Crownline 264 CR

By Steve Sansford

Boat Test #1659

If you’re like me, when you hear someone mention Crownline Boats, your mind automatically conjures up images of slick bowriders and multi-purpose family boats. It’s easy to forget that Crownline also makes excellent cabin cruisers. Three to be exact. The flagship 350 SY sport yacht, the mid-sized 294 CR cruiser, and my personal favourite, the 264BR.
I’ve always had a soft spot for pocket cruisers. With the right design, you get the combination of a big-water capable boat and the convenience of a 102-inch beam. That means you can slip it onto a trailer and haul it to a different destination for a new adventure. The 264 BR from Crownline has the right design.
With an overall length of 26-feet, four-inches, and an approximate dry weight of 7559 pounds, the 264 is easily trailerable with a properly-equipped half-ton truck. Crownline is so confident owners of the 264 CR will tow, they include a colour-matched trailer as a standard feature.
In fact, according to the standard features list, this boat is very well equipped. I would agree. A quick look at the available options shows only a handful of boxes I might check. Most of what a family needs out on the water is already included.
Base power is a 6.2L MerCruiser rated for 300 horsepower spinning a Bravo III outdrive. In this configuration, you can expect to reach plane in about 7 seconds and top out in the mid-40s. More power is available, up to 350HP.
The key to making any small cruiser seem larger is the clever use of space. Crownline nailed this with the cockpit layout on the 264 CR. The convertible sun pad in the rear is the centrepiece of this layout. Flat, spacious lounge area that easily converts into a comfortable bench. Underneath is ample trunk storage.
The dual helm seat comes with its own dose of cleverness. This side-by-side unit swivels 180 degrees, creating a social and dining space utilizing a removable cockpit table, and the front-facing bench configuration on the sun pad.
If you’re in the market for a trailerable weekender for the family, the 264 CR from Crownline ticks all the right boxes.

Specifications
LOA: 26’ 4” / 8.02m
Beam: 8’ 6” / 2.59m
Dry Weight: 7,559 lbs / 3,429 kg
Fuel Cap: 75 gal / 284 l
Capacity: Yacht
Max Power: 350 HP / 261 kW
MSRP: $109,000 USD
For more information: www.crownline.com