| I own a 24' Cruisers Holiday 244, 1987, with an OMC 260. Spent
100 hrs on it last summer, in Casco Bay and points down east. This
is our first powerboat, after many years of sailing on both coasts,
so we were pretty skeptical, "this better be gooood" attitude at the
beginning. We did our homework, compared this and that, made notes,
and our survey showed Cruisers are pricey, but in the upper third of
family cruisers, if you accept Bayliner as the median.
We love every minute of it, our poor choice of (an ex-) dealer not
withstanding. It is built well, is quiet beyond our hopes, rides well
for its size in most sea conditions. Has only an 8' beam, which makes
me tell you to go up to 26' with a 10' beam, if you plan to sleep a
lot in exposed anchorages. Twin screws would be an other improvement
over the 24' in a 25 or 26 footer. I should mention that OMC had a
recall on some 86-87 models, so check out if it applies. I also should
mention that it (the recall) bothered us none, these babies really
run smoothly.
You will not find exposed plywood when you look under anything, like
some other makes. Cruisers have level flotation built in. There is a
difference. Those that have "flotation", may float with bow up/stern
down vertically. Not that you plan on it, but it does matter when you
need it. Electrical workmanship is neat. Cabin ventillation is great.
No mustiness after locked up for the week, no smell or stale air ever.
Their choice of deck hatches is adequate, but not a "best". Canvas is
well designed, we have a version that permits standing up in the
cockpit. The deck hardware is stainless, with backing plates. I am
also glad there is a minimum of teak, so a simple but thorough hosing
down will do to finish the day on most weekends.
So, here is a users' enthusiastic vote for Cruisers.
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| Hi,
I bought Jeff Ceria's Cruisers boat mentioned a couple of notes ago. I
looked high and low all summer at different makes from Wellcraft St.
Tropez, to all makes of Sea Rays but I found none that could compare
to the layout, power (mine has dual 350's) and comfort of the Ultra
Vee.
This is my first season (1990) with it and I can't wait until I get
it in the water. (aniticipating no problems - RIGHT JEFF?)
Try comparing Cruisers with other lines such as Wellcraft etc...
you'll see the differences.
Sea you later.
Joe D.
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| The previous reply mentioned three of the four boat makes I keep looking at, but
I'd like to add 2� worth of observation. Feel free to disagree.
Each maker, Sea Ray, Wellcraft, and Cruisers, Inc. makes boats that generally
fit into a neat catagory and price range, and are therefore directly comparable.
All's fair and so forth. But.
Each maker also seems to put a slightly different twist on the character of
their boats, each offers its own set of priorities, features, style, and com-
promises. Even within a maker there will be veriations on the same hull, so if
you are looking for, let's say a 30' cruiser, your opinion of a maker's boat may
be the result of which model (and options) the dealer stocks as well as any
instrinsic value of the boat. A good example is the Cruiser's Rogue 3060 and
3070 models, both basically the same boat, but quite different in execution.
Unless the Cruisers dealer has both in stock, one's opinion of Cruisers, Inc.'s
sport cruisers might be radically different depending on which boat you saw.
Like almost anything else in life is a process of finding a product where the
manufacturer's biases match up to yours and to your needs/wants/desires.
john
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