By Mike Burns
Over the last few years, there certainly has been a trend towards CoupeStyle express cruisers in the 40-foot plus range, and Cruisers Yachts certainly has been focusing their efforts in this market. The Cantius line was first launched back in 2010 and the lineup sported 41 and 48 foot models. Cruisers most recent addition to this popular series is the 45 Cantius.
Approaching the stern, you are greeted with an enormous swim platform, with the cockpit entrance off to port. The aft seating area is ideally set up for entertaining. The spacious cockpit features wrap-around seating that converts to a sun-lounge with fore and aft bolsters. To starboard you’ll find the grill and refrigerator, and to port is the ice-chest and sink. The cockpit also features two removable tables, and a must-have option, in my opinion, is the retractable sunshade that can be deployed from the hardtop at a touch of a button.
The main salon / galley is accessed via a large glass / stainless steel door to starboard, and to port, a large swing-up window can also be opened, creating a comfortable and airy open-concept so that guest can enjoy the great outdoors, even while in the cabin. If the weather is less than perfect, the glass dividers can be closed, and the standard reverse cycle heat / air can be put to use.
The integrated galley is separated from the cockpit by an island counter. A great feature for keeping guests ‘fed and watered’ in the cockpit. The galley features ample storage, convection microwave, refrigerator/freezer, two burner stove, and a 32” TV/DVD Player, plus a large built-in cabinet to keep bottles secure.
Sporting large windows, and an enormous retractable sunroof, in ideal conditions, this area can be drenched with natural sunlight and fresh air. The continued open-concept design allows easy access to the dinette seating to port, and the helm area off to starboard.
The helm features a double-wide seat, and state-of-the-art instruments and controls. For added comfort, heat/AC vents are centrally mounted in the dash.
There are two staterooms on the Cantius 45, each with their own private head. The master stateroom is located forward and has an island berth and 6’ 6” of headroom. There are two fulllength cedar closets, and modern, Euro-style fixtures and hardware are used throughout.
More noteworthy is the second stateroom amidships. The guest cabin is not your typical mid-cabin accommodation found on most express cruisers. This versatile area features a queen berth, partially separated from the ‘entertainment area’ by a glass partition. A split recliner to starboard, complete with flip-up foot rests, allow for theater-style seating when viewing the large pivoting TV mounted to the bulkhead to starboard. Also off to starboard is a comfortable lounge, adjacent to a pair of fixed windows in the hull side. For additional accommodation, the split lounges also convert into a practical double bed.
Twin Volvo Penta IPS is the power of choice for the Cantius 45, and it’s available in two options: the IPS 500 model delivers 375 hp per engine, and the large 600 series offers up 435 hp. Each system comes equipped with IPS joystick control, which has long proven to make close quarter maneuvering a breeze. Cruising speed with the standard 500 IPS model would be in the low to mid 20’s (mph), and top speed would the in the low 30’s range.
As with the other models in the Cantius series, the 45 is equipped with a long list of standard items, such as hard-top with sunroom, Cablemaster shore power retrieval system, and 13 Kw generator, just to name a few. Key options would be the cockpit sunshade, and the washer/dryer combo unit, which can be installed in the companionway storage area adjacent to the mid-cabin.
With its unique and functional layout, attractive Euro-styling, and long list of features, the Cantius 45 serves as a great platform as either a comfortable family cruiser, or a daytripper spacious enough to handle a large group of friends.
