I Purchased my 30' Brand New Sport Cruiser 298 South beach Edition and got delivery May 1st of this year. The Boat has 380 Horse Power V8 Supercharge mercury engine and only 24 hours on the engine with original MSRP $138,900. The Boat is dry stored in Miami, Florida and has 10 year hull and 5 year engine warranty. The Boat is titles in Montana and buyer has the option to buy the LLC to be able to save to registration taxes. please call me with any questions you might have phone. Please see information below regarding this boat by the manufacturer. The Boat tested is with the V6 Engine and less HP, my boat is customized with MAG 8.2L V8 Engine 380HP.Brief Summary
The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider is a big water sportboat not only because of her freeboard, but also because of her hull construction -- which uses the same lamination schedule as the parent Cruisers Yachts, according to the builder. She has all-new hull graphics and her interior upholstery package is as upscale as any in class. It doesn't hurt that the fabrics and vinyls are the same as used in the company's 54-footer. The helm and companion seats have also gotten a new, improved design and are as comfortable as the seats in an up-market SUV.
Key Features
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.
Engine OptionsStd. PowerNot AvailableTested Power1 x 380-hp MerCruiser 8.2L MAG MPIOpt. Power2 x 320-hp MerCruiser 377 MAG B32 x 380-hp MerCruiser 8.2L MAG MPI B3X2 x 430-hp MerCruiser 8.2L MAG MPI H.O. B3XThree Volvo Penta V8 engines from 320-hp to 380-hpTest Results -Change Measurement UnitRPMMPHKnotsGPHMPGNMPGStat. MileNMdBa6503.93.41.42.92.phone006.05.22.22.72.phone008.77.64.32.11.phone0013.311.67.31.81.phone022.919.99.32.52.phone0030.326.311.92.52.phone0035.630.915.62.32.phone0040.535.219.22.11.phone0045.839.827.61.71.phone049.042.628.91.71.51049093
All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.
Performance ChartAcceleration Times & Test ConditionsTime To Plane3.5 sec.0 to 309.9 sec.RatioPropsLoad3 persons, 1/4 fuel, no water, 25 lbs. of gearClimate75 deg., 55 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calmElevation562Captain's ReportMission Statement
The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider was designed to be a luxurious and extremely comfortable small yacht that can accommodate friends and family on an upscale day of cruising or watersports. With the sleek hull profile and the aerodynamic sport arch, she looks fast even at the dock.
The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider has an overall length of 29 (8.84 m) with the swim platform, a beam of 86 (2.59 m) and a draft up of 24.5 (62.23 cm). With 17 gallons (64.35 L) of fuel on board and 2 people aboard, we had an estimated test weight of 6,967 lbs. (3,160 kg).Distinguishing Features
Following is a list of features that set this boat apart from many others in class.
4-step bow/stern ladder 3-way stern seating, sun pad Extended swim platform Robust hull fiberglass lamination schedule Style lines molded into the hull sides Yacht-grade fabrics and vinyls used throughoutPerformance
The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider has an overall length of 29 (8.84 m) with the swim platform, a beam of 86 (2.59 m) and a draft up of 24.5 (62.23 cm). With 17 gallons (64.35 L) of fuel and 2 people aboard, we had an estimated test weight of 6,967 lbs. (3,160 kg).Our test boat was powered by the MerCruiser 8.2L (502 cu. in.) Big Block V8, producing 380-hp powering the Bravo 3X outdrive.
We took 3.6 seconds to reach planning speed and accelerated to 20 mph in 6.5 seconds, 30 mph in 9.8 seconds and 40 mph in 13.5 seconds.
At WOT, te engine was turning 4800 rpm, producing 49 mph, providing us with a 28.0 gph, with a range of 104 statute miles.Best cruise speed for economical performance was at about 3000 rpm, providing us with 30.3 mph, burning 11.9 gph with a range of 156 statute miles, with a 10% fuel reserve.
Handling
The 298 Bow Rider was not designed to be as sporty handling as her little siblings, but rather to be a luxury performer with an exceptionally comfortable ride at speed in a chop. During our test she cut through wakes and waves with hardly a bump. And despite her considerable displacement, she was quick to respond to the helm. On acceleration, the bow comes up approximately 12-degrees, but there was no loss of forward visibility.
Once on plane, just a minor trim adjustment and she settles into her proper cruising attitude and moves along quite gracefully.
Her 21-degree deadrise at the transom provided us with a stable, comfortable ride and the 7 layers of mat, roving and chopped strand in her hull lamination contributes to the solid feel of this boat. Even with 380 horses in her engine room, at no time did we feel that the boat was out of control or that there was too much power for the boat. Because of her high freeboard and displacement, in addition to her 29', the CSS 298 Bow Rider is definitely appropriate for saltwater sportboat use.
She leans 12-degrees into the turns and was fully under control at all times, even during hard over turns at high speed.Stem to Stern Inspection
The manufacturer offers a couple of design options and several optional colors for the boat. She can be built in the classic, standard white, or full hull gel coat color with stripe accent styling.
Our test boat had a jet black hull with white accent styling. The white accent takes the place of a traditional cove stripe, and makes the boat look low and sleek despite a robust freeboard.
When looking down the hull of this boat, note the style lines molded into the side of the boat and how they add depth and character to the overall look of the vessel. Cruisers Yachts has also added some other unique design features to the boat. For example, the air vents for the engine room are completely hidden by clever cowling on both the starboard and port side of the hull. It is mounted high to keep spray out of the engine room, something particularly important in saltwater.
Check out the stylish raised fins at the deck in front of the windshield. Definitely a unique design element to add some flare to this area.The Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider has an inventive way to conceal the engine room air vents and make it look good in the process.
The builder installed an aluminum sport arch on our test boat, with tow point and a Bimini top to add to the boats aggressive profile. The beefy tower is billet aluminum and the tower can be easily disconnected from its mounting bracket and folded down for trailering.
At the bow
the horn is flush mounted at the top rail and the pop up cleats drop down flush with the top rail for a nice clean look. The forward bow compartment houses a 4-step stainless steel telescoping boarding ladder that deploys on the starboard side.
Note the cut outs in the top rail to accommodate the beach boarding ladder as it deploys and to lock it into place.The deep seated chaise lounge on the 298 Bow Rider has a comfortable, form-fitting dip in the seating portion of the chaise lounge. This allows for a deep seating position and keeps the passenger safely tucked away.The interior
was elegantly upholstered by Cruiser Yachts own craftsmen in the Latte color scheme and accented tones throughout the boat.The deep bow seating is contoured for the human body making it exceedingly comfortable and secure. A rounded foot well area measuring 27.5 (69.85 cm) provides plenty of room for people to sit, facing each other and not bang knees.Under the forward seat is an integral cooler which self-drains overboard. In this way the folks in the bow have easy access to cool beverages without having to move aft.
We also observed the "hide-a-weld" finish detail under the seat cushions. This is a high-end finish covering the stainless steel staples used to hold the upholstery. Magnets are fastened to the bottom of the forward cushion to keep it from sliding off or flying away while underway. The hole by the magnet is to drain the cushion.The walkthrough
opening between the windshields is a comfortable 20.5 (52.07 cm) wide. The head is located on the starboard side in the console in front of the companion seat. The latching head door extends to the overhead to make it easier to enter and exit. There is full sitting headroom in the optional Porta-Potti.
The head is equipped with a solid surface countertop, sink and faucet wand that extends out for rinsing off. There is also an operational portlight for ventilation, a shelf for storing some towels and a courtesy light.Deck Storage.
There are two under deck storage boxes in the cockpit. The mid deck box is shallow but long and wide. The forward compartment is more narrow, 17" deep.
The forward compartment between the consoles is much deeper and held in the open position with a gas assist strut.At the HelmThe helm has an elegant uncluttered layout and is built with a stitched vinyl, non-glare brow and the white faced analog gauges at the dash panel give it a traditional look.
At the lower left side of the dash, a premium sound system is easy at hand for the captain. On both sides of the padded Italian leather tilt wheel from Gussi are small storage compartments -- just large enough for keys or a cell phone. Below is the usual array of toggle switches and an optional 4 LCD navigation system is conveniently centered on the dash.
The captains seat is an all new design with multi tone upholstery, side supports at the seat back with a soft cushion head rest. There is a bolster and the seat slides fore and aft and raises and lowers so all operators should be able to have optimum visibility.
The bolster is in an accent color and raises up for leaning or sitting when the captain wants to see over the windshield header. We found the bolster a little uncomfortable to sit on but it did provide adequate support when standing and leaning against it. The inboard and outboard arm rests can be raised or lowered.
Behind the helm seat
on the starboard side is a wet bar. The hard surface countertop has built in sink with stainless steel faucet, a stainless steel designer rail to keep things from sliding off, and a dual stainless steel beverage holder will come in handy.
Whether its a wine bottle, mixers for happy hour or a couple of soda cans, the holder is a useful addition to the bar setup.Adjacent to the wet bar, on the starboard side is another bench seat, which has a latching lid with an insulated, self-draining cooler built in.The convertible sun pad
is located at the stern as we continue along the wrap around seating, here is a molded-in step, with the optional Sea Grass Mat carpeting that leads up to the stern gate, which doubles as a jump seat at the stern.
Under the sun pad
area is the engine hatch access. The whole seating assembly rises up on dual gas assist struts to keep it secure while performing the routine engine checks. At the base of the aft bench seat is a stainless steel mounting bracket for the pedestal table that can be installed here, at the aft seating area or at the bow seating area.
At the port side
, under the port quarter stern seating area is the access to the batteries and battery control switches. Forward, under the seat is a 48-quart portable cooler for the folks who like to load it up at home and bring it to the boat already filled. There is a well-designed compartment molded in under the seat that is both attractive and functional.This is one of the few sportboats on the market with three coolers aboard, two integral and one portable.
Just remove the cushion, lift the latching stern gate, which is also the back rest for the jump seat, and walk out onto the swim platform.The aft seat easily converts from a bench seat that can accommodate 2 to 3 passengers in the cockpit seating area and one or two additional passengers at the swim platform area when the boat is not underway.The seating area then coverts to a chaise lounge with just the flip of a latch on each sideand then to a huge sun pad.The designers of the boat have made it much easier to get into the engine compartment to perform fluid checks with the addition of this molded-in step. It really makes a difference.The table is made of a high-density vacuum formed hard polyurethane with simulated wood grain that looks real. This table has a solid feel to it and the manufacturer tells us that it is waterproof, UV resistant and extremely durable.Look at the size of this cooler stowed under the port side bench seat. Its a full sized 48 quart cooler that is kept in place by a raised edge.The swim platform area
includes the aft facing seat and an added extended platform with its functional tapered design. These days more and more time is spent by boaters on the swim platform, and for that reason the designers have made this a special place by making it so large. Not only can two boarders get ready at once, but it also makes an ideal place to tie down inflatable water toys when going to and from the two areas.
The platform is raked
in on each side so that when the boat pulls away from the dock bow first, the platform will not scrape along the dock. It is also raised about 13" off the water, higher than what we find on most boats. The reason for that is that when at anchor, people naturally enjoy sitting on the platform with their feet in the water. Because the platform is high, they don't have to worry about a wake or wake getting them wet. The integrated design of the sun pad, the color scheme and the SeaDek faux teak material at the extended swim platform give this 29 footer a much bigger feel and look.
The faux teak material on the stern platform provides the classic look of a teak swim platform without the maintenance of real teak. The material is made from soft yet durable closed cell material with finish details that make it look like the real thing, yet it is soft to the touch.On the port side of the swim platform we found a remote stereo control and a trim tilt switch for the lower unit, in addition to water and fuel fill ports.Also on the starboard side of the swim platform is the access hatch to the 4 step telescoping stainless steel ladder.The platform also extends well beyond the lower unit for added safety and is at the same elevation as the molded stern so to eliminate a tripping hazard.Engine
MerCruiser 8.2L, 502 cubic inch, MAG, 380-hp with the Bravo 3X sterndrive.
Options to Consider Cushion bow filler Head, electric with holding tank Porta-Potti with dock pump out Full canvasPrice
Base Boat (with Specified Engine) $106,825Manufacturers Options on test boat $26,237Manufacturers Suggested Retail $133,062
Observations
The 298 Bow Rider is the second largest boat in the Cruisers Sport Series line up. Overall, the 298 Bow Rider proved that she can be used for all sorts of watersport activities, with plenty of amenities. But because of her size, we think she should be considered seriously by boaters wanting to engage in entertaining afloat. She has the seating capacity of many pontoon boats, but is a lot more fun to drive. Plus, given the expense of first-class pontoon boats, the vessel is not much more and is even more versatile. Most important, she was designed for big water -- either freshwater or saltwater. Her thick lamination, her considerable displacement, and her freeboard, all go to make this boat one of the most comfortable and capable in most any condition.
Test Result Highlights
- Top speed for the Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider (2015-) is 49.0 mph (78.9 kph), burning 28.90 gallons per hour (gph) or 109.39 liters per hour (lph).
- Best cruise for the Cruisers Sport Series 298 Bow Rider (2015-) is 30.3 mph (48.8 kph), and the boat gets 2.54 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.08 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 156 miles (251.06 kilometers).
- Tested power is 1 x 380-hp MerCruiser 8.2L MAG MPI.
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