Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 vs Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 vs Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 measures 43,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 12,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 at 31,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 tips the scales at 235 lbs — 234 lbs less than the Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 at 1 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 tops out at 435 hp. Engine specs for the Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 1 gal and 3 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Bottom line: The Cruisers Yachts 430 Sports Coupe 2011 at 43,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 at 31,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeCruisers Yachts
MakeCruisers Yachts
Model280 CXi Express
Model430 Sports Coupe
Model Year2006
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 0 in. (3.0 m)
Beam13 ft. 6 in. (4.1 m)
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Meters4.11
Beam - Inches12
Beam - Inches162
Bridge clearance - DetailArch: 9 ft. 8 in. (2.9 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 5 in. (3.5 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.95
Bridge clearance - Meters3.48
Bridge clearance - Inches116
Bridge clearance - Inches137
Draft [drive up] - DetailStern: 20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail41 in. (1 m)
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] meters1.04
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [drive up] inches41
Draft [max] - DetailStern: 35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail44 in. (1.1 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters1.12
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches44
Weight - DetailGas: 10,000 lbs. (4,536 kg)
Weight - DetailDiesel: 23,500 lbs. (10,659 kg) Gas: 22,000 lbs. (9,979 kg)
Weight - kg4535.92
Weight - kg10659.41
Weight - lbs.1
Weight - lbs.235
Height - DetailKeel to Arch Top: 10 ft. 8 in. (3.3 m)
Height - DetailKeel to Hardtop: 14 ft. 5 in. (4.4 m)
Height - Meters3.25
Height - Meters4.39
Height - Inches128
Height - Inches173
Length - Meters9.4
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet43
Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 0 in. (9.4 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]43 ft. (13.1 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Twin Gas 4.3 GXi SX, 225 hp (168 kw)
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail300 gal. (1,136 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxTwin 435 hp
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.9 m)
HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 5 in. (2 m)
Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)
Water capacity75 gal. (284 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: 20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: 50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal2
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee