By Andy Adams

Cruisers Yachts’ new 447 Sedan was launched at the Miami Boat Show this past February (2006) into what is probably the most competitive segment of the luxury cruiser market today.

Boats reaching the mid-40 foot range are long enough and wide enough to provide significant accommodation and features while still being light enough to deliver good performance in a package that could be managed easily by a cruising couple. Given that every manufacturer who is designing in the 45 foot range has the space to put in the accommodations they think their customers want most, the battleground becomes a higher level of design, styling and extra features.

Cruisers’ 447 Sedan starts with dramatic exterior styling expressed in its sweeping sheer line and dramatic side window treatment. The front deck sweeps all the way up to the cowling on the flying bridge and continues in the skiff windshield– a very unusual feature in this size range.

Another thing the designers can do–once they're working with 45 feet or more–is to move the interior elements around in more creative ways to provide buyers with innovative layouts that more closely meet their personal expectations.

We'll begin the tour on the aft swim platform that was finished in fiberglass on our test boat, but can be ordered in teak. There are two aft facing seats built into the transom so you can keep an eye on swimmers, relax or suntan. There is a large storage bin with all hookups protected inside. This transom locker houses the freshwater wash down and the television and phone connections. The Cable Master system reels in the large 50 amp shore power cables electrically. There are two aft pop-up cleats, and a boarding ladder; Cruisers offers an optional hydraulic transom lift for up to 650 pounds, so you can mount a dingy.

A lot of entertaining will go on in the cockpit and on the swim platform. Cruisers offers a wet bar option in this area with an icemaker, sink with storage below as well as a trash locker.

It's a great cockpit and swim area, but the real excitement is up top on the flying bridge. A set of molded in steps leads through a large Bomar hatch door that swings up to port that can be closed while running; with all the canvas up and the air conditioning on, engine and water noises from below are blocked out and the bridge becomes remarkably quiet.

One of the most significant features is the skiff windshield. It even has windshield wipers and provides both excellent protection and a smooth flow to the design. The bridge also has a refreshment center, storage under the seats and two large chaise lounge seats for outdoor relaxation. Three-way lighting and a host of clever features–like a 110 volt electrical outlet–enables you to run power tools or a vacuum. Cruisers also offers the option of snap-out carpeting or synthetic teak flooring; both look good.

The interior features are most impressive too. Large, curved, glass sliding doors give access to the salon. Standard equipment includes two recliners, a Flexsteel pullout couch on the starboard side and a Sole entertainment system; the ship’s electrical panel and generator controls are conveniently located near the door.

Cruisers gave the 447 Sedan’s galley the highest priority. Accessed by a step on the starboard side with a U-shaped layout, it includes double stainless steel sinks, solid surface type counters, a side-by-side refrigerator freezer by Nova Kool, drawers on roller guides with plate storage, a coffee maker and a Raritan convection microwave oven. There's a fiberglass headliner –easy to clean–and a ceramic, two burner Princess stove. With covers over the sinks, you have a vast amount of counter space for food preparation.

This is a galley that was meant to be used; the dinette lies opposite to the galley on the port side making foodservice easy and enabling the chef to be involved in the party.

Because this boat has vee drive engines, it was possible to add enormous underfloor storage in the salon; the area is big enough to store cumbersome items such as bicycles, cushions and other bulky items. Plus, Cruisers has air-conditioned the locker to keep it cool and dehumidified. This will go a long way towards keeping your provisions fresh on a long trip.

The master stateroom is forward with a therapeutic foam mattress, high-capacity air-conditioning, two large cedar lined closets, two opening screen portholes, six overhead storage bins and a mirrored forepeak. Our test boat had the flat screen television option. The adjoining head was also quite impressive and featured an enclosed shower stall with folding Lexan doors, mirror and vanity that included a bowl type sink. The advantage is that you get a large sink and still have lots of counter space.

Varnished cherry wood trim has been used throughout the boat, adding warmth and a natural feeling to what would otherwise be a strikingly modern boat.

One of the most modern design features from both the inside and the outside are the three large vertical portholes on either side of the mid-cabin. These open for ventilation and bring in lots of light. The mid-cabin also has a deep cedar locker and a vanity with a seat; this is an impressive feature for this size of boat.

Also in this area is the optional washer/dryer tucked away behind a cherry wood door. The mid-cabin can be made up as two single berths or one queen and the mattresses can be lifted up for access to the mechanical systems, hoses and through-hulls.

Cruisers didn't forget the engine room details either. A large hatch in the cockpit opens up and the engine room light switch is conveniently located on the inside of the hatch cover. Once inside, the twin 480 hp Yanmar diesels are surprisingly accessible. The engine room is finished in a white fiberglass diamond plate that reflects light and is easy to clean up.

Systems include a Seapar fuel filter system that can be back flushed and fuel lines that allow you to select either or both tanks in case of water contamination. The vee drive and ZF transmissions allow the engines to be mounted level for best efficiency and everything is NEMA 2000 online allowing remote engine diagnostics.

A unique feature is the special shape of the underwater exhaust system that frees up space in the engine room and gets rid of the hollow vibration that is normally caused by an underwater exhaust.

The Yanmar 480 hp diesel engines were impressively quiet and turned in a strong performance considering the size and weight of this yacht. With the 24” x 32”, 4-blade propellers, the 447 Sedan topped out at 34.5 mph; we recorded a reading of 46.4 gallons per hour. The best cruising speed appeared to be about 3,000 rpm traveling at 28.8 mph and burning 32.2 gallons per hour.

The bridge was very comfortable and the Seastar hydraulic steering was very responsive. The hull has a deep forefoot designed for offshore running and also features propeller pockets to reduce the draft. The boat was quite sensitive to its trim tab settings but that's a good thing. You could trim it just where you wanted it and track a course quite easily. Autopilot was not fitted to our test boat, but it is available.

Out of the water, the 447 Sedan turned in performance equal to its dramatic styling and we can absolutely say Cruisers has a great entry into this competitive market segment.

Originally published in Canadian Yachting’s September 2006 issue.

Performance
RPM MPH
1,000 6.5
1,250 7.4
1,500 8.5
1,750 9.4
2,000 10.5
2,250 12.1
2,500 16.6
2,750 20.4
3,000 24.7
3,250 31.2
3,328 Maximum 34.5

Specifications
Engine/Power: Twin Yanmar 6LY3M-ETP turbo diesels
480 hp each, with ZF 85 IV transmissions
Propellers: 24" x 31" 4-blade
Length Overall: 45'2"/13.77 m
Beam: 14'6"/4.42 m
Fuel Capacity: 375 gallons/1420 L
Water: 100 gallons /378 L
Holding Tank: 50 gallons/189 L
Approximate Weight: 29,500 lbs./13,381 kg
Test boat provided by: Cruisers Yachts
Price: $495,085.00 CDN.*
*Provided by Angus Yachts of Toronto

Canadian Brokers
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Blackfish Marine
www.blackfishmarine.com
ONTARIO
Angus Yachts of Toronto
www.angusyachts.com
Chatham: Maple City Marine
www.maplecitymarine.com
QUEBEC
Marina Gagnon et Fils
www.marinaganon.com

Photo Captions
Photo 1 – Performance Equal to its Dramatic Styling
Photo 2 – Layout
Photo 3 – Cruisers gave the 447 Sedan’s galley the highest priority accessed by a step on the starboard side with a U-shaped layout.
Photo 4 – The master stateroom is forward with a therapeutic foam mattress, high-capacity air-conditioning, two large cedar lined closets, two opening screen portholes, six overhead storage bins and a mirrored forepeak.
Photo 5 - The adjoining head was also quite impressive and featured an enclosed shower stall with folding Lexan doors, mirror and vanity that included a bowl type sink. The advantage is that you get a large sink and still have lots of counter space.