Larson Cabrio 370

By Capt. Rob Smith

Larson’s new Cabrio 370 for 2009 carries many of the successes of past models with some enhancements of her own that help her stand out in the lineup. The Cabrio 370 is fully equipped and prepared for a weekend or even weeks onboard with many of the comforts we have come to expect from our luxury vehicles or private space at home. With Larson’s “Five to Life” limited warranty you have nothing to worry about (until 2013 at least), and only one number to call for support rather than all the individual suppliers that make up a complex cruiser. Her Modified V-hull has a 22 degree deadrise at the transom and a bow entry that slices through the waves while you are ensconced in comfort in the cockpit or the luxurious cabin. This is one of Larson’s best selling cruisers. Now that they also offer IPS joystick drives, I believe even more people will want to own one.

At the stern

One of the first enhancements you will take note of is the liberal use of heavy duty stainless steel, such as the bow railings that are bigger than many in her class. The Day Cruiser version of the 370 also has a standard stainless steel cap on the windshield that is optional on the mid cabin version I tested. In the past the swim platform tilted aft and was closer to the water than the horizontal design that is further from the water today. This one will allow you better access as well as more enjoyment on the platform without dousing the platform deck with every wave that passes under it. One option, which our test boat had, was the snap-on carpet for the swim platform. Personally, I prefer the composite teak and no carpet there since I usually end up taking a wave over the platform somewhere along the way. One surprise to me was in the dunnage box across the stern. Larson has a convenient set of battery extension posts inside here so you can boost off the battery of another boat or an auxiliary battery for something of yours.

Into the cockpit and ready to entertain

Once through the port side transom entry, you have two distinct areas to entertain your guests, divided by a port side wet bar. The radar arch is standard, but Larson does offer a hard top that allows you to add a camper enclosure for those cooler climates and extend your boating season, or simply have more dry days onboard even when it’s raining. A larger group can relax in the aft section of the cockpit which is more spacious. The cockpit table can be dropped down, and if you add the filler cushion you can create a large sun lounger or a space to sleep out under the stars. The forward cockpit has a port side lounger and the double wide helm seat which is electrically powered for fore and aft adjustment and has a flip up bolster. The wet bar has a covered sink and stainless steel refrigerator so you never have to leave the cockpit to freshen up everyone’s drinks. Larson uses LED courtesy lights that will last far longer and burn much less energy than the standard bulbs of the past.

The helm sole has a bit of a pitch up that takes a few times to get used to, but otherwise, I felt comfortable behind the wheel. Visibility underway was good with a minimum of obstructions to view sitting or standing at the wheel. Popping up on the bolster when you take off helps keep the horizon in view. Instruments are arranged high so you don’t have to look through the wheel to keep an eye on the gauges and a quick scan is all you need. You have room to add optional electronics like the Ultimate C or Ultimate E series electronics packages Larson offers, or other gear you may choose. A 8/4” color display is standard along with RayStar GPS antenna, VHF, ST60 depth and a 24” Radome. The trim tab switches were located aft of the throttles yet I like them just at fingertip reach from the throttles and ahead.

The power plant

One of the big surprises was the engines on this test boat. I have operated the Volvo Penta Diesel IPS systems for a couple of years now, but this one was the first I have operated with 8.1L gasoline engines. Now you will really impress the yacht club when you casually slip into the marina and set your lines without a shout or additional help from many on the docks. The IPS drives also deliver exceptional space in the engine compartment, easing the way around the engines and the generator since Larson did not eat up the extra space in the mid cabin or salon.

To the bow

The center walkthrough was easy enough and safe enough to satisfy me. On the bow, there are standard bow cushions to relax on at anchor. The 370 also has an integrated anchor roller and electric windlass for easy anchoring.

The salon and cabin

The companionway door has a handy screen door that allows you to enjoy the cool evening air without the air conditioning when the temperature is just right. Stepping down into the salon, you will enjoy all new interiors from Larson. New fabrics, new lighting, hardware, faucets and switches are some of the latest modern designs. The flat screen TV has been enlarged taking advantage of the ever decreasing cost of LCD TVs. Oceanaire pleated blinds soften the light coming through the portals, and the hatches overhead have a wood ring treatment around them to enhance the look of the cabin top. A total of 19,000 BTUs of air from two separate systems maintain the temperature just as you set it. The galley has a Granulon countertop and stainless steel appliances.

The aft cabin makes a great conversation pit during the evening, and then converts with filler cushions to an aft berth for the night. There is a slight slope to the sole going into it that takes a few times through to get used to. The main salon has 75” of height sole to ceiling and the aft cabin has 30”.

Going forward to the master cabin, Larson addressed one of the comments from many customers and built in an extra step to make getting onto the island bed easier. The head has a dual entry so that during the day it can be used as a day head, and at night you have a private entry from the master cabin. The shower does have a separate sliding closure so you don’t have to wipe down the whole head when you shower in the mornings.

Specifications

The Cabrio 370 measures 36’11” centerline length including the molded pulpit. Her beam is 13’ and she tips the scales at 16,800 lbs. dry. This model carries 266 gallons of fuel. Engine options include two twin engine combinations from MerCruiser, both 8.1L engines producing either 370 hp or 420 hp with the High Output version. Volvo Penta engine combinations include twin 370 hp D-6 Diesels, 375 hp Gas IPS500, 370 hp Diesel IPS500 and the 400 hp Volvo Penta Gas IPS550.

Test results

Drivability with the gas IPS version was no different than with the diesel versions I have driven. It has the same simple operation, extraordinary maneuverability and fuel economies as the diesels produced. Visibility was great and I was impressed with the 6.2 second planing time and the 10.3 seconds to 30 mph for a boat weighing over 8 tons. She reached a maximum speed of 39.5 mph at 4700 rpm and burned 60 gph maximum (combined). At 3500 rpm, she burned 31 gph combined and was running 26.3 mph for a full tank range of 203 miles.

The Larson Cabrio 370 certainly can be a solid cruising yacht that will satisfy you and your friends for many years to come. It has the latest materials, interior treatments and helm equipment to help you enjoy your time onboard, getting you to your destination and back with a high level of comfort and safety.

• Top speed for the Larson Cabrio 370 (2009-) is 39.5 MPH (63.6 KPH), burning 60.0 gallons per hour (GPH) or 227.1 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Larson Cabrio 370 (2009-) is 26.3 MPH (42.3 KPH), and the boat gets 0.85 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.36 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 203 miles (326.7 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 375-hp Volvo Penta IPS500G.

Larson Cabrio 370 (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Autopilot
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Radar
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Washdown: Fresh Water
Water Heater
Windlass
Galley
Coffeemaker
Icemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Arch: Electronics
Carpet: Cockpit
Hardtop
Ice Chest
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Camper Back
Cockpit Cover
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Bow Thruster
Generator

= Standard = Optional