What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

[yam350yfm]

I am beginning to research small cruisers, 24 to 28 feet. I have boats in this range that are referred to as either "cabin", "express", "bridge", "sport", and "pocket" cruisers. I am not looking for the cuddy type, but something that a family of 4 could actually stay out on from Friday - Sunday. There are a couple of caveats:
1. Must be trailer-able (no more than 8.5 feet wide)
2. Mainly used in fresh water lakes ranging in size from 2,000 acres to the Great Lakes and the Mississippi river (maybe do sections of the great loop over time).

I have no brand or style preference, just trying to understand what is out there and what the differences are. Considering boats from the mid-1990's and up.

I have found some great advise on iboats previously with outboard repair.
I am considering making the jump to something for weekending on and am seeking opinions as to what works, what doesn't, things to think about, etc.

In the family we currently run the following:
12' aluminum with 5 hp 4 stroke
14' fiberglass skiff with 20hp 2 stroke
18' aluminum side console fishing boat w/115hp 4 stroke
19' fiberglass bowrider w/190 hp i/o
24' pontoon w/60hp 4 stroke

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

I'm not sure on the differences of each specific one, but mine is called a cabin cruiser with a flying bridge. Two helms, one on the bridge and one in the cabin. The cabin has a full galley with stove, oven, microwave, fridge, and hot/cold pressurized water system. Head with shower and lavatory. Can sleep 2 adults and 4 children easy. 27.5' with 8' beam. Rear deck is 6X8, main cabin 12X8 plus the forward berth. Trailers easy, but needs a strong tow vehicle if I will be towing in hilly areas.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

most of it has to do with the type floor plan, and space, also use of upper deck space.

 

[JoLin]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

Take a look here- good definitions of various types...

http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/boat-buying-for-absolute-beginners-part-iv

Express Cruiser? An express cruiser is designed for overnighting with berths, a galley and a head forward, and a large open cockpit aft. Among the most popular form of cruiser, express cruisers range from 25 to 63 feet long. Best uses: day trips and weekend overnight cruises.


Cabin Cruiser? Though the term isn't used as often as it once was, a cabin cruiser features a raised cabin with side windows. The helm is usually beneath a hardtop, and the cockpit is open. Amenities include staterooms, a head and a galley. They frequently are offered with two or even three cabins. Best Uses: weekending, extended vacation cruises in mild waters and as a dockside summer "cottage".

A cabin cruiser can also have a flybridge (upper helm station). For a good example of each, google a Bayliner 2452 Ciera Classic. That's a traditional "cabin cruiser" design. Compare that to a new Bayliner 245, or the 1999 Chris Craft 240 Express I'm in the process of buying. Those are Express Cruisers.

The only other basic type I can think of is a "cuddy cabin" cruiser, which generally has low interior headroom and just basic sleeping accommodations for a couple of people to crawl in out of the weather. The rest of the "types" you listed below are just marketing-hype names.

 

[Guest]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

Take a look here- good definitions of various types...

http://www.boats.com/news-reviews/article/boat-buying-for-absolute-beginners-part-iv

Express Cruiser? An express cruiser is designed for overnighting with berths, a galley and a head forward, and a large open cockpit aft. Among the most popular form of cruiser, express cruisers range from 25 to 63 feet long. Best uses: day trips and weekend overnight cruises.


Cabin Cruiser? Though the term isn't used as often as it once was, a cabin cruiser features a raised cabin with side windows. The helm is usually beneath a hardtop, and the cockpit is open. Amenities include staterooms, a head and a galley. They frequently are offered with two or even three cabins. Best Uses: weekending, extended vacation cruises in mild waters and as a dockside summer "cottage".

A cabin cruiser can also have a flybridge (upper helm station). For a good example of each, google a Bayliner 2452 Ciera Classic. That's a traditional "cabin cruiser" design. Compare that to a new Bayliner 245, or the 1999 Chris Craft 240 Express I'm in the process of buying. Those are Express Cruisers.

The only other basic type I can think of is a "cuddy cabin" cruiser, which generally has low interior headroom and just basic sleeping accommodations for a couple of people to crawl in out of the weather. The rest of the "types" you listed below are just marketing-hype names.

John & Linda Would love chating with you guys as we Noel & Deb Have the same boat , our is a 2000 year but looks the same 5.7 w/dual prop

EDIT: Personal information removed. Not allowed in the forums - ezmobee

 

[JoLin]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

Hi, Noel- I pm'd you with my e-mail address. Always happy to find another owner!

 

[likalar]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

<<...I am not looking for the cuddy type, but something that a family of 4 could actually stay out on....>>

Family of 4...if that's 2 adults and 2 kids, the age of the kids may have some bearing on what to look for. Years ago we had an older 24' Searay with a flying bridge. The kids were about 8-11 years old, and loved using the covered bridge as a "fort" it gave them an area to play without being crowded together with adults so much for 2-3 days. The parents liked the break, too. ;-)
Larry

 

[captharv]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

If you are looking to overnight with 4 adults aboard, I would suggest the Bayliner 2655 or 265 as its called now.
I have the 2452. (BTW, Bayliner valls it the Classic Express Cruiser) Its great for the two of us and maybe a family with 2 small kids. Not for 4 adults.
The 265 is the largest boat with an 8.5' beam. It has an aft cabin and vee birth convertable to a dinet. I would also suggest getting camper canvas for it so when the bugs are out or its raining, you have all that deck space to combat "cabin fever"
If its at all possible, look at the 2855 or 285. It has a lot more room. The vee birth and dinet are separate, so you don't have to roust someone out of the vee birth to sit with a cup of coffee. It a 9' beam, but the increase in interior volume is worth it.
Towing: the 265 will be about 8K towing weight, and the 265 about 10K. These are real world numbers, not guestamates. The 8K is a no brainer for a SUV or 1/2 ton P/U with the H/D tow package. The 10K is not talking a 3/4ton truck .
My 2452 tows out at about 7500 with 1/2 tank gas, etc. These boats are rather well built and heavy. But with a double or triple axle trailer, and disk brakes, its not that bad to tow.

 

[werthert]

Re: What are the differences between cabin cruiser and express cruiser

If its at all possible, look at the 2855 or 285. It has a lot more room. The vee birth and dinet are separate, so you don't have to roust someone out of the vee birth to sit with a cup of coffee. It a 9' beam, but the increase in interior volume is worth it.

I think in 2001 the 2655 had a 9.6" beam, so if you go older 2655 you get similar to a newer 285. Of course, then there's towing... a few folks I've spoken with treat the beams the same when it comes to towing, legal requirements and all - they just don't worry about it - which is fine except when you get into an accident.