2022 Cruisers Yachts 34 GLS

Built for a day of entertainment on the water or a weekend away.

By Captain Chris Kourtakis

Comfortable, versatile, and easy to operate are some adjectives I would use to describe all new 34 GLS by Cruisers Yachts. This is the third boat designed in the GLS series and takes after its larger two family members with quality, performance, and a slick layout that is something for everyone.   

The 34 GLS has a little bit of everything for everyone. 

The bow and cockpit seating would allow for separation if the kids wanted to go up front while the adults stayed aft. Need to get out of the sun, no problem. Want to take a couple of families and friends out? Never an issue with the 34 GLS. On the water or at the dock, the 34 GLS is designed for entertaining, and her design is welcoming and functional.   

The cockpit has dual L-shaped seating on both the port and starboard side of the aft area. Forward you will find the helm configuration and the co-pilot’s forward-facing seat that can be flipped to create additional seating to the aft. Easily insert the two gorgeous wood-trimmed pedestal tables to the starboard side, and you dine alfresco—option for the drawer-style refrigerator under the helm chair for easy access to a frosty cold one. The center floor hatch provides easy access to the batteries, optional generator, and fender storage. The entire deck of the boat is lined with Sea Deck for soft and comfortable walking surfaces.  

The galley on the port side of the cockpit has an electric grill and a small sink. A stainless-steel refrigerator and trash receptacle directly below are easily accessible. All electronics on the boat, including the electric grill, can be powered with an optional diesel generator or an inverter that runs directly off your batteries.     

The starboard side rear back has multiple positions. The first is to create forward seating in the cockpit area. The second is rear facing when the kids or others are swimming. 

The third is flipping it back to create a large sun pad for two adults. The seat’s base is adjustable into three settings to create a chaise rear-facing lounger.  

The standard hard top offers excellent protection from the elements while on the water. The optional opening canvas sunroof is a must-have and is easy to operate to open or close quickly. The optional Sureshade awning is another must-have option that can be manually retracted to provide shade to the rear seating configuration as it extends to the aft of the swim platform. There is plenty of room on top of the hardtop for mounting radar, FLIR system, or even satellite television. One thing I would like to see on the hard top is a spot to mount an optional TV so you can watch your favorite sports team or listen to the morning news. 

The large swim platform offers plenty of space for multiple adults at anchor or for easy on and off while at the dock. The platform extends to either side of the motors for easy accessibility to the swim ladder and the water. There is a flip-up floorboard if you need to raise the motors out of the water. The board can be easily lifted, and the gas shocks on either side hold the lid up effortlessly. 

The helm layout is very impressive and well thought out. 

Two Simrad multiple displays are ergonomically designed for easy use and viewing and centered just in front of the tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel. The digital throttles are placed at a comfortable height for operation. Just in front of the sticks is the joystick for when you are docking. You can effortlessly access the push button accessory switches to the immediate left and right side of the wheel. The stereo remote and VHF radio are mounted to the port side of the configuration. 

The Bennett trim tab controls are just aft of the shifters. 

I would like to see these integrated into the dash or forward of the shifters so that you don’t have to look down to find them or adjust them. There is room near the joystick or just above the ignitions right of the steering wheel where these could be located. 

Also, a cup holder and a storage compartment for your wallet and pocket items forward for the shifters would be ideal instead of reaching slightly behind the shifters for your beverage or small personal belongings.  

The helm seat is a double-wide configuration with a flip-up bolster base. There is also a flip armrest and four cup holders within immediate reach. One thing Cruisers did well is the added footrest. Its angle and positioning are great for added comfort for the captain. 

 As you move through the large walkthrough windshield to the port side, you gain access to the deep U-shaped seating surrounding the bow area—the forward-facing seat armrests built into the seats that can be effortless deployed and stowed as needed. Stainless steel grab rails are on either side of the seating for safety. The walkway has two adoring storage areas perfect for safety gear or additional dock lines for the front when you need to tie off.  

There is abundant storage underneath most of the seats and on the floor. There is a stereo remote to the port side and over six stainless steel cup holders throughout the bow area. There is a pedestal mount on the floor for a table and a drain to the port just in case there is a little extra water that gets in from swimsuits or rain. The optional popup sunshade is easily mounted and provides cover from the hot sun during the noon hours. From a safety standpoint, the high gunnels will make any parent feel safe and secure with their kids walking around or riding in the bow area.

The anchor locker is forward of the bow seating area and provides access to the winless system. The controls are flush mounted on the deck for easy operation when retrieving or dropping the anchor. The anchor is thru-hull and hides discretely when not in use. The anchor locker is deep and can accommodate chains and rope as desired.  

You can effortlessly access the cabin amenities by stepping down the three solid wood floating stairs. Directly behind the stairs is a mid-cabin sleeper for two. Forward there is a face-to-face dinette that can be converted into an additional sleeping area. Just above and mounted on the forward wall is a 28” LCD flatscreen television.  

To the starboard is a small makeshift galley with a microwave, another refrigerator, and a window providing natural light. The head is also on the starboard side. The head has a top counter mounted sink and a toilet and can be used as a shower if needed. There is storage above and below the sink for small toiletries. The porthole adds natural light to the ambiance. The switches are front counter mounted, so you will not have to fumble around looking for them in the middle of the night. 

The boat comes standard with twin Mercury 300 HP outboards. However, you can opt for larger power packages up to 450 HP. With the twin 300s, the boat can reach a top end speed of around 45 mph and a cruising speed of 31, burning 26 mph. Time to plane is a quick 6.4 seconds, and 0-30 was about 14 seconds. With auto trim engaged, there is nothing that you need to do to captain the vessel. The trim tabs and motors level themselves out—all I needed to steer and push the throttles forward. 

The sightlines from the helm are obstruction free. The over 11-foot beam provided a stable ride through minimal wake and chop.    

The 34 GLS is built for a day of entertainment on the water or a weekend away. Cruisers Yachts continues to impress with the GLS lineup, and the 34 is no exception. 

If you are in the market for a mid-sized day boat or weekend cruiser, the 34 GLS should be at the top of your list. 

Specifications

LOA: w/ Outboard 35’ 10” / 10.9 m
Beam: 11’ 8” / 3.56
Cabin Headroom: 6’ 4” / 1.93 m
Draft: (Full Load) 29” / 0.74 m
Fuel: (Gas) 217 gallons / 821.4 l
Water: 50 gal / 189,3 L
Waste: 25 gallons / 94.6 l
Weight: 14,530 lbs. / 6590.7 kg
Base Price: $505,840 (with twin black Mercury 300s)
Price as tested: $826,993 CAD – nicely equipped with mentioned options.  

For more information: www.cruisersyachts.com