2020 Cruise Craft F360S revealed

Priced from $69,990 for the boat pictured here, including a Cruise Craft custom trailer, the Cruise Craft F360S is the second model to feature the new-generation hull adapted from the time-proven 568.

Cruise Craft sales and marketing manager Danny Jordin told boatsales.com.au that the new Cruise Craft F360S was “a very similar recipe or formula as the F350M, it’s bigger brother”.

“The beam [of the Cruise Craft F360S] isn’t much narrower so it still uses the same console as the M as well as all the standard features that we offer,” Jordin said.

Features of the new Cruise Craft F360S include a foam-filled composite build and a self-draining cockpit, although other features have deliberately been shelved to make the price point more affordable.

“We’ve tried to pull a little bit of stuff out of it,” Jordin told boatsales.com.au. “Obviously Cruise Craft being a premium brand, most of our buyers want everything.

“But we just think this one being that little bit smaller might be a bit more accessible for different buyers, so we have pulled a little bit of gear out of it.”

Even so, that price is for a turnkey package of a Cruise Craft F360S sitting on a custom multi-roller trailer with a spare wheel and bow eye latch-and-release system, and featuring a 115hp Yamaha FourStroke outboard engine.

And even while the feature list doesn’t run as long as other Cruise Craft models in the showroom, the standard F360S still comes pretty well equipped.

Dual batteries equipped with a voltage-sensitive relay are standard, as is a fire extinguisher; EPIRB; Fusion audio system with two speakers; stainless steel boarding ladder, pop-up cleats and steering wheel; VHF radio and aerial; and a transom door – among other things such as a roller bowsprit and covered anchor locker.

The leaning post has an optional backrest that owners can order to add a bit more comfort to the package.

Measuring 5.68 metres long with a 2.33-metre beam and based on the proven 568 hull, Cruise Craft says the new F360S is a basic centre console featuring 360-degree fishability and simple, clean lines.

“Cruise Craft has built a brand and reputation by producing premium bluewater weapons,” the company said while announcing the new boat.

“We have not stopped and have now added another degree – that is, 360 degrees of unobstructed deck space ready to take your fishing to the next level.

“Based on the proven 568 hull, the F360S has been designed and built entirely due to popular demand from loyal long term Cruise Craft owners and has been an instant success,” it said.

“No centre console either imported or locally built comes up to the standard and finish of the F360.”

Like the Cruise Craft F360M, the new cruise Craft F360S has the option of a T-top in canvas or fibreglass.

The centre console features an acrylic windshield framed in a stainless steel grab rail and a large flat surface for mounting dual multifunction touchscreens.

A binnacle off the top of the console houses the Command Link display for the Yamaha FourStroke outboard engine.

The boat features a simple two-way dual-width leaning post instead of the F360M’s helm bench seat.

Early testing with the Yamaha F115 shows promise, with a top speed of around 34 knots, and fuel use of around 16.9L/h at 4000rpm at around 25 knots.

Jordin said the new Cruise Craft F360S was priced very differently to the other boats in the range.

“With an average price now of around $100,000, someone is getting into a really nice Cruise Craft for a lot less.”

Specifications
Model: Cruise Craft F360S
Length: 5.68m
Length on trailer: 6.7m (engine vertical)
Beam: 2.33m
Deadrise: 20 degs
Transom height: 25-inch
Weight: 1084kg (dry)
Engines: 90hp (min)/115hp-130hp (rec)/150hp (max)
Fuel: 130L (210L opt)
Passengers: 5