Midsize power cruisers often represent the best compromise for many boaters: manageable handling, comfortable accommodations for a couple, useful features, and reasonable fuel consumption. Their smaller size reduces maintenance effort while still offering offshore capability or relaxed coastal cruising. Below are four recent midsize power cruisers that deserve attention — each with a different focus: a trailerable, efficient trawler-inspired design; a sporty tug-style cruiser; a highly convertible French “New Concept” express cruiser; and a fast, luxurious Downeast-style outboard yacht.
Great Harbour TT35
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 35 feet, 8 inches
BEAM: 10 feet, 4 inches
WEIGHT: 6,500 pounds
DRAFT: 1 foot, 3 inches
HULL TYPE: planing
POWER: twin 60-hp Suzuki DF60AV 4-strokes
SPEED: 22–23 knots top, 7–13 knots cruise
TANKAGE: 135 gallons fuel, 50 gallons water, 30 gallons waste
PRICE: $239,500
CONTACT: Mirage Manufacturing Co., Gainesville, Florida, (352) 377-4146.
The Great Harbour TT35 blends trawler-like styling and cruising practicality into a relatively light, trailerable planing hull. Inside, the layout echoes the sensible organization sailors appreciate: a forward master stateroom with a queen island berth, desk, hanging locker and surprisingly generous headroom thanks to a raised foredeck. The head and shower are positioned aft to port, creating a comfortable and private sleeping area forward.
The helm sits just aft of the stateroom to starboard with a two-person inward-facing bench and an opening door to the side deck. Opposite the helm is a four-person dinette, and farther aft on the starboard side a compact galley includes a sink, two-burner stove and storage. A refrigerator/freezer sits across from the galley, adjacent to the head.
The cockpit features inward-facing upholstered benches on both sides and is protected by an extended cabin top supported by stainless tubing. The cabin top provides convenient deck stowage for kayaks or paddleboards, while the foredeck is fitted for anchoring and docking chores.
Where the TT35 stands out is its fuel economy. With the standard twin 60-hp outboards, top speed is roughly 20–23 knots, but at a relaxed cruise the boat is exceptionally efficient: about 3.9 gph at 13 knots (nearly 4 mpg), 1.8 gph at just under 9 knots (about 5.5 mpg), and under 1 gph at 7 knots (approaching 9 mpg). At 6,500 pounds the TT35 is light for its size, making seasonal transport feasible with a powerful tow vehicle and careful planning.
Ranger Tugs R-27
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 31 feet, 4 inches
BEAM: 8 feet, 6 inches
WEIGHT: 7,000 pounds (dry)
DRAFT: 2 feet, 9 inches (engine down)
HULL TYPE: modified-vee
POWER: single Yamaha F300 outboard
SPEED: 36.8 knots top, 26.7 knots cruise
TANKAGE: 150 gallons fuel, 40 gallons water, 30 gallons waste
PRICE: $199,937 (as tested)
CONTACT: Ranger Tugs, Kent, Washington, (253) 839-5213.
The Ranger Tugs R-27 is a modern reinterpretation of the classic tug-style cruiser: compact, trailerable and shockingly quick with a single Yamaha F300. Designed from the keel up as an outboard model, the R-27 keeps the rounded, sturdy tug profile while delivering high-performance transit speeds — in testing it climbed straight onto plane and surged to nearly 37 knots.
Ranger’s smart interior design maximizes every inch. The saloon features flexible seating with flip-up and flip-forward dinette sections that convert between helm companion seating, dinette, and cockpit benches. A berth tucks under the dinette for overnighting, and the companion seat folds forward to expand the galley counter. Large windows and a glass atrium above the helm flood the interior with daylight.
The forward master offers an offset berth with ample storage, and an enclosed head/shower sits just aft of it. Exterior spaces include a cockpit with flip-out seating, a teak table, electric grill and sink — a concealed livewell sits under the removable grill — and a flip-up lounge on the cabin top for sunning or relaxing.
Owners will appreciate the R-27’s combination of coastal capability and transit speed: while many tug-styled boats are leisurely, this model lets you cover ground quickly and return to the dock or trailering ramp the same day.
Jeanneau NC 33
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 34 feet, 5 inches
BEAM: 10 feet, 10 inches
WEIGHT: 11,830 pounds
DRAFT: 3 feet, 2 inches
HULL TYPE: modified-vee
POWER: twin 220-hp Volvo Penta D3 sterndrives
SPEED: 30.4 knots top, 26.6 knots cruise
TANKAGE: 137 gallons fuel, 175 gallons water
PRICE: $400,000
CONTACT: Jeanneau America, Annapolis, Maryland, (410) 280-9400.
Jeanneau’s NC 33, part of the “New Concept” line, focuses on convertibility and living flexibility. Furniture and seating areas transform to suit different uses, making it a versatile cruiser for weekend getaways or extended coastal trips. The layout below decks provides two staterooms — a forward master and a comfortable midcabin guest berth — separated by an enclosed head/shower.
The saloon and cockpit are designed to blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Large glass panels, opening windows, a power sunroof and sliding triple-panel doors connect the interior to the teak-decked cockpit. The cockpit’s L-shaped lounge moves to expand or contract seating and converts into a sun pad; generous storage under the seats accommodates gear. A well-integrated galley opens to the cockpit for seamless entertaining.
Twin Volvo Penta diesels with Duoprop sterndrives are accessed via a cockpit hatch and provide lively performance, with best efficiency around 22 knots. The NC 33 is a practical choice for buyers who want a thoughtfully laid-out yacht that adapts to different cruising scenarios.
MJM 35z
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 37 feet, 11 inches
BEAM: 11 feet
WEIGHT: 13,500 pounds
DRAFT: 1 foot, 9 inches
HULL TYPE: planing
POWER: twin 300-hp Mercury Verados (standard)
SPEED: 40 knots top, 30 knots cruise
TANKAGE: 250 gallons fuel, 58 gallons water, 15 gallons waste
PRICE: $612,500
CONTACT: MJM Yachts, Boston, (401) 862-4367.
The MJM 35z combines Downeast styling with modern outboard propulsion and high-speed capability. Noted for its distinctive paint and buff decks, the 35z impressed at recent boat shows for both looks and performance. Standard twin 300-hp Mercury Verados with joystick control yield a 40-knot top end and a comfortable 30-knot cruise; optional 350-hp outboards push speeds into the high 40s.
Below, the 35z is laid out for a cruising couple: a forward V-berth that converts to a seating area, a compact galley with stove, sink, microwave and refrigeration, and an enclosed head/shower trimmed in classic Down East wood finishes. On deck, twin Stidd helm chairs sit behind opening windshields, with co-pilot seating to port and versatile lounges aft that organize around a foldable teak table.
The aft deck is configurable for socializing or fishing, with options for additional lounge seating and a mini bar or a dedicated rigging and fish-handling setup including livewell, rod holders and fishboxes. MJM’s construction employs advanced composite techniques for stiffness and weight control and carries an ISO Category B Offshore rating.
Each of these midsize cruisers offers a different balance of comfort, speed, efficiency and versatility. Whether you prioritize fuel economy and trailerability, nimble tug-style character, clever convertible living spaces, or fast Downeast elegance, one of these models should match your cruising style and priorities.
This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue.