By Andy Adams

Thoroughbred performance

The Cantius 46 is the latest evolution of Cruisers Yachts’ Cantius line – now there are five models from 42 to 60 feet. The new Cantius 46 is a great example of “easy boating” the way Volvo Penta imagined it and how Cruisers Yachts has executed it. The idea is that you just come on board, unlock the glass doors, fire it up, cast off, and enjoy - alone, with a spouse, or with a huge group.

This view of the salon looking out to the cockpit emphasizes the elegant dinette area. With large side windows, the glass aft bulkhead open and the roof section open, the Cantius 46 becomes a very memorable location for an intimate dinner.

Since the first Cantius model was introduced, Cruisers Yachts has continued to refine the concept for ever-greater convenience, more clever and innovative features, and also greater performance. The new Cantius 46 raises the bar again with a bit more beam at the chines for faster planning and greater stability at rest as well as improved operating economy.

And, the interior volume has increased to the point where the 46 challenges the Cantius 50 for luxurious accommodation.

Exterior
A very large swim platform welcomes you with easy access to the yacht from the pier and creates a spacious place where several people can swim, gather for conversation, or just relax.

The helm is very logically laid out for easy operation with controls on the side panel including the IPS joystick docking control, tilt steering with the compass directly ahead, flanked by the two big multifunction screens. The Cantius 46 even has a wireless charging pad.

The test boat had the hydraulic lift system where the platform can be raised or lowered into the water. Dinghy chocks make launch and retrieval a breeze. Plus, Cruisers has developed a very clever articulating set of stairs with a hand-hold for getting you in and out of the water easily. Lift the platform and the stairs disappear into the surface.

Also, from the swim platform, the barbecue grill is mounted in the big transom console, keeping smoke and fumes away from the cabin. It’s like being on the patio. The same transom area conceals a Vitrifrigo drawer-type refrigerator as well as big storage spaces.

Then, in the cockpit by the bulkhead is a refrigerator on the port side and an icemaker to starboard. L-shaped seating down the port side and across the big transom gives seating for perhaps five or six around the removable table.

Cruisers has equipped the Cantius 46 with a genuine Release Marine high-gloss finish table from Georgia because they are highly weather-resistant as well as gorgeous!

A signature Cantius feature is the substantial aft bulkhead glass door that slides all the way to port to open up the cockpit to the salon at one level. This boat has a MakeFast sunshade that electrically deploys for added shade on brilliant days.

Engine Room
Access to the engine room is through a large cockpit hatch. It’s very open and accessible. A cool feature Cruisers has introduced is a new system for cleaning the air in the engine room to keep the fiberglass interior surfaces clean and white. There is also a Centek exhaust system for the generator which helps it run cleaner and quieter.

I learned from Cruisers’ Chief Propulsion Engineer, Todd Trepanier, that Volvo Penta requires their OEM builders to develop full engine removal plans; Cruiser Yachts has worked closely with Volvo Penta from the very introduction of the IPS systems to make it easy for regular service and major repairs, should they ever be needed.

This boat has Volvo Penta IPS 600s with the joystick docking they pioneered for pleasurecraft. Todd just eased the Cantius 46 away from the docks while Matt VanGrunsven, Director of Marketing cast off the lines.

Salon and Galley
Cruisers Yachts has their Cantius design really dialed in for maximum elegance and gracious living on board. As you enter the salon, the galley is split with a double door Nova Kool refrigerator freezer and a bank of cabinets to starboard. There is a bottle rack, food storage, and space for a big flat-screen TV. This can swing out to be viewed from the cockpit seating or from the dinette.

This is the port side of the galley with large round stainless steel sink, stovetop, (both can be covered), the big convection microwave and lots of storage. Opposite on starboard is a corresponding galley section with a two door refrigerator, bottle rack and more storage.

The other side of the galley is L-shaped with quite an expanse of white composite countertop that is very attractive and includes covers over the two-burner Kenyon cooktop and the large, round stainless steel sink. Generous storage above and below make this very complete with ample space for “foodie” owners to prepare a gourmet meal.

Opposite on starboard is a corresponding galley section with a two door refrigerator, bottle rack and more storage.

Four to six people can sit at the raised dinette. This provides both a great view while dining and generous headroom for the full-beam master stateroom below. Cruisers Yachts has also added slides on the dinette cushions. The table is removable, stows in the cabinetry, and the cushions slide out so you can make this into another berth.

Not to spoil the story, but this makes the Cantius 46 a three-cabin boat to sleep six. The salon has blinds and an exterior windshield shade for privacy.

Reverse cycle heating and air-conditioning makes the Cantius 46 comfortable all the time. We loved the white and grey interior upholstery with its walnut satin finished wood trim. A high-gloss finish is also available, or if you prefer, a charcoal high-gloss or satin grey interior. The optional Amtico flooring is a worthwhile addition.

Helm
Enjoying great outward vision and sightlines, the elegant helm has a twin size seat. Two 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays with remote controls share the binnacle centre with the stereo system. The special Cruisers Yachts tilt steering wheel is very nice and there is an armrest ideally located on the side panel with the Volvo Penta control box and trim tabs right at hand. The joystick control is just behind that. The impressive windshield is an enormous custom piece of glass and it's cleared by a pair of huge articulated wipers.

The ship’s electrical panel is conveniently located in the companionway.

Day Head
Down a few steps from the bridge deck is the day head. This includes an opening porthole, vessel sink, and a Dometic MSD plus outlets for your hairdryer, a medicine chest mirror for shaving and makeup, and overhead storage plus more room in the vanity. This head also includes a full private shower stall with a seat, glass door, and a towel rack. All the comforts of home!

Forward Stateroom
There are two big drawers under a queen berth with a mirrored forepeak and an overhead hatch as well as hull-side glazing, making this private cabin bright and cheery. At night you can enjoy the Samsung television and there are climate controls for heating and air-conditioning and the Rockford Fosgate stereo. There's also port and starboard side hanging lockers and a private entrance to the head.

In the companionway foyer there is a handy storage locker with shelves for frequently used items. Beyond that is the entrance to the master stateroom.

 The VIP stateroom forward benefits from the additional beam at the chines that the 46 has while the hull side windows and vertical wall panels make it look more like home than a vee-berth.

Master Stateroom
Down a step is the door to the port side en suite bath for the master. This includes a Dometic MSD, lockers with shelves, opening porthole, blinds, and a vessel sink with a mirrored medicine cabinet. The master gets another full shower with glass door.

On the opposite side of the companionway is a cavernous closet, which also houses the built-in central vacuum.

Entering the master stateroom, you find a portside settee with recliner where you can read or nap in privacy; there's a big Samsung TV, too, with USB inputs for your information or entertainment needs.

Elegant night tables flank the queen berth, and the mirrored headboard makes the master seem even more spacious. The berth is on the centreline, which I like.

On the starboard side is a huge dresser with four drawers and four lockers and hidden in the master is a Splendide combination washer dryer. Perhaps the best feature is the huge expanse of hull-side glazing that includes opening panels for cross ventilation and makes this cabin seem very bright and spacious. Again, the berth also has both climate and stereo controls near at hand, plus we love the floor lighting under the berth – very designer elegant!

By the way, all of the drawers on-board feature soft close.

Performance
From the helm, there's a great view out whether you are standing or sitting, and a platform swings down to allow you to stand higher. There is a footrest for seated cruising, too. For a big boat, all the controls are clearly laid out and easy to use. That massive curved windshield combines with opening panels in the side glass and the electrically operated sunroof to let you convert the Cantius 46 from fully enclosed to very open.

The Volvo Penta IPS 600s give this boat a relaxed 30 mph cruising speed and a top end of 35.5 mph, which is probably more speed than most owners will need.

Easy handling at dockside and on the water really defines this boat. Handling big rollers is no problem, and the trim tabs can hold the bow down or level the boat out in a side wind; however, it's such a nice performing hull that the tabs are not needed much of the time.

Of course, the joystick docking control is great and overall the ride is very solid and smooth, partly because of the widely spaced chines.

Cruisers Yachts has done a fine job of refining their already excellent Cantius concept and this latest version delivers thoroughbred performance in all respects.

SPECIFICATIONS
Twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 drive systems, D6 common rail injected diesel engines with turbo and supercharger, 5.5 litre displacement, 435 hp each. Joystick docking.

Performance
RPM SPEED MPH
1,000 7.1
1,500 9.5
2,000 11.3
2,200 12.7
2,400 15.7
2,600 19.0
2,800 21.8
3,000 25.6
3,200 29.2
3,400 32.3
3,500 34.0
3,590 35.5

Length OA: 46’5” / 14.15 m
Beam: 14’6” / 4.42 m
Weight (dry): 32,200 lbs. / 14,651 kg
Fuel capacity: 360 gal / 1,363 L
Water capacity: 100 gal / 379 L
Waste capacity: 50 gal / 189 L
Price base: $1,108,240 USD.

Boat and pricing provided by Cruisers Yachts, www.cruisersyachts.com