2014 Cruisers Sport Series 258 Boat Test Notes
Here are Lenny's review notes from the 2014 mid-sized bowrider of the Cruisers Yachts family.
August 16, 2013
Watch the 2014 Cruisers Sport Series 258 Video Boat Review
Overview: A mid-size Cruisers Sport Series bowrider.
Concept
- Build a bow rider with the same attention to detail and equipment used with Cruisers’ yachts, and make it adaptable as a tow boat for watersports.
Construction
- Hatches and doors are RTM molded, to maximize strength, minimize weight, and provide a finished surface inside and out.
- Aluminum plates beef up the engine mounting system, and back up deck hardware.
- Snap-in woven mat replaces carpet with a stronger, easier to clean surface that’s easy on the feet.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Length | 25'0" |
| Beam | 8'6" |
| Max Draft | 3'3" |
| Deadrise | 18 degrees |
| Displacement | 5,160 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 68 gal |
Performance & Handling
- The 300-hp Mercury 350 MAG stern drive brings this boat up to over 43-MPH.
- Steps in the hullside chines help the boat dig in and grip in tight turns.
- Steps also break adhesion, aiding fuel economy.
- The one-foot chop we encountered during our test presented zero challenge for this boat, and we ran full-tilt right into it.
| Performance Data | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Test conditions: 1 foot chop, winds 10 - 15 knots, 2 POBs | |||
| RPM | MPH | GPH | MPG |
| 1000 | 4.9 | 1.9 | 2.6 |
| 2000 | 8.5 | 5.7 | 1.5 |
| 3000 | 24.7 | 9.0 | 2.7 |
| 4000 | 35.5 | 14.8 | 2.4 |
| 5000 | 43.6 | 28.1 | 1.6 |
| Power | 300-hp Mercury MAG stern drive, 22.5” Bravo Three Props | ||
Unique Features
- Swing-open head compartment in the passenger’s console is roomy, and includes an opening port and a sink.
- Swim platform ladder is canted off to the side, to keep swimmers away from the props.
- Slick magnetic catch holds swing-open windshield in place.
