Buying A C-28

B

Bob/Bradenton

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 17, 2019
Messages
101
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Hull Identification Number
FRB02830G001
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Ranger 21 "Martini" Launch
Vessel Name
Buttercup
So...the "Plan" after selling the big house and moving to the canal condo, and selling both boats, (all now sold) I was going to order a new C-28. (Can't go any larger due to the condo dock space). But, the "Plan" was foiled by Cutwater's decision to cancel the inboard diesel C-28's in favor of outboards.
I asked them and the local dealer about how to operate the needed AC in hot/humid mid-Gulf Florida and the answer was, "Lithium Batteries". And how do you recharge them? "Your run from place to place using your outboard motors". I want to anchor for a couple days in the same spot, not run the outboards to recharge the LI battery set.
So, searching for a late model C-28 LE.
Here's the question: I've been cautioned about pre-2017 28's since they are more likely to have the MASE generators rather than the later NextGen. And, according to the advisors, you can't get parts for the MASE gen-sets.
There are lots of 28's in the 2014-2017 range, rather cheap but low engine hours, typically under 400. But I'm done with "project" boats, therefore the original Plan for a new one.
I'd sure like some comments by owners of the older boats, especially in regard to the MASE generators. I've heard that the electronic control boards are typically a problem and you can't get them any longer.
Help Me, Help me...Thanks, Bob
 
I don’t have a Cutwater but my MASE 2.7 generator on my 2014 Ranger Tug has performed very well without problems. Have you talked directly to the MASE people in Florida about parts for the older models? In today’s environment I would go directly to the source of knowledge rather than some advisors, whoever they are.

Good luck in your search.
 
Interesting, I was not aware that cutwater has released any information on the new model C28, care to share what you know? I too will be disappointed if there is no generator option
 
I think Cutwater started using the NexGen in 2015. We have the NexGen in our 2015, however we had it installed right after we purchased the boat. We wanted it installed exactly as the factory does it, and we had the work done by two former Fluid Motion factory techs who were working at a marine dealership in Bellingham, WA at the time. (The NexGen has been a great, trouble-free unit).
 
I have the MASE 2.7 in my C-28. Glad to have it. Has been reliable. I did call MASE the other day, spoke to Joe. I didn't do a deep dive but he said parts for the 2.7 are available from them. I had called because I may need a new fuel solenoid. My genny is 8 years old, I don't consider that a major issue.

Many is the night when we came in from the beach and ran the AC to get the moisture out of the boat. For that matter, my marina never seems to have reliable electricity at the beginning of the season. I always seem to need to run the genny, and reverse cycle heat, in the beginning. Also glad to have solar.

You have hit on the issues with outboards that I wondered about. Lithium batteries can get you through the first night, but then what? The Cutwater 28 is unique in that it's a wonderful off grid cruiser. You can hang off the beach or an island somewhere for a few days. With an outboard boat, and no genny, what happens after the first night? Especially if you want to to have AC or hot water?

Maybe someone has the answers to that, but it's not obvious to me.
 
You could always look into getting a third party to install a generator.
 
Thanks for that link over to that 2015 C-28 in Palmetto, FL. I am awaiting the return call from the broker.

Regarding the factory switch from the inboard diesel (w/gen-set) over to an outboard or outboards with Lithium batteries, yes, the factory confirmed that as well as the local dealer. The last C-28's are being made and all are purchased.

The local dealer said that most of his sales in this size range are now for outboards, not inboard diesels. It's a changing market. And the switch over to Lithium batteries to power the A/C is mainly due to the ever increasing emission standards for the small diesel generators, which are causing most of the manufacturers to stop making them.

While the Lithium batteries might make sense in colder regions of cruising, from a market standpoint down here in hot/humid mid-Gulf Florida, where A/C is always needed at night and sometimes during the day on the boat, the on-board generator makes more sense. Especially if you plan on staying anchored in one location for a couple nice days and not run from anchorage to anchorage using the outboards to recharge the Lithium battery bank.

As I explained to the dealer and the factory, the "market" here is for older skippers who are selling their larger fully equipped trawlers but still want all the comforts in a smaller, more manageable boat. Plus in my particular case, a condo boat slip that will nicely accommodate a 28 but not the larger/wider 30.

Here's a YouTube video of an Axopar 28, equipped with outboards and a Lithium battery bank. All of the required electronic/electrical parts make no sense to me, especially in a salty marine environment. But, apparently, this is the "future". The A/C draws over 30 amps, less when the twin outboards are idling and with the outboards cranked up a bit, their alternators put more into the battery bank than consumed. I guess the concept here is that you are running your inboard diesel generator to generate power for the A/C, so why not the outboards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=DrsGNOXZvKk

The local dealer says that they have changed out a couple of the older inboard generators in favor of a Lithium battery bank with the needed chargers, etc. About $10K-$15K.

Thanks for the continuing comments, Bob/Bradenton
 
PS: I received a note from Joe over at MASE and he referred me to the local MASE repair guy. So I'll call and chat about parts availability...
 
I was in your same situation. When I focused on the C28 and found they were going to outboard (which also makes the C28 over the 8ft 6 beam, I was focused on getting the last of the current model. I was working with a broker on several C28's and tried to focus on only those with the NextGen. I ended up finding a 2018 from a private seller but did our orientation with the broker.

I was working with Dan McClanahan (Dan the Boat Man) with All Captain Yacht Sales during the search and also used him for our orientation. I would highly recommend him and he is in your area as well.
 
Bob/Bradenton":33opa33y said:
So...the "Plan" after selling the big house and moving to the canal condo, and selling both boats, (all now sold) I was going to order a new C-28. (Can't go any larger due to the condo dock space). But, the "Plan" was foiled by Cutwater's decision to cancel the inboard diesel C-28's in favor of outboards.
I asked them and the local dealer about how to operate the needed AC in hot/humid mid-Gulf Florida and the answer was, "Lithium Batteries". And how do you recharge them? "Your run from place to place using your outboard motors". I want to anchor for a couple days in the same spot, not run the outboards to recharge the LI battery set.
So, searching for a late model C-28 LE.
Here's the question: I've been cautioned about pre-2017 28's since they are more likely to have the MASE generators rather than the later NextGen. And, according to the advisors, you can't get parts for the MASE gen-sets.
There are lots of 28's in the 2014-2017 range, rather cheap but low engine hours, typically under 400. But I'm done with "project" boats, therefore the original Plan for a new one.
I'd sure like some comments by owners of the older boats, especially in regard to the MASE generators. I've heard that the electronic control boards are typically a problem and you can't get them any longer.
Help Me, Help me...Thanks, Bob
Click to expand...

There are dealers with remaining C-28 2021 inventory, as far as I can tell from YachtWorld. You can still buy new...
 
wabislander":3nn2pum8 said:
I was in your same situation. When I focused on the C28 and found they were going to outboard (which also makes the C28 over the 8ft 6 beam, I was focused on getting the last of the current model. I was working with a broker on several C28's and tried to focus on only those with the NextGen. I ended up finding a 2018 from a private seller but did our orientation with the broker.

I was working with Dan McClanahan (Dan the Boat Man) with All Captain Yacht Sales during the search and also used him for our orientation. I would highly recommend him and he is in your area as well.
Click to expand...

Are you sure the new c28 is wider then 8’ 6”? If so, that will be a dealbreaker for me as well
 
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