Cherubini 255 Sport Cruiser — Elegant Megayacht Tender and Dayboat

The Cherubini 255 Sport Cruiser blends classic styling with modern performance, an eye-catching small cruiser that drew attention at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Its clean, straight sheerline, pronounced tumblehome toward the stern and an elegant elliptical transom sitting above a curved teak swim platform create a refined silhouette that will appeal to owners who appreciate traditional lines updated for contemporary use.

Finely finished brightwork is a prominent feature. Mahogany decking, a carefully detailed helm dash and a mahogany engine cover give the 255 a warm, handcrafted character that speaks to classical boating traditions. The model is semicustom, however, and buyers who prefer a lower-maintenance, all-fiberglass finish can specify the boat without wood trim.

David R. Cherubini, president and CEO of Cherubini Yachts, describes the 255 as a versatile vessel designed to serve as a megayacht tender or a comfortable dayboat for cruising and evening outings. “Her intended use is a megayacht tender or your basic take-me-to-dinner boat,” Cherubini says. “Whether you want to cruise the Intracoastal for the day or head offshore, she’s capable. In rough, confused seas the boat handles beautifully — it’s predictable and provides a dry ride.” That combination of classic styling and seaworthiness is a central part of the design brief.

The 255 made its debut at the Palm Beach show, a natural venue for this type of semicustom runabout and a long trip from Cherubini’s Delran, New Jersey, headquarters. Cherubini Yachts is a multigenerational family builder whose range includes larger sailboats and runabouts; the company also displayed an Eric Sponberg–designed Classic 20 at the same show. The 255 Sport Cruiser shares design lineage with Sponberg’s 20-foot hulls, with the Classic 24 and the 255 both drawing on that platform while expanding layout and finish options.

Thoughtful details are integrated throughout the 255. Practical features include circular vents with sliding covers mounted between the forward hardtop and the windshield, and a dedicated VHF compartment with a hinged lid to keep electronics protected yet accessible. The optional head compartment is neatly executed: an adjustable mirror and a mahogany-top compartment that stays open using a wooden cog in the hinge joint reflect the builder’s attention to craft and function. Forward, a small cuddy contains a berth, while the cockpit is arranged with two identical inboard-facing settees and a full-length transom seat, creating comfortable social seating for daytime outings.

Power choices cover a broad spectrum to suit different owners. With a high-output MerCruiser 496 HO paired to a Bravo 3 drive, the 255 was recorded at a top speed of about 56 mph and a cruising speed near 42 mph. Cherubini notes that the model does not require such high horsepower for typical use, so the standard installation is a 300-hp MerCruiser 350. While MerCruiser has since changed its lineup and the 496 is no longer offered, the 255 can be fitted with other powerplants: as an alternative to gasoline sterndrive options, Cherubini can install a straight inboard diesel or a diesel with waterjet drive. An outboard engine concealed in a well is also offered for those who prefer that configuration. The company has also listed a 430-hp MerCruiser 502 CID as an optional power choice for buyers seeking extra performance.

The 255 balances traditional craftsmanship with practical, modern functionality. Its compact dimensions make it easy to handle while still offering the amenities needed for overnighting or longer days on the water, and its seaworthy hull form provides confidence when conditions get rough. The semicustom approach allows buyers to prioritize either classical wood finishes or low-maintenance materials depending on how the boat will be used.

Whether specified as a polished megayacht tender or as an elegant personal dayboat, the Cherubini 255 Sport Cruiser presents a compelling mix of style, handling and customization. Its combination of handcrafted details, sensible layout and multiple propulsion options makes it attractive to owners who want a small runabout with upscale appointments and solid offshore capability.

Specifications

LOA: 25 feet, 6 inches

Beam: 7 feet, 4 inches

Draft: 1 foot, 7 inches

Displacement: 4,600 pounds

Hull type: deep-vee

Tankage: 80 gallons fuel, 12 gallons water, 6 gallons waste

Power: Standard — 300-hp MerCruiser 350 with Bravo 1; Optional — 430-hp MerCruiser 502 CID 8.2-liter MAG HO with Bravo 1, 2 or 3 drive (other powerplants, including inboard diesel or diesel with waterjet, are available)

Performance (example figure): with a high-output installation the 255 has been recorded at a top speed of approximately 56 mph and a cruise speed near 42 mph. Actual speeds vary with power choice, load and sea conditions.

Price: $277,000 (standard power)

Contact: Cherubini Yachts, (856) 764-5319

Website: www.cherubiniyachts.com

This article originally appeared in the June 2012 issue.