Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius (2023-)

Brief Summary

The Cantius lineup ranges from 42 to 60 models, with the 42 being the second smallest. Despite its size, it is well-equipped and capable for cruising and entertainment. It offers a two-stateroom/two-head layout, making it suitable for overnight stays. Powered by 440-hp IPS 600 pod drive engines, it features joystick functionality for easy maneuverability around the dock, ideal for transitioning from smaller dayboats.

Key Features

• Opening side windows at the helm and dinette
• Large opening sunroof
• Flexible door in the galley-to-cockpit glass partition
• Transom with flexible storage and grill built in
• Large hull-side windows
• Innovative cockpit sunshade
• Innovative forward seating sunshade
• Full-beam master stateroom
• Well organized and labeled machinery space
• Large, hydraulically lowering swim platform with integrated steps

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	46' 5'' 14.15 m
Beam	14' 6'' 4.42 m
Dry Weight	32,200 lbs. 14,651 kg
Tested Weight	34,677 lbs. 15,729 kg
Draft	42'' 1.07 m
Deadrise/Transom	17-deg.
Max Headroom	6' 6'' 1.98 m
Bridge Clearance	14' 8'' 4.47 m (max)
Fuel Capacity	360 gal. 1,363 L
Water Capacity	100 gal. 179 L
Total Weight	34,677 lbs. 15,729 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	5.9 sec.
0 to 30	21.8 sec.
Props	21P
Load	2 persons, 5/6 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	68 deg., 56 humid; wind: 5-10 mph; seas: <1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 435-hp Volvo Penta IPS600

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Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius

Mission

The Cantius lineup of boats was designed to create a cruiser that is roomy and open while also keeping everything manageable and reliable.  With a spacious cockpit blending seamlessly into the salon, she’s an ideal boat for those intimate gatherings.  She also makes an ideal owner/operator’s yacht with her full beam master. 

Major Features

• Extendable aft deck awning and manual bow shade
• Glass dash
• Air conditioning
• 13.5kW generator
• Forward chaise lounge
• Transom grill and refrigerator
• Central vacuum
• Opening salon windows
• Opening sunroof
• Full beam master stateroom

Performance

The Cruisers 46 Cantius has a length overall of 46’5” (14.15 m), a beam of 14’6” (4.42 m) and a draft of 42” (106.68 cm). With an empty weight of 32,200 lbs. (14,606 kg), 86% fuel and three people on board, we had an estimated test weight of 34,677 lbs. (15,729 kg). With 435-hp IPS 600 engines run up to 3610 RPM, we reached our top speed of 31 knots. Best economic cruise was slightly less than 3400 RPM and 28 knots, which showed a fuel burn of 38.5 gallons per hour. That translated into .7 nautical miles per gallon and a range of 235.6 nautical miles.  All while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 360-gallon (1,362.75 L) total fuel supply.

Because the IPS engines are so efficient and well matched to the hull, that .7 nautical mile per gallon efficiency will hold all the way down to 2800 RPM and 18.9 knots. So feel free to simply set the speed for the most comfort and whatever the prevailing conditions are currently being experienced at the time.

We reached planing speed in 5.9 seconds. Twenty mph was reached in 8.8 and 30 came and went in 21.8 seconds.

Handling

When advancing the throttle, the bow will naturally rise well above the horizon, but go ahead and bring in full tabs and she'll come down to a 6 to 7-degree bow-high attitude for cruise.  Not only will this not increase drag, but it also increases speed by a couple of knots.

We tested on a flat calm day so no comments about how she handles chop, but we did find a wake here and there and it showed us a dry ride.  We managed to extract some hull slap only at full speed. Otherwise, she makes a comfortable transition. The dry ride is enhanced by the 6’8” (2.03 m) freeboard at the stern and 7’4” (2.23 m) at the bow.

At the dock, the IPS joystick allows for easy maneuvering, making this an ideal yacht for anyone looking to transition up from a smaller boat. Having a midship clip right at the side window makes tying up shorthanded, or even single-handed, a non-issue.

Boat Inspection

Aft Deck

Gatherings begin at the aft deck that measures 8’10” x 5’9” (2.69 m x 1.75 m).  L-shaped seating runs across the aft side and up the port wrapping around a solid wood table on a fixed pedestal.  Storage is underneath the seats.  Ahead of the seat to port is a cockpit icemaker under a Corian counter that includes beverage holders and an inductive smartphone charger.  Across to starboard is a cockpit fridge under more Corian counter.  All this is under the protection of a standard extendable awning that extends from just below the trailing edge of the hardtop.   

Engine Compartment

The engine compartment is accessed from a hatch in the cockpit deck.  There’s not quite standing headroom at 4’6” (1.37 m) of overhead clearance. Space in between the engines is 3’7” (1 m). The pods are connected right to the back of the engine, so no need for a jackshaft.  A cord reel is over on the port side. There’s a 15 kW generator over to the port side.  At the forward bulkhead are fuel filters for the two main engines and the generator right in the center. 

Swim Platform

Stairs to the starboard side allow access to the swim platform.  A stainless-steel framed gate with the CY logo closes off the stairs.  The platform has a depth of 4’8” (1.42 m) and a reboarding ladder is concealed to the port side.  A hydraulic version is available, and with that version, a set of stairs to starboard is deployed as the platform is lowered.  Tracks allow for holding a cradle for water toy storage.   

A large module to the transom has a huge storage space to the port side.  This is also where the wired remote for the hydraulic platform is along with the TV connectivity, shore power cord reel control and city water inlet.  The 50-amp shore cord extends from the bottom riser at the stairs to the port side that leads to the side deck.  Just to starboard and under a hinged cover is an electric grill recessed into a Corian counter.  Below is a refrigerated drawer. 

Bow

While the 46 Cantius has a symmetrical layout with side decks to port and starboard, there is only access to the starboard side deck from the cockpit due to the L-seating blocking off the port side.  That must be accessed from the swim platform stairs to port. 

In either case, the symmetrical layout provides for 17” (43.18 cm) wide decks with rails topping out at 25” (63.5 cm).  At midships, there’s a 5” (12.7 cm) with a 10” (25.4 cm) cleat just ahead.  Safety is enhanced with another rail running along the cabin hardtop. 

As for the bow social zone, there’s a U-shaped lounge with the sides extending 72” (182.88 cm).  The head cushions lift into single chaise lounge positions.  A center cushion lifts to reveal a high gloss table on a clever hinge system that allows it to lift out and ahead.  A standard sunshade is included and gets supported by stanchions to the four corners of the trunk cabin. 

Ground Tackle

A hatch in the foredeck conceals the ground tackle that consists of a 50-lb. (22.68 kg) anchor mounted to a thru-the-stem anchor roller and secured with a chain and rope rode.  There’s easy access to the rode storage alongside a shelf that holds an optional anchor windlass.  A freshwater washdown is alongside.  Foot control switches are to the starboard side of the deck. 

Interior

The interior is accessed through stainless-steel framed smoked glass doors.  They slide open to the port side and provide an entry 5’3” (1.6 m) wide.  This, along with the flush deck, provide a seamless transition to the galley and salon.  The interior is well-lit with natural light from the surrounding windows and opening sunroof, all of which blur the line between inside and outside.  Overhead clearance is 6’7” (2.01 m).  Amtico flooring has a hardwood look that adds to the premium look of the décor.  The interior wood is Mocha Oak with Ebony Oak offered as an option, both offset by white upholstery.  Choose gloss or satin finish. All outlets include USB connectivity.   

Galley

The galley is aft, which keeps it centrally located between the two main deck areas. Features are split between the port and starboard sides.  The L-shaped section to port has Corian counters with a double burner electric cooktop and corner-mounted single basin stainless-steel sink.  A microwave is below, nestled into the cabinetry that provides ample storage. 

To starboard, there’s a continuation of the galley features with refrigeration below another Corian counter.  Storage is alongside the fridge as well as over the 32’ (9.75 m) TV on a swivel mount above the counter.  Alongside the TV are the stereo and climate control panels. 

Salon

As with the galley, the salon consists of two sections, one to port and one to starboard.  To port, there’s a dinette on an elevated platform up an 8” (20.32 cm) and a 9” (22.86 cm) step.  A high gloss expandable table is on a fixed pedestal.  L-shaped seating wraps around the table.  A shorter pedestal allows for conversion to a berth.  An opening side window provides fresh air when desired, along with the overhead sunroof.  To starboard is a 54” (137.16 cm) loveseat, allowing opposing seating for relaxed conversations. 

Helm

The helm is starboard mounted.  Cruisers went with a “glass dash” concept with dual 12” (30.48 cm) screens and an autopilot control in between the two.  A compass is mounted just ahead of the tilt-base steering wheel.  Electrical switches are grouped according to function and laid out to the right of the wheel.  The single-piece windshield measures 9’4” x 3’6” (2.84 m x 1.06 m).  A subpanel to the right houses the digital throttles, the IPS joystick and a remote for the forward displays, conveniently placed so it can be manipulated from the seated position.  An opening side window is just above and allows convenient access to the 10” (25.4 cm) cleat just outside.  The 34” (86.36 cm) helm seat has a flip bolster and single-flip armrest.    

Lower Deck

The accommodations are accessed from a centerline companionway with stairs that feature 9” (22.86 cm) risers.  A stainless grab rail is to the port side.  To starboard is a gloss-finished door concealing the vessel's main electrical panel.  The 46 Cantius has a two-stateroom/two-head layout with the full beam master located aft. 

Master

There’s a small corridor with two steps that lead to the master.  The 79” x 60” (200.66 cm x 152.4 cm) berth is center mounted and flanked by nightstands with Corian counters.  Inductive chargers would be a nice touch here.  The headboard is upholstered in Ultraleather with an inlaid mirror.  Reading lights are to both sides.  To the starboard side of the stateroom, there’s a chest of drawers with a Corian counter, all mounted under a hull side window.  To port is a chaise mounted under another hullside window.  The headroom is variable here and starts at 6’2” (1.88 m) at the entry and drops to 5’6” (1.67 m) as we step to the front of the berth.  This leaves 2’7” (.79 m) over the berth.  A combination washer/dryer and a 32” (81.28 cm) TV are to the forward bulkheads. 

Back out to the entry corridor, there’s a large storage compartment to starboard, just across from the master head.  The head includes a vessel sink, Corian counters, plenty of high gloss woodwork and a walk-in shower. 

VIP

The VIP is located at the bow and consists of a 78” x 54” (198.12 cm x 137.16 cm) island berth, accessed from either side.  There are hull side windows to both sides and we’d like to see the space above the windows utilized for storage.  The headboard is a combination of upholstery and mirror, much like the master.  Headroom is 6’3” (1.9 m), which leaves 3’4” (1 m) over the berth.  A 32” (81.28 cm) TV is provided.  Storage lockers are on both sides and more is located under the berth. 

Optional Equipment

• Volvo Penta, D6, 600 IPS, EVC, ACP, 440-hp
• Slate Gray Hull
• Anchor Washdown System
• Batteries
• Cockpit Cooler, Port
• Cockpit Refrigerator, Starboard,120V
• Cockpit Seating, Gray
• Custom Sheets with Pillowcases
• Foredeck Shade
• Foredeck Chaise Lounge, Gray
• Head, Centrifuge w/ Holding Tank/ Macerator
• Interior Wood, Ebony Oak
• Kohler Diesel Generator, 15KW, 240V
• Oil Change System
• Retractable Cockpit Shade
• Sail Away Kit
• Seakeeper 6
• Swim Platform with Hydraulic Lift
• Towel Package
• Underwater Lighting
• Washer/Dryer, 120V

Observations

Between the handling characteristics offshore, the maneuverability around the dock and the comfort level on board, there's an awful lot to like on the 46 Cantius.  For the cruising couple, she solves a myriad of concerns that make her a formidable opponent in this highly competitive market segment.