Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR (2026-)

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Brief Summary

With a legacy stretching back to 1953 and its founding in Oconto, Wisconsin, Cruisers Yachts can proudly boast of having an all-American heritage. While the company has gone through several iterations, including being acquired by Oconto native K.C. Stock in the early 1990’s, and then in 2021, after its acquisition by MarineMax, a bold expansion took place with the purchase of an additional 216,000 square foot production facility in Pulaski, Wisconsin, resulting in a dramatic increase in its potential output. During all that time, the mid-west builder has introduced several innovative models in its lineup: Cantius, Fly, GLS, and the exciting VTR 38, more recently.

In a breakaway design, and charting new territory for this traditional, Midwest-based, American boat builder, Cruisers Yachts has embarked on a daring project with its pair of dayboat/weekender VTR models. The 38 VTR, with its open design, and the EC, with its enclosed cabin, both with a plumb bow, present a bold, forward-thinking exterior with an interior featuring several deck layouts suitable for any kind of on water adventure. Powered by twin 300-hp Mercury outboards, with a twin 400-hp option, and a long list of standard and optional equipment, guarantees excitement while underway and a thrilling blend of versatility and performance. Designed with adventure in mind, the line takes its name from what it delivers: Venture. Trek. Roam.

Unfortunately, on test day the optimal props were not fitted to the 38. A few days later the techs scored the right props. Test numbers below were provided by Mercury Marine.

Test Results

RPM	MPH	Knots	GPH	MPG	NMPG	SM	NM	dBa
600	4.2	3.65	1.4	3	N/A	660	N/A	65
1000	6.6	5.73	2.4	2.75	N/A	605	N/A	66
2000	10.8	9.38	6.4	1.69	N/A	371.25	N/A	74
2500	11.6	10.08	8.6	1.35	N/A	296.74	N/A	76
3000	14.8	12.86	12.8	1.16	N/A	254.38	N/A	80
3500	17.3	15.03	16.2	1.07	N/A	234.94	N/A	84
4000	24.1	20.94	21.6	1.12	N/A	245.46	N/A	88
4500	33.8	29.37	26.6	1.27	N/A	279.55	N/A	87
5000	37.7	32.76	34.2	1.1	N/A	242.51	N/A	89
5200	38.9	33.8	35.4	1.1	N/A	241.75	N/A	90
5400	40.2	34.93	38.4	1.05	N/A	230.31	N/A	90
5600	42.5	36.93	42	1.01	N/A	222.62	N/A	91
5800	44.1	38.32	45	0.98	N/A	215.6	N/A	91
6000	45.2	39.27	48	0.94	N/A	207.17	N/A	91

View the test results in metric units

Specifications

Length Overall	41' 11" 12.8 m
Beam	11' 10" 3.6 m
Dry Weight	15,146 lbs 6,870 kg
Draft Up	23" 0.58 m
Draft Down	36" 0.92 m
Bridge Clearance	12' 2" 3.7 m
Fuel Capacity	233 gal 882 L
Water Capacity	50 gal 189.3 L

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8
Std. Power	2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado V8
Opt. Power	2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado V10

An American Adventure

Captain's Report Cruisers 38 VTR

by Capt. Ken Kreisler

Cruisers 38 VTR running — Packed for adventure, whether on a day trip with family or friends, or taking a weekend away, the exciting Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR will deliver.

Major Features

2 x 300-hp Mercury Verado outboard engines in black or white
9” Simrad color touchscreen
Wireless phone charging
Skylight window
Electric head w/holding tank
Tilt steering wheel
Beach door
White hull
Wet bar w/sink
Battery charger and battery parallel switch
Electric trim tabs
White fiberglass hardtop

Notable Options

2 x 400-hp Mercury Verado outboard engines
Mercury joystick piloting system and Mercury radar
Seating options include aft seat in gray or taupe, cockpit seating in gray or taupe, sunlounge in gray or taupe, sunlounge w/aft cabin in gray or taupe
Air conditioning
Bow and cockpit tables
Mid seat icemaker and refrigerator
Forward cabin refrigerator
Rod holders, Thule roof rack, tow bar, Yeti cooler
Bow thruster, windlass w/galvanized anchor, chain, and rode
Simrad single or dual 15” Ultrawide color touchscreens
Reverso engine flush system
Premium stereo package

Vessel Inspection

Versatility has always been a key component of every Cruisers Yachts, and so too aboard the 38 VTR. With the option of five layout options for this dayboat/weekender, there is one to suit your needs.

Cruisers 38 VTR layouts — The Base model offers wide open spaces while the Aft Bench presents options such as a wet bar and grill. The Sunlounge has an aft-facing sitting space or an aft-cabin when an additional berth may come in handy. Of course you always have the standard forward cabin layout.

Bow

With a design laid out for enjoyable, action-packed activities, the Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR presents a bow section that sets the stage for the excitement that follows.

Cruisers 38 VTR deep well — A deep well for safety while underway, with robust stainless rails, lots of bolstered seating with storage underneath, and an optional pedestal table, makes the bow a welcomed gathering place.

Cruisers 38 VTR Yeti cooler — A dedicated Yeti cooler is found under the starboard seat.

Cruisers 38 VTR anchor locker — All the way forward is the easy-to-access anchor locker with remote control conveniently mounted on the backside of the lid. Receptacles for the poles which support the optional bow sunshade are also located here.

Helm

Mounted slightly to port, this to accommodate entry to the cabin to starboard, the helm is a well laid out affair with the kind of space designed and engineered to provide all around outstanding views of the seaway and the practical mounting of all the well-placed required equipment.

Cruisers 38 VTR hardtop — Providing shade from the sun, and adding to the 38 VTR’s racy profile, the hardtop covers the helm and seating area. Note the forward-raked, one piece, wrap-around windshield and optional roof rack for kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, and other items.

Cruisers 38 VTR helm console — The helm console offers a standard 9" Simrad display or the option of a pair of 15" Ultrawide screens. Joystick, VHF, phone charger, throttles, rocker switches, and all other equipment is within easy reach for safe operation while underway.

Cruisers 38 VTR helm seats — The trio of bolstered helm seats have convertible backs, enabling them to convert to an aft-facing position, joining the dining table and additional bench seating. Notice the large armrests and cup holders.

Cruisers 38 VTR dining space — The amidships dining space, with optional table, easily seats six. Access to the bow here is to starboard with a step-up. To port of the helm is an unimpeded walkway from bow to stern.

Cruisers 38 VTR aft side of the bench features a refrigerator, ice maker, and storage — The aft side of the bench features a refrigerator, ice maker, and storage. Note the stainless grabs and drink holders.

Cruisers 38 VTR overhead speakers — Located on the aft end of the overhead, are a pair of speakers. Note the stainless grabs and the sturdy hardtop supports.

Cabin

Entry to the forward cabin is via a sliding door to starboard of the helm, making this dayboat/weekender, with a stand-up wethead, perfect for family outings or for an adventurous couple aboard looking forward to a weekend cruise.

Cruisers 38 VTR pull-out refrigerator in cabin — A pull-out refrigerator will make storing drinks easy and keep them out of the way.

Cruisers 38 VTR overhead windows — These overhead, fixed windows allow plenty of outside light to fill the space.

Cruisers 38 VTR head — The head offers an electric toilet, sink and console, storage cabinet, and a hand-held shower wand.

Cruisers 38 VTR electrical panel — Conveniently located in a bulkhead cabinet is the electrical panel with all switches and controls labeled for ease of operation.

Cruisers 38 VTR mechanical space — Access to the mechanical space is located under the steps.

Aft Section

Using all available space, Cruisers Yachts made sure the aft section and transom on the 38 VTR were provided with the ability to provide useful and practical equipment, and the space, to make time aboard memorable.

Cruisers 38 VTR beach door — The port side, electrically operated beach door is perfect for getting toys in the water, diving, getting on or off a visiting tender, or expanding the aft swim platform.

Cruisers 38 VTR 300-hp Mercury outboards — Mounted under the optional ski tow bar are the pair of standard 300-hp Mercury outboards. There is plenty of room on the swim platform to cross from port to starboard. Note the robust boarding ladder to port making getting in and out of the water safe and easy. Twin 400-hp Mercury outboards are an option.

Cruisers 38 VTR Reverso system controls — Controls for the Reverso System, providing a fresh water flush when running in salt water are found here. Switches for the beach door and storage compartment light are located at the top of the unit. A freshwater shower hose is also located here.

Cruisers 38 VTR large storage compartment — The large storage compartment, located in the middle of the aft deck, has plenty of room for water toys, line, extra fenders, and other equipment.

Cruisers 38 VTR aft bench seat — The aft bench seat, measuring 48” wide, is located on the midline and has storage beneath.

Cruisers 38 VTR wetbar with optional electric grill — The wetbar, located on the starboard side of the transom, has a sink, storage below, and an optional Kenyon electric grill.

A Word About Performance

The Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR delivers a lively ride courtesy of twin 300-hp Mercury Verado power, turning Mercury Rev X props, advanced running bottom, and quick response to the helm commands. “The hull bottom design on the VTR was a focal point from the start. According to Josh Delforge, Cruisers Yachts VP of Operations and Engineering, “…the goal was to strike a balance between ride quality, handling, and efficiency.” To achieve this, Delforge worked with DLBA Naval Architects to design a hybrid stepped hull that is a cross between a v-hull and a double step hull. “The end product allowed us to have the stability we were after while still taking advantage of the partial ventilated steps on the chines.”

Our test day saw an air temperature of 82°, relative humidity of 62%, and a mild wind of 5 knots. Estimated weight came in as 17,285 pounds with 90% of her 233 gallon fuel capacity, and 15 gallons of water. There were four passengers on board.

Our top speed was 44.2 mph at 5750 rpm. We found our best cruise settled in at 4000 rpm where we noted a 24.1 mph speed and calculated our range at 246.1 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve. We experienced little or no bow rise, and immediate response to the wheel was noted when putting her hard over on turns to either side as well as well as during S turns.

Summary

Cruisers Yachts’ design and engineering teams found the right balance of all things aboard the 38 VTR including fabricating all metal and upholstery work in house. Her beam of 11’10” in no way sacrificed any noticeable space on deck, at the helm and bow, or in the cabin. Indeed, this dayboat/weekender has a full, stand-up wethead, and enough room for an adventurous couple to spend aboard on a weekend jaunt away from their home port. With head-turning good looks, and sparkling performance from either her standard, 300-hp Mercury Verado, or optional 400-hp Mercury power for more speed, the 38 VTR is sure to please her owners on all fronts.

Cruisers 38 VTR running

Remember, life is better on a boat!

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