cutwater yachts review

Testimonials

Owner reviews.

Cutwater Boats C-30 CB

SeaTunes is a 2018 Cutwater 30 command bridge inboard diesel. We keep her in the water year around in Daytona Beach FL. We took Sea Tunes on her maiden voyage to the Bahamas crossing the Gulf Stream in 6 to 8 ft. seas. Needless to say that’s one tough vessel. Last year Sea Tunes did a 1000 mile / 40 day journey around South Florida and to the Keys. This year we went up Jacksonville and down the St. John’s River. Sea Tunes has everything we need for cruising. Most folks we meet along the way stop and ask questions about Sea Tunes and of course I tell them all about all the great features. Sea Tunes has all the big vessel features on a smaller compact version – which makes it great on fuel, and lower maintenance.

Gavin and Lisa

Cutwater boats c-28.

Our Cutwater 28 was the first boat we purchased and we’ve owned “living the dream” now for 6 years. We live in the Pacific Northwest and love being out on the sound and in the islands where we can get away from our crazy work schedules.  For those that know, summer in Seattle and on the Sound is probably one of finest places anywhere in the world.

We chose the Cutwater 28 because it manages to find the perfect balance for our needs. It’s made here in Washington and the factory and dealer support is fantastic.

We love the speed of the cutwater meaning we can get to the San Juan islands in 3-4 hours from downtown Seattle making long weekends feel like weeks of vacation, yet it is fuel efficient and easy to use. The boat really has everything we need to enjoy a quick weekday evening runs to Bainbridge island for fish and chips, to weekends at anchor in Poulsbo, the south sound and the San Juan’s. Nothing quite beats the 4 th of July in Roche!

A big part of the experience has been the community of Ranger and Cutwater boats. Be it the events put on by the factory, or the tugnuts.com website which provides a massive collection of information and advice to new and existing owners.

Cutwater Boats C-26

As long time boaters we have owned and run a wide variety of boats over the years. Soon after we bought our Cutwater we realized this boat is special. All the innovative touches like the folding and flipping seats, and the easy access galley make the boat function like a bigger boat. I joke with people that my previous boat was only a foot shorter but that this boat is twice as big. We cruise with our dog Callie and sometimes our grown sons and the boat is comfortable and easy to manage.

The boat is a lot of fun and what makes it even better are the guys at Cutwater. Jeff and Andrew welcomed us into the Cutwater family and helped us get our boat set and ready. The people at Cutwater go out of their way to help their owners have the best experience possible. We have met a wide variety of Cutwater owners and found that they are a fun and friendly group. Great boats and great people, what more could you ask for?

Note: Arnie is a Marketing & Content Creation Specialist at Brand Builder Media, an affiliate of Cutwater Boats.

Glen and Barbara

Cutwater boats c-24 c.

Hi – my name is Glen L. and my wife Barbara, and I are happy owners of a C-24. We have a remarkable story about Fluid Motion customer service we want to share with you and your customers. On Friday, May 28 of this year we suffered damage to our trailer as we were traveling north on I-5 near Conway, Washington. What started as a terrifying moment, however, turned into an amazingly positive experience. Soon after we guided the boat and trailer safely to the side of the freeway, we called Fluid Motion for advice. To my surprise, General Manager Andrew Custis answered the phone. On a Friday before a three-day weekend, the boss is answering the phone. We were impressed. Mr. Custis told us he would contact the trailer manufacturer for advice and then return our call. Fifteen minutes later, a motorhome pulled over near us and who was in it: Andrew Custis and his family. Within another 20 minutes or so a second motorhome pulled over and it was another Fluid Motion employee, Tim Bates (if I recall correctly). Are you kidding me? To repair our trailer, we needed specific parts from the trailer manufacturer, so Andrew arranged for a representative from the firm to meet us along the freeway with the parts. Within a couple of hours, our trailer was repaired, and we were on our way to our launch point in time for a beautiful late evening cruise in the San Juan Islands. I cannot imagine better customer service for any product in any circumstance than what Andrew and your partners at EZ Loader provided us. We cannot thank you and your families enough for helping us as you did. But there is more. While we were waiting for the EZ Loader representative, a local resident stopped by to help us. This gentleman was happy to tell us that he had just purchased a C-24 and really loved it, and he was happy to help a fellow Cutwater owner. So, thinking we had a flat tire and no spare, he brought us his spare tire to use for as long as we needed it!

We can say with confidence that Fluid Motion makes a great product with amazing customer service and maintains a phenomenal customer community. We love our C-24 but are looking for something larger. After all of this, we know now that our next boat will be from Fluid Motion. Sincerely, Glen and Barbara

 MEDIA MENTIONS

Boating Magazine,

John page williams..

"The C-24 CW does it all."

January 2022

Chesapeake Bay Magazine,

"Pocket Yacht Corporation, Fluid Motion’s longtime East Coast dealer, recently made a C-24 CW available to CBM’s On Boats for a sea trial off Annapolis. We came away impressed."

September 2021

Power & Motoryacht,

The power & motoryacht crew..

"[With] Cutwater, versatility should be in their name."

October 2019

Simon Murray.

“ Everyone wanted to drive the 24, so a game of musical chairs became our de facto approach to cruising. ”

Southern Boating Magazine,

Peter a. janssen..

“Designed to get more people into boating, the 24 has a private stateroom in the bow, mid-berth with a mattress, salon that seats four with a dinette that converts to a berth, a private head with shower, an electric/alcohol stove and a fridge/freezer—everything you need to go cruising.”

August 2016

Pacific Yachting,

Sam burkhart..

“30 years ago a 24-footer was the size of most family cruisers and it’s good to see a boat that fits into that mold. This Cutwater 24 is a fully-equipped and affordable boat—great for new boaters as well as seasoned veterans.”

February 2015

Doug Thompson.

“However, a closer look reveals a trailerable cruiser loaded with so many innovative features it would take a year’s worth of boating weekends to discover them all.”

January 2014

New Boat Buyers Guide.

“Unexpected innovations are the rule rather than the exception from the folks at Fluid Motion, builders of the Cutwater and Ranger Tugs lines.”

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Cutwater C-24 Coupe Boat Test

• By Kevin Falvey
• Updated: July 30, 2019

The C-24 Coupe combines trailerability, family weekending, and good performance from its stepped hull.

With four adults aboard, we hit 47 mph with a single Yamaha 300. (A 250 hp Yamaha is now the sole engine choice.) It’s 24-degree deep-V hull tracked sure and landed soft. And boy was it quiet underway, maxing at just 89 decibels, a hushed level for such a boat, and one I’d attribute to the robust construction, which, besides providing confidence and durability, offers great sound-­deadening properties.

For those times you want to meander along, enjoying the sights and just being aboard, fire up the 9.9 hp kicker ($5,260 with remote steering) for even quieter and ­super-efficient motoring. Naturally, that auxiliary will prove great for trolling, and the C-24 Coupe makes an exceptional fishing platform, what with its large cockpit and standard features such as two gunwale rod holders, 110-quart transom cooler, large anchor locker and foldaway cockpit seating. A 59-quart livewell and washdown ($400) is optional.

In fact, Cutwater loads the C-24 Coupe with mucho standards. Besides the aforementioned fishing features, buyers get a Garmin 942xs GPS plotter and fish finder, a VHF radio, Bluetooth stereo, LED lighting, marine head with holding tank, and sport racks that allow one to ­carry paddle craft and more.

Belowdecks, there’s a big V-berth and an enclosed head. Up on the helm deck is a convertible dinette that feeds four and sleeps two. The galley is full, and the aft portside window section of the cabin bulkhead opens wide to bring the inside out—or the outside in, if you deploy the aft cockpit sunshade ($1,290). Option up to the 3.5 kW generator ($15,000), the 10,000 Btu air conditioner ($3,240), or the diesel heater ($4,250) to ­enjoy multiseason comfort.

I’m not aware of another boat this size that sleeps four, runs on a stepped hull, and will fish and cruise with the aplomb of the ­Cutwater C-24 Coupe.

High Points

• Opening—or closing—up the aft bulkhead effectively creates a completely different boat.
• Our test readings prove it’s quieter-running than many similar-size outboard-powered boats.
• Cabin’s big, nearly full beam width helps make this boat a great compact cruiser for overnight trips.

• That wide, roomy cabin results in narrow side decks for going forward.
• We would like to see a fiddle rail at the helm to keep miscellaneous gear from sliding off.

Toughest Competitor Check out the Jeanneau NC Sport 795 ($70,180 for a base boat with a 200 hp outboard engine). It sleeps two in its narrower cabin, but offers wide, deep side decks in trade.

Price: $114,937 (with 250 hp Yamaha)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested Engine: Yamaha F300 Drive/Prop: 15 1/2″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 800 lb.

Cutwater Boats – Monroe, Washington; 800-349-7198; cutwaterboats.com

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Cutwater 28: A Proven Pocket Cruiser

Cutwaters are made in Washington State by Fluid Motion, LLC, the same company that makes Ranger Tugs, and that was founded by the father-son team of David and John Livingston. They know how to build boats; David was president of Bayliner when the company was making 56,000 boats a year. And they know how to create value for their owners. Indeed, the new Cutwater 28, fully equipped with a 260-hp Volvo diesel, Garmin electronics, bow and stern thrusters and ready to cruise, carries a base price of $194,937. With an 8’6” beam, the 28 is trailerable, user-friendly and packed with lots of space-saving innovations that make cruising easy.

I have to admit a warm spot in my heart for the Cutwater 28, since two years ago I cruised one from New York Harbor up to Quebec City, spending six days on board with my colleague, George Sass, Sr., the photographer. The boat has a master in the bow, with a full head, and then a second small cabin tucked under the dinette. We cruised easily at 16 knots or so up the Hudson, Lake Champlain, the French canals and then down the St. Lawrence to Quebec. (I took the picture above in the charming French village of Chambly.) With two of us on the boat 24-hours a day, we never seemed to run out of space, or enjoyment.

Specs.: LOA: 28’4”; Beam: 8’6”; Draft: 2’4”; Disp.: 8,000 lbs.; Fuel: 100 gals.; Water: 40 gals. Power: 1×260-hp Volvo D4 diesel. Price: $194,937.

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Cutwater Boats Review | Key Features & Drawbacks

In the market for a new boat? If so, it’s important to do your research before making a purchase . Luckily, plenty of resources are available online to help you make an informed decision. 

The cutwater boat is a popular style of vessel that has been used for centuries. The Vikings used the first cutwaters as early as the 9th century. They were designed for use in rough waters and featured a sharp prow that could cut through waves. 

The British Royal Navy also used cutwaters during the Napoleonic Wars . The design was later adopted by the United States Coast Guard and is still in use today. We will examine some of the best cutwater boats on the market and what makes them so popular.

We’ll also discuss some key features you should consider when shopping for a boat. So without further ado, let’s get started!

What Are The Different Types Of Cutwater Boat Reviews

The cutwater 24:, the cutwater 30:, the cutwater 32:, the cutwater 34:, what are the key features of a cutwater boat, spacious interior:, large cockpit:, sleek design:, durable construction:, how can you purchase a cutwater boat at a low price, shop around:, look for discounts:, financing options:, purchase used: , what points must be considered when shopping for a cutwater boat, your budget: , the size of the boat:, the features you want:, what are the negatives of having a cutwater boat, ongoing maintenance:, how can you take care of your cutwater boat, regular cleaning:, inspect the hull:, change the oil:, conclusion:.

There are many different types of cutwater boat reviews, but some of the most popular include: 

The cutwater 24 is a popular model of cutwater boat that has been in production since 2006. The vessel is designed for coastal cruising and features a spacious interior with plenty of headroom. The cutwater 24 also has a large cockpit perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. The base price for the cutwater 24 is $85,000.

The cutwater 30 is another popular model of cutwater boat designed for coastal cruising. The vessel features a sleek design and a spacious interior with plenty of headroom. The cutwater 30 also has a large cockpit perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. The base price for the cutwater 30 is $95,000.

The cutwater 32 is a slightly larger model of cutwater boat that is perfect for longer voyages. The vessel features a sleek design and a spacious interior with plenty of headroom. The cutwater 32 also has a large cockpit perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. The base price for the cutwater 32 is $105,000.

The cutwater 34 is the largest model of cutwater boat currently in production. The vessel is designed for long-range cruising and features a spacious interior with plenty of headroom. The cutwater 34 also has a large cockpit perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. The base price for the cutwater 34 is $115,000.

Feature highlights of cutwater boat reviews include: 

One of the most notable features of cutwater boats is their spacious interior. These vessels are designed for comfort and feature plenty of headroom and legroom. The cutwater 24, for example, has an interior that measures 6’2″ x 16’6″.

Another great feature of cutwaters is their large cockpit. This feature is perfect for fishing or relaxing on the water. The cutwater 30, for example, has a cockpit that measures 8’6″ x 16′.

Cutwaters are also known for their sleek design. These boats have a sharp prow and a clean-cut hull that makes them easy to maneuver in rough waters.

Finally, cutwaters are known for their durable construction. These boats are built to last and can withstand the elements.

If you’re looking to purchase a cutwater boat at a low price , there are a few things you can do:

The best way to get a great deal on a cutwater boat is to shop around. Compare prices from different dealers and retailers before making a purchase.

Another great way to save money on a cutwater boat is to look for discounts. Many dealers offer special deals and discounts on their ships, so ask about any current promotions.

There may also be an option to finance your cutwater boat purchase through a bank or credit union. This option can help you spread out the cost of your purchase over time and make it more affordable.

If you are looking to purchase a cutwater boat, you may also want to consider buying a used boat. While you’ll likely have to sacrifice some features and amenities, you can save a significant amount of money by going this route.

When shopping for cutwater boat reviews, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 

One of the most important things to remember when shopping for a cutwater boat is your budget. These boats can be expensive, so set a budget before you start shopping.

Second, consider the size of the boat. Cutwaters come in various sizes, so be sure to choose one that’s right for you.

Finally, consider the features you want in your cutwater boat. Do you want a spacious interior? A large cockpit? Sleek design? Be sure to choose a ship with the features you’re looking for.

The disadvantages of owning a cutwater boat, including:

One of the biggest drawbacks of owning a cutwater boat is the high cost. These boats can be expensive, so set a budget before you start shopping.

Another downside of owning a cutwater boat is the ongoing maintenance. These boats require regular upkeep and care, so be prepared to spend time and money on maintaining your vessel.

Lastly, don’t forget about storage. Cutwaters are large boats, so you’ll need a place to store your vessel when it’s not in use. It cannot be easy if you don’t have a lot of space.

If you own a cutwater boat reviews, it’s important to take care of it properly. Here are some tips:

A good way to maintain your cutwater boat is to clean it regularly. Be sure to wash and wax your boat regularly to protect the finish.

Another important thing to do is regularly inspect your cutwater boat’s hull. Look for any cracks or damage that could cause leaks.

Change the oil in your cutwater boat regularly. It will help keep the engine running smoothly and prevent problems down the road.

Cutwater boats are a great option for those in the market for a new vessel. These boats are well-built and offer a variety of features that make them appealing to boat owners. However, cutwaters can be quite expensive, so set a budget before you start shopping. Additionally, these boats require regular cleaning and maintenance, so be prepared to spend time and money keeping your cutwater boat in top condition. We hope you enjoyed this cutwater boat review. 

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Cutwater C-24 CW

“If there’s a way to include more functionality per foot, our engineers will find it.”

by Capt. John Page Williams

Cutwater C-24 CW LOA: 29’2″ Beam: 8’6″ Hull Draft (Motors Up): 19″ Hull Draft (with Motors Down): 32″ Weight (dry, no engine): 6,300 lb. Bridge Clearance: 8’2″ Max HP: 300 Fuel Capacity: 116 gal. Fresh Water Capacity: 26 gal. Waste Capacity: 13 gal. For more information, visit pocketyachtco.com or cutwaterboats.com.

A full day on the water, and a rich, memorable, and safe experience—what does a boat have to give us to support that mission? Today, we ask for a lot: seaworthiness combined with shallow-water capability, speed with efficiency, comfortable sitting and standing, food/beverage storage and service, abundant gear storage (including space for bulky items like tow toys), shade on sunny days, a head sized for real people, fishing capabilities, and maybe a bunk for little ones to nap. 

How large does a boat have to be for a manufacturer to pack all of that into one hull? Fluid Motion, the Pacific Northwest parent company of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats, says 24’9″, citing its C-24 CW (Center Walkaround) and C-24 DC (Dual Console). The company has carved out a strong niche for compact cruisers with its two brands. “If there’s a way to include more functionality per foot, our engineers will find it,” proclaims the company’s website. That statement squares with our previous experience with Ranger Tugs. Now Cutwater is applying that expertise to these new day boats. Pocket Yacht Corporation, Fluid Motion’s longtime East Coast dealer, recently made a C-24 CW available to CBM ’s On Boats for a sea trial off Annapolis. We came away impressed.

First, understand that 24’9″ applies to the boat but does not include the large, integrated swim platform/engine bracket. From the stemhead at the bow to the rear of the Yamaha outboard’s cowl, the length overall is 29’2″. Second, the C-24 hull has high sides, with a self-bailing cockpit built over a foam-filled stringer grid. It weighs a hefty 6,300 lb. dry, without engine. The interior layout is innovative: a control console offset slightly to port, with a wide walkway to starboard and a gunwale-level walkway to port (liberally supplied with handholds on the hardtop). The result is a bow compartment with upholstered lounges port and starboard, and a cushioned seat for two on the front of the console. The gunwales on the after end of the lounges hold twin cupholders and triple vertical rodholders. There’s a stanchion between the lounges for a removable table that can lower to form a sunpad. The flat bow deck has two hatches. To port is the locker for the anchor, chain, and rode, plus the windlass and a folding anchor roller. (True to its Pacific Northwest origin, the C-24 CW comes with an 11 lb. anchor, 15′ of high-tensile chain, and 150′ of rode). Under the starboard hatch lies a telescopic ladder for trips to sandbars. On the hook or the beach, this boat is happy. 

The CW model’s hardtop forward support legs form the front corners of the console, with the rear legs anchoring the rear corners of the helm seat. The console offers a workmanlike helm with wheel, single lever throttle/shift control, compass, VHF, standard 9″ Garmin chartplotter/fishfinder (12″ unit optional), Yamaha engine data display, switches, stereo, controls for the trim tabs and bow thruster, and cupholders. Below the helm lies a two-level footrest. 

Immediately to port is a companionway leading to the cabin. Enter and the wisdom of the raised gunwale to port becomes obvious. Headroom is 6’2″, with plenty of space for a counter and sink, plus horizontal storage racks for five fishing rods and a cushioned lounge. The porcelain head sits to starboard. The lounge extends forward under the bow compartment, though total length is only 60″—enough for a young person to nap. Beneath is considerable storage.

The helm seat is a large structure with multiple functions. There are adjustable seats for the skipper and a companion, with flip-up bolsters for standing and leaning. The sides below the seats provide a 12-volt refrigerator to starboard and a tackle storage compartment to port, while the aft side offers a cushioned seat for two on a slide-out cooler. Above the cooler is a cushioned seat back, and the flat surface above it holds an optional electric grill ($1,050 plus $1,700 for an optional inverter) and a sink with lid. The after edge of the hardtop above holds six vertical rodholders. 

There’s more. Knowing the popularity of standup paddleboards and kayaks, those Fluid Motion engineers designed a sturdy rack for the hardtop that can hold two of either, without crowding out rods in the holders. Beneath the cockpit sole lie fish or storage boxes port and starboard, with a finished central compartment for access to wiring, plumbing, and tanks.  

The transom’s face mounts a foldout seat for two. Above are a large livewell, a bait prep sink, another cooler, and a transom shower system with wand. Centered between the livewell and the sink is a pop-up ski tow stanchion. To starboard is a sturdy door to the swim platform/engine bracket. It holds a telescopic, stainless-steel boarding ladder and a grab rail. In terms of fishing, there’s not much in the Chesapeake that the C-24 CW can’t adapt to easily, except maybe working shallow underwater grass beds with fly rods. The cockpit sole is all on one level from the bow compartment aft all the way to the swim platform, which is broad enough to make working a big cobia or drum around the engine easy. There is plenty of rod and tackle storage, with flush-mount cleats and rodholders on the gunwales. The transom makes a good workstation for bait fishing. Pick the technique appropriate for the day and go. 

So how does this compact, do-everything day boat run? Its hull is interesting: variable deadrise deep-V with twin strakes and broad chines, laid up with precise, sharp edges to knock down spray. Roughly amidships on each side are twin steps to draw in air and reduce surface resistance. Proprietary Cutwater Laminar Flow Interrupters in the bottom between the strakes help to hold the hull firmly in turns. The wide chines give the hull easy motion at rest and drifting in all directions. Our test boat’s Yamaha F250 provided an ample top speed of 36 knots (5,900 rpm) with two aboard and three-quarters of a tank of fuel. More to the point, though, the boat was much happier—and more efficient—at 4,500 rpm (27 knots) than at 4,000 (15 knots), a sign of the speed at which the hull steps begin to prove their worth. Given the boat’s weight and intended uses with families and friends, I’d opt for the optional Yamaha F300 engine ($5,250). It’s in the same engine family as the F250, so there’s no increase in weight, and it provides a little extra shove to handle people, full coolers, and gear.

Cutwater’s “special factory direct pricing” for the C-24 CW starts at $125,937. For more information, visit pocketyachtco.com or cutwaterboats.com. 

CBM Editor at Large, educator, guide, and author of three quintessential Chesapeake Bay books, John Page Williams was named a Maryland Admiral of the Bay in 2013. 

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