Cruisers Sport Series 278 - Available now

On one hand the 278 Bow Rider is a new boat, but on the other hand it is not. The brand has been well-known for years, but it is now under the ownership of KCS International, builders of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Yachts. KCS has applied its own big-boat standards and engineering specs to the ten-model Cruisers Sport Series line and in the case of the 278 Bow Rider have made a good boat even better, placing it firmly in the premium category in terms of amenities, fit-and-finish, and the quality of equipment and materials used.

Mission Statement for the Cruisers Sports Series Brand

From a business standpoint the mission of the ten-boat Cruisers Sport Series line is to acquaint younger boaters with KCS's big boats down the line. When these owners are ready to graduate up to the cruising lifestyle they will be on a first name basis with the dealers, management, and products of Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Yachts. Obviously that is a long-term business strategy, but it is one that augurs well for the consumer. Which brings us to the second part of the KCS mission statement…

From a tactical standpoint the mission of the Cruisers Sports Series line is to impress beginning boaters with the quality and functionality of KCS boats as well as to acquaint consumers with KCS' customer-friendly culture.

Mission Statement for the 278 Bow Rider

The 278 Bow Rider is designed to be a luxurious, extremely comfortable bowrider that can be used in both freshwater and saltwater for all sorts of watersports activities. By creating a relatively high freeboard and deep cockpit the boat should be dry and little ones will be more secure. By outfitting the boat with upscale amenities the boat should appeal to those boaters that will one day may be ready to move into a classy express, such as the Cruisers Yachts 350 or Rampage 34.

With a 22-degree deadrise and weighing in at 5,380 lbs. (2,440 kgs.) dry the 278 Bow Rider should be one of the best riding boats on the market in choppy conditions at speed. By keeping the base MSRP down and providing an extensive option list, customers will be able to create a boat for their specific purpose, rather than get a boat where one-size-fits-all.

Distinguishing Features

Five Standard Hull Color Choices-- Most builders still charge extra for colored hull gel coat. We think that colored hulls add immeasurably to enhancing the pride of ownership as well as to set the boat apart from the pack at the marina and on the used boat market when that time comes.

Self-draining Cockpit -- In our book, this is a biggie. While some other sportboats also have self-draining cockpits, many do not. We have seen too many boats sink at the dock after a prolonged hard rain as a result of a battery drained dead by a bilge pump.

Unusual Swim Platform Design -- The swim platform on the 278 Bow Rider is tapered inward at a 30-degree angle from the side of the boat which keeps the stern from hitting the dock when casting off going forward. It is also raised so that it doesn't drag when getting under way or when making a tight turn. The swim ladder has four steps and there is special "activity" lighting on the platform which looks cool at night.

Halogen Bow Docking Lights -- Coming home late can be problematical on a moon-less night. The builder has thought of that and made the lights standard on the 278.

Two Bilge Pumps -- Most sportboats have one, the 278 Bow Rider has two. One amidships rated at 750 gph and the other in the stern with a 1100 gph capacity.

Plush, Thick Seat Cushions -- One of the first things that stands out when seeing the 278 Bow Rider is the plush seating. We equate them to what one might find in an expensive automobile vs. those found on an economy model.

Standard Bimini and Canvas Covers -- All boats should have these no matter what the activity and they are standard on the 278.

Stylistic Molded-in Highlight in the Hull -- When a boat that is supposed to be fast and sleek also has a deep cockpit, therefore a higher freeboard, designers need to work extra hard to create the optical illusion that the freeboard is low. Here the builder has gone farther than most builders by molding in a gentle crease in the hull side The Stern

Not just a bolt-on type, the swim platform is the result of a well-considered design process. It’s higher off the water than most, so it doesn’t drag underway, and it extends completely over the outdrive unit for safety. The height also makes for an easier step on and off the floating dock. But the most striking feature is the tapered shape of the aft, outboard corners. These corners often get pretty banged up over time; typically a trouble spot when leaving the dock. By trimming away the corners some platform area is lost but it makes it easier to avoid clipping the dock when getting underway. In the end, I like what I see.from bow to stern which catches the light and makes it look as if there is another cove stripe on the hull side. The overall effect is to make her appear lower to the water than she really is.

Significant Displacement -- At 6,150 lbs. (2,795 kgs.) the 278 Bow Rider has the greatest displacement in class. This together with the boat's 22-degree deadrise at the transom makes this boat what should be one of the most comfortable riding boats in class.

• Bimini top & boot w/SST frame & trailering struts
• Bow & cockpit cover

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