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Reprinted with permission of Trailer Boats Magazine.
Attack Cruiser Crownline gets aggressive with a new 25-foot cruiser that combines unique styling and innovative featuresAsk a boater what type of craft typifies the Crownline brand, and he is likely to answer runabout. Indeed, while Crownline also offers deck boats and cruisers, it has been increasing sales of four stylish runabouts the 202, 225, 266 and 270 that have put the brand on the map since it began in 1991. Yet, Crownline’s runabout reputation may soon be expanding to other types of boats. Thats because the company is now attacking the cruiser market with a totally new mid-cabin model for 2004 the 250 CR. FORM AND FUNCTION Also complementing the line is a new wraparound swim platform. On the practical side, this feature makes it easier to step into and out of the boat when docked, whether port-to or starboard-to. Once aboard, we went through the 250 with a fine-toothed comb, comparing each and every one of her features with those of her toughest competitors 25-foot cruisers. The color-matched, standard full cockpit enclosure is first-rate. It includes quick-disconnect hardware, stainless steel tubing, a clear front Bimini connector, side and aft curtains, an embroidered boot and trailering legs. Though the quick-disconnect hardware is not exclusive, most of Crownline’s upper-end competition is still using the removable-pin-style stanchions. Our eyes were quickly drawn to the helm, which features full instrumentation with stainless-bezeled Faria gauges that come with lifetime warranties. This cruiser also features a full cockpit fiberglass liner and Berber snap-in cockpit carpeting. The engine hatch is operated by an electric actuator, and the engine bay is lighted. Atop the engine hatch is an innovative aft bench/sunpad. The padded backrest has two locking positions. It can be angled aft to serve passengers facing forward, or folded flat (all the way forward) to create an island-style, 6-foot-long sunpad. If you wonder why the backrest does not angle forward so you can face aft, this too is a safety element a means of discouraging people from sitting on the sunpad while the boat is underway. THATS ENTERTAINMENT For dining and entertaining, a removable snack table can be positioned in the middle of the cockpit. It can be used by passengers seated in the aft bench and the port settee. To complete the social setting, the double-wide helm seat can be pivoted to face the center or aft. Putting two passengers on the starboard seat also helps solve an age-old problem with cruisers their tendency to list to port at rest when too many crewmembers are seated to starboard and none to port. The pivoting helm seat helps balance the load while socializing. However, the helm seat is also extremely functional in its primary role facing forward to serve as a captain’s char. Two people can cozy up, even while the boat is underway. To help see better over the windshield and domed bow deck, there is a flip-up bolster that stretches across both the pilot and co-pilot seats. At the companionway to the 250 CR’s inner sanctum is a hinged, plastic grating that not only levels the first step into the cabin, but also allows water to drain overboard. In most cruisers this size, there’s either a cupped step that’s barely large enough for a small foot if turned sideways or no step at all. This boat also has a second step inside the threshold. The hinged lid of the step hides a small wastebasket. FIRST-CLASS CABIN We were impressed by the nicely beveled edges throughout the cabin; there are no rough places to scrape or snag. The microwave and fridge are standard on the 250CR, but there’s nothing standard about the faucet, nor the handles, hardware and fasteners. All are a cut above much of the competition. The faucet is very modern and clean-looking. It has a high arch, which affords plenty of room for washing vegetables, dishes or your hands. Just aft of the galley is the control panel for the 12-volt accessories as well as the optional AC shore-power system. The padded headliner is very neatly finished and runs all the way back to the companionway, which is the most likely area you’d bump your head when either leaving the cabin or entering the mid-cabin berth. On the minus side, mid-cabin space, as well as accessibility, is restricted by a bulkhead. This is common on other cruisers of this size, but restrictive nonetheless. The head, on the other hand, offers plenty of room and sports a smart layout. The mirror faces the toilet. The faucet doubles as a shower head, and the entry has a generous lip to keep water out of the main cabin. The V-berth is fairly standard, with roomy side trays for stowing rolled-up charts, jackets, hats and other knickknacks. It converts to a dinette, and the table pivots to make it easy for the crew to get in and out of the seats. Finally, there is copious storage under the V-berth seats. DIMENSIONAL THINKING The 250 CR not only feels big, but it runs big. On Tampa Bay, unpredictable weather and water conditions are about the only constants. On test day, it was a bit choppy, which we prefer for a thorough performance evaluation. We tested the 250 CR with a crew of two and a full tank of fuel (75 gallons). Power came in the form of a 280 hp Volvo Penta 5.7L Gi/DP. It took about 11 seconds to go from 0 to 30 mph, yet most of that time was spent reaching 20. Twenty to 30 mph was so quick that if wed have blinked, wed have missed it. Once the boat had planed, the Volvo DuoProp dug in and launched our cruiser forward like an arrow. Lenco electric trim tabs come as standard equipment on the 250 CR, which we consider a nice touch on a cruiser this size. They gave us a dry, smooth ride when we ran through heavy chop uphill, allowing us to tuck in the bow. Top speed was 41 mph with the engine turning 5000 rpm with the standard through-hub below-water exhaust. And it was pretty smooth: It’s not often that I can read my own handwriting when recording fuel and speed numbers at 40 mph. She was also surefooted in turns. We dropped the bow at 30 mph and turned her hard. The turning diameter was, in my approximation, 80 feet. And dry? At no time during our testing did we get spray on the windshield, even when conducting our cornering maneuvers. The 250 CR purrs like a pussycat at idle, but roars like a lion when you put the hammer down. With the flip of a switch, an optional Corsa Captain’s Call system turns the below-water exhaust into an above-water system. Kind of makes you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a mean machine. And that’s why we call the 250 CR an attack cruiser. Base Price NOTABLE STANDARD EQUIPMENT NOTABLE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Base Price NOTABLE STANDARD EQUIPMENT NOTABLE OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ENGINE AS TESTED Crownline Boats, Inc., Dept. TBM, 11884 Country Club Road, West Frankfurt, IL 62896; 618/937-6426; crownlineboats.com |
The goal, he says, is to maintain a high level of style without compromising livability. To do that, we looked at the best of the best of our competition, and paid very close attention to
