Cruisers 34 GLS Review: A Versatile Outboard-Powered Dayboat for Family Boating

Time has become a precious commodity for many families, especially with more people working and learning from home in recent years. Days fill quickly with work, meals, household chores and family responsibilities, leaving limited windows for recreation. When that window opens, boaters want to maximize their time on the water—short cruises, sandbar gatherings, dock-and-dine evenings and weekend escapes. The outboard-powered dayboat answers that need by combining performance, easy maintenance and comfortable social spaces into a package designed for effortless enjoyment.

Cruisers Yachts, a Midwestern builder based in Oconto, Wisconsin, and now part of MarineMax, has broadened its lineup to include a family of GLS dayboats designed with that busy lifestyle in mind. The 34 GLS is the smallest model in the series, joined by 38- and 42-foot sisterships, and it debuted at the U.S. Powerboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland. The 34 GLS aims to deliver a large-boat feel and modern styling while keeping handling and upkeep straightforward for families and weekenders.

The exterior presents Cruisers’ contemporary design language: clean angular lines, contrasting black and white gelcoat accents, and a low-to-the-water profile that belies the roomy, well-planned interior. The open deck layout is tailored for social boating, with seating and lounging areas laid out to encourage conversation and easy movement. Whether the plan is a sunset cruise, a casual meal at the marina or a day anchored with friends, the 34 GLS is organized to support those activities comfortably.

Deck ergonomics emphasize two primary outdoor social zones: a forward bow lounge and a generous aft cockpit. The bow area is anchored by a U-shaped lounge with forward-facing seats, an aft-facing bench and supportive bolstering for comfort while underway or at anchor. A removable table converts the area into an alfresco dining space for meals and drinks, and a dedicated stereo provides onboard entertainment. Underfoot, foam-style decking runs from bow to stern on a single level, reducing tripping hazards and creating a coherent, easy-care surface throughout the cockpit.

Under a solid fiberglass black hardtop, the helm is mounted to starboard and offers a two-person bench for close-quarters navigation. The companion seat to port features a movable backrest that can tilt forward or backward to convert into a chaise lounge—an adaptable element that highlights the boat’s multi-use design. Abaft the helm is a bench seat that connects with a set of upholstered panels to create an oversized, aft-facing chaise lounge suitable for two. The port-side galley is compact but functional, with a refrigerator, sink, freshwater mixer and electric grill for casual meal prep.

An expansive swim platform extends the usable living area and makes water access simple for swimming, paddlecraft or boarding from a dinghy. The generous platform and swim ladder encourage active days on the water and provide a safe, stable area for kids and adults to enter and exit the water.

Belowdecks, the 34 GLS introduces a contemporary interior palette of wood, cloth and leather that feels modern yet warm. Entry to the open-concept cabin is on the port side of the helm, with a set of waterfall steps that appear to float thanks to their stainless-steel support. Forward in the cabin is a dinette-style lounge with opposing couch-style benches and a glossy teak table; the set converts into a large forward berth for two. A midship berth sits behind the entry stairs, and an enclosed head to starboard provides privacy and convenience. While the interior does not have a full dedicated galley, a microwave and a slide-out refrigerator support overnight stays and light meal preparation.

Power comes from a twin-engine configuration of 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards. That propulsion package provides lively performance: owners can expect an efficient cruise in the low-30-knot range and a top end near 40 knots, offering rapid transit between destinations and strong performance for dayboating. For docking, low-speed maneuvering and holding position at anchor, Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards and the Skyhook station-keeping feature are available to simplify handling and boost confidence in tight situations. Routine upkeep is straightforward, with maintenance intervals for the outboards at every 100 hours, helping reduce running costs and downtime.

The 34 GLS is positioned as a practical, stylish option for families and boating groups who want comfort, speed and flexible onboard living without the complexity of a larger cruiser. Its dual social zones, adaptable seating, practical belowdecks accommodations and modern systems make it well suited to day trips, short overnights and extended weekend cruises.

Specifications

LOA: 35’10”
Beam: 11’8”
Draft: 2’5”
Weight: 14,530 lbs.
Fuel: 217 gals.
Water: 50 gals.
Power: (2) 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards

This article was originally published in the January 2022 issue.