Cruisers Yacht 50 FLY: Living Large

Cruisers Yachts’ new 50 FLY elevates the yachting experience

By Gregg Mansfield

When Cruisers Yachts designs a new model, the company always starts with a clean sheet rather than updating an existing design.

That was the case for the bold new 50 FLY, which was designed around Volvo Penta D8 800 IPS power plants. The 50 FLY, which made its debut at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, is the smaller sibling to the 57 FLY.

“We could take all of our existing products and put some lipstick on it and probably get a couple more years out of it,” said Matt VanGrunsven, director of business development for Cruisers Yachts. “We’ve never been a brand that uses an old hull or an existing hull. This is a brand-new, hull-up, fresh design and that’s the way we’ve always been.”

VanGrunsven said the 50 FLY leads a busy year of new-model introductions expected for the MarineMax-owned Cruisers Yachts.

Social Space Redefined

The 50 FLY is about entertaining from the flybridge to the main deck. With a beam of 4.8 meters, the 50 FLY is one of the largest in its class. “It’s a very beamy boat, so it gives us a lot of extra elbowroom,” VanGrunsven said.

Cruisers Yachts used the extra elbowroom to create a main deck where people want to hang out. Large windows fill the space with natural light, while aft glass doors slide open to provide natural ventilation. Air conditioning is standard, perfect for warm days.

“You basically have that living area, whether it’s inside or out, all become one with the opening of that door,” he said.

The salon has facing L-shaped lounges, and Cruisers Yachts did a neat magic trick for the starboard helm. The seat lowers and rotates to fill in the lounge, allowing the captain to join the conversation.

Cruisers Yachts’ attention to detail was on full display in the salon from the fabric to the wood accents. Take the underside of 50 FLY’s hardtop, which many builders would either leave bare or cover with fabric. Cruisers Yachts turned it into an art piece, finishing the underside with panels and inset lights.

“We’re looking at every angle, every square inch to make sure it’s got a style, it’s got a design and that it has a characteristic of our brand to make sure that it’s carried forward,” VanGrunsven said.

Galley Brings it Together

The galley creates a seamless flow between the salon and outdoor space. Cruisers stocked the galley with full-size appliances such as a refrigerator, freezer and microwave, allowing for extended stays on the 50 FLY. An electric Kenyon induction stove was set into the countertop as well as a stainless-steel sink with a faucet.

Meals can be enjoyed outside under the expansive awning with designers including bench seating and a table along the transom. Or a couple can eat in the salon with an optional hi-lo table.

Life Up Top

Historically, Cruisers doesn’t have a reputation as a flybridge brand, so the FLY series is a departure for the Oconto, Wis., yacht builder. Accessible from stairs on the portside, the flybridge is perfect for operating the yacht or for entertaining.

Cruisers created U-shaped seating around two tables with room for six guests. A forward sun pad provides a comfortable place to relax. A wet bar to starboard comes with an inlaid sink, but buyers can add an electric grill, ice maker and a refrigerator.

The 50 FLY can be piloted from the flybridge helm, equipped with joystick control, twin 16-inch Garmin displays, sonar and radar. The durable fiberglass hardtop, color-matched to the upholstery accents, provides shade while preserving open views.

Comfort Down Below

Down below can be dark and cramped on some yachts but not on the 50 FLY. Large, tinted hullside windows with openings let in abundant light into the 50 FLY’s three staterooms.

The master stateroom is a full-beam, single-level suite situated midship with a private ensuite. Taking full advantage of the 4.8-meter beam, Cruisers included a queen-size bed, a port settee lounge, two hanging clothes lockers and storage drawers. For entertainment Cruisers included a 32-inch TV and stereo.

The master’s ensuite private head features a separate shower and vanity. Lighting and mirrors work together to create a brighter, more spacious feel. For longer excursions, Cruisers Yachts offers an optional washer and dryer.

The VIP stateroom in the bow and the third stateroom with two bunks share the day head. Guests won’t be left wanting, as the head offers the same separate shower and vanity. The VIP stateroom offers a queen-size bed, along with a 27-inch TV and stereo.

More Social Space

Additional social areas on the 50 FLY make it easy to keep the day going, whether lounging on the bow or enjoying the swim platform.

Cruisers Yachts created a versatile bow lounge area with seating that can be converted into two forward-facing benches, a sun pad or a dinette with removable tables. To help enjoy the time while at anchor, Cruisers offers optional shade protection.

For people who want to get wet, they can head to the stern and enjoy the swim platform with optional real teak decking. The hydraulic platform has port stairs that adjust to the platform’s height. The platform can accommodate tenders up to 800 pounds.

“If the platform is submerged into the water, you can climb off the platform and back into the boat, so it’s very accessible,” VanGrunsven said.

Range and Performance

The 50 FLY is built for long range cruising and to move nearly 23,000 pounds, Cruisers Yachts opted for Volvo Penta D8 800 IPS engines. The combined 1,200 horsepower diesel engines provide excellent range, especially for a yacht that has a fuel capacity of 2,298 liters.

Unlike its larger sibling the 57 FLY, the 50 FLY is designed to be owner-operated. Cruisers Yachts provided easy access to the engine room through a deck hatch in the cockpit. Inside, the rigging is second to none, with systems and components clearly labeled. The 50 FLY comes standard with a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer and a 17-kW diesel generator. 

To keep tabs on the power plants and systems, the helm in the upper salon includes a tilt steering wheel, Volvo IPS joystick, dual 16-inch Garmin displays and a VHF radio. Starlink Internet is available as an option.

Overall Impressions

The new 50 FLY from Cruisers Yachts won’t leave its owners wanting. With generous social spaces, modern interiors and smart design, you won’t want to leave when you reach your destination.

Cruisers Yachts 50 FLY Specifications

• LOA:   50’ 10.5”/ 15.5 m
• Beam: 15’ 9” / 4.8 m
• Draft: 49.5” / 1.26 m
• Displacement: 22,975 kg
• Fuel Capacity: 607 gal. / 2,298 L
• Water Capacity: 117 gal. / 443 L
• Max HP:  1,200
• Engine: Twin Volvo Penta D8 800 IPS
• MSRP:  See local dealer 

For more information: www.cruisersyachts.com