Review: CL Yachts CLX96 SAV

Stairway to heaven for aquaholics? The swim platform deck panels have been removed to show the Z-Lift system. The 'raft' is held firmly in place by mechanical arms. Not shown in this pic is an 1700 lbs Nautical Structures davit that is concealed within the swim platform.

The CLX96 is powered by twin Cat C32 Acerts at 1900 hp each, pushing this boat to a very respectable 25 knots and a cruise speed of 22 knots. On the day of our seatrial, we touched on 26 knots. If you are comparing the CLX to other vessels of similar size from the region, it is several miles per hour faster. For coastal cruisers, the CLX only draws 5 feet, 4 inches. At full load, which includes 4100 gallons of fuel, 500 gallons of water and a combined 760 gallons of black/gray water, this 191,000 lbs boat feels surprisingly light and responsive on the water. In this pic, take note of the 'cage' built over the engine. This structure doubles as a support/storage place for the Z-Lift removable swim platform 'leafs'.

With a 24-foot beam, engine room access is good leaving ample space between a pair of Cats and twin Kohler 53kW generators residing in insulated housings. The gens are equipped with a Decision Maker controller for auto start/stop and load sharing between gensets. A Delta T ventilation system is standard.

The main power control panels are located in the engine room and sealed behind transparent access doors. Sub-panels are located throughout the ship. Not shown is a GlenDinning Cablemaster retrieval system.

I have to confess, when I saw the first pictures of the CLX96 I thought it was borderline bizarre, but after spending time with this avant-garde boat, I can't find much that I don't like! One exception might be the hawse pipes, probably because donuts aren't on my diet. Personal preference aside, they are perfectly suited for a workboat bow.

On the main aft deck, this sofa converts into chaise lounges with pullout sections that turn a social place into a slumbering abode. There are three sections that slide out so you can mix and match.

The skylounge aft deck was built for entertaining. Guests can belly-up to the bar with built-in stools or retire to the Forakis designed lounge chairs. No matter where you are on this boat, nothing disrupts the views, even when looking up!

The slylounge wetbar has a built-in sink, fridge and dedicated wine rack...

The crew quarters are located immediately forward of the engine room. This is the crew mess...

Adjacent to the mess hall is a stacking washer/dryer...

Two single-size bunks flank the crew common area, each with dedicated windows...

Making the most out of the allocated space, a fold-out laptop shelf is fitted to each crew bunk room...

DECK PLANS

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