1989 Cruisers Yachts 3670

By: Mike Burns

Back during the ‘heyday’ of the late 1980s, the marine industry was booming and manufacturers were producing a record number of boats. Many of these boats are still around. However, after a couple of decades, they vary significantly in condition. We recently took a look at a 1989 Cruisers 3670, which has been very well maintained and features several tasteful upgrades.

The 3670 began its production run in 1989, and it later evolved into the 3675 and the 3775. All were built on the same modified-V hull that featured prop pockets, a bow with a generous flair, and a relatively steep dead rise of 17 degrees at the transom.

Down below, the 3670 features a U-shaped dinette area to port that can accommodate a good crowd. Directly across from the dinette, there is a functional galley and bar area. While counter space is a bit limited, you will find some great features, such as a double stainless steel sink (everyone knows how awkward a single sink can be), an illuminated bar area for bottles, and a 3⁄4 size fridge, with separate freezer compartment. Anyone who likes to entertain will certainly enjoy these amenities. Other notable features found in our test boat include the upgraded Berber carpet and new electronics, such as a flat screen LCD TV.

For overnight accommodation, the forward cabin features a walk-around double berth and features a privacy door. The mid cabin also features an easy-to-convert double berth. With the seating cushion flipped upright, this relatively open concept cabin can also double as a functional seating area.

The head is located off to port. While it doesn’t quite have a separate shower stall, a section of the head that contains the toilet itself only can be used as a shower stall, keeping the rest of the head dry.

When it comes to canvas, you can expect to get roughly 10 years use out of it – even longer if it is very well maintained. The current owners recently upgraded the canvas on our test model, wisely choosing a contemporary colour that matches the boat very well and gives it a more modern feel. Cruisers’ original use of stainless steel to manufacture the radar arch also adds to its sleek styling and contemporary looks.

The 3670 features a bench seat along the transom and an additional rear-facing seat to port. There is enough room in the cockpit to accommodate a removable cockpit table and a couple of chairs. Off to starboard, there is a huge wet bar with more than ample counter and storage space. There is also a moulded sink with on-demand cold water and a built-in icemaker.

Further forward, there is a very large seat for the passenger with plenty of storage underneath. Over at the helm, the operator can enjoy the comfort of a double wide bench seat with ample seating room for two. The dash was laid out quite well, and I also noticed that many of the gauges had been upgraded. It should be noted that Cruisers engineers designed the helm in such a way that several elecboats & tronics can be neatly mounted into the dash.

Several V-drive engine packages were available for this model; many came with 454 ci engine packages. However, our test boat was fitted with the larger 502 ci Crusaders. Producing 370 hp each, the 3670 came up on plane in 6.2 seconds. As I mentioned before, some of the gauges had been replaced and it appeared that the tachs were in need of calibration. But with the boat comfortably on plane, we cruised along effortlessly at 20.5 mph, reaching a top speed of 33.1 mph at WOT.

These upgrades, especially on older boats, can get quite costly. Keep in mind that it is not realistic to expect to try and recover the costs of the upgrades when it comes time to sell your boat – it will, however, help maintain its maximum value. My suggestion would be to talk to a knowledgeable yacht broker, who can offer advice on cost-effective upgrades.

POWER / PERFORMANCE
TEST BOAT ENGINE: Twin 502 ci
Crusaders, 370 hp, V8, gasoline
engines
CRUISING SPEED: 20.5 mph
TIME ON PLANE: 6.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: 33.1 mph
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE:
Helm – 93 dbA
SOUND LEVEL AT WOT:
Helm – 104 dbA