a hidey-hole under the bow. This was a cool feature and one I hadn’t seen before.

The aft transverse double bed is more of a king single, so expect some spooning action, but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. The other surprise was the head, which was far bigger than I expected, with adequate room to shower and still pick up the soap! It’s bright and nicely appointed with Corian bench tops and tasteful tapware.

Cruisers 34GLS dinette converts to a custom sized berth

The overall look and feel of Cruisers Yachts are very European, but their U.S. boat builders' DNA reflects the extent to which they undertake to go that extra mile to keep their customers happy. There are high-gloss teak tables, quality fittings and deck hardware, and upmarket upholstery; it all adds up to luxury with a capital L, and the addition of the optional Sea Keeper 3 gyro-stabilizer keeps the party on an even keel.

This is the fourth in the GLS series of bowriders from Cruisers Yachts that I have had the privilege of testing. Once again, I have come away with familiar feelings of excitement bordering on lust, spawned by both the performance and the down-right sexiness of this machine. I love the finishes, the detail and the timeless design. There you go, I said it - I love em! 

“Pleasure is, after all, a luxury. It’s love that’s essential!” Quote John Defresne

The Cruisers 34GLS is also available as the 34 GLS OB (outboard model)

Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS: Optional Extras as Tested

Extras as tested: South Beach Edition, Seacore engines (closed circuit cooling), JPS joystick system, bow cover, front and side clears, storm cover, rear seat cover, retractable electric cockpit shade, Sea Keeper 3 gyro, 5Kw diesel generator, air conditioning, head macerator, freshwater washdown system, electric BBQ, 3 x refrigerators, Seadek flooring, electric swim platform step, underwater lights, Simrad radar & VHF

Specifications

LOA with Swim Platform: 11.1m

Beam: 3.60 m

Weight/displacement: 7252kg

Fuel capacity: 821l

Water capacity: 95l

Waste Capacity: 95l

Berths: 3+

Power (as tested): Twin Mercruiser 6.2l V8 Seacore, 350HP, Bravo 3 X stern drives

Performance Figures

Speed (knots)

RPM

Fuel (combined) LPH

12.5 (on the plane)

3200

70

19

3500

78

26.5

4000

92

30

4500

125

36

5000

160

40

5400 (WOT)

201
 

Range: 213 NM at 26.5 knots with 10% residual.

The Cruisers 34GLS doorway

A Winning Combination: Performance, Luxury, and Versatility

I was truly impressed by the Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS South Beach Edition. It's clear to me that they've nailed the blend of thrilling performance, luxurious comfort, and a cleverly designed layout that maximizes space and versatility. From the moment I stepped onto the spacious swim platform, I could tell this boat was special. I loved the well-appointed helm – it felt so intuitive and comfortable to command. And I was genuinely surprised by how roomy the cabin is; it's definitely big enough for a weekend getaway, which I wasn't expecting in a bowrider of this size. If I were looking for a premium bowrider that could handle everything from a day of watersports with friends to a relaxing weekend escape, the 34 GLS would definitely be at the top of my list.

If you're ready to experience the same kind of versatility and luxury in a bowrider, I highly recommend checking the Cruisers Yacht 34 GLS South Beach Edition out. Contact Aussie Boat Sales in Williamstown, Victoria, to learn more about availability and pricing.

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