Cruisers Yachts 420 Sports Coupe (2009-2010)

Brief Summary

Cruisers Yachts have some new kids on the block and the 420 Sports Coupe is one of them. This new model addresses one of the age-old issues some of us have with a hardtop. Rather than have the last foot or so open with Isinglass that you have to tangle with, on this model the windshield wraps around the entire top and you need only add the camper canvas across the back when the weather turns on you. The cockpit has lots of seating that can be converted into a sunpad. Cruisers offers two propulsion systems; Volvo Penta IPS gas or diesel, or inboard systems from Volvo Penta, MerCruiser and Yanmar. Sleeping accommodations and inside headroom are really sweet as well. The forward berth is an island queen and the aft cabin has twins that convert to a queen. Watch the games on the standard 26” LCD TV while you keep the cockpit and cabin cooled in 28,000 BTU of cool air or warm heat from the two standard systems. Don’t worry; there are a lot more standard and optional features onboard!

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	43' 0'' / 13.1 m
Beam	11' 5'' 3.5 m
Dry Weight	23, 500 lbs. 10659 kg
Draft	44'' with IPS 1.1 m
Deadrise/Transom	N/A
Max Headroom	6' 5'' 2.0 m
Bridge Clearance	11' 5'' 3.5 m
Fuel Capacity	300 gal. 1,136 L
Water Capacity	75 gal. 284 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	9.4 sec.
0 to 30	16.3 sec.
Ratio	1.94 : 1
Props	T4
Load	3 persons, 3/4 fuel, 1/2 full, 75 lbs. of gear
Climate	76 deg., 66% humidity, winds: 3-5 mph, seas: 1-2 minimal chop

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500 - Diesel
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600 2 x 375-hp Volvo Penta IPS550G 2 x 370-hp MerCruiser 8.1 S Horizon 2 x 440-hp Yanmar 6LY3-STP

Warranty

Deck Warranty Extended	5 year
Engine Warranty Extended	Engine warranties vary by manufacturer
Gelcoat Warranty Extended	3 year
Hull Warranty Extended	5 year

Learn More
Watch Our Video

Learn about the back story of Cruisers Yachts here...
By Capt. Rob Smith

The standard cockpit air conditioning makes this a yacht you can enjoy year round.
Cruisers Yachts only builds yachts in the 30-56 foot range which means they only build yachts, and the company is not a sportboat builder that morphed into large boats. This is an important distinction and one you should consider when you are shopping boats. The Cruisers Yachts workmen are used to building to one quality standard – yacht quality.

Welcome aboard

Cruisers Yachts makes it easier to board from the integrated swim platform or from either the port or starboard side decks and molded in steps. I also like to relax with a glass of fine wine watching the sunset, so I would definitely want the optional rumble seat in the stern where my wife and I can have a front row seat as we wait for that flash of green as the sun drops below the horizon. This also makes a good place to gear up for water sports activities keeping the cockpit clear and cleaner.

Going forward

Reaching the bow, you can either climb up the two steps to the side decks from the cockpit, or go through the center windshield walkthrough. The side decks are a bit narrow for me, so I will be using the walkthrough. I have found that women also prefer to use the “thru-windshield steps.”
The babes will like the optional twin sun loungers forward. Ground tackle includes anchor, 126’ (38.4 meters) of 5/8” line and 30’ (9.1 meters) of 5/16” chain. You won’t have to break your back pulling the anchor in because the windlass is standard on the 420 Coupe. As we said, these are yacht builders.

Topside

The 420 Coupe has a large U-shaped lounger that flows from the port side transom entry around and behind the double wide helm seat. This has two tables that also convert this space into a large sun bathing pad. On the port side of the aft cockpit is a wet bar. If you are like me (I like to cook) you will surely add the optional electric grill and optional refrigerator.

Stepping on up

The port side lounger forward is plenty large for three adults to relax and enjoy the ride. The helm is a split double wide bench. Visibility was nearly 360 degrees with the aft support for the hard top obstructing part of the view. While standing, I never lost the horizon from throttle up to planing speed.
One of the real values of the Coupe hardtop is expanding the boating season. The windshield is integrated with the hardtop so you don’t have to hassle with isinglass. If it is too cold, or if you want to run the air conditioner (standard), simply add the aft canvas and you can control the cockpit environment. Room at the helm was good whether standing, leaning on the bolster, or sitting down. And, there is plenty of headroom standing with the sunroof closed. This boat is not designed like one of those European coupes where you must open the sunroof to stand.

Below Deck

The companionway entry has two doors, the usual sliding door and a handy screen door that you can use when the weather is nice, but the bugs are not. The salon has over 7’ (2.13-2.21 meters) of headroom. Pretty amazing for a yacht that doesn’t look high-sided from the outside!
The head is under the helm on the starboard side. It also has lots of headroom at 77” to 78” (1.96-1.98 meters) in the enclosed shower. The vanity top is Mystera solid surface with a decorative tile backsplash. The sole is covered in Amtico synthetic cherry and maple complimenting the cherry veneer cabinetry.
The entertainment center is mounted above the microwave in the galley. This 26” LCD TV and DVD player will provide hours of entertainment. The settee is crescent shaped and covered in Ultraleather which maintains its good looks better and is easier to clean than real leather. The wood table compliments the joinery in the salon. You can add a couple of stools that can be positioned around the table expanding the seating arrangements for dinner or game time.

Whipping up a meal

The galley also has Mystera solid surface counter tops and cherry veneer cabinetry. The grains are all well matched and the doors are all well aligned showing that Cruisers Yachts takes their time to insure great looks. The sole is covered in the same Amtico synthetic cherry and maple as the head.
Appliances include a two burner electric cooktop, microwave and coffee maker combo (microwave only in the 220V version) and Nova Kool refrigerator/freezer. Of course you will be enjoying some wine onboard and Cruisers Yachts has just the spot to keep the stemware safe. Next to the companionway is where the stemware and wine will be on display in a lighted cabinet with clear door.

Calling it a night

When you are ready to catch some sleep, the 420 Sports Coupe is a two-cabin model. Forward is an island queen berth. There is ample storage here for clothes and personal items. A privacy curtain is standard, but an optional bulkhead and door are my preference. Two opening ports and a 22” hatch provide natural light, cooling breezes and emergency escape.
The aft cabin has twin bunks that easily convert to a queen bed with two filler cushions. To port is a private vanity for this cabin. It has the same Mystera counter top with decorative tile backsplash as the galley and day head. The sink and head are separate which means two people can get ready at once, both here and in the forward cabin.

The Joy(stick) of power

Cruisers Yachts 420 Sports Coupe with Volvo Penta IPS joystick drives will be the talk of the marina with her looks and the dance you can perform with the joystick maneuverability. I tested with Twin Volvo Penta IPS 500s. The IPS system also leaves more room in the engine compartment. This adds a lot of space to get around the engines, standard generator, filters and thru-hull fittings.

Power Choices

Fuel capacity is 300 gallons (1,135 liters) and fresh water capacity is 75 gallons (283.8 liters). You have eight choices for power on the 420 Coupe. Choices include Volvo Penta IPS gas or diesel, MerCruiser gas V-drives, Volvo Penta diesel V-drives or Yanmar’s 6LY3 series diesel V-drive inboard.

Test results

The morning was rather calm on the day I took the 420 Coupe out. Leaving the docks was simple and unrushed with the Volvo Penta IPS joystick drives doing their job. Out underway throttle and shift action was smooth. Turns were wide and flat, yet with IPS, they probably are still tighter than V-drives can deliver. I took her through our own wake a few times to validate the dry ride. The sharp entry and bow flare along with the wide chine flats sliced through the waves and kept us completely dry.
She was on plane in 9.4 seconds and made 30 mph in 16.3 seconds. She clocked a top speed of 36.5 mph (31.7 knots) at 3600 rpm burning 41.2 gph (155.6 lph). Her most economical cruising speed was 32.5 mph (28.3 knots) at 3250 rpm burning 30.9 gph (116.9 lph). She had bow rise of only approximately 13 degrees and running angle of about 3 degrees and kept the horizon clearly in view.

Conclusion

I was very impressed with the 420 Sports Coupe. With the joystick drives, she is easy enough for just about anyone to take the helm from the time you signal up your lines to the time you secure her in the slip. The 420 Sports Coupe has incredible headroom, especially considering the looks of her at the docks. She doesn’t appear bulky or top heavy, yet she has all that headroom. If you are ready for some serious cruising, the Cruisers Yachts 420 Sports Coupe could be a good choice for you.
Finally, this boat is currently available at "Factory-Direct" pricing if bought through a Cruisers Yachts dealer. As we have noted elsewhere, this window of buying opportunity will not last very long.