Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 vs Cruisers Yachts 540 Sports Coupe 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 vs Cruisers Yachts 540 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 540 Sports Coupe 2011 measures 52,3 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 21,3 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 540 Sports Coupe 2011 tips the scales at 42 000 lbs - 32 000 lbs less than the Cruisers Yachts 280 CXi Express 2006 at 10 000 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.
Bottom line: The Cruisers Yachts 540 Sports Coupe 2011 at 52,3 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
Model540 Sports Coupe
Model Year2006
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 0 in. (3.0 m)
Beam15 ft. 6 in. (4.7 m)
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Meters4.72
Beam - Inches120
Beam - Inches186
Bridge clearance - DetailArch: 9 ft. 8 in. (2.9 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail13 ft. 1 in. (4 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.95
Bridge clearance - Meters3.99
Bridge clearance - Inches116
Bridge clearance - Inches157
Draft [drive up] - DetailStern: 20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches20
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
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 - Detail42,000 lbs. (19,051 kg)
Weight - kg4535.92
Weight - kg19050.86
Weight - lbs.10000
Weight - lbs.42000
Height - DetailKeel to Arch Top: 10 ft. 8 in. (3.3 m)
Height - DetailKeel to Hardtop: 16 ft. 5 in. (5 m)
Height - Meters3.25
Height - Meters5
Height - Inches128
Height - Inches197
Length - Meters9.4
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet52.25
Length [over all with swim platform]31 ft. 0 in. (9.4 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]52 ft. 3 in. (15.9 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 - Detail500 gal. (1,893 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1892.71
Fuel tank capacity - Gal100
Fuel tank capacity - Gal500
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard - Triple
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxTriple, 435 hp
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.9 m)
HeadroomCabin: 6 ft. 6 in. (2 m)
Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)
Water capacity150 gal. (568 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: 20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailWaste: 75 gal. (284 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71
Holding tank capacity - Liters283.91
Holding tank capacity - Gal20
Holding tank capacity - Gal75
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee