Why an Express Cruiser May Be Right For You

What Kind of Boat is an Express Cruiser?

Cabin cruisers are a broad category that includes most boats with sleeping accommodations. Express cruisers typically have a sleeker profile, sleeping quarters below deck, and helm stations positioned behind the windshield on the main deck. They also don’t have upper helm stations. Unlike aft-cabin cruisers, which maximize interior space, express cruisers offer more open-air deck space.

What are the Biggest Advantages of an Express Cruiser?

Think of express cruisers as the performance SUVs of the cruising world. Models like Boston Whaler’s Realm line, which includes the 350 Realm and 380 Realm, take the best traits of different style cruisers to create a boat design that has comfortable sleeping accommodations for overnighting but is also ideal for entertaining and is maximized for spending time in the sun, thanks to a forward seating area. Realms have an open rear deck that can be used for fishing when equipped with the appropriate options.       

What are the Most Important Entertainment Features of an Express Cruiser?

Express cruisers that are used for entertaining need room for guests to move around freely and require ample seating. The 36-foot, 6-inch long 350 Realm has a 10-foot, 10-inch beam and is rated to carry 14 people. The 380 Realm is 38 feet long and has an ultra-wide 11-foot, 8-inch beam that can carry 16 people. Their cockpits feature a flexible seating arrangement with a wide bench seat at the transom that folds flat when not needed and a rearward-facing lounge seat with a reversible back seat. When that seatback is flipped aft, guests can sit facing forward. When the 350 Realm is at the dock or anchored at the sandbar, the doublewide helm’s seatback can be flipped forward to face the second-row settee, and a side-mounted table can be installed in between to create an excellent place for conversing or dining. On the 380 Realm, the doublewide helm seat can spin around to face rearward, and there’s also a portside co-pilot seat that can be rotated inward to face the other two seats. On both boats, another seating group at the bow allows three guests to recline facing forward, while three people at the bow can face aft with an optional teak table in-between. In the cabin down below, the master bed can be converted to become a seating group for dining or card playing. Optional fore and aft shades keep guests comfortable even when the sun is beating down.

The ability to hold large quantities of food and beverages is mandatory for entertaining. A unique option on both Realm models is the Refrigerated Bucket Cooler, which turns the 260-quart cooler under the second-row seat into a giant refrigerator. The 380 Realm additionally has the option to add a freezer, and both models come standard with 2.3 cubic-foot capacity refrigerators and electric grills, which are must-have features for entertaining and cruising. 

Can You Fish Aboard an Express Cruiser?

The open cockpits found on express cruisers like Boston Whaler’s Realm models are ideal for fishing, and by adding a few options, they can become excellent platforms for offshore fishing. Both models can be outfitted with Gemlux premium stainless steel outriggers and additional rocket launcher rod holders on standard hardtops. The 350 Realm features a 32-gallon livewell option at the transom. In comparison, the 380 Realm can be upgraded with a massive 45-gallon livewell with a viewing window and is part of a portside prep area that includes a sink with spigot, drawers for storage and an electric grill. The rear-facing second-row settee sits high above the water and makes a perfect place to watch a trolling spread in comfort.

Because an angler needs to stay correctly oriented to a hooked fish, all Realm models come standard with Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO), allowing the driver to maneuver the boat in any direction easily. It also gives unparalleled control when docking, making every driver look like an experienced pilot. JPO also has a Sky Hook feature that lets the driver press a button to keep the boat in one place using the engines, making it easy to try a fishing spot and then quickly move to another without the hassle of dropping and retrieving a physical anchor.

Also included at the Realms’ helm is the Nav Package, which includes twin 16-inch Simrad NSO evo3 chartplotter/fishfinder multi-function displays (MFD), an Airmar 1,000 Watt dual channel transducer with StructureScan 3D, and a Simrad VHF radio with AIS to name a few.       

What Features Should an Express Cruiser Have For Overnighting?

The ability to be self-contained is paramount for express cruisers, so Realm models come standard with low-CO gas 7.5kW generators with the option to upgrade to diesel units. Other standards that are a must-have features are air-conditioners, water heaters and generous-sized water tanks. When at anchor or cruising at slow speeds, sometimes ocean swells can create unwanted side-to-side movement, so the ability to add Seakeeper gyro-stabilizers that reduce up to 95 percent of roll is important. Overnighting shouldn’t be like camping in a tent, so having a cabin that features a comfortable bed that can convert to a dining table is a plus. When taking off on an adventure, having plenty of storage is essential.     

How Fast are Modern Express Cruisers?

Traditionally, cruisers were powered by straight inboard engines that employ automotive-style motors. In the past, larger cruisers almost always used diesel engines, while smaller ones employed gas engines. Straight inboards have a drive shaft angled downward from the engine to below the boat and lose efficiency due to this angle because all the power isn’t being directed rearward. While sterndrive-powered cruisers are more efficient than straight inboards, most use marinized engines designed for vehicles with wheels instead of props. In the last 10-15 years, outboard power has gradually become the power of choice because of its ease of maintenance and superior performance. Their size and horsepower have grown over the years to include outboards like Mercury’s V8 family of outboards that range from 250 to 300 horsepower, V10 models from 350 to 400 horsepower, all the way to the V12s that range from 500 to 600 horsepower and have two-speed transmissions for quicker times to plane. 

Boston Whaler’s Realm models exclusively use Mercury outboards to achieve performance superior to previous technology. The standard engine package for the 350 Realm includes triple Mercury Verado 300hp V8 outboards that push it to a top speed of 55 mph. With the optional triple V10 400 outboards, the top speed reaches 59.3 mph, according to Mercury tests. The larger 380 Realm has a choice of quad 300- or 400-horsepower Verados, or owners can opt for twin V12 600hp Verado outboards. With quad 400 outboards, the top speed exceeds 60 mph, which is not your father’s cruiser.           

Who are Express Cruisers Designed For?

Express cruisers like Realms are perfect for owners looking for boats that can do it all in a medium-sized package. For owners looking for the ultimate getaway, they have plenty of range to head to the Bahamas or take a leisrely cruise up the coast. But they are also right at home hanging out at the local sandbar or taking a sunset cruise with friends. Like all other Boston Whalers, they are unsinkable, which inspires the confidence to go in search of adventure in safety.