Express Cruiser ?

[utchuckd]

Can somebody explain what an 'express cruiser' is for me? From what I gather they're more weekender/camping out, suited for coastal cruising? Not really suited for longer, farther trips right?

(Doing research on boats/cruising/liveaboard/sail/power... trying to figure out what I like, what suits me, what I need. Not posting much cause I can find most everything with the search, but can't find much about these boats.)

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard the CF!
In general (and in general only), a boat is called an express cruiser when it a power boat with large engine(s), a planing hull, and has a full head, galley, salon, and berths. Since they can range from 24-50 ft in length, the accommodations can be tight or luxurious. They are relatively expensive for their size, and can be very expensive to run since they suck down the fuel on plane, but can cruise fast (20-45 knots). They also tend to have a short range. Some folks use express cruisers for serious cruising; however, a sailboat or trawler is more typical due to their longer range and better economy. (A trawler is generally a power boat with the same accommodations as an express cruiser, but it does not plane on the water (displacement hull), has smaller engine(s), is slower (5-12 knots cruising), MUCH better economy, and longer range. Some cruising trawlers are set up to hold enough fuel to cross the ocean. Hope this helps!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, utchuckd.