Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR EC: Adventure-Ready Crossover

With a 233‑gallon fuel tank, twin Mercury Verado outboards (300 hp standard, 400 hp optional), a shallow draft of about 36 inches with engines down and a 12’2” bridge clearance, the 38 VTR EC is plotted for cross‑coastal hops, island runs and even Great Loop-style routing where bridge heights and skinny water logistics matter.

Overview: two layouts, one platform

Cruisers Yachts offers the 38 VTR in two core configurations: the open 38 VTR (think center-console protection via windshield and hardtop) and the enclosed 38 VTR EC with full glass pilothouse and sliding doors. Structurally they share the same hull and systems, so the buyer’s main choice is how much weather protection and social cockpit space is desired. The EC keeps the visibility and light with nearly 7 feet of headroom under the flat hardtop while giving you an all‑weather cabin that’s comfortable for overnight stays.

Deck flow and access

The single-level walkway from transom to bow is a nice touch for safety and gear movement—no awkward tripping over steps when you’re carrying a cooler or tow ropes. The port deck gives secure bow access, the coamings are high (31 inches forward) and there are grab rails everywhere, which is reassuring when you’ve got kids or older folks aboard.

Helm, electronics and propulsion

The helm is user‑friendly: reversible bolstered seats, twin footrests, and standard Simrad displays (9‑inch standard, twin 15‑inch optional) make navigation and control straightforward. The test boat used twin Mercury Verado 300 outboards with joystick control and position holding—perfect for tight marina maneuvers or setting a drift. Lenco trim tabs are conveniently placed on the dash. If you want more thrust, the 400‑hp Verados are an available upgrade.

Hardtop, racks and tow capability

The hardtop isn’t just shelter; it’s a utility deck. Designed for optional Thule racks, it will carry kayaks, paddleboards, bikes or fishing poles. The heavy duty tow bar on our test hull looked like it could tow anything short of a car, so wake sports and waterskiing are definitely in the 38 VTR EC’s playbook.

Interior, stowage and habitability

Belowdecks the forward cabin features about 6 feet of headroom and a convertible dinette that becomes a 6’4” berth. Skylights and full‑height glass keep the space bright. The enclosed head includes a Dometic electric marine toilet and a wet shower—useful for overnighting without compromising on comfort. Aft, the sunlounger option cleverly conceals a 6’ x 7’ berth with 5’2” headroom—more of a cozy nap space than a standing cabin, but handy for extra guests.

• Bow area: wraparound seating that converts to a sun pad, hidden Quick windlass, rode locker.
• Cockpit galley: wet bar, sink (small), optional Kenyon electric grill and fridge/ice under seats.
• Storage: deep in‑floor compartments for toys, lines and safety gear.

Hull, handling and fuel economy

The 21‑degree deep‑V with two hull steps, hard chines and twin strakes is tuned to reduce drag while keeping predictable behavior in a beam sea. In a choppy Gulf Stream test the boat sliced without creaks and without the snap rolls you sometimes find with deep‑V shapes. With everything pinned at 6,000 rpm the 38 VTR EC topped out just under 40 knots (roughly mid‑40s mph depending on load); a more conservative cruise at 4,000 rpm returned about 26.5 mph while burning ~22 gph—better than one mile per gallon at that speed. That economy and the generous tank give true range for island hopping, day charters or extended weekends.

How we tested

• Engines: Twin 300 hp Mercury Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard / Mercury Revolution 4 14.6" x 20" 4‑blade stainless
• Test conditions: fuel 150 gal used for test profile, crew 500 lb, mixed Gulf Stream chop

Highs, lows and buyer considerations

• High points: robust hardtop racks, high coamings and ample grab rails, distortion‑free wide windshield.
• Low points: pilothouse door felt clunky and likely to be revised; cockpit sink is small.

For charters and rental operators the 38 VTR EC checks a lot of boxes: weather‑protected guest space, easy handling at the dock with joystick, racks for activity gear and enough range to reach popular marinas and clearwater anchorages. For a private owner or captain plotting weekend escapes it’s a handy do‑it‑all craft—tow the toys, host friends, overnight in reasonable comfort and still zip back to the beach before dinner. Like I always say when judging a crossover: it’s not trying to be everything to everyone, but it sure makes a strong run at it.

Wrap‑up: the Cruisers Yachts 38 VTR EC is a genuinely versatile yacht‑class boat that blends solid offshore capability with smart layout for family days, fishing runs, or a charter lineup—think yacht or boat rental, weekend beach hops, lake cruising, or Gulf Stream fishing and ocean adventures. It’s easy to imagine this model on a charter roster next to a sunseeker or superyacht support boat, filling roles from watersports to overnight stays. If you’re looking to rent, buy, or list a vessel for sale, the combination of range, storage and flexible accommodations makes the 38 VTR EC worth a hard look for destinations that demand comfort and capability on the water.