C28 -> C30

[Cutwater28GG]

So we are pondering the upgrade from the Cutwater 28 to a Cutwater 30. would appreciate any thoughts from people who have made this jump up in size.
do you think it was a good decision?
what do you value most about the upgrade?
what things gave you less value than you expected?
is the boat more stable?
is the forecabin bed that much better?
for those with the 435hp diesel: what is your new fast cruise speed?

 

[SJI Sailor]

We never had a C28 but did "move" our preference from C28 to C30 after a few months. The main reasons for us were the generally more spacious feeling, especially that it makes the cave/quarterberth much more useful. We are able to store things there while also having one person sleep with plenty of room. There were also many smaller aspects such as the dual chartplotter, swim step shower, etc. We are very happy we went with the larger one (I guess 2-foot-itis is always that way).

As for stability, I can't compare them, but the C30 rides beautifully for us. I would *guess* that the beam stability is similar as going from R27 IB to R29/31 IB, which are also 8.5' to 10' -- so perhaps some Ranger folks could comment on that.

As for cruise speed, I don't have my exact notes in front of me, but from memory at 80% (2800 RPM) we get 17-18 knots at 12 GPH fuel. We see around 26 knots WOT. One thing that surprised me is the extremely flat fuel consumption -- it is 1.5 NMPG at almost any speed from 10 knots to 26 knots. So unless you want to go at hull speed, you might as well go at 18 knots, conditions permitting.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

thanks SJI, do you have the 370 or the 435HP D6 in yours?

 

[SJI Sailor]

It's the 435HP. If I can get to the boat soon, I'll grab more speed data and share, too.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

the experience with fuel burn is very similar to the C28. basically 1.8NMPG once you are planing. you are best to go 18knots rather than 8 knots.

 

[sjreib]

We upgraded from our C28 Gabbiano to a C30CB Island Time last fall and are very happy with the decision. My wife was initially against it as she didn't think it would make that much of a difference, but now is very pleased. We really appreciate the improved stability, larger bed and additional seating. She was able to move out of the cave : ).
Fuel consumption is not quite as good, average 1.5 vs 1.8 gph. but not significant to us. We do have the D6 435 engine. The better toilet with fresh water flush cuts down on odors. Batteries are hidden away with lots more storage. We love the fly bridge and prefer to steer from up there when weather permits. Had a flybridge bimini installed and changed all the canvas to dark blue which looks sharp. King canvas did it for about $3700.
Speed for us is not much of an issue as it depends on water conditions and our schedule. Nice to know we can comfortably go 20 plus knots when we desire the speed.
The extra $25-30 K or the flybridge is a bargain in our estimation. Extra beam also allows longer more stable dingy.
Open house at Bellingham Yachts(Everett) this Saturday October 5th. Tell Matt, Steve sent you.

Good Luck,

Sjreib

 

[asm777]

We originally looked at the C28 and ended up in the C30CB as well given all the extra space you get with the flybridge.

Definitely not seeing the kind of performance #s others have posted.

We tend to see fuel consumption in the 20-22 gph range at 3200 RPMs cruising about 16-18 knots depending on load and conditions for our D6-435. WOT will get maybe up to 22 knots on a good day with a light load. Not sure if having an enclosure affects the numbers but I don't really recall having much better performance when we first received the boat either.

If speed is what you're looking for the C302 and C32CB models are mighty appealing... If they'd been available 4 years ago, I think we'd likely be in a C32CB right now...

 

[Cutwater28GG]

alas I can't afford a new one. otherwise that twin outboard C32 would be purchased!

sounds like these boats (as expected) are susceptible to weight aboard like the 28 effecting speed and fuel economy.

i regret not lying down properly on the C30 bed. i'm 6 foot and the angled foot box on the c28 is just too short for multiple comfortable nights sleep.
which way do you sleep on the C30? feet to the bow or head to the bow?

 

[SJI Sailor]

We sleep head to bow in C30 -- it's much wider there for shoulders, etc. Haven't tried the other way but I don't think it would work. Agree that the OB engines are appealing at times. OTOH, going faster than 20 knots (or maybe even 10 🙂 is pretty risky with logs here in the PNW.

asm777: your numbers are very low compared to our experience (with a new boat for 4 months) and make me wonder about load, prop, bottom growth, etc. FWIW, here is a photo I took at WOT and 22GPH fuel flow -- where it hit 27 knots (note that's definitely on the high end, as I had a following current of 2 knots or so IIRC): http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=70237&g2_imageViewsIndex=1

We also did a fresh water head conversion, using the toilet conversion kit. That has been excellent at reducing odors, and we don't miss the fresh water at all (although we also drink bottled water, not tank water).

 

[Cutwater28GG]

its great to see this performance from the boat with the 435. Anybody know the WOT speed with the 370?

Im looking for a used 435hp C30-S. anybody interested in selling 😀

I dont see the point of the C30CB (unless it was a great buy!)
the CB design makes the boat heavier (and more top heavy). there isnt any laying room up there with the current seat layout, and the railing holding the radar puts a continual shadow on the solar panel making it useless. the design needs some work still.
yes it would be nice to drive the boat in the sun with family but for me im not sure its worth it in its current config.

 

[sjreib]

Definitely save significant dollars buying a used C30 as I did buying a 1 year old C30CB and saving probably at least $50K. Paid $254 last year for a 2017 with dingy and outboard.
Don't know if the C30S comes with D435, thought it had a smaller D6.
There's a really nice used C30S(Fiska) for sale in Bellingham. They also have a used C30CB.
I'll just say one more time that driving from the flybridge is really nice for us and has better visibility when docking.
PS: We sleep with our heads facing the bow.

sjreib

 

[Cutwater28GG]

thanks.

there is a very good value C30 up in BC at the moment

unfortunately I dont like the beige hull color. I could be convinved to go white this time, but no beige 😀

actually ironically the 2016 CB is the best value up at bellingham yachts right now

 

[SJI Sailor]

I suspect CB is mostly a personal preference. We thought it would mostly be cold up there in the PNW, and we also preferred the lower cost, simplicity, and cleaner look for the sedan. OTOH, the visibility and extra space would be nice. So it feels like you can't go wrong either way and the difference might be just a matter of usage and personal style.

As for the D6 in the 30S, yes it definitely comes with D6-435 now. I don't recall when it changed over from the 370 (maybe 2016?). IIRC, for a while it was available standard with 370 but 435 was an upgrade option.

 

[AZtoVA]

I have my 2014 30 s for sale. 200 hours on VP D6 370. Wot 22. Cruise at 15 or 16. We love this boat. Intend to do extensive long range cruising next year so looking for bigger boat. We are on the Chesapeake. Includes dink, outboard and trailer.

 

[asm777]

asm777: your numbers are very low compared to our experience (with a new boat for 4 months) and make me wonder about load, prop, bottom growth, etc. FWIW, here is a photo I took at WOT and 22GPH fuel flow -- where it hit 27 knots (note that's definitely on the high end, as I had a following current of 2 knots or so IIRC): http://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=70237&g2_imageViewsIndex=1

Wow, 27 knots is really good! Noticed you're running at 3620 RPMs. Maybe the C30S is set up differently than the C30CB? Our WOT is at 3500 RPMs... maybe a different prop?

Was your C30S "lightly" loaded or with lots of people/gear? In addition to the additional weight of the flybridge, we normally have a RIB and motor hanging off the swimstep, an extra anchor and chain in the lazarette, 1/2-full tank of diesel (80-170 gallons = 570~1,200 lbs), and usually 2-3 divers with scuba gear and tanks (usually 2-6 tanks weighing up to 40+ lbs each)...

But definitely a factor to consider when comparing the C30S and the C30CB for performance... our numbers are also after having completed the trim tab fin modification posted about by BB Marine (viewtopic.php?f=24&t=9262&p=68085). Before that, it was a struggle getting and staying on plane when fully loaded!

 

[J&RCruising]

ASM777 you may want to get your prop "tuned". It'll run you about $350 at most marinas. We did ours and found all our numbers got better. About 2-3 Kts faster and about a 5-8% decrease in full burn at WOT. Just throwing that out there for you.

 

[SJI Sailor]

asm777, the boat was medium-lightly loaded at that time: one on board (me) and half tank of fuel on the light side, but also a RIB dinghy, full water, half full head tank, and a bunch of tools and supplies on the heavier side.

AFAIK, the C30CB and C30S are identical apart from the flybridge aspects. CB would add both some weight and I would guess wind resistance, though.

As for RPM, I know Volvo says (at the Rendezvous engine clinic) that anywhere above about 3400 or 3450 is "full RPM". So I suspect your issue may be more the weight you mentioned. As J&R said, however, and Volvo also mentioned, tuning for your situation may still help.

 

[SassyRed]

We really like the C30 CB and are glad we made the switch from the 28 (which we also liked). If you are still undecided, I suggest taking a C30 for a ride in a reasonable chop. That helped convince us

We love the CB and we are in the Northwest also. Yes, it can be a little chilly if the wind is up, but the amazing visibility makes up for this in our opinion... that and a couple of sweatshirts. Simply, we think it is fun to be up there driving. And docking/reversing is just way easier.

Our performance is similar to SJS. We see 3600 RPM or 3650 WOT, and 24+ knots to as high as 27. We are convinced the Bimini is a bit of a parachute and costs some on the speed.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

how do you guys like the bed better than the 28. Im 6' and whilst I can stretch on the 28 the foot box makes it a little cramped. was this a noticeable difference?

 

[asm777]

Wow, looks like I may want to look into tuning prop next time we haul out for bottom paint.

But, we are also running with an enclosure on the flybridge which is probably resulting in loss of speed due to wind resistance...

Everything is a trade-off and I think we're fine losing a few knots on the top end to be able to sit and operate (protected from the elements) from the flybridge year round!