2000 Cruisers Yachts 4270 Espirit

By: Mike Burns

Cruisers Yachts has developed a solid reputation for building stylish and well-engineered yachts, particularly with their motor yachts and express cruisers. I recently had the opportunity to take a look at a 2000 Cruisers 4270 Esprit, a model the company manufactured from 1997 to 2003.

The 4270 was the largest express model in the Cruisers fleet at its time. This model was very popular, most notably for it two-stateroom layout down below. The 4270 later evolved into the 440 express and later the 460, which is still in production today.

The Cruisers 4270 Esprit is solidly built on a fully cored hull, which incorporates a wide beam of 14 feet. The sporty profile of the 4270 is accented by her long foredeck and stylish reverse arch. Our test boat was fitted with an optional hydraulic swim platform, which I think is a great feature on a boat this size. Not only is it a handy feature for launching and retrieving a tender or PWC, you can also partially lower the lift to make an easy-to-use swimming platform.

A walk-thru transom to port leads to the spacious cockpit, where you find a large U-shaped lounge off to starboard. Adjacent to the lounge is an entertainment centre, complete with a full wet bar.

Forward and to port, an L-shaped lounge offers up more seating for guests. To starboard, the operator can enjoy the comfort of a large double helm seat. The dash is very well laid out and there is ample room to flush-mount electronics. series of analog gauges adorn the upper tier of the dash, and you’ll also find a recessed area with a clear plastic cover to store charts and other papers. To the left of the dash, there is a functions set of moulded steps that lead up to the walk-thru windshield for convenient access to the bow.

One of the impressive features about this model is the interior layout down below – in particular, the two staterooms. At amidships, the second stateroom features an ensuite head and a full privacy door. The mid-cabin is fitted with two single beds that can also convert into a single king-size bed, and is generally much larger than that found on other similarly sized express cruisers. In fact, Cruisers actually raised the level of the cockpit sole on later models, creating even more room in this area. With the added space, this cabin was transformed into the master stateroom. In this particular boat, however, the master stateroom is still located forward.

In the 4270’s main salon, there is a comfortable U-shaped lounge off to port with plenty of room to accommodate several guests. Adjacent to the lounge you’ll find a spacious head that is fitted with a separate shower stall.

Aft of the head, there is an impressive galley area that offers plenty of storage spaces above and below the counter. Other galley features include a 3⁄4-size fridge and freezer, ceramic cooktop, and a built-in microwave below the countertop.

A variety of engine packages were available for this model, both gas and diesel. Our test boat was fitted with a pair of 8.2-litre Crusader MPI gasoline inboards, equipped with V-drives. Advancing the throttles, the 4270 came on plane in 7.2 seconds. At 3500 rpm, we attainted a comfortable cruising speed of 22.1 mph, and at WOT we hit a top speed of 33.1 mph.

If you’re ready to take the next step and move up to a larger express cruiser, you should certainly consider the Cruisers 4270 Esprit. Its sleek and contemporary styling, generous accommodation layout down below, and ample room in the cockpit will be a sure hit for a cruising family – or for someone interested in keeping a large group of guests fully entertained on the water all day long.

POWER/PERFORMANCE
Test boat engine: Twin 8.2L CrusaderMPI, V8,
gasoline inboards
Cruising speed (rpm/mph): 2500 / 11.4 ; 3000 /
15.8 ; 3500 / 22.1
Time on plane: 7.2 seconds
Top speed (rpm/mph): 4400 / 33.1
Sound level at cruise (3500 rpm): 92 dbA
Sound level atWOT: 98 dbA