Cutwater Boats: Performance, Quality, And Features Reviewed

Cutwater Boats are designed to be the definitive do-it-all cruiser, with the promise that you will be just as comfortable cruising off-grid for weeks as fishing or spending a fun day on the water with family. With models ranging from 24 to 32 feet, Cutwater boats are designed for trailerability, with a focus on stuffing as many features as possible into a small space. The boats are built by hand in the USA and come with comprehensive training and a factory delivery experience. However, some owners have reported issues with build quality, including water infiltration from hull-deck seams, poor wiring, and ventilation issues.

Cutwater boats are designed for fishing, cruising and exploring

Cutwater boats are designed for fishing, cruising, and exploring. They are built by lifelong boaters with a passion for fun on the water. Cutwater boats are designed to be a "Do It All" boat, ensuring you have every feature you need to approach your adventure with confidence. Whether you're cruising off-grid for weeks, fishing with friends, or spending a fun day on the water with family, Cutwater boats are a perfect choice.

Cutwater boats offer a comprehensive training program to ensure that every Cutwater owner is comfortable and familiar with all the systems on their boat. This includes two full days of systems training, coaching, and practice as part of the package. Cutwater boats are designed and built by hand in the USA, with decades of experience developing performance hulls. The Cutwater brand brings a new way of thinking about how cruisers should deliver performance, comfort, and style.

Cutwater boats are ideal for fishing enthusiasts, with plenty of space to fish with 2 or 3 people. The cockpit provides ample room for fishing gear and comfortable seating. The boat's trailerability makes it a versatile option for those who want to explore different fishing spots. Cutwater boats also have a decent amount of storage and can be modified to stay on the hook for a few nights, making them perfect for extended fishing trips.

When it comes to cruising, Cutwater boats offer a unique combination of performance and comfort. The boats are designed to be roomy enough for a family of 5, with a V-berth that can sleep 2 adults and 3 children comfortably. The cave or mid-berth also provides additional sleeping space. The Cutwater's galley-up design surrounds you with features and amenities, making you feel right at home on the water. The boat's speed and fuel economy make it a great choice for both day trips and longer cruises, with a range of speed and fuel consumption options depending on your needs.

Cutwater boats are also perfect for exploring new destinations. Their trailerability allows you to expand your boating range and explore different waterways. The boats are well-made, economical to run, and easy to dock, making them a great choice for those who want to explore new shores. Cutwater boats have active support from the company, with a strong and supportive owner community that can provide assistance and share their experiences.

They are good for families

Cutwater boats are designed to be the definitive do-it-all cruiser, making them a great choice for families. They are built by lifelong boaters who are passionate about having fun on the water, and this shows in the thoughtful design.

Cutwater boats are ideal for families who want to spend quality time together on the water, whether it's a fun-filled day trip or a longer adventure off-grid. They are designed to be comfortable and stylish, with plenty of features to make your time on the water enjoyable and memorable.

One of the standout features of Cutwater boats is their versatility. They can accommodate a range of activities, from fishing to cruising, making them perfect for families with diverse interests. The boats offer a good balance between a cruising boat and a fishing boat, with ample cockpit space for fishing with 2-3 people. While the rear deck may be on the smaller side, the boat's trailerability makes it a good compromise.

Cutwater boats also offer ample storage space, which is essential for family trips. With a few modifications, they can even be used for longer trips, as one family of five spent a week anchoring in the Gulf Islands and could have easily stayed longer. The boat's storage capacity and ability to accommodate different activities mean that families can pack all the necessary gear without feeling cramped.

In addition to their versatility and storage, Cutwater boats also provide a good balance of speed and fuel efficiency. While they may be a little slower than an outboard, their speed is still adequate for most days on the water. The fuel economy of the Cutwater 28, for example, ranges from 1.4 GPH at 6-7 knots to 9.5 GPH at 14-16 knots when heavily loaded. This efficiency allows families to travel longer distances without worrying about excessive fuel consumption.

Cutwater boats also come with comprehensive training, ensuring that owners are comfortable and familiar with all the systems on their boat. This training includes two full days of systems training, coaching, and practice, providing peace of mind for families who may be new to boating.

Overall, Cutwater boats are an excellent choice for families who want to create lasting memories on the water. Their versatility, storage, speed, fuel efficiency, and comprehensive training make them a well-rounded option for family boating excursions.

They are easy to buy used

Cutwater boats are easy to buy used. They are widely available on the second-hand market, with many owners choosing to sell their boats after a few years of use. This makes it convenient for prospective buyers to find a used Cutwater boat that meets their needs and budget.

One reason for the availability of used Cutwater boats is that some owners move on to different boat brands or models to suit their evolving boating preferences. For example, some owners may opt for a bigger boat to accommodate a growing family or pursue different boating activities. Others may seek boats with fewer features or a simpler design, finding that the abundance of amenities in Cutwater boats is unnecessary for their needs.

Additionally, Cutwater boats have a reputation for being well-suited for specific purposes, such as fishing, cruising, and exploring. This means that they may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a multi-purpose boat or those who prioritise other activities. As a result, some owners may decide to sell their Cutwater boat in favour of a vessel that aligns better with their desired activities.

Furthermore, Cutwater boats have a dedicated community of owners who often provide support and resources for prospective buyers. This community aspect can facilitate the buying process for those seeking a used Cutwater boat, as they can connect with current owners, ask questions, and gain valuable insights. The availability of forums, groups, and rendezvous events allows for a smooth exchange of information and enhances the likelihood of finding used Cutwater boats for sale.

Overall, the combination of factors such as owner transitions, specific boat purposes, and a supportive community contributes to the ease of buying a used Cutwater boat. Prospective buyers can take advantage of these factors to find suitable options within the second-hand market and join the growing community of Cutwater boat enthusiasts.

They are good for long trips

Cutwater boats are designed for long trips. They are built for comfort and functionality, ensuring that you can confidently embark on off-grid adventures for extended periods. The boats are equipped with features such as climate-controlled interiors, memory foam beds, private heads with showers, and additional berths to accommodate guests, children, or pets. The galleys include stovetops, ovens, microwaves, and storage, making them perfect for preparing meals during your journey.

The Cutwater 28, for example, is a popular choice for those seeking a balance between cruising and fishing capabilities while still being trailerable. It offers a spacious cockpit for fishing and ample storage for long trips. The boat's speed and fuel efficiency make it ideal for both quick weekday outings and extended weekend vacations.

The Cutwater 30 Command Bridge is another excellent option for long trips. It boasts a spacious cockpit that can accommodate up to eight people and provides good access to the engine. The interiors are simple and functional, with convertible seating configurations to maximise space. The boat sleeps six and comes with various packages, such as the Northwest Edition, which includes a diesel furnace, upgraded Garmin suite, and a propane stove.

Cutwater boats are known for their innovative features, such as the patented Outboard Dinghy Lift, which allows for easy launching, retrieval, and storage of a full-size RIB dinghy. The retractable bridge on the C-30 model makes it trailerable, and features like the Sunset Seat and Expanding Gunwale Seating enhance comfort and conversation during long voyages.

The company prioritises customer satisfaction and offers comprehensive training and support. The Factory Delivery Experience includes two full days of systems training, coaching, and practice to ensure that Cutwater owners are comfortable and familiar with all aspects of their boat.

They are well-designed but have build issues

Cutwater boats are well-designed and include a range of features that make them attractive to buyers. However, they have been criticised for their build quality, with some users reporting issues with their Cutwater boats.

One user on SportFishing BC reported that the reviews they had heard from owners were "not great", with complaints about the layout and the boat feeling "top-heavy". They also mention that one owner they spoke to sold their boat within a year because it "just never felt right". Another user on the same forum mentions that they had to upgrade the house bank, solar power and monitoring on their Cutwater 28, although they add that the boat is "fine" if you are "reasonably careful".

A user on Trawler Forum also reports several build issues with Cutwater boats, including water infiltration from hull-deck seams, poor wiring, inadequate ventilation in the engine compartment, and oddly-placed fuses. They advise spending time on user groups to learn about these issues before purchasing a Cutwater boat. Another user on the same forum mentions that their friend's Cutwater boat "had lots of problems", including a spotlight that kept turning on by itself and electrical shorts in the transom.

Despite these build issues, Cutwater boats have some positive features. A user on Trawler Forum mentions that Cutwater boats are "amazingly dual-purposed inside, economical to run, easy and inexpensive to dock and roomy enough for two during a week-long trip". Additionally, Cutwater boats are designed and built by hand in the USA, and the company offers comprehensive training to ensure that owners are comfortable and familiar with all the systems on their boat.

Frequently asked questions