36’-38’ Express Cruisers:

Six Good Boats to Compare

We have six express cruisers in what many experienced skippers think is a good compromise between size and cost. These boats are big enough for four people to comfortably cruise in for a long weekend or a week, are seaworthy enough to make open-water passages in reasonable conditions, have enough lounging space above decks for everybody to stretch out, and enough room below decks for each crewmember to find privacy. The galleys are just that much bigger, the head has just that much more elbow room, compared to last week's boats. But a 36- or 38-footer is still small enough to be handled easily, and annual operating costs are relatively modest. Our captains have vetted all of these boats, and we can attest that they are well-built and fully-equipped for their intended purpose.

THE COMPARISON STARTS HERE

There's quite a bit of diversity in this sextet. The Regal 35 Sport Coupe is smallest (she's 36'10" (11.23 m) LOA despite her model name), while the Beneteau Gran Turismo 35 is lightest, at 11,177 lbs. (5,070 kg). Both boats carry twin 300-hp sterndrive engines, and both should provide sporty performance. The Sea Ray 370 Sundancer is bigger and heavier, and will feel more yacht-like; she's available with two cabin layouts, and air conditioning is standard. The Bavaria Sport 360 HT comes in three versions, including an open express; the hardtop models have a retractable sunroof. Formula's 37 Performance Cruiser has been a mainstay of the company for years; she's over 18,000 lbs. (8,165 kg). Cruisers Yachts' 38 Express can be powered with outdrives or twin Volvo Penta IPS pods, which will make her efficient and easy to maneuver. Cruisers also offers optional layouts with different sleeping arrangements.

Be sure to check out their Captain’s Reports.

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