Cruisers 34 GLS OB Review

Cruisers Yachts opened a lot of eyes when it introduced its Grand Luxury Sport, or GLS, series back in 2019 – initially with a 38-foot model, followed by a 42 in 2020 and the newest 34-foot model this year. Positioned as the day boat counterpoint to its Cantius yacht line, the Cruisers 34 GLS OB combines all the luxurious amenities of the Cantius yachts with an open layout that will appeal to those who want to spend their time soaking up the summer sun.

Available with the buyer’s choice of sterndrive or outboard power, the Cruisers 34 GLS OB packs a lot of punch into its more compact hull form. That includes a full glass helm, a spacious bow seating space, a fully equipped cockpit and a roomy mid-cabin berth below. What’s more, it accomplishes all of this while maintaining a fully flat deck throughout.

The 34 GLS OB features a deep, full-beam swim platform that comes finished in SeaDek soft-touch decking.

The basic layout of the Cruisers 34 GLS OB presents three main outdoor seating zones – the stern swim platform, the cockpit, and the bow. This arrangement provides multiple zones for private conversation while maintaining the boat’s open feel and versatility as an entertaining space.

Boarding from the dock at the stern, the first thing one can’t help but notice is the wide, deep, full-width swim platform. There’s no need to squish past the outboards on the 34 GLS, as the design provides plenty of pass-through space and results in a truly usable swim platform – much more than the basic ledge found on some other designs. The whole platform comes finished in SeaDek soft-touch decking, which looks great, feels great, and provides tremendous non-skid properties.

The wide transom seat can fold flat to create a double-wide sunpad, or serve as an inviting chaise lounge.

Facing aft is a double-wide bench seat on the platform, with an aft-facing single to port with a transom walk-through between them. These outward-facing seats are a great spot to dry off after a swim, keep an eye on the kids while they’re paddling around, or just kick back with a cold drink while enjoying the sunset.

Step into the cockpit of the Cruisers 34 GLS OB and facing L-shaped settees form an inviting seating area.

Stepping into the cockpit, a wide L-shaped settee to starboard faces an opposing L-shaped seat to port, each with flip-flop seat backs on opposite ends creating a wonderful space for conversation or entertaining. Both seats conceal cavernous storage compartments in their bases for gear. The port seat back can fold forward to create an aft-facing lounger, while the starboard-side transom seat can fold flat to create a spacious sun pad.

An aluminum receptacle in the cockpit floor accepts one or both of the boat’s two pedestal-mount tables, creating an attractive lunch spot that’s shaded from the sun thanks to the overhead hardtop. For even greater sun protection, an available retractable sunshade extends aft from the top to shade the entire cockpit.

The cockpit galley can be equipped with a large refrigerator, and an electric grill.

Speaking of lunch, the port side of the Cruisers 34 GLS OB includes a cockpit galley, with a sink and faucet, a trash bin, an optional refrigerator and space for an electric grill. A second cockpit refrigerator can be found under the helm seat, ensuring a cold drink is never far from hand.

An overhead telescoping sunshade can be extended to shade the entire cockpit.

Overhead, the fiberglass hardtop can be ordered with an optional sunroof. This really opens up the boat on those glorious summer days and is one upgrade that buyers will definitely want to spring for.

A second refrigerator can be added under the helm seat.

Amidships, the Cruisers 34 GLS OB features a compact but extremely well designed helm with a full glass cockpit. The base boat comes with a single nine-inch Simrad multi-function display, while a helm upgrade package provides a second screen in a side-by-side arrangement. A snazzy black-on-chrome sport steering wheel fits nicely in hand from the driver’s seat in either the seated or standing positions, while the double binnacle engine control is equally well positioned. The 34 GLS OB comes with Mercury’s digital throttle and shift and SmartCraft engine controls standard, as well as joystick docking control.

The neatly designed helm includes a boatload of premium amenities, including joystick docking control.

Standard power on the 34 GLS OB is twin Mercury Verado 300s, which Cruisers say will plane the boat in about six seconds, hit 30 mph in around 13 seconds and achieve a top speed of 45 mph. That’s impressive performance for a near 36-foot boat that weighs almost 15,000 pounds.

Belowdecks accommodations is surprisingly spacious, with excellent ceiling height.

From the port side of the helm, a wide door leads below to the overnight accommodation. A sliding bug screen at the entry is a thoughtful touch.

When it’s time to turn in, the 34 GLS OB turns out to be a capable weekender.

The lower salon has a booth-style seating area that converts to a sleeping berth with the addition of a filler cushion, while nearby is space for a microwave and a third refrigerator. At the back of the space is a dedicated mid-cabin that doesn’t offer a lot of ceiling height, but which does make a perfect space to stretch out and snooze in comfort. There’s a head compartment of course, with a stand-up shower.

Spacious bow seating creates another prime space for conversation or relaxing, while providing plenty of additional storage space in the seat bases.

Back on the main deck, the port side provides access to the bow, where a huge U-shaped seating space provides forward-facing, aft-facing or side-facing views. There’s a second in-floor receptacle for installing a pedestal-mount table, and a ton of storage space for gear in the seat bases. The forward-facing seats offer a flip-down console with integrated drink holders, and there’s space for cooler storage as well.

With twin Mercury Verado 300s, the 34 GLS OB will achieve top speeds in the range of 45 mph.

That’s really just scratching the surface of all the Cruisers Yachts’ 34 GLS OB has to offer. Anyone looking for a fast, comfortable, well appointed and sporty day boat that can also handle weekends away will find a lot to like here.