Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS (2022-)

Brief Summary

The 34 GLS is the third boat of the series from Cruisers Yachts that focuses on entertainment. GLS stands for Grand Luxury Sport and the series is defined as an open style cruiser with a mid-cabin.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	35'10" 10.92 m
Beam	11'8" 3.56 m
Dry Weight	14,530 lbs. 6,590.7 kg
Tested Weight	15,222 lbs. 6,904.58 kg
Draft	29" 73.66 cm
Deadrise/Transom	21 degrees
Bridge Clearance	12'5" 3.78 m
Fuel Capacity	217 gallons 821.43 L
Water Capacity	50 gallons 189.27 L
Total Weight	15,222 lbs. 6,904.58 kg

Price

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Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	6.4 seconds
0 to 30	14.0 seconds
Props	16 x 16.5
Load	3 persons; 107 gal. fuel; 50 lbs. gear

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Mercury Verados
Std. Power	2 x 300-hp Mercury Verados

Captain's Report

Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS OB: The Third Model of the GLS Series is The Smallest and Feature-Rich

Captain's Report by Capt. Steve

Mission

GLS stands for Grand Luxury Sport and the series is defined as an open style cruiser with a mid-cabin.  Cruisers Yachts will power the boat with either outboard or sterndrive, but regardless, the interior is optimized for cruising and overnighting.  Versatility seems to be the key element with as many different facets of boating being possible, all within a single footprint. 

Know your limitations

About the only thing being left off the mix with this boat is fishing, and that is by intentional design.  Fishing is something that really isn’t dabbled on, you’re either in or you're out.  Fiddling in it doesn’t work and Cruisers knows this, and we have to give high marks for them to admit this and not tossing in a livewell and a few rod holders and saying “look, we do fishing as well!”  As I said in the summary above, no half measures. 

Major Features (Including Distinguishing Features)

• Single level main deck
• Two L-shaped cockpit seats
• Convertible aft seat
• Galley-up design
• SIMRAD Glass-dash
• Wraparound Bow seating
• Rockford Fosgate stereo
• Booth style dinette below
• Roomy mid-cabin

Performance

The Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS has an LOA of 35’10” (10.93 m), a beam of 11’8” (3.56 m) and a draft of 29” (73.66 cm). With the twin 300-hp Mercury Verados turning 16 x 16.5 propellers and run up to 6000 RPM, our speed topped out at 45.2 MPH. Best cruise came in at 4500 RPM and 31.2 MPH. At that speed, the 26.2 GPH fuel burn translated into 1.2 MPG and a range of 233 statute miles all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat's 217-gallon (821.4 L) total fuel capacity. 

In acceleration tests, we reached planing speed in an average of 6.4 seconds, hit 20 mph in 7.8 seconds and 30 came and went in 14 seconds.  

Handling

The hull is designed by Ocean5, the same company that designed the 38 and 42 GLS.  She handles chop well and requires no adjustment to the tabs when running as she just naturally finds her optimum running attitude.  

The 34 GLS is an easy boat and a fun boat to drive.  You really don't have to do anything but drive… leave the outboard trim on auto turn let them do their thing, and as for the trim tabs, I only used those for an uneven distribution of weight.  When I had more people over to one side I just used tabs to level the boat out.  We were in calm conditions on the Intracoastal Waterway so really, no chop or anything like that to contend with or comment on except for wakes of passing boats.  I went through those with no hull slap and no pounding.  We just sliced right through those with no adverse effects whatsoever. 

Engines

The standard engines are the engines on our test boat, the twin 300-hp Mercury Verados.  Optional choices are twin 350s, 400s or 450 racing engines.   

Now while we tested the outboard version of the 34 GLS, there is a sterndrive version.  Cruisers takes the mold for the outboard version and adds a plug to the transom, modifies the stringers and there’s also a slight change to the aft platform as that can now be hydraulically actuated.  And voila, a sterndrive version.  

Boat Inspection

Platform

Even with the twin outboards, there are still dual platforms to both sides and a walkway across the front of the engines.  This 28” (71.12 cm) deep “service platform” in effect fills the engine well with an additional walkway.  However, when it comes time to tilt the engines out of the water, simply flip the platform up and out of the way.  The entire area is treated with SeaDek so wet feet are welcome and will not be sliding across the deck. 

Ahead of the platform are two seats, separated by a walkthrough to the cockpit.  To starboard is a 54” (137.16 cm) wide seat.  To port is a 21” (53.34 cm).  Storage is under both. 

Single Level

One significant upgrade with this boat is the single-level deck, from the stern to the bow.  That is something that can’t be understated, and a lot of users just seem to miss the importance of something like this.  But once you fail to negotiate that step down as you come from the bow, and land hard, your back will make sure you never forget it.  The same goes for the stumble as you move from the cockpit to the helm area as the boat rolls on a wave and you go flying over the step.  It makes a difference when the deck is on a single level.  Flooring is optional SeaDek and Cruisers tells us that every GLS to date has gone out the door with that option installed. 

Cockpit

Cockpit seating consists of two large L-shaped seats to port and starboard.  Both have flip seatbacks, in opposite ends from each other.  The one to port has the flip seatback forward so it converts to an observer’s seat when underway.  The one to starboard starts with the seatback in the center of the aft pad so it’s usable from both the forward area and the aft section for watching the action off the stern while at anchor or when otherwise not underway.  Now, release the latch and move it all the way aft and it lays flat to form a full sunpad.  Walk into the cockpit and lift the forward seat and elevate it into one of three chaise lounge positions.  Two nicely finished solid wood pedestal tables add to the functionality and both have a pair of integrated stainless-steel beverage holders. 

Storage

Naturally, there is storage under the seats.  Because we have outboard power on this boat, there’s a massive storage space in the deck where there would otherwise be a pair of sterndrive engines.  In this configuration, this would also be considered a mechanical room as it houses all the bilge pumps, steering pumps, batteries… etc.  If this boat has a generator and Seakeeper, they’d be here as well. 

Galley

The clever way to accommodate this seating was to move the galley area aft and to port.  There’s an optional grill and a standard sink.  Both are covered and there’s an electrical kill switch that shuts power off to the grill when the cover is in place.  Below is an owner’s choice of an optional refrigerator or icemaker.  There’s also a trash receptacle.  A refrigerator option is also available for the end of the helm seat, which may make the icemaker option more attractive for the galley area. 

Now the two refrigerators, the 110-V outlets, the air conditioning and the microwave down below can all be powered by an optional 5-kW diesel generator or an eFathom inverter powered by lithium batteries that will last all day.   

To Top It All Off

Above it all is a standard, full fiberglass, hardtop.  An optional ShureSHADE extends from the trailing edge and there’s also a bow shade that attaches to the leading edge and gets supported by stainless-steel poles inserted into bow sockets.  So, we can effectively shade this boat from bow to stern.  Additionally, there’s an optional opening sunroof, and it’s manually opening so there’s nothing to fail years down the road. 

Helm

The helm has SIMRAD’s glass dash with dual 9” (22.86 cm) displays.  A single display is standard, the upgrade includes a second display as well as radar.  The Mercury DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift), the JPO (Joystick Piloting for Outboards) and the SmartCraft interface with the SIMRAD displays… that’s all standard.  At 37” (93.98 cm) the helm seat is more seat-and-a-half than a double-wide.  It includes a single flip bolster and flip armrests are to both sides.  Below is an optional refrigerated drawer. 

Now because I’m Capt. Steve and I’m so nitpicky, I have to find just one thing that I’d like to see changed at this helm.  While I have to give high marks for Cruisers for adding a cellphone holder with an inductive charger, it’s way in the back and to starboard, behind the controls and far out of sight.  I’d like to see it placed in the dead spot to the right side of the helm console where there is currently nothing.  That’s about the only thing I’d change here.  Everything else is done extremely well. 

Bow

The portside walkthrough to the bow talks full advantage of the wide beam by measuring in at 22” (55.88 cm). There are two storage compartments in the bulwarks for storing lines.  We can close off the windshield and a lower air dam for operating on those chilly mornings. 

The bow in the 34 is similar in size and layout to the GLS 38.  Thanks to the deep freeboard in this boat, the deck is single level and the 33” (83.82 cm) cockpit depth is quite safe. 

Seating is wraparound from the aft section to starboard and across the bow.  There’s storage under all seats.  A pedestal table adds to the functionality and can be lowered to form a full sunpad with the addition of a filler cushion.  There’s also a 48-qt (45.42L) carry-on cooler.  The aft seats have flip armrests at the portside and in the middle, which includes dual beverage holders.  To starboard, the armrest is built into the bulwarks. 

Under a hatch at the foredeck, there’s an optional Quick windlass.  The hatch is kept from opening to the extreme and breaking the hinges by a cable.  It closes on a lift and lock latch.  Control switches are alongside.   

Now is also a good time to discuss the stereo upgrade to the Rockford Fosgate system.  There’s a four-zone system available: the bow, the helm, the stern and the cabin.  Each can be controlled individually so one can be rocking away while casual conversation can be held in another.  

Cabin

The cabin is accessed from a sliding door to the portside of the helm and the entry is also fitted with a sliding bug screen. 

The lower salon features booth-style seating with a table in between.  A TV is to the forward bulkhead.  This area also converts into a berth by lowering the table and adding a filler cushion.  An optional microwave and refrigerator can be installed in this lower deck area. 

Head

The head is a “wet-head” with an electric flush toilet.  A vessel sink is mounted atop the Corian counter.  A hullside window has integrated portlights to supplement the ventilation from an electric extractor fan.  A storage cabinet above had mirrored doors that I’d like to see angled down for a better viewing angle.  More storage is below.  There’s a separate shower wand that hangs on the aft bulkhead so we don’t have to pull out the sink sprayer.  A shower curtain keeps the water contained to the shower area and not the counter or cabinetry. 

Options to Consider

• Diesel generator (5kW) with 25-gallon (94.64 L) fuel tank
• SeaKeeper
• eFathom Inverter
• South Beach Package- Gray or Black hull and deck
• Air Conditioning
• Battery
• Cockpit Ice Maker 
• Cockpit Table
• Cockpit Washdown System
• Full Enclosure Canvas
• Grill
• Foredeck Shade
• Premium Electronics Premium Speaker Upgrade 
• Refrigerator, 
• Interior Refrigerator - Helm Seat
• SeaDek 
• Sureshade, Black
• TV
• Underwater Lights
• VHF Radio
• Windlass

Price 

The Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS is priced at $639,231 as tested, nicely equipped. 

Observations

There really isn’t a lot to be desired on the 34 GLS.  She’s as feature-rich as her larger siblings, minus some obvious items such as the side balconies.  The simple fact is when Cruisers sets out to make a smaller version of a luxury lineup, very little gets sacrificed. And what does is only due to size limitations.  Long experience has shown that when a builder crams 10 pounds in a 5-pound box, everyone suffers.  We think the 34 is an ideal balance of size, luxury and features that makes the GLS line proud.  It should certainly make Cruisers Yachts proud.