C242 or C248

[Tomlane14]

Hi All

New here and looking for some feedback. Two questions
1) For my location and situation the Cutwater 248 looks like a great fit. I am in relatively shallow water at my dock (2’) but other than that there is enough depth. I want something for day boating and occasional overnight/weekend. There is a 2019 242coupe available with low hours but the newer 248 seems like it has worthwhile upgrades. The 242 is about half the cost and the depreciation on a new boat is a concern. Is the 248 vs 242 worth the added cost?

2) I currently have an 18’ Whaler bow rider and been on the water over 10 years. Great boat but too small for the family. The Cutwater is a bit intimidating size-wise. I assume you get used to a much larger enclosed boat but anyone else ever regret that jump in size?

 

[KKRCRACE]

My wife and I have a 2018 C242 and have spent many weekend and week long trips. We also traveled 1368 mile in 14 days bringing the boat from the gulf to Maryland last year. Most of our trips we stay at marinas for the night but occasionally anchor for the night. We use a Honda 2000 generator when anchoring. The C24 has been a good fit for us overall.
Ken
Sunny Daze
C24

 

[ElizabethF]

We recently purchased a 2016 Cutwater 24 for boating on the Chesapeake Bay. My thought with a used boat is that we can see what we like and what we’d like to change and then trade in a few years. I thought not having a separate head would be a big issue, but it hasn’t been bad. What I’m not crazy about is filling bottles of fresh water to flush, as everyone I spoke with said pulling raw water will lead to bad smells in the boat. This can be changed, but we’re still getting to know the boat. Anyway…what everyone wants/needs is different: )

As far as handling is concerned, the bow thruster is a game changer! We also have an 18’ Stingray at our home in NC (on a lake). I will not say the Cutwater is easier to maneuver but we haven’t had it that long. I can see that it will get to be the same or easier in a year or so.

 

[TomAtWrightsville]

Sounds like me last December. Sold a 2006 34' Mainship Pilot Sedan after 8 years and needed to downsize due to age and health. Just took possession of a new 2026 C-248 in February with a 250 Yamaha, AC, and lithium battery option, so far no regrets. I did a lot of comparisons to Jeanneau 795, Pursuits and Rosboroughs. The Cutwater met my requirements, the wife loves it, easy to handle (no more white knuckles like the Mainship). Had to make a few concessions size wise after the Mainship but I knew that. Also have a Scout 205 Dorado for zooming around here at Wrightsville Beach in NC. I call the 248 my mini-Mainship or Scout on steroids. I can tell you about my comparisons (+ and -) if you wanna give me a call-too much to write about. 919-601-1535.

 

[Tomlane14]

Guys, thanks for the feedback. Looked at a new 248 with lithium option yesterday with the wife. She was very hesitant but seeing it in person has changed her mind some.
@TomAtWrightsville I will take you up on your offer to chat. My number ends in 6939

 

[TomAtWrightsville]

Tom, I'm old. Don't know what 6939 is. Haha.
If you can, call me at 9:30 this morning or noon tomorrow (Sunday).
Where are you located?
Tom

 

[Tomlane14]

9:30 works. I’m in MD. If you see my caller ID it will end in 6939

 

[KKRCRACE]

9:30 works. I’m in MD. If you see my caller ID it will end in 6939

I’m in Maryland also. My C24 is at Herrington Harbor North if you would like to go for a boat ride. Feel free to call me.
Ken
301-704-7046