Cruiser Yachts 50 GLS: The Ultimate Cruiser Boat

The Cruiser Yachts 50 GLS has been turning heads across marinas, sandbars, and island anchorages — and for good reason. Blending outboard performance, luxury day-yachting amenities, and real weekend comfort, the 50 GLS sits at the crossroads of sport cruiser and entertainment platform.

For boaters who want to host big crews during the day but still enjoy private cabin space at night, the 50 GLS feels like a glimpse into the future of American day-yachting: fast, social, open, and incredibly versatile.

A Flagship Built Around Social Space

From the moment you step aboard, the 50 GLS makes its mission clear — bring everyone together in one connected space. The cockpit, beach doors, and swim platform all flow into a single social zone that feels more like a floating beach club than a traditional cruiser.

For owners who spend more time at anchor than underway, these spaces are what make the 50 GLS feel special. With both sides of the cockpit dropped down, the boat transforms into a wide, open platform hovering just above the water.

Outboard Power with True Yacht Presence

Although the 50 GLS presents like a full-size yacht, it retains the driving experience many owners love from high-performance center consoles and bowriders. Triple or quad outboards deliver impressive speed and mid-range punch, while joystick controls make close-quarters handling far less intimidating.

Typical performance characteristics include:

• Top speed: roughly 50–60 mph depending on power package
• Cruising speed: a comfortable 30–40 mph
• Shallow draft: ideal for sandbars, islands, and near-shore beaches
• Quieter running: at cruise compared to many inboard setups

Because the engines live outside the hull, maintenance is simplified and interior volume is freed up for cabins, storage, and systems.

Comfortable Weekending Below Deck

While the 50 GLS is unapologetically a social day boat, it offers a surprisingly capable lower deck for weekend cruising. It is not a long-range trawler, but it is more than comfortable for couples or families who want to stay aboard for a few nights.

Fit and finish land firmly in the premium category, with rich materials, sharp joinery, and thoughtful lighting that makes the space feel more like a modern condo than a cramped cabin.

Technology That Simplifies Ownership

Behind the clean styling, the 50 GLS is loaded with modern systems designed to take the stress out of operating a 50-foot boat. Many features that were once reserved for larger yachts now come standard or optional on this platform.

• Joystick docking for precise slow-speed control
• Digital throttles and shift with smooth response
• Integrated chartplotters, radar, and autopilot packages
• Optional gyro stabilization to reduce roll at anchor and underway
• Premium audio with zone controls from bow to swim platform

For owners moving up from smaller boats, that tech translates to easier docking, safer navigation, and more confidence when conditions get choppy.

Who the Cruiser Yachts 50 GLS Is Really For

The 50 GLS is not trying to be everything to everyone. It has a clear mission — create the best possible platform for day boating and short-term cruising with friends and family.

It’s an ideal fit for:

• Boaters who love sandbars, island-hopping, and coastal runs
• Owners moving up from large bowriders or center consoles
• Families that entertain big groups but still want private cabins
• Buyers who value speed and fun as much as comfort and finish

If your dream weekends involve big crews, loud music, blue water, and relaxed overnight stays, the 50 GLS lines up perfectly with that lifestyle.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The 50 GLS competes with other large outboard-powered day yachts and performance cruisers. What helps it stand out is the combination of beach doors, yacht-level interior space, and the flexibility of outboards.

Compared with similarly sized express cruisers, the 50 GLS usually offers:

• More open-air entertaining space
• Better shallow-water capability
• Easier service access to engines
• A more social “floating terrace” feel in the cockpit

The tradeoff is that it’s not a passagemaker, but for most coastal owners that’s not the mission anyway.

The Bottom Line: A New Standard for Social Cruisers

In a market full of great boats, the Cruiser Yachts 50 GLS sets itself apart by fully embracing how many people actually use their yachts today — as fast, comfortable platforms for socializing, exploring nearby waters, and enjoying long summer days on the hook.

If you’re shopping in the 45–55 foot range and want a boat that feels like a luxury waterfront condo with outboard performance, the 50 GLS deserves a top spot on your short list.