HIT THE SEAS I make that point for several reasons. One, the aforementioned wind was 20-plus knots (more plus than 20) and the ocean report was for 8-foot seas. Not my type of sea trial. But the west wind was blowing offshore, so we planned to run in the lee of the land southbound out of Port Everglades to Miami’s Government Cut inlet. Secondly, this would give me more opportunity to experience the ride, handling, speed, comfort and function of the 42 GLS. It was a good call. Pushing the 42 GLS were triple, gleaming white Mercury Verado outboard engines, sporting 400 hp each. This package offers a brisk top-speed of 52 mph, burning 100 gph, so you know you have the ponies and resources to beat it back to a safe harbor if needed. Although running in the lee of the land, we still experienced a 2- to 4-foot chop, but our 42 GLS was eating ‘em up, cranking out a steady 35-38 mph with little effort. Per the charts, 38 mph yields a burn of 40 gph and an estimated range of 330 30
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nm. For improved range, dial back to just under 10 mph and sip the fuel at 7.5 gph, going for 450 nm. What allowed us to have an impressive run in the slop was not due to just the powerplants, but also the hull configuration. The designers at Cruisers found the sweet spot between a sharp hull entry for cutting the waves and having a broad hull for maximum interior space without forsaking performance or stability. Lifting strakes and wide chines get the boat out of the water, and a flattened V aft adds more lift while giving the extended center outdrive clean water to bite. Also designed into the hull is generous freeboard. Built to keep the seas at bay, it also keeps the passengers dry as this is an open bow boat. MAGIC TIME There’s more magic happening above the waterline. Designed as a dayboat or weekender, the 42 GLS has a form that allows for great function. Boarding is easy from the dock as the aft platform wraps around the outboards and across the transom. And it’s deep at 30
inches so there’s no tripping over the feet of those relaxing on the aft-facing bench seats. Storage under these seats is perfect for fenders and lines. To accentuate on the function of a family/ entertaining/relaxing boat, the 42 GLS is equipped with port and starboard beach doors. I’m not a big fan of side wings — until now. When deployed, they are a great addition to either your waterborne activities or for a bit more on-deck social room. Cruisers also built them solid. I stepped all the way out to the edge of the port wing, waiting for a few creaks and groans under my generous proportions, but there was no noise and barely a rocking of the boat. This feature may also be useful when there’s a mutiny and someone has to walk the plank. WHERE’S THE PARTY? The party’s on the main deck. To starboard there’s a large U-shaped settee with center fold-out teak table, protected by the hardtop. The aft seat is combined with the aft transom bench, and each can be used simultaneously and not as a conversion unit. A plus is that the backrest can rotate 90 degrees,
