By Andy Adams

The Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius was actually reviewed in Canadian Yachting a few years ago when this model was first launched but we are back for a fresh look because our test boat was equipped with the new Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system and it makes the Cantius even better than before.

EASE OF USE AND CONVENIENCE

Undoubtedly, a big factor in the success that Cruisers Yachts has had with their entire Cantius line of yachts lies in its ease of use and convenience. We wrote the last time, that the Volvo Penta IPS propulsion system is an important part of that equation. The earlier 50 Cantius had Volvo Penta IPS 600s and Joystick Docking but the 2023 test boat featured the IPS 700s with the new Volvo Penta Assisted Docking system.

The IPS 700s are twin D8 diesels each delivering 550 crankshaft horsepower, driving forward-facing, counter-rotating prop sets on each drive with electrically controlled steering, joystick docking and delivering now legendary performance and handling. The new Assisted Docking system really adds to the convenience and enjoyment.

An evening shot with the salon lighting and the TV on. Dinette in the foreground and the galley is at the stern.

The Cantius models pioneered the idea of a big yacht that did not need any canvas. The Cantius could be easily unlocked and made ready to run with almost no effort. As you come aboard the spacious swim platform and walk up either the port or starboard stairs to the cockpit, you can just unlock the substantial and beautifully made stainless steel framed glass door in the aft bulkhead and step right into the cabin, and with the galley right by the door.

Put the groceries down on the counter (or straight into the drawer ‘fridges) and get comfortable; no zippers, no canvas and nothing to fold or stow.

Turn on the power and get the air conditioning (or the heat) going and relax. If it’s hot out, open the electric roof section over the helm and the dining area and let the heat out. Slide the beautiful bulkhead door open.

No need to delay. While the engines warm up, you can take off the lines and using the new Assisted Docking Joystick control, move confidently out of your slip and away from the docks.

The process is simple, incredibly accurate and far more user-friendly than the old basic Joystick system. That was great for the time, but things have been greatly refined.

VOLVO’S GLASS COCKPIT SYSTEM

In addition to the IPS 700 Volvo Penta powered by the D8 diesels, the test boat had the Volvo Penta

Seen here lit for night cruising, the 50 Cantius has a very handsome helm that features the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit with twin 17” screens.

Glass Cockpit helm featuring twin Garmin 17” multi-function displays. The boat included Garmin Grid Remote which is a separate controller for the Glass Cockpit system. The control is mounted on the side armrest, so it’s easy to use the MFDs in rough water and without needing to reach out to the main dashboard screens to navigate. Also, on the armrest are the Volvo Penta Joystick control and the main Controls. These have a single lever function for even greater convenience, cruise control when running, trip computer and an SD Card Reader to update charts, software and files.

VOLVO PENTA ASSISTED DOCKING

For our test, the main event was using the Volvo Penta Assisted Docking. This has the Dynamic Positioning System with low-speed functionality.

To utilize the assisted docking feature, we begin by activating the Dynamic Positioning System. This opens a splash screen on the Glass Cockpit. Of course, there are safety warnings, for example, that no one should be in the water when the engines are operating, and the screen shows GPS signal strength.

You see a boat icon in a circle which displays the geofence. When you move the Joystick, the circle graphic changes to show a “lane” drawn on the screen by two lines. Now the boat will move within that lane regardless of wind or current. Release the control and you stay still.

Up to 10 people can sit in the cockpit around the hi/lo dining table while the hostess serves refreshments directly out of the galley thanks to the retractable glass section in the bulkhead.

Here is where the wonderful focus on convenience that you get with the Cruisers Yachts 50 Cantius, comes into sharp focus. The Volvo Penta Assisted Docking automatically takes the wind and current out of the docking equation. In a marina like the busy one at Sea Isle in Miami, we had to contend with a lot of boat traffic, wind and a strong current as well.

When you go to the Joystick, the system defaults to the GPS and the boat sits still. It is amazing! It held the position with impressive stability. You can still move a little bit and adjust your heading too. When you let go, the boat holds stationary. Three very high-powered GPS antennas that were specially programmed and fine-tuned at the Cruisers Yachts factory deliver stunning accuracy.

You can do a ‘side push’ for example. If the wind is blowing you around, put the fenders down, move into position and then activate side-push to hold the boat securely against the dock while the person tying the lines secures the vessel - easily and safely.

Perhaps the best application for the new Assisted Docking technology is that other friends or family members can easily learn to use it with safety and accuracy – they don’t need the skipper’s skill and years of experience to dock the boat.

CONVENIENCE BY DESIGN

Life onboard the 50 Cantius is delightful for a couple or a group and convenience guided the design. Overall, this is a three-stateroom yacht with a VIP Stateroom in the bow a Third Stateroom or what I would call a mid-cabin, and then an aft Master Stateroom that is the full 15-foot beam with an ensuite head and even laundry! So, three totally private and separate living areas on the lower deck help everyone to be comfortable.

The bow lounge has ample seating around a footwell and with adjustable seat backs and even a fold-out table. A sunshade is available too.

At the bow, the 50 Cantius features a forward sun lounge with footwell, seating that can tilt up or recline and a clever folding table for food and beverages that makes this a comfortable spot to relax at anchor or by the dock. There is even an available sunshade that you can fly over the area.

Wide side decks to port and starboard with high bow rails and cabin side handrails make bow access easy.

For maximum comfort, the 50 Cantius is now equipped standard with a Seakeeper gyro stabilizing system. This is a very deluxe feature that even provides amazing stability at the dock or at anchor!

STERN FEATURES AND COCKPIT

A wonderful convenience feature is the powered swim platform with stairs that automatically deploy as it lowers into the water. Across the fifteen-foot beam is a transom entertainment area including an electric grill. The social space flows up port and starboard steps to the cockpit that has plush wrap-around seating for up to 10 people. The hi/lo table converts from dining to a sun lounge. Transom storage is large and well thought out with room for all your lines and fenders as well as large items like water sports equipment.

MAIN DECK ACCOMMODATIONS

The main salon of the 50 Cantius must be experienced to fully appreciate the open expanse of glass, from the panoramic windows including a retractable window in the galley to merge the interior and exterior spaces.

A unique feature of the 50 Cantius is the stern-mounted refreshment area and grill for great outdoor entertaining.

Conveniently located by the cockpit, the galley is very well equipped with lots of storage, convection microwave, induction cooktop, large stainless steel sink and drawer refrigerators just to name a few great features. There's even an ice maker available and the retractable rear window means you can conveniently serve refreshments straight out of the galley.

Opposite is a cabinet including the big TV and beside that, a nice couch for lounging. Forward from that is the helm. This has a beautiful layout which is clean and uncluttered and features great ergonomics. There's helm seating for two on an adjustable seat with footrest, tilt steering and unimpeded outward vision for comfortable cruising.

On the port side is the dinette and the seating is at a great level for passengers as you cruise. Everyone gets a panoramic view. And, with the IPS 700 power, this big and richly appointed yacht can hit speeds of nearly 40 mph!

For a wealth of additional detail on the 50 Cantius and its many features, read our earlier review at www.canadianyachting.ca or click here: https://www.canadianyachting.ca/boat-reviews/72-power/4283-cruisers-yachts-cantius-50   There is also a video walk-through for your enjoyment https://www.canadianyachting.ca/boat-reviews/virtual-tours/6590-cruisers-yachts-50-cantius .

SPECIFICATIONS
Engines: Volvo Penta D8-IPS700, twin 7.7L 6-cylinder common rail diesel engines with electronic control, 550 hp. Twin counter rotating forward-facing prop sets on IPS drives, Joystick control and Assisted Docking.

ENGINE RPM MPH
Idle 5.7
1,000 8.5
1,200 10.0
1,600 12.1
2,000 17.9
2,100 20.1
2,400 27.1
2,600 31.5
2,800 34.9
2,950 37.9

Length Overall: 49' 5" / 15.06 m
Beam: 15' / 4.57 m
Fuel Capacity: 450 g / 1703 l
Waste Capacity: 71 g / 269 l
Water Capacity: 111 g / 420 l
Weight, Dry 36,000 lbs / 16,329 kg
Price: Well equipped in the $2.1 - 2.2 Million USD range.

Test boat, performance data and pricing supplied by: Cruisers Yachts Inc., www.cruisersyachts.com  and Crates Lake Country Boats http://www.cratesboats .