What is a day-cruiser?
A day-cruiser is a pleasure motorboat, generally of moderate size (between 5 and 9 meters), designed for day trips or short coastal cruises. Its distinctive feature is a cabin located forward, offering a sheltered space that can be used for extra sleeping or storage. This configuration combines the advantages of an open boat for outdoor activities with those of a cabin cruiser for comfort and protection.
Program and use
The day-cruiser lets you take full advantage of the joys of coastal sailing. Versatile by nature, it's just as well suited to families looking for peaceful cruising as it is to thrill-seekers practicing water-skiing or wakeboarding. Its size and maneuverability also make it an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts or those who like to organize picnics and aperitifs at anchor. Thanks to its cabin, you can even spend the night on board for impromptu cruises. Its compact size makes it easy to transport on a trailer, opening the door to new adventures on different bodies of water, whether sea, river or lake.
Technical specifications
The day-cruiser is characterized by a design that aims to maximize comfort and user-friendliness in a compact format. The length of these boats generally ranges from 5 to 9 meters, allowing agile navigation even in the busiest coastal areas, while remaining transportable on trailer for the shortest models. This intermediate size allows them to offer a real cabin, without the maintenance or mooring constraints of a conventional cabin cruiser.
The engine is usually an outboard, with power ratings ranging from 100 to over 300 hp, depending on the model and sailing program. This configuration offers both dynamic performance and simplified maintenance. The well-thought-out cockpit is often modular: the bench seats can be transformed into sunbathing areas, a central table allows you to have lunch on board, and there's plenty of storage space to optimize every nook and cranny.
At the front, the cabin offers a double berth for extra nights, and can be equipped with small comforts such as a chemical toilet, icebox, stove or showerhead. Some top-of-the-range models even include a compact kitchenette, audio system and mood lighting.
Exterior equipment often includes a sun awning or bimini, a swim ladder to facilitate bathing, rod holders for anglers and, on the latest models, modern on-board electronics (GPS, sounder, autopilot).
This combination of elements makes the day-cruiser an accessible, family-friendly boat, yet capable of great comfort and performance, at the crossroads between the open boat and the small houseboat.
Emblematic models and manufacturers
Several shipyards offer renowned day-cruisers:
- Jeanneau with its Leader range, including the 6.5 DC, appreciated for its versatility.
- Beneteau and its Flyer series, offering models like the Flyer 7 SUNdeck, combining performance and comfort.
- Quicksilver with family-friendly models like the Activ 605 Cruiser.
- Yamarin and its 67 DC, renowned for its quality finish and easy handling.
- Parker with the 690 Day Cruiser, combining modern design and marine performance.
These models stand out for their intelligent layout, on-board comfort and ease of navigation.
Second-hand market and trends
The second-hand market offers a wide selection of day-cruisers, enabling yachtsmen to find models to suit their budget. Specialized websites offer detailed advertisements, facilitating the search, as does your magazine and its classified ads site . In addition, the current trend is to optimize space and integrate on-board technologies, making these boats ever more attractive.
The day-cruiser is the ideal solution for sailing enthusiasts who want to combine pleasure, comfort and practicality. Whether for day trips, nautical activities or short getaways, they meet the expectations of a wide range of customers, from neophytes to experienced sailors. With a varied offer and constant innovation, the day-cruiser has a bright future ahead of it on the world's waters.
