Yamarin Cross 62BR 2024 Review

The Yamarin Cross combination alloy/fibreglass sports boat range has been introduced alongside a similarly expansive range of Yamarin all-fibreglass sports boats.

Both are now available at selected Yamaha dealers across Australia.

The fibreglass Yamarin models and the Cross alloy/fibreglass boats are made in Finland by a company called Inha Works Ltd.

Inha Works also produces the Buster range of aluminium boats, but these fishing and utility models are not currently available in Australia.

Last month we posted a review on the all-fibreglass Yamarin 63DC. For this review, we present the Cross 62BR paired with an extra-longshaft Yamaha 150hp outboard engine.

The 62BR is one of seven Cross models – the boats starting at 4.9 metres in length, and topping out at 7.5 metres with the flagship 75BR bowrider.

All but one of the Cross models has an open bowrider configuration.

The unicorn model is a 6.0-metre hardtop family cruiser with a trawler-style cabin and a front opening door/windshield leading to an open front deck.

No word yet on whether this cabin model will join the regular Cross bowrider fleet.

The Yamarin Cross 62BR is a full-featured boat with many standard inclusions such as the moulded aft cockpit seating/storage area with cushions; cushioned port side bow seat and storage locker with gas-strut hatch lid; bow fender rack; bow and stern anchor boxes; bow step with disembarking hand-rails; centre-opening toughened glass windshield with acrylic wind/weather barrier door; deluxe pedestal helm chairs with bolsters; passenger glove box; Yamaha Q 10-inch multifunction display; 12-volt and USB sockets; garage/enclosure compartment for the optional bimini cover; Yamaha Y-COP immobiliser; boarding platforms and ladder.

With the above inclusions, as well as a dual-axle Dunbier trailer and 130hp Yamaha outboard engine, the Cross 62BR is priced at $126,962.

Our test boat was optioned with the Yamarin Premium package. This adds a stereo system with speakers, waterskiing/tow arch; trim tabs; and driver’s windshield wiper.

Additional factory options included a fold-out bimini cover and foam rubber flooring throughout.

Paired with a larger 150hp Yamaha extra-longshaft outboard engine, the test boat package has a drive-away package price of $142,485.

Similar to its siblings, the Cross 62BR is made with a heavy-duty, 5.0mm plate alloy hull, combined with a fibreglass deck, floor and interior.

This hybrid construction combines the best of both worlds – the rugged strength and durability of an alloy hull with the more pleasing appearance and style of fibreglass inside the boat.

Also, if you ignore the bare, unpainted alloy hull bottom, it is not obvious the hull is made from alloy as the topsides are smooth and unblemished, and the paintwork excellent.

Leaving the hull bottom unpainted is a good idea too; you can bump this boat up onto a concrete boat ramp or rocky foreshore and not be too worried about scrapes and dings.

A full-length welded external keel will also take the brunt of any slight impact.

The 6.15-metre by 2.29-metre hull itself is quite sleek and attractive. The upright, vertical shape of the bow is quite different to local and US-made boats, but it works well out on the water.

So too does the hull bottom shape – which is very fine at the entry, stretching aft to a transom deadrise of 20 degrees.

There are no spray or running strakes, but the chines are wide - and reversed at the stern to provide lift and stability.

Our test boat was optioned with trim tabs, but they are needed only in blustery conditions and to compensate for uneven weight distribution (passengers over on one side etc).

On a tandem axle galvanised steel trailer the Cross 62BR is said to weigh about 1850kg so it can be towed easily behind most large SUVs.

Importantly for cost saving, the BMT weight is less than 2000kg – so the trailer does not require a break-away braking system.

The Cross 62BR has quite an unconventional, and polarising interior layout. It will suit some people, but not others.

Like most bowrider boats, the Cross 62BR has a walk-through, a centre-opening windscreen and a door leading to a bow deck area.

Oddly though, there is just one side bench/storage seat instead of the usual wrap-around lounge seating common to most rival bowriders.

Instead, the Cross 62BR has a fender rack situated to starboard, with a central companionway leading forward to a series of boarding steps up on the forepeak.

The square anchorwell box doubles as the top step for disembarking and is situated between two sturdy stainless steel handrails.

With this unusual layout – at least for Australia – it is obvious that Cross buyers in Europe keep their boats on the water and use them for commuting – with the stepped Cross bow layout making it easy and convenient to board the boat over the bow from a jetty, etc.

Elsewhere the interior layout is more conventional – and very practical for family day cruising and sports boating.

Similar to rival bowriders, the Cross has dual helm consoles topped by a very heavy duty, toughened glass, black-framed windshield.

The windscreen is quite tall and upright to provide excellent wind and weather protection, and to allow for the skipper and front passenger to stand comfortably whilst underway.

A windscreen grab rail would be a useful addition, but otherwise, the set-up is practical.

The Cross 62BR is also comfortable to steer and drive whilst seated in one of two bolstered, swivelling pedestal front chairs.

There’s also a moulded footrest for both skipper and passenger, beneath special, grey-coloured fibreglass dash/fascia inserts.

Fronting the forward passenger there is a large glove box with a tinted Perspex lid.

To starboard the skipper has a modest-sized dash panel and fascia – but it is large enough to accommodate a large flush-fitted display, along with a switch panel, trim gauges, etc.

Notably, all Yamarin Cross boats come with the Yamarin Q infotainment system – which negates the need for separate electronic displays.

The Yamarin Q is a multi-function onboard computer and entertainment system that can be set up and interfaced to display Yamaha engine data, chart plotting (using Navionics charts) and sonar/fish finder functions, boat user manuals, internet/hot-spot connection, boat theft and engine data monitoring (when linked to a mobile phone) and more.

Cockpit and transom

The rear cockpit and transom are set up to maximise seating and storage space.

To that end, the Cross 62BR has a moulded fibreglass U-shaped aft lounge to accommodate four or five people.

The aft lounge is topped with hard-wearing but comfortable vinyl upholstered cushions and backrests, whilst beneath the seats there are three cavernous dry storage lockers.

Similar to the port side bow seat/storage box, the aft bench seat hatch is fitted with gas struts to keep it open for convenience.

The self-draining (via a shut-off valve) cockpit floor is relatively short, stretching 1.64m from the helm station down the centre of the boat to the aft bench seat.

Behind the rear bench seat, there is a full-width compartment/locker which contains the bimini cover when it is not required.

The bimini upright strut supports are tucked away, hidden behind the side seat backrests.

Erecting the bimini cover is remarkably quick and easy; you simply unpack the folded cover from the rear compartment, and then remove the cockpit side backrest cushions to then lift the bimini up and forward – before securing the support straps, etc.

Additional transom features include a pair of transom storage boxes, boarding platforms, starboard side ladder, and the optional stainless steel towing arch.

On the water

Paired with the maximum power Yamaha 150hp four-stroke outboard, the Yamarin Cross 62BR is a spirited performer, accelerating to a top speed of 41.9 knots.

The boat/engine combination is also responsive in the mid-range, quick to plane with just a jab of the finely tuned Yamaha engine throttle lever.

The Cross 62BR can be rigged – and will perform quite well – with a Yamaha 115hp motor. However, for towsport applications, I’d be opting for at least 130hp.

Underway the Cross 62BR is good fun to drive. The hydraulic steering is light and easy and the hull responds to the slightest incremental change to throttle or steering input.

As noted earlier, the Cross 62BR has a steep, 20-degree transom deadrise. But that’s only half of the story. Up front, the entry shape is much finer, sharper to deliver and remarkably soft and quiet ride in heavy chop and ocean swell.

I think the lack of hull noise is one of the most significant features of these Cross boats – and demonstrates that you can achieve similar or better levels of ride comfort, boat handling and noise suppression with an alloy hull – as compared to a good fibreglass hull.

Through the corners the Cross 62BR handles well too – with just the right amount of hull and engine propeller slip occurring at the apex of the turn when the g-forces ramp up.

Despite the absence of spray and running strakes the Cross 62BR is stable at rest and underway at speed – although the tabs will be useful in windy conditions.

Sea conditions were a little too calm on Brisbane’s Moreton Bay to judge the test boat’s following sea capabilities, but the boat had no issues when crisscrossing some heavy cruiser wakes.

Performance

REVS    SPEED                          FUEL USE         RANGE

Range on 95% of 160L fuel supply: 169nm at 3500rpm

The Yamarin Cross 62BR is a uniquely individual bowrider runabout. The boat’s Nordic design heritage is immediately apparent, and this is a good thing.

The Cross 62BR is not just another bowrider. It combines a different, yet innovative interior layout and a host of clever design features (such as the bimini storage idea) with a properly world-class hull design.

The hybrid alloy/fibreglass construction works a treat too; the tough, robust deep vee hull delivers excellent performance, while the all-fibreglass interior provides the aesthetic, comfort, and amenities for family sport boating.

Specifications
Model: Yamarin Cross 62BR
Length overall: 6.15m
Beam: 2.29m
Deadrise: 20deg
Hull weight with engine: 1850kg
Towing weight: 875kg
Maximum power: 150hp
Engine as tested: Yamaha 150hp four-stroke extra-longshaft outboard
Fuel: 160L
Passengers: 6

Priced from: $126,962 including a 130hp Yamaha extra-longshaft outboard with hydraulic steering; tandem axle galvanised steel trailer with mechanical brakes; Yamarin Q 10”multi-function infotainment system; moulded aft cockpit seating/storage area with cushions; cushioned port side bow seat and storage locker with gas-strut hatch lid; bow fender rack; bow and stern anchor boxes; bow step with disembarking hand-rails; centre-opening toughened glass windshield with acrylic wind/weather barrier door; deluxe pedestal helm chairs with bolsters; passenger glove box; garage/enclosure compartment for the optional bimini cover; 12 volt and USB sockets; Yamaha Y-COP immobiliser; boarding platforms and ladder.

Price as tested: $142,485. As above but with the maximum power 150hp Yamaha outboard engine, as well as a stereo system with speakers; waterskiing/tow arch; trim tabs; driver’s windshield wiper; fold-out bimini cover; foam-rubber flooring throughout.

Supplied by: Yamarin Cross Australia