54’-60’ Express Cruisers: We Compare 4 Well-Built Yachts

Today's comparison of express cruisers runs from 54' (16.5 m) to 60' (18.3 m). Boats in this size range literally have all the comforts of home -- albeit on a smaller scale. Their increased size and weight means they need plenty of horsepower, but it also means you can take them most anywhere you want to go. All of this means that we are now talking about very expensive boats. And that means that making a mistake in selection can be costly both in terms of cash, but also in unfulfilled expectations. That is why BoatTEST.com exists -- to help our members sort out the important differences among boats, so that owners can zero-in on the right boat for their specific usage, expectations, and pocketbook. There is a huge difference in the boats we are going to examine.

THE COMPARISON STARTS HERE

All of these boats will make your marina neighbors sea-green with envy, but they are much different from each other in the details.

Two vessels have a displacement of less than 52,000 lbs. (23,587 kg) -- the Cruisers Yachts 54 and the Riviera Belize 54. They are both substantial express cruisers and because of their displacement and beam will be relatively comfortable boats going offshore. Both have superb joinerwork, but the Belize 54 by Riviera is built in Taiwan in the same yard they build megayachts.

The two heavy-weights in this fleet are the Cruisers Yachts 60 Cantius and the Riviera 6000, which displace 52,500 lbs. (23,813 kg.) and 61,300 lbs. (27,805 kg), respectively. That is an 11% difference, and given the fact that the Riviera has a beam that is 1’8” (50.8 cm) greater, it is quite understandable.

But length, beam, and displacement is far from being the whole story of these four vessels. The interior layout, functionality, ergonomics, performance, fit-and-finish, and many other things -- including price -- come into play. We invite you to visit each of the boats, drill down, and narrow your quest to two boats -- then go see them. As always, don’t hesitate to drop BoatTEST a note if you have a question.

For those BoatTEST Members that have specific questions about any of the boats, we have provided a link for you to ask a question.

Ask A Question About Any of These Boats