Cruisers 520 Express… Living Large
Welcome to IB Livin’, where we offer a different take on the standard “boat test.” While the other guys will tell you how a boat “runs,” an Inland Boater “yacht review” will tell you how it “lives.” We’ll go inside, topside and from stem to stern to be sure you’ll find a luxury yacht to suit your fancy.
From the moment you step onto Cruisers’ 520 Express, you’ll notice the boat’s open, free-flowing floor plan. With a spacious cockpit, the 520 is well-suited to entertaining. The party starts here with abundant, L-shaped seating, running from the starboard side across the stern, with three cocktail tables. The stern bench doubles as storage, where the fun, I mean, sun pads can be found!
There’ll be music in the air because a home-theatre system with a 5-disc CD/DVD player is standard in the salon, and speakers are wired throughout the salon and cockpit. The option for an electric grill in the cockpit hides a surprise beneath—a flat panel TV! Water and storage are on either side of the optional grill and the standard icemaker and refrigerator will help to get the party going. Cup holders seem to be everywhere, so there’s no worrying about where you’ll set your drink. Captains will give an approving nod to cockpit carpeting covering the entire area, but with an opening in the carpet, allowing convenient access to the engine compartment. A large, extended swim platform creates even more party space, and there is an option for a hydraulic swim platform that makes it easy to launch your Jet Ski or dinghy when you put the space to use. If you choose the hydraulic option, you also get three secured ice chests as part of the package.
At the helm, you’ll find electronic controls (no cables!!) that operate easily and smoothly. Optional bow-thrusters facilitate docking. Adjustable-height steering adds to comfort at the helm which is outfitted with captain and companion bucket seats, flip-up bolsters, and footrests. To port, a lounge seat beckons you to sun and the stainless steel frame windshield allows for walk/thru foredeck access. The large foredeck also includes sun pads and a recessed windlass makes anchoring child’s play. A hardtop with a sunroof and two screened, ventilating hatches provide cover from the elements. However, the removable front, side, and aft stratoglass curtains will let you achieve that “wind in your hair” feeling while underway, if that is your pleasure.
When you descend the solid cherry staircase (with stainless steel rail) into the salon, you’ll delight in the solid cherry cabinetry throughout. At once, your eyes will rest upon the beautiful, backlit bottle-display cabinet integrated into the portside galley’s cabinetry. All galley cabinetry includes granite-like, solid surface counters so you need not worry about spills or stains. The port-side galley also includes a stainless steel refrigerator/freezer, two burner electric stove, coffee maker and microwave/convection oven with a wine captain, trash compactor or dishwasher as options—all the comforts of home! The abundant, solid cherry shelving in the cabinetry, outfitted with “fiddles” (metal rods installed in the inside front of each cabinet) throughout the galley and salon area, allow for spill-proof storage.
To starboard, the large, L-shaped salon lounge features two incliners, and a stationary, hinged solid cherry table with two matching stools provides comfortable dining, even for a crowd. A 20-inch flat panel TV with DVD and home theatre ensures a relaxed mood while dining. Recessed lighting above highlights the beauty and luxuriousness of the cherry wood. Opening ports let light into the galley, and skylights brighten the galley and salon. Air conditioning/heating ducts are integrated and hidden behind the suspended headliner. Mirrored areas, fore and aft in the salon, reflect the salon’s refined, effortless elegance.
When it’s time to bed down, step down to enjoy the full-beam master stateroom amid-ship. Tall guys will find the full-standing headroom in this master suite a welcome change! The island queen-sized bed and built-in nightstands command your attention. The bed is on a pedestal, making it truly a “walk around”— you won’t have to crawl over this one to make the bed! The elegant duvet features a surprising return to nautically themed décor and Cruisers wants to make sure you’ll sleep like a baby on the bed’s therapeutic foam mattress.
Six screened ports allow loads of natural light and ventilation. Decorative, lighted shelving and recessed lighting throughout add to the cool, reserve of the master suite. Full length, cedar-lined clothes lockers and a six-drawer bureau give you plenty of storage, so go ahead and pack all you need for that
extended cruise.
Portside, you are sure to find the plush settee relaxing, as you sit back and enjoy the flat screen TV/DVD player and stereo system. Enter the master head through its private access in the master suite. It is fitted with a separate vanity, cherry cabinet with solid surface counter top and a spacious shower. For convenience, an optional washer/dryer completes this luxurious suite.
The guest stateroom forward also comes equipped with a U-shaped island queen-sized pedestal bed with drawers beneath the bed or you can opt for twin berths. Cabinet shelving hangs above, providing plenty of storage. Gain access to the spacious, spa-like guest head from this berth or from the companionway.
Cruisers knows you are accustomed to having it all and it delivers with its 520 Express. With its open, airy feeling, and all the comforts of home in a luxurious setting, you may want to stay below decks and relax all day. But, then you’ll be missing all the fun they’re sure to be having topside!
