Captain's Report by Capt. Steve--

The Mission of the 540 Sports Coupe

The Cruisers Yachts 540 Sports Coupe was designed to be the ultimate express yacht built in class for genteel cruising and superior performance both in terms of tops speed and fuel economy at cruising speeds.

The watchword for this boat is "comfort." That means high headroom, large beds, plush reclining seats and settees, and plenty of room in which a number of people can move around without being in each other's way.

Finally, her builder wanted to create a entertaining venue where and owner could host a dozen or more guests and seat them all for dinner or cocktails.

All of that is tall order, but as we will see the Cruisers Yachts 540 Sports Coupe is a very special yacht.



Note the room inside, the amount of open deck space both in the cabins in the saloon/galley. This is, perhaps, the most important feature of the boat for most people. It is made possible because at 15'6" she is the beamiest yacht in class and she has pod drives which gets the engine room aft leaving more space for accommodations.

Distinguishing Features

Triple IPS Power System. With three 370-hp IPS drives the 540 has the most efficient system available in class -- yes, that means more efficient than two engines when it comes to total fuel burn. (See below.)

Walk-through Windshield. While this is something fairly common in smaller boats, the 540 is the only boat that has it in class. Women prefer it to access the bow rather than going forward on the "cat walk" side decks.

6'10" Headroom in Saloon. The boat looks huge below and one of the reasons is that it has such high headroom.



Capt. Steve looks at the arch in the header frame for the door to the day head. Just picture this squared off as you see in most boats (and houses). This is a yacht not a bungalow.

Arched Door Frames Below. Most boats in this class have squared-off door frames as used in most houses. The 540 has arched, nautical-looking door frames. There is no comparison between the two.

Moveable Aft Deck Seating. The 540 has an attractive crescent-shaped bench seat at the transom which can be moved to join the port side settee to seat two more people at the aft deck table.

Two Full Galleys. Many boats have a galley down to open up space on the main deck, but the 540 is so large the builder was able to install a full galley on deck as well.

Seats 8 for Dinner in Two Locations. Because of the sliding seat mentioned above and the sheer size of the space, 8 people can be seated for dinner both on deck and in the saloon below.

Air Conditioning is Standard. The 540 comes with 32,000 BTUs of reverse cycle air conditioning. People in northern latitudes can simply reverse the cycle and turn on the heat.



The clever crescent-shaped bench seat when centered allows passage upr from the swim platform both port and starboard. This is a good configuration for cocktail parties or when running. Note the full galley to starboard.

364 Miles Range at Best Cruise. At 23.1 mph out test boat burned only 28.5 gph giving her a range of 364 stature miles or 316 nautical miles.

Superior Fuel Economy at Best Cruise. At 23.1 mph the 540 with triple engines burns only 28.5 gal. (108.3 L) per hour giving her a .81 mpg. At 27.6 mph she get .80 mpg. This is the long suit of the IPS system.

Pod Drives for Efficiency. The Cruisers Yachts 540 is one of only two boats in class that uses pod drives.

Elegant Entertaining Venue

The fortunate owners of the 540 will be able to host gatherings on the aft deck that range from civilized evenings of wine and champagne to rocking the docks with a gang of party animals. The seating is commodious and versatile. The boat's ample beam and layout permits good flow for cocktail parties.



Capt. Steve unlatches the aft seat and begins to slide to port.



With the seat to port a large, comfortable banquette is created. The table is seen here in cocktail party mode.



In dining mode. Note that the table can handle 10" (25 cm) across from each other. Three or four fold up stools can be placed inboard when there is a crowd.

Versatile Seating. When it is time to dine al fresco, the on edeck table can easily handle eight guests. The high gloss cherry electric hi-low table is an attractive and versatile piece of furniture. It electrically moves into any of three positions: full height table, cocktail table height, or to make a sunning platform. It folds inward to create more room for moving around.

Cockpit Galley. Opposite is the cockpit galley and it has it all: solid surface counter top, sink with pressure water, electric grill, refrigerator and ice maker. These standard appliances are all stainless steel so they will be looking like new for a long time.



No need to worry about going below for cooking. The cockpit has it all. The 26" (66 cm) cockpit TV is the only optional item in this shot. Alternatively, the kids can eat in one venue and the adults in another.

The Other Party Deck



Here the tables are set up in cocktail party mode.. It’s hard not to imagine entertaining this saloon. Cherry woodwork creates a warm, yachty feel. Six portlights bathe the it in natural light. Both center seats of the sofa are recliners. The tables are versatile -- just tell the dealer what is needed.

The 540 Sports Coupe is so large that two groups of friends can be entertained or served dinner in two locations at the same time. Below there is a huge saloon with seating for eight to ten people. It has a long J-shaped banquette with two stools opposite. To port is the below-decks galley.



There is 6’10" (2.1 m) of headroom in the saloon and galley. Note the classy soffit similar to what is seem in megayachts.

Six vertical portlights bathe the saloon with light. Under foot is 44 oz. carpeting. The interior cabinets and bulkheads are all cherry with a mat finish. There is hardly a bit of fiberglass to be seen! This is what gives the 540 its rich, classic yacht feel.



The good captain points out the bowed overhead cabinets and the subtle air conditioning system that waft cool air from the overhead without resorting ugly grills. These are details usually only seen on much larger motoryachts.

Lap of Luxury. The crescent shaped dinette sofa is standard with double incliners and Ultraleather upholstery. An optional sleeper sofa can be ordered instead of the incliners. Two stools are inboard of the table. A standard 20” LCD TV with Dolby Digital Surround Sound and 5-disc DVD player are standard in the saloon.



This is the optional pull-out drawer dishwasher. A trash compactor is also optional. An oven, coffee maker and microwave are standard. The ceramic stove top has two burners.



The counter and back splash are Mystera, the double sink stainless steel and the faucet is meant for real business. Inserts fit over the sinks for more counter space.

Galley. The galley is to port. The sole there is Amtico synthetic cherry and maple which can added to the saloon sole as well instead of the carpet. The counters are solid surface Mystera which is a synthetic solid product that is 4 times lighter than stone, easy to clean and is "Food Prep" rated by the National Sanitation Foundation. The cabinetry follows the cherry theme and Cruisers Yachts kept all of the grains aligned and colors matching as one would expect from a fine cabinet maker.

Appliances in the galley include coffee maker, microwave (with convection oven), Nova Kool refrigerator/freezer and two burner electric cooktop. A couple of options include a dishwasher or a wine captain for chilling up to 17 bottles of wine. A trash compactor is optional. The stemware cabinet is lighted with a clear door to show crystal or colorful bottles of party juice.



The 15’ 6” (4.72 m) beam is put to good use allowing for lots of room in the galley while not impinging on the saloon space.



Capt. Steve steps down to enter the full beam master. Note the wood-inlayed companionway stairs.

Genteel Cruising Accommodations for Two Couples

When cruising a boat in this class typically it is done by two couple or a family. When two adult couples are cruising for, say, two weeks together, it's important that each couple have its privacy. Here the 540 excels.

Privacy is a Good Thing. The two cabin are separated by the saloon and galley, as well has thick bulkheads and two solid doors. the forward stateroom's head is also the day head and a door from the saloon has access. The forward stateroom, or VIP, has a double island bed with therapeutic foam mattress. There is 6'2" (1.9 m) of headroom. The door swings out to the saloon to maximize deck space in the cabin.



Each stateroom has an en suite head with separate shower stall.

The VIP head cabinetry has the same treatment as the galley with solid surface counter and cherry cabinets. Cruisers Yachts uses tile on the sole in the heads and the separate shower has a door to enclose it so two people can simultaneously prepare for the day.



This version has two single berths in the forward cabin. We think this is the way to go because it is so versatile and has more usable deck space.

Optional Layout. An optional layout for the forward stateroom features two single berths instead of the queen berth. We like this layout better than one bed as it is more versatile and better for families or a stag cruise. It also opens up the middle of the cabin creating more deck space and makes a big forward cabin even bigger. Cruisers Yachts can make one of the beds wider than the other if desired.



The standard bed in the VIP stateroom is a double that is 6'6" (1.98 m) from head to foot. Note the storage cabinets above the portlights providing much-needed space for small folded garments.

The Master Stateroom

The master stateroom is full beam (15'6"/4.70 m) and also has a walk around queen-sized island bed with therapeutic foam mattress. Headroom measured 6’ 2” (1.9 m). To port is a cozy settee to relax and read a book, enjoy television, or use as a dressing bench. There are large aisles on three sides of the bed. Four large portlights allow the owner and partner to have a clear view outside.

The head has an enclosed shower and premium fixtures. Counters are solid surface Mystera with decorative tile backsplash and the cabinetry is cherry.



The décor of the master is modern but all of the wood warms up the space, keeping it from looking like the austere foyer of a Park Ave. doctor's office. Note the tasteful soffit over the head of the bed and the indirect, unobtrusive air conditioning venting.



Capt. Steve is sitting on the sofa in the master. Note rich woods and materials used in this tastefully executed interior.



The Cruisers Yachts 540 is a big yacht no matter how you look at her -- just look at the size of the people in the photo. This is the only yacht in class that has a walk-through windshield.

Triple Diesels for Performance and Economy

One of the most unusual aspects of this boat is her triple 435-hp diesel IPS600 propulsion system. While one may think that three engines simply means that the boat will burn 1/3 more fuel, in actuality, it's more efficient that others in class with just two engines. That is one reason the builder installed them. The other reason was to get the 540 past the 40 mph barrier.

(Volvo Penta calls this the IPS "600" instead of "435" because the system with the pod drives and forward-facing dual props has the performance of a 600-hp diesel even though it is only 435-hp when compared to inboard power. And 3 x 600-hp is 1800-hp.)

Designed Right. The hull was designed from scratch specifically for the IPS drives. Volvo Penta engineers were involved along with the naval architectural firm of Donald Blount & Associates, one of the world's leading firms in high-speed recreational boats. This is an important pedigree and is one of the reasons to boat performs as it does.

With three IPS 435-hp IPS600 engines the 540 has better performance and economy than most models her size and weight that have only two engines. So, by doing something a little out of the box, the engineers at Cruisers Yachts have come up with a huge express cruiser sport yacht with remarkable performance both in terms of speed and fuel efficiency.



We conducted speed trials on the Cruisers Yachts 540 as well as to crank her and bank to see if we could find any bad habits.

The Test

With an empty weight of 42,000 lbs (19,051 kg), 65% fuel, and two persons onboard, we had a test weight of 44,300 lb (20,094 kg). With three Volvo Penta 435-hp IPS600's powering our test boat, we reached a top speed of 41.4 mph at 3621 rpm. At that speed we were burning 65 gph while getting .64 statute miles per gallon for a range of 287 statute miles.

Best cruise came in at 2500 rpm and 23.1 mph where we had a 28.5 gph fuel burn and a range of 364 statute miles. Bump the revs up to 2750 and go 27.6 mph and only suffer a 5 mile penalty in range -- 359 statute miles instead of 364. That's probably where I would run her on a long leg in most conditions. This range is noteworthy for this class of boat.

We had a quick time to plane of 5.4 seconds, reached 20 mph in 6.5 seconds, and accelerated through 30 mph in 10.9 seconds. This is almost sportboat performance in a large, heavy yacht, and is truly remarkable.



The 540 has a level running angle and gets lift from her hard chines and moderate deadrise stern sections.

Comparison With Twins. The 540 Sports Coupe is only offered with triple Volvo Penta power with in either 370-hp IPS500’s or 435-hp IPS600’s. When we compare the Cruisers Yachts 540 with other boats in class we discover that she has the highest WOT speed at 41.4 mph. Part of the reason is that she was lighter than some of the boats, but she was heavier than others. The Cruisers Yachts 540 has 1305 total horsepower (3x 435) which is from 105-hp to 495-hp less than other the boats we checked.

Best Cruise Fuel Economy. Best cruise fuel economy is the IPS system's strong suit. At her best cruise she gets .81 miles per gallon. All of the boats we compared with twin engines got from .48 to .61 mpg and their best cruise. When we compared all of these boats at about 27.6 mph, the 540 got .80 mpg and the others at about the same speed ranged from .48 to .57 mpg. These figures are for the total fuel consumption of each boat, not per engine.



With the helm hard over the 540 leans about 10-degrees into the turns which is comfortable and safe.

Comparison With Other Models on the Market

Power Comparison. There are not many 54' express hardtops or coupes on the market. When we compared them we were surprised to find that most still have inboard power. Only one other yacht in class has pod drives, and it is noteworthy that that builder also uses triple IPS engines, (and claims exactly the WOT speed we recorded on the 540.) When it comes to performance, the pods make all of the difference. One builder offers surfacing piercing drives -- which extend five feet beyond the swim platform -- as an option, so this boat could probably the fastest in that configuration (and have the highest rooster tail).

Beam and Displacement Comparison. At 15'6" (4.72 m) the 540 has the greatest beam in class, and nearly 1' more than one boat . At 42,000 lbs. (19,051 kgs.) the 540 is at the light end of the displacement scale, about the same displacement as two of the other boats we checked.

Accommodation Comparison. When it comes to accommodations, three boats had two staterooms below and three had three small staterooms with two heads. Only one other boat had two large staterooms in a layout similar to the 540.

Galley Comparison. Only one other boat we checked was promoting an on deck "entertainment center" plus a galley below. A second boat had room for a on-deck galley but normally uses it for other purposes. Three of the boats had no room on deck for even a partial galley and theirs were all below.

What does all of this mean? First, it means that the Cruisers yacht 540 is one of the best performing boats in class. Second, it means that she was purpose-built for comfortable extended cruising for two couples in courtly style. 3) It means that she is one of the most versatile entertaining platforms in class.

On Deck Inspection

Hydraulic Swim Platform. For distance cruisers especially, a welcome option is the Nautical Structures hydraulic platform. A dinghy in a cradle can be kept on the platform and it is as easy as pushing a button to launch and recover. Submerge it just below the surface, and add a few deck chairs and guest will never want to leave.

For parties the swim platform is the best place to meet and greet, and tie up their tenders. While the party is full roar it becomes a good overflow space for people to chat.



The rumble seat with its rubber matted seat is a great staging area for anything that entails a wet bathing suit. Kids love to hang out here when at anchor, and so will mom and dad.



Cruisers Yachts knows there is never enough storage on any boat so has utilized every bit in the transom with the four compartments shown above.



The optional hydraulic swim platform can handle a 13' (3.96 m) tender which is more than adequate for this size vessel -- no launching and retrieval system is faster or easier.

The Foredeck. Our test model had the optional chaise lounge on the foredeck. Fully forward, the 540 Sports Coupe has a standard Maxwell VWCLP 1200 windlass, plow anchor and 180’ (54.9 m) of 3/8” chain that should suffice in up to 25’ (7.6 m) of water.



The foredeck features an optional sunpad/chaise lounge that is available in two colors, blue or taupe.



At first glance the one extra mullion required for the walk-through window's frame seems like a distraction of forward vision. However, Capt Steve reports that after a few minutes of operation his eyes got used to it and forward visibility was fine.

At the Helm

Forward seating includes a companion lounge and two, wide seats at the helm for the captain and navigator. An optional electric helm seat goes up and down as well as fore and aft and we would recommend it. The Coupe’s top has an electric sunroof that opens up enough to let lots of sun shine through, and a sun shade will mean the standard 32,000 BTU air conditioning system won't have to work so hard.

Visibility at the helm was pretty good, although the aft support and mullions for the walk-through windshield do block some of your vision. When I first saw it I was concerned, but after running the boat for 15 minutes my eyes got used to the extra mullion and it became a non-issue.

Instrument Panel. The helm console is huge and well laid out with the instruments all angled for clear view from the skipper's seat. There is no standard instrumentation, so owners can specify exactly what is needed made by the brand wanted, or buy in the after market. In any case there is plenty of real estate available.



Cruisers Yachts consistently delivers the most ergonomic and well laid out helms we’ve seen.



Capt. Steve was caught here relaxing on the lounge seat to port on the bridge deck.



Both the helm and companion seats have robust bolsters.



There is room to slip between the engines sideways but out board there is plenty of room. Capt. Steve says it is easy to get to all fluid checks. Remember, with IPS pods all raw water intakes and exhaust are in the drive units not through sea cocks in the hull.

The Engine Room

People might think that triple Volvo Penta IPS600 engines in 15’ 6” (4.72 m) of beam would stuff the engine compartment, but there is room to get around and take good care of the power plant, generator, filters, sea strainers and batteries. Everything is labeled and the wiring is orderly. We found enough room to do a complete overhaul on any of the engines with this installation. The engine room is accessed through a hatch in the aft deck.



The Cruisers Yachts 540 is not only a big boat but she is a versatile one. With the addition of some isinglass across her stern we'd take most anywhere.

Observations

It may take a bit of counter intuitive thinking to get acclimated to the concept of three engines, but if the price of the boat is competitive, what is the down side? The triple IPS system will offer significantly lower operating costs than larger twin inboard engines. Further, the boat can always be run with just the outboard twin engines at displacement speeds. And if one engine conks out, two are still left!

We find that Cruisers Yacht's joinery work, glass work and general fit-and-finish as good any on the market in class. When it comes to systems installation work, Cruisers Yachts is one of the best.

There are not too many hardtop express cruisers in this size range on the market so consumers can easily check them all out as we have. We think boaters will be surprised at the value in the Cruisers Yachts 540.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions