2015 Cutwater condition

[pwojnaro]

Hi Everyone,

First time boat buyer here with some noob questions about what to expect from a used Cutwater. I just toured a 2015 C-30 that was described as an excellent condition, has really low engine hours (under 200), but it has been moored in the salt all her live. Overall, the boat presents really well, but I've been wondering about the following:
1. Seen some minor rust in the cockpit. For instance, a bit of rust (and squeakiness) on the hinges of the fold out seats in the cockpit. Is this stuff not SS, or will salt do it to SS regardless?
2. She is midnight blue and some parts of her hull are fading a little (whitish discoloration). Nothing crazy, but is this pretty normal after 4-5 years?
3. Main table at the cabin felt a bit wobbly. Has anyone experienced this problem over time? I toured a brand new C-28 a few days ago, I didn't notice that.

These are all nits, but I'm curious what is considered a normal wear-and-tear. For context, I'm debating between a brand new C-28 vs. a 2015 (or newer) C-30.

Thanks!
Pawel

 

[SummerSteve]

We were in the market for a used upgrade boat as well and found an unusually low hours boat in great condition in FL saltwater...

The items you mention are minor and of no concern - The big question on a low hours boat is whether it operates up to specifications. Is there evidence of corrosion (engine, prop, tabs, rudder, etc) anywhere due to zincs not being replaced -
and will the engine spool to recommended RPMs -

On the boat we had surveyed, engine was 20% off max RPMs - with pretty clean hull and light load. Volvo specialist speculated that turbo needed replacement - that was a deal breaker for us - luckily - since the COVID lockdown happened weeks later and we would have owned a boat in FL that we couldn't visit or have transported to the Chesapeake!

Good luck - We have a C-26 - same interior as the C-28 - and considered both the C-30 and R-31 for our upgrade - mostly because the vee birth is challenging for sleeping when you are tall and it is difficult to make after sleeping. Suggest laying in both the C-28 and C-30 to be sure you're happy with the vee if you plan on lots of overnights.

We are placing an order for a new R-31 CB!

Steve

 

[Cutwater28GG]

as a 2012 Cutwater28 with Volvo owner let me add some commentary

we bought our boat 3 years old. we have kept her in the salt since.

1. There will be small rust stains in places. these are easily cleaned up and not a major worry
2. Any boat thats left in the sun will have the gelcoat fade. colored boats are more noticeable than white but its the same. not unique to any tug or cutwater. it takes polishing and waxing to slow it.
3. the tables are single leg tables. it may have been the clamp wasnt done up tight. but perhaps something to negotiate with dealer if particularly bad? mine wobbles a little and swivels; sounds normal.

the things to look out for are maintenance items. e.g. has the zinc replacement schedule been kept up and when you haul the boat check that the prop, prop shaft and underwater metals have not corroded.
check the engine servicing logs including impeller.
check that everything is working as expected. there is a lot of gear on these boats.
if you are not confident in this, hire an independent surveyor - very common when buying boats and may be required for loans etc.

on the topic of Prop RPMs, my view is these boats are shipped from the factory pretty close to their limit on Max engine RPM. as a light boat and as people (myself included) add gear the engine might need to be reproped to account for added weight - a small variance is fine, but Steve are you saying that you couldnt get the RPM over 2700RPM (370 or 435hp cut30?)

 

[JamesC28]

The table on our C28 was also wobbly. It is easily tightened with a box wrench when the quick release levers are closed. Just give the nuts a few turns.

Rust is always going to happen. A little CLR and steel wool can take care of that. A good was job will protect the SS parts/rails as well as the Gel Cote.

Good luck, we love our C28~

 

[pwojnaro]

Thanks for all the answers, looks like most of these nits appear normal and to be expected. Did some reading on gelcoat fading last night, and now I have a better idea how this could be restored (or at least improved) and maintained.

If we decide to move forward, I'm definitely planning to hire a surveyor to haul her our for an inspection and do a sea trial. Broker says it has all service records for the engine (it's a 435HP), zincs have been replaced on schedule, but the bottom might need to be recoated soon (not done since 2018). Anyway, I'll want a surveyor to check all that stuff.

Thanks!
Pawel

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Great news. The 435 is the one you want. Count on needing new paint.