Cruisers Yachts’ 46 Cantius
Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius is filled with family-friendly amenities.
The new Cruisers Yachts 46 Cantius was at the end of the inside dock at Lauderdale Marina in Fort Lauderdale, facing the side of a 100-foot yacht just across the channel that left about a 20-foot width for boats to get in and out. It would be artistry to maneuver the 46-foot Cantius out from its space and into the Intracoastal. But with eyes on the bow and the stern and a “slow is pro” approach—and a fender on the rail just in case—the Volvo Penta D6-IPS600 engines with individually steerable pods made the twist out of the berth possible with about two feet to spare—and without the need of the fender.
It Starts With Power
The luxury of the 46 Cantius is more enjoyable knowing the engines are extremely efficient with up to 30 percent reduced fuel consumption for a longer cruising range and less carbon dioxide emissions, quiet, and easy to maneuver through the electronic vessel control system that monitors and connects the entire propulsion system. The central command station is to starboard and displays digital controls, including joystick docking, throttle and steering wheel control, and integrated glass touchscreens that show the system’s vital signs. “Volvo Penta partners with Garmin, so it’s a glass helm,” says Matt VanGrunsven, director of marketing for KCS International. “From your propellers to your steering to your autopilot to your chartplotter/radar, it’s all a Volvo Penta product. Volvo is the only diesel propulsion product we offer.”
The helm is simple and organized with a comfortable bolster helm chair and large front and side windows as well as sliding doors aft that provides 360-degree visibility. The boat isn’t operable remotely through digital switching, so manual switches are clearly labeled on the helm’s desktop, while the throttle and joystick are along the right armrest. A nice feature on the left side of the desktop is a cell phone charging pad (there’s also one aft) that keeps the phone charged and close by.
The 46 Cantius didn’t show any faults cruising at 32 mph—no squeaks or rattles. The hull is a new design for speed and stability, although a mount is built into the huge engine room for an optional Seakeeper stabilizer. There’s plenty of room to service the engines, and a generator and air conditioning are standard.
Comfort Below
To the left of the helm, a short stairway leads to accommodations below. The VIP cabin forward features a full-size island berth with generous storage underneath. A long shelf and cozy seating line the outer hull shape with large windows on each side to illuminate the room in natural light. The head is accessible from the cabin as well as from the passageway.
One of the main features that makes this yacht stand out is the midship, full-beam master suite. For a yacht this size, the suite’s smart design and clean lines with a walnut finish provide a comfortable, warm, spacious area with a port-side lounge, ample drawers and counter space to starboard, plenty of storage, a combination washer/dryer in its own closet, and an ensuite head with a separate glass shower stall, a vessel sink, and designer fixtures.
Room Above
On the main deck, it’s the sliding glass doors between the salon and the cockpit that really expand the space, especially for entertaining. Built with three sections, the center can open separately or the starboard and center sections can slide to port to create a large living area inside and out. Forward, a step-up salon features an L-shaped dinette that comfortably seats four (and can convert into a bunk if necessary) and offers breathtaking views. The raised area also allows for the extra headroom in the master suite. Just aft is a fully equipped galley with a dual burner cooktop, stainless sink, microwave below the counter, and plenty of cupboard space. Opposite the galley, the entertainment center with a large TV, audio and lighting controls, and a stainless steel refrigerator/freezer underneath probably resembles the living room at home.
A starboard-side lounge completes the interior seating. The upholstery is a sail-white, ultra-leather material wrapped around a foam cushion that is specifically designed not to absorb or hold water. It has a synthetic backing instead of plywood to prevent mold and rotting. The Amtico flooring is a thin, lightweight, durable product that doesn’t absorb moisture and won’t damage even if a knife is dropped. There is an option for the owner to choose custom colors, but currently, a light charcoal or walnut finish are the themes.
The cockpit has plenty of entertainment space due to the positioning of the grill on the transom. There’s ample seating for alfresco dining and abundant storage under the seats. The transom is barbecue central with a refrigerator and a wide, full-beam swim deck. A large storage locker next to the grill holds all dockside connections, and an integrated, port-side swim ladder with protective cover is attached to the submersible aft section of the deck.
A day boat, a coastal cruiser, or a weekender, the 46 Cantius has all the amenities for family comfort and entertaining. “The 45 was a great family boat and the top seller, so Cruisers had a high mark to overcome…. The 46 has brought it to the next level,” says Jeff Eldon, of Silver Seas Yachts in Fort Lauderdale. “The mid-cabin master, opening the salon up and having it on one level, and the ability to have it stabilized makes this the perfect family boat.”
Specifications:
LOA: 46′ 11″
Beam: 14′ 9″
Draft: 3′ 6″
Weight (Full Load): 37,000 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 360/100 U.S. gals.
Power: 2x Volvo Penta D6-IPS600 @ 435-hp
Range: 26/30 knots
Contact: Cruisers Yachts (800) 743-3478
cruisersyachts.com
By Steve Davis, Southern Boating September 2019