Cruisers Yachts 45 Cantius (2014-)

Brief Summary

Every so often, a real breakthrough comes along in yacht design. In the world of mid-forties motor yachts, if you’re looking for something to get excited about, look no further than the all-new 45 Cantius from Cruisers Yachts. This design represents a whole new perspective on the utilization of space; interior versus exterior. It reflects the changes in the way modern families use boats in this size range, both for their own purposes and to host and entertain guests.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	45' 0'' / 13.7 m
Beam	14' 6'' 4.3 m
Dry Weight	29,500 lbs. 13,381 kg.
Draft	41'' 1.0 m
Deadrise/Transom	18.5 deg.
Max Headroom	6' 6'' 2.0 m
Bridge Clearance	10' 0'' 3.0 m (w/o radar)
Fuel Capacity	362 gal. 1,370 L
Water Capacity	100 gal. 379 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	N/A
0 to 30	N/A
Ratio	1.95 : 1
Props	Volvo Penta T-2
Load	Load: 3 persons, Fuel: full, Water: full, Gear: full
Climate	Temp: 81 deg., Wind: 5 knots, Seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500
Std. Power	Not Available
Opt. Power	2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500 2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600

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By Capt. John--

 

Mission Statement

Integrating both indoor and outdoor spaces, the mission of Cruisers Yachts with the design of the 45 Cantius was to provide its customers with the feel of an express boat while enjoying the luxury of a sedan. The builder has been successful at taking a fresh, contemporary approach to yacht design for serious cruising, or day-boat entertaining.

Distinguishing Features

• Sun Lounger Aft. Transom and cockpit seating that converts to a sun lounger with an electric actuator. It features split backrests, so two can sit forward or aft, or one facing each direction.
• Optional Cockpit Sunshade. Retractable canvas sunshade provides shade for the entire cockpit with the touch of a button.

Glass Entry Door and Swing-up Glass Window-

By making the aft window a swing-up design the interior of the boat is opened up to make it seem larger and also so guests can enjoy the great outdoors when they are inside.

Opening Sunroof and Power Side Windows

Electric sunroof with shade and power vent windows lets natural light and fresh air in. The result is an express cruiser which has plenty of breeze when wanted but can be buttoned up when it is time for the AC or heat. 

Mid Stateroom/Theater Room

This cabin is huge and is certainly one of the largest, if not the largest in class. It includes a queen-sized berth, two side-by-side recliners for watching television that converts into a berth. As a result, this space is not only a sleeping cabin but also one that can be used for entertaining. (More on this cabin below.) 

Large Mid-Cabin Windows

It is rare to see large mid-cabin windows on a boat this size, particularly one built in the U.S. 

Two heads-

Many boats this size do not have two heads, something that makes cruising with two couples much more comfortable and private.

Room for Optional Washer/Dryer.

When cruising, a washer/dryer comes in handy and the 45 Cantius has the space for it, unlike most boats in this size range.

 

Unusual Standard Features

• 40,000 BTUs of air conditioning. There’s a lot of glass on the main deck, so plenty of a/c capacity will keep things cool.
• 13 kW generator offers plenty of capacity to operate all ship’s systems.
• Electrically-operated cockpit sun lounger with storage beneath.

• Power sunroof with sunshade in hardtop.
• Retractable shore power cord.
• Electric windlass with chain/rope anchor rode.

 

 

Comparison with Other Boats in Class

The exterior styling of the 45 Cantius speaks for itself. Her angular Euro-style lines are a striking contrast to the soft, “Dairy Queen” lines we sometimes see. From a functionality standpoint, Cruisers Yachts, by putting the galley up and aft, and the settee for dining and the sofa on the main deck, makes a clear statement as to how this boat should be used – entertaining on the main deck with maximized accommodations and two heads below. Because she has two heads and room for an optional washer/dryer she is clearly intended for comfortable cruising for two couples.

Noteworthy Aspects of the Accommodations Deck

Forward Cabin.

Starting forward, the sizeable Master stateroom has an island berth and 6’6” (2.0 m) of headroom. There are two full-length cedar closets, post glazed windows and a large private head compartment with stall shower which has 6’4” (1.93 m) of headroom. The décor package on the test models incorporates fashion-forward, soothing earth tones. Modern, Euro-style fixtures and hardware are used everywhere.

The Second Head.

The head for the mid cabin is a wet head and also serves as the day head. It is accessed from the companionway steps, and in this passageway there is a space that can be used for storage or for an optional washer/dryer combo.

Extra-Large Mid Cabin.

Once below, to port, is the entrance to the aft stateroom. One might expect to find the standard mid cabin here, with limited headroom and a big berth to crawl into. The headroom when entering the mid state room is 6'3" and once in the seating/bedding area it is 4'7". This is one place where the 45 Cantius separates itself from the rest. To port is a lounger alongside a couple of fixed windows. This makes a pleasant place to settle with a good book. There is also ample headroom here, much more than on most boats in class. For example, one can change clothes here without sitting on the berth. A television is built into the cabinetry just aft. On the starboard side is a queen-sized berth forward. It is separated from a split recliner by a partial glass bulkhead. The split recliner allows two people to sit in theater-like seats to watch their favorite movie. (Just pass the popcorn!) These seats also make into a double bed if needed. This device gives the stateroom a lot of added utility that we rarely see. The cabin can be used for kids, or two guys, or any number of other combinations. I’ve never seen anything quite like it in a 45-footer.

It’s tough to do justice to this cabin without seeing it in person, but I’m certain this space will be a big hit with families. I stopped to think about how many different ways this space can be enjoyed and I realized that the possibilities seem endless…

The Main Deck

The helm is to starboard of the companionway. It’s fitted with a full array of the most up-to-date electronics and digital engine information, efficiently laid-out on a compact helm console. Seating is on a double-wide adjustable bench. The helm area is not what I’d call a dominating feature on this boat, but I didn’t feel at all like it was a compromise. But since the helm area is more like a part of the furniture, the helm, and therefore the captain, feels much more included in the whole experience rather than separated.

Topside for Entertainment.

To further encourage socializing while underway, there’s a U-shaped settee with a removable table to port. Aft of the helm is a sofa which can be set up as a pair of recliners or a sofa bed. To port, is a full galley. Sink and stove are outboard, and a countertop extends across the aft side. And this leads us to yet another unique feature of the 45 Cantius -- the aft bulkhead of the house is entirely glass. Both the large aft door and the tilt-up window, opens to the cockpit area.

The Cockpit.

An optional, retractable sunshade provides full shade for the cockpit. This is a relatively new feature we have been seeing on some boats in other classes and it is obviously an option that any buyer should seriously consider. It enables people to be outside and have safe sun. Women concerned about their hairdo might also appreciate the added wind protection. The aft seating area and tables are intended for an evening cocktail party. There is a good-sized deck for moving around. Because the galley is located aft, it will be easy for the host or hostess to pass out a plate of snacks or even to be bartender for guests in the cockpit. This is a concept that we increasingly see on large motoryachts and it seems to work well.

For those who like to grill, the builder offers an optional grill and refrigerator set into a console on the port side of the cockpit.

 

Sun Bathing Mode.

The 45 Cantius seems to have about anything anyone one could wish for when it comes to sun bathing. The aft bench seat can morph into a convertible lounger which offers forward or aft facing seats, or a flat pad for catching rays. That’s all done with the flip of a switch – and there is no need to scramble and lug around filler cushions as they all magically appear at the touch of a button. Besides all that, the seat lifts up with another actuator to reveal a huge storage locker, accessible from the swim platform, for water toys. The open design concept works well on the 45 and even when the boat is closed up, the visibility from the helm and the salon area is second to none.

Performance Numbers

We had a rainy day for our test; the wind was calm and the seas were flat, so I can’t objectively report how the 45 Cantius does in a seaway. Our test model tipped the scale at just over 34,000 lbs. with three on board and tanks nearly full of fuel. She was powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS500s, delivering 370 horsepower each. We hit max rpm of 3630 in 42 seconds, where we saw the speedo read 31.7 mph or 27.54 knots. We recorded our optimal cruising speed at 24 mph, with a range of 279 miles turning the Volvos at 3100 rpm burning a total of 28 gph.

Handling

A number of years ago I was fortunate enough to have tested one of the first yachts in this size range that was fitted with Volvo Penta IPS drives. I was blown away with how well it worked. I continue to be amazed at how much control the skipper has, and the 45 Cantius is no different. I left the slip and eased her out of a tight basin easily. The joystick makes it easy, and it certainly takes all the stress out of the equation. Once I was outside the no-wake zone, I pushed it up and had no issues with visibility at any point in the ride. Steering was responsive and smooth. I felt like this was a boat I’d love to take for a long trip.

Engine Room and Engine

The choice of Volvo Penta IPS power is a good one, in my opinion. These motors have been reliable, and the drive system cuts down significantly on noise and vibration. The standard 500s (370-hp) seemed to have enough power for the way most people will use the boat, but the additional horsepower available with the optional 600s (435-hp) may be desirable for those wanting to frequently run around with a big crowd on board.

Observations

In conclusion, there’s a lot to like about this boat that is new and different. I’ve got to call this one a “home run” by Cruisers Yachts. She is the third boat in the Cantius Series (48 and 41 are the other two) and I think she will be just as popular as her predecessors. Like the other two Cantius yachts, she is made for both elegant, day boat entertaining, but also for serious cruising for two couples. She has some truly unique features that add quite a bit of utility, such as the huge mid-cabin, the optional washer/dryer, and the aft glass bulkhead that opens up. Every boat is a compromise, but I found fewer compromises on the 45 Cantius than on most boats. I was impressed.