The Cruisers Yachts 420 is an example of efficient space utilization below and professional design that makes for an elegant express cruiser.

A visit to the New York Boat Show gave me the opportunity to check out the Cruisers Yachts 420. This boat packs a lot of accommodations with style into 42 feet. Going down the companionway into the salon is secure because of the enclosed stairway and grooved tread on the steps. The salon space offers a convenient dinette with removable table. The dark-wood table edges were angled, saving space and adding an element of interest, but most important making it easier to get behind the table in the first place.

The Salon

The built-in cabinetry above the settee on the model I toured was finished in stylish Wenge veneer. Even though the Wenge finish was dark, I was surprised to discover that it didn’t make the space feel smaller, in fact it added a warm charm to the salon. A notable storage item in the salon is the lighted liquor cabinet just waiting for a party.



The upholstery work and overall fit and finish of the 420 is very fine. Essentials such as power outlets and places to set décor items are plentiful and in the right place.

To port in the salon is a plush and pleasingly designed built-in sectional and a continuation of Wenge finished cabinets. The soffit above the cabinets is an interesting design element adding to the feeling of height. The three port lights mounted level with the top of the sofa do a good job providing ambient light, but it wouldn’t hurt to make them a little larger.



The raised arch doorways along with the contrast of the Wenge wood finish and the ivory upholstery create an inviting space. Note the dark on light reversed wood finish pattern of the sole.

The Galley

Across the salon in the galley I found a two burner cooktop, as well as a combination refrigerator/freezer that is larger than those we find on some boats in this class. An interesting detail is the way the solid surface countertop has been raised to house the refrigerator/freezer below, and the microwave above. I find a microwave much easier to use at that increased height, so Cruisers was able to accomplish the best of both by breaking up the counter.

The combination of the wood cabinetry and stainless appliances is crisp and attractive, and I loved how much natural light the portholes in the galley provide. The depth of the countertops combined with the angles and varied counter height made me feel I was in a larger boat. My favorite feature of the galley was the large, round, deep stainless sink.



The forward cabin is bright thanks to the portlights, hatch, and lights around the hatch just over the bed. One item that is missing but not missed is the ubiquitous mirror on the forward bulkhead.

The Master

The master stateroom is located in the bow. The designers at Cruisers chose to use a privacy curtain to separate the spaces, rather than a bulkhead in order to open up both spaces when a couple is cruising alone. I liked the spacious feeling this gave both areas, but I do think I would prefer more privacy if I had guests aboard. If you agree, talk to your Cruisers' dealer as I bet they would ask the factory to put in a solid bulkhead if you really wanted one. The queen island berth is double layer orthopedic foam, with storage drawers built beneath.

An item that usually catches my eye in a forward cabin is how well the boat builder addresses the space issues, particularly on either side of the bed. It is one thing to design a space that looks nice, but it needs to work for the boater. It is important to be able to get in and out of the bed without catching your foot or performing a balancing act. I also look for how much room I will have to access the storage and get ready in the morning. Cruisers hit the mark in this space. The storage under the bed is set back just enough so you have plenty of foot room.

Also, Cruisers built in much-needed storage above the portlights, making use of the bow flare. Most builders do not put cabinets here because of the expense of doing so.



The midship stateroom has its own head, divided into a vanity area and wet head/shower.

The VIP Stateroom

This stateroom’s convertible design makes it easy to accommodate a range of guests. The set up works as twin berths, but easily becomes a queen size berth with the addition of the matching cushion insert. There is a small port light to starboard at the headboard and a small storage shelf trimmed in the Wenge finish which is ideal for your alarm clock and other essentials. A flat screen TV here will keep everyone happy.

This stateroom has full standing headroom at the sink and in the wet head compartment, but like virtually all express cruisers this size, that headroom does not extend too far toward the head of the bed. However, there is full sitting headroom at the foot of the beds and in the wet head. Because this stateroom is full beam, I think it makes a fine guest stateroom.



Accommodation plan of the Cruisers Yachts 420.

The Day Head

Probably the most unusual aspect of the interior layout of the Cruisers Yachts 420 is the location of the head for the master stateroom, which doubles as a day head. It is not adjacent to the forward cabin. Rather, as you can see in the drawing above, it is to starboard of the companionway steps and abaft the galley area. By placing the head here Cruisers was able to make it large, providing a separate shower stall, and make it quite handy to the companionway as a day head. Obviously the owners have traded the privacy of a connecting en suite head in the narrow bow areas for the extra space gained by placing it in the widest part of the boat.

So, if you are traveling with friends, bring a bathrobe. If you are traveling alone, as most couples will be most of the time, then privacy is not an issue and you'll appreciate the extra space even more. The decision to place the master head at the other end of the salon from the master cabin is a bold one. I don't mind it because we are on a boat and virtually everything on a boat is a compromise. But for some people, it may take some getting used to.

Decor Details

Solid surface material is used on the sole in the head, but it has been scored to look like a tile treatment. The cabinetry offers room to store full size bottles of your favorite toiletry products, no need for the little travel sizes! I loved the full sized raised bowl sink, just as you may find in a modern home. I also appreciated how Cruisers was willing to take a little space from the salon to provide a slightly larger head; always the right choice in my opinion.



Owners are offered a range of over 50 optional materials and finishes to choose from to customize the interior to their taste. These selections don’t change your overall price.

If you are anything like me, designing the look of your new boat is part of the enjoyment of buying and owning a yacht like this one. The 420 benefits from the use of premium materials throughout, and all areas are beautifully finished. Everywhere I looked I found seams and joinery that flowed perfectly from one material to the next. The wood finish was excellent and the upholstery impeccable.

Overall, I think boat that offers flexibility, has attractive decor and details, and lots of room for a 42-footer.