Larson Cabrio 330 Day Cruiser
By Capt. Rob Smith
I have tested just about everything Larson has to offer over the years and I have come to expect quality, value and a few pleasant surprises. I was really surprised when I entered the salon of the Cabrio 330 DC or Day Cruiser. Spacious and 33 footer don't usually go hand in hand, but with this new Larson, it does. They have managed to pack in the interior space of something more in line of a 40 footer with a few design changes, making this truly an entertaining platform good enough for a weekend aboard.
From the Stern
Another real surprise is the teak treatment given the entire swim platform and deck horizontal surfaces. This Flexi teak treatment is easy to care for, yet easier on the feet and pocketbook. It adds an elegant touch without the back-breaking effort required of real teak. There is a swing over swim ladder and hot and cold swim shower to rinse off from a cool dip. The integrated swim platform has plenty of room to host the kids party at anchor.
In the Cockpit
Stepping through the port side walk through you enter a flexible aft cockpit seating area. You can go with a single aft facing bench behind the helm seat to completely filling the area with wrap-around seating for the entire party. Set up the single post table and lay out the snacks for everyone to enjoy.
A large engine hatch covers your choice of many optional engine packages; nineteen in all from a MerCruiser 5.0L BII 260hp twin to the Volvo D-4 C Diesel 260hp twin package. A 7.3kw Kohler generator is also part of this package. Moving back topside to port is a central wet bar with sink, solid surface counter and standard cockpit refrigerator.
Two steps up and you're on the bridge deck with double wide helm seat and double wide port side lounger. The dash has the typical stylish low glare Larson cover along with standard gauges that can be upgraded with an electronic package to include multi-function color displays and more.
View from the Bow
Forward, the teak treatment continues around the side decks up to the standard bow pulpit with integrated anchor roller and rope locker. The foredeck also sports two of the beefiest loungers I have seen. These foredeck loungers have oversized heavy duty frames and extra thick cushions that feel like you are floating over the foredeck rather than resting on it.
The Surprise
Stepping into the salon, you really feel like you have entered a larger yacht than the 330 DC. Larson has designed this model without large bulkheads that tend to divide the space into small areas that you need a can opener to move around in. This open space has the galley to port, head to starboard and the dining area forward.
The table is a magnificent wood table with compass rose inlay and rope design edge. You press a button and this table converts from dining table to coffee table. The plush high-backed seats invite you to stay awhile and relax with a bottle of wine fresh from the wine chiller in the galley. Want to watch a little TV? Well, this one has a standard 26'' flat screen TV just waiting to spin up your favorite DVD.
The mid cabin is designed to continue the open feeling and didn't feel cramped when I sat down and looked over the cabin forward. At six feet tall, I didn't feel like I had to fold into the space, simply relax and enjoy. For overnights, this cabin can be converted into a full sized area with ease.
The size of it
The Cabrio 330 Day Cruiser measures 32'' at the centerline and has a beam of 11'6''. She weighs approximately 12,500lbs dry and has a bridge clearance of 9'4'' with her standard arch. Fuel capacity is 240 gallons and water capacity is 46 gallons.
Conclusion
After spending about an hour on board, I could see how this will become a favorite in the Larson line, especially for those who enjoy taking a few friends out for a cruise, enjoy a few treats and relax with a fine glass of wine while the sun sets. She has the elegance to treat the boss to a ride, yet has the amenities you need to take the kids out for a full day of fun on the water.