It's no surprise that express cruisers are such a popular boat type; they provide a platform for family fun that covers a wide range of activities and weather conditions. With performance prioritized over luxurious interior accommodations (though some of the larger models offer that too), these boats were designed with modern usage trends in mind: fast cruises, combined with a few nights aboard.

Express cruiser pursuit

This Pursuit 365i made our 2013 10 top express cruisers list.



With sizes ranging from under 30 to over 60 feet, the choices can be overwhelming. If you're in the market for this type of boat, the first question to ask is how much space you really need? The second (which may revise the answer to the first) is how big a boat you can afford; keep in mind the adage that boating costs escalate by a factor of three with each added foot of overall length. Next, compare the many models within your chosen size range, paying close attention to details like engine size, privacy below, and features that may be important to you like opening sunroofs and grills.

All express cruisers will share one common feature: inside space on the same level as outside space, without the usual up/down transition that can be treacherous in a seaway (or when carrying a tray of food or drink). On some models, the two spaces can be separated in bad weather, or opened up into one big hangout area. On the Cruisers Cantius 45 the galley is right next to the cockpit, which means that the counter (inside) can double as a bar (outside) when the picture window is opened.

As Lenny Rudow points out in 10 Top Express Cruisers: Favorites for Family Boating Fun, "They can be used for everything from sun worship to weekending to cruising." He even suggests express cruisers as a fishing platform, but I think Lenny would find a way to fish from a styrofoam block if that's all he had available.

Read our reviews of express cruisers

View listings of express cruisers

 

Written by: Carol Cronin
Carol Cronin has published several novels about the Olympics, sailing, hurricanes, time travel, and old schooners. She spends as much time on the water as possible, in a variety of boats, though most have sails.