Hello everyone I’m new to the site , I just ordered a new Cutwater coupe C288 and I’m curious if anyone can tell me how it handles the rough ocean? I know it’s a new model but I’m assuming the 28s or 30s are similar in style and may have similar performance in rough water. My offer on the boat is contingent upon a sea trial of a 28 or 30 which may happen within a few weeks. However I was hoping someone could let me know what the ride I’d like? I’m coming from a 275 Grady freedom with twin Yamaha 200s. I appreciate any insight and thoughts. Thanks
Cut water coupe C288
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Bruce Moore
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I am sure it's all about what you are used to. We just returned from 16 days in the San Juan Islands (from Gig Harbor). Going up across the Straits from Port Townsend in mid-August, we followed an all night small craft advisory warning. They water was chopped up in 40 different directions with a 3-4 ocean swell off the port quarter the entire way across. Having just transitioned last spring from a 34' sailboat to a C-28 (2019), I was used to heavy water and would not hesitate to tackle such conditions. The C-28 is much more tender than the fully displacement sailboat we sailed for 16 years. The unpredictable chop required constant attention and when you tried to steer out of a large choppy wave, you would tend to put the ocean swell off the beam, creating uncomfortable roll. All in all, the Admiral was not very happy for much of it. It was a rough 2 hour ride. I kept seeking the sweet spot in relation to angle and speed, trying from 4 kt up to 13 kt or so. Nothing worked for long and it was constant steering due to the varied wave angles.
The rest of the trip was pretty calm, with only mild chop from time to time. The C28 handles mild chop very well. Coming back down the Straits were clear until we hit the tide rip outside of Admiralty Inlet / Port Townsend. It was again a multiple direction chop but w/o the ocean swell. We did well, keeping at 10 kt or so until we hit a larger than normal wave and as we hit the bottom, my helm side windshield wiper bounced off the window, became dislodged from the wiper arm and took one bounce off the deck before going into the water. At that time we were taking a lot of spray and of course w/o a wiper I could not see very clearly - the Admiral stepped in and help us get out of the chop into Port Townsend. Not sure if it was not properly installed or defective, but since I'd just installed the wiper blades before we left, I'll vote for defective rather than not properly installed. The one that failed was a Rain-X product (I followed some of the recommendations off this site) and I installed (from Port Townsend West Marine) a Marinco which based on observation and short term use, looks like a better product. The 24" blade fits fine and covers more ground than the 22" Rain-X.
The bottom line: we are not ready to start using the back door to the San Juans (up the east side of Whidbey Island and either Deception Pass or the Swinomish Slough (La Conner) and will continue to take the fast route via Juan De Fuca, but will probably take extra time, as necessary, to avoid heavier chop conditions such as we encountered. I do think the new C-288 with the ten foot beam will handle rough water better than the 8.5 foot beam C-28. I also won't forget that the worst thing you can have on your boat is a schedule...
The rest of the trip was pretty calm, with only mild chop from time to time. The C28 handles mild chop very well. Coming back down the Straits were clear until we hit the tide rip outside of Admiralty Inlet / Port Townsend. It was again a multiple direction chop but w/o the ocean swell. We did well, keeping at 10 kt or so until we hit a larger than normal wave and as we hit the bottom, my helm side windshield wiper bounced off the window, became dislodged from the wiper arm and took one bounce off the deck before going into the water. At that time we were taking a lot of spray and of course w/o a wiper I could not see very clearly - the Admiral stepped in and help us get out of the chop into Port Townsend. Not sure if it was not properly installed or defective, but since I'd just installed the wiper blades before we left, I'll vote for defective rather than not properly installed. The one that failed was a Rain-X product (I followed some of the recommendations off this site) and I installed (from Port Townsend West Marine) a Marinco which based on observation and short term use, looks like a better product. The 24" blade fits fine and covers more ground than the 22" Rain-X.
The bottom line: we are not ready to start using the back door to the San Juans (up the east side of Whidbey Island and either Deception Pass or the Swinomish Slough (La Conner) and will continue to take the fast route via Juan De Fuca, but will probably take extra time, as necessary, to avoid heavier chop conditions such as we encountered. I do think the new C-288 with the ten foot beam will handle rough water better than the 8.5 foot beam C-28. I also won't forget that the worst thing you can have on your boat is a schedule...
Rocky Lou
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I'm a former GW owner as well and there are a number of differences, notably in water handling and construction. The dead rise on my C302 is a flat 11 degrees vs. Grady White's 330 express at 19 degrees, hence, judicious speeds are required once you get into more than 3-4 ft. seas. Cutwaters are stern heavy with outboards, gas tanks, refrigerators and most heavily parts located aft. Even with modified trim tabs that include drop fins, it's hard to keep the bow down. The other factor is construction and drainage...again nothing like GW large scuppers and excellent drainage. I could take green (or blue) water over the length of the boat on my GW without too much worry...don't try that on a Cutwater. I remember asking about the drainage inside the Pilothouse and got a reply of 'why would you need that'? I ended up setting up my own drain in the lazarette the Pilothouse since I've been in water where that was needed. Also, I took the lights out of the chandelier in the galley since the bulbs pop out every time you land on a wave. All that is not a big problem for me since I try to avoid rough seas these days and mainly fish on the good days...'too old for that s***'. That said, if the tuna are running, I'm going 50 miles offshore and who knows what the weather can do, all part of the game.
SJI Sailor
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There is a previous thread with more observations: http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16378&p=107189#p107098.
markzorad
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Well I can say that as new owners of a 2021 C30S that these boats ride very nice in rough water.
Been boating offshore for close to 40 years.
We took our boat through the straights on gale warnings (3 days in a row) and fell to small craft 25knts.
Add a minus 2 tide in the mix.
The boat is definitely a wet ride but it doesn't matter when you are inside.
Then we ran down the coast but water was fairly nice.
Got caught in a SE 25knt 6' chop 35 miles off coast.
Took a couple hours of man
Been boating offshore for close to 40 years.
We took our boat through the straights on gale warnings (3 days in a row) and fell to small craft 25knts.
Add a minus 2 tide in the mix.
The boat is definitely a wet ride but it doesn't matter when you are inside.
Then we ran down the coast but water was fairly nice.
Got caught in a SE 25knt 6' chop 35 miles off coast.
Took a couple hours of man
markzorad
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Got cut off...
A couple hours of slow steady seamanship but boat handled it well.
For the 2 months and 135 hours we have owned Greyhawk I am impressed and love the boat.
My 2 cents...
Good luck with your purchase.
A couple hours of slow steady seamanship but boat handled it well.
For the 2 months and 135 hours we have owned Greyhawk I am impressed and love the boat.
My 2 cents...
Good luck with your purchase.
Remedy2
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condond":1f65plly said:
Curious about this comment. We've gone both ways many, many times in our C24 and I go back and forth through the "inside" every-time now. The time savings potentially gained by going on the West side of Whidbey and through the Strait is often negated by having to slow through the chop (and worse- lol I've been in those 3-5 footers in the Strait!). I used to time the passage through Deception with Slack but I'm comfortable now anytime as our boats have plenty of power to get through in most tidal conditions. We often overnight in La Conner too- what a great town- great restaurants and bars.
I note the comment from Remedy 2 on my post. We have been through both Deception Pass and La Conner (in prior 34' sailboat w/ maximum 6 kt speed under power). With the sailboat, we'd have to time the Pass just right and I usually figured the Swinomish Slough was just long slog (I agree La Conner is a nice stop) in the wrong direction.
Once in the Slough (our last trip through) we encountered a tug and log boom tow going the other way (at the South end of the Slough). After connecting with the tug captain, we were told that we 'might' have a 20 foot opening to our port side of the boom to pass safely by. He was correct that we'd have an opening, but our 11.5' beam just squeezed through. That frankly soured me on the Swinomish Slough and we've not gone that way again.
All that said, I love Port Townsend and we almost always plan a night or two there during our passages north and/or south. It's also a great place to wait to let a storm blow through the Straits. If we are going to Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor (our normal route north, usually on the way the Gulf Islands, when open) that just seems way shorter than the "back door." (I know those differences are a lot less given the available speeds of the C24 or C28.) We've seen whales (big ones and Orca) in the middle of the straits, along the W side of San Juan Island, etc., that we would not likely see going the back door. (I won't get into the time the WA Fish and Wildlife cops tried to cite me for being too close to the Orca, that's a whole different story.)
We may still avoid long forecasted bad weather patterns by using the better protected "back door" and frankly I'm glad we have an alternative, but for now we'll stick to the Straits.
Once in the Slough (our last trip through) we encountered a tug and log boom tow going the other way (at the South end of the Slough). After connecting with the tug captain, we were told that we 'might' have a 20 foot opening to our port side of the boom to pass safely by. He was correct that we'd have an opening, but our 11.5' beam just squeezed through. That frankly soured me on the Swinomish Slough and we've not gone that way again.
All that said, I love Port Townsend and we almost always plan a night or two there during our passages north and/or south. It's also a great place to wait to let a storm blow through the Straits. If we are going to Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor (our normal route north, usually on the way the Gulf Islands, when open) that just seems way shorter than the "back door." (I know those differences are a lot less given the available speeds of the C24 or C28.) We've seen whales (big ones and Orca) in the middle of the straits, along the W side of San Juan Island, etc., that we would not likely see going the back door. (I won't get into the time the WA Fish and Wildlife cops tried to cite me for being too close to the Orca, that's a whole different story.)
We may still avoid long forecasted bad weather patterns by using the better protected "back door" and frankly I'm glad we have an alternative, but for now we'll stick to the Straits.
The benefit of cruising up to the San Juans from the Seattle area marinas is that there are choices.
1) Go north up Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey), then onto the islands. If weather turns nasty you can always head into Barrows Bay for cover and stay overnight in the Skyline Marina.
2) Go north through the Saratoga Passage -> Skagit Bay, and then through Deception pass and onto the islands.
3) Go north through the Saratoga Passage -> Skagit Bay, and then through the LaConner slough -> Anacortes -> then to the islands
I've cruise all three routes and my favorite is the Deception Pass route. You get the cover of going north in a somewhat protected weather and sea and wind, then pop through Deception Pass and make a quick run over to the islands.
If I have time on my hands, I use route #3, stay overnight at LaConner and even overnight at Cap Sante, and then pick a good window to go on up to the islands.
If as one poster mentioned you encounter an oncoming tug+ big log boom, just turn around and let the tug exit the slough at Goat Island and then turn around and have a safe journey through past LaConner.
1) Go north up Admiralty Inlet (west side of Whidbey), then onto the islands. If weather turns nasty you can always head into Barrows Bay for cover and stay overnight in the Skyline Marina.
2) Go north through the Saratoga Passage -> Skagit Bay, and then through Deception pass and onto the islands.
3) Go north through the Saratoga Passage -> Skagit Bay, and then through the LaConner slough -> Anacortes -> then to the islands
I've cruise all three routes and my favorite is the Deception Pass route. You get the cover of going north in a somewhat protected weather and sea and wind, then pop through Deception Pass and make a quick run over to the islands.
If I have time on my hands, I use route #3, stay overnight at LaConner and even overnight at Cap Sante, and then pick a good window to go on up to the islands.
If as one poster mentioned you encounter an oncoming tug+ big log boom, just turn around and let the tug exit the slough at Goat Island and then turn around and have a safe journey through past LaConner.
Remedy2
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Interesting thread Condond and Baz.
I totally agree with Condond on the visuals on PT-->>Strait route. I've seen Orcas three times in my four years here and it was always in that passage. And PT is a GREAT town. @Baz- your route is my favorite route.
One thing you guys (appear) to have that I do not is time. My wife works a job that requires her to be on-prem so we do a lot of weekend trips that leave Edmonds late Friday and head north. So I can rarely afford a weather delay that I didn't plan for (yes, I"m laughing too). We burn a lot of fuel, but we get there fast!
FYI if you've never done it- stop a night in Penn Cove and eat/drink at Captain Whidbey Inn...one of our favorite places that doesn't get a lot of traffic. They have limited (non-powered) in-season and I think they can accomodate up to 40'.
I totally agree with Condond on the visuals on PT-->>Strait route. I've seen Orcas three times in my four years here and it was always in that passage. And PT is a GREAT town. @Baz- your route is my favorite route.
One thing you guys (appear) to have that I do not is time. My wife works a job that requires her to be on-prem so we do a lot of weekend trips that leave Edmonds late Friday and head north. So I can rarely afford a weather delay that I didn't plan for (yes, I"m laughing too). We burn a lot of fuel, but we get there fast!
FYI if you've never done it- stop a night in Penn Cove and eat/drink at Captain Whidbey Inn...one of our favorite places that doesn't get a lot of traffic. They have limited (non-powered) in-season and I think they can accomodate up to 40'.
Yes, it has been an enjoyable discussion. Time is a big factor in many decisions. I am tracking towards retirement (my professional practice is currently being listed for sale). While I've been lucky enough to be able to take 2-3 weeks off each summer to cruise, until we switched from sail to CW-28 a few months ago, that was never enough time to get to Desolation Sound the way we like to cruise. That is a day of cruising followed by a couple of days on the hook or at the marina. We've enjoyed the Gulf Islands many times; our CanPass and Nexus status were a big help in getting into and out of Canada w/o hassle. Although we can now get from Gig Harbor to Roche Harbor for a late lunch (if we wanted/needed to), we still prefer to take it a little slower. After cruising at 6 kt for many years, 16-18 seems pretty fast. I fully understand when time is at a minimum, you need to get there quickly. The CW-24 is the perfect boat to do that.
It's been 15 years since we stopped in Penn Cove and I'll put that on my list for hopefully next summer when, as a retired person, I can take off for a month or so, turning to port when I feel like turning to port and visa versa.
We are headed into our first fall with the CW-28 and I'm wondering how much we'll use the boat in the shoulder season. We have the Webasco and should be able to enjoy peaceful nights on the hook that would have been uncomfortable and cold in the sailboat. Any suggestions for shoulder season overnight cruising in the S Sound?
It's been 15 years since we stopped in Penn Cove and I'll put that on my list for hopefully next summer when, as a retired person, I can take off for a month or so, turning to port when I feel like turning to port and visa versa.
We are headed into our first fall with the CW-28 and I'm wondering how much we'll use the boat in the shoulder season. We have the Webasco and should be able to enjoy peaceful nights on the hook that would have been uncomfortable and cold in the sailboat. Any suggestions for shoulder season overnight cruising in the S Sound?
Remedy2
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condond":3mjddcvx said:
I'm entering my third season on the Sound and both me and my wife almost prefer Fall and Winter. Most of my experience has been mid Sound and point North. Gig Harbor is probably the crown jewel down there and always a favorite spot. Last year we also did a weekend in Tacoma. Cruised down and stayed at The McMinnimans Hotel there and had a great weekend.
It's not South but if you ever get the chance I HIGHLY recommend a trip down the Hood Canal- especially in the Fall/Winter. It's a little more protected and tends to be a smoother ride and you're on top of the Olympics. Alderbrook Resort is at "the Great Bend" and offers overnight moorage as if you're a guest at the resort- that includes pool and spa access and, in Season, room service to your boat!
Thanks for the recommendations. We did Hood Canal in the sailboat. With a 58' + antenna mast we actually had to get them to open the bridge for us to pass through. That was a trip. Call on the mobile 1/2 hour out and then hail on the VHF 15 minutes out. You are directed to proceed at cruising speed towards the bridge and it begins to open about 20-30 seconds before you ram it. You aren't ten feet through it and you can hear the mechanism start to reverse to close the bridge. Even then, you look back and 200 cars were stopped. The Admiral had some extra palpitations as we wondered if the bridge would actually open in time, but it worked out. We have enjoyed Pleasant Harbor and Alderbrook and Hood Canal sounds like a great destination for fall/winter in the C-28; thanks for reminding me.
We have anchored in Gig Harbor a few times. I guess it's nice that I can take the SUP in if we forgot something, but it's also nice to actually be far enough away that you can't see home and can't log onto the home wi-fi. It is a great place to live. This thread has gotten a little off track, but it's been a fun discussion.
Happy cruising.
We have anchored in Gig Harbor a few times. I guess it's nice that I can take the SUP in if we forgot something, but it's also nice to actually be far enough away that you can't see home and can't log onto the home wi-fi. It is a great place to live. This thread has gotten a little off track, but it's been a fun discussion.
Happy cruising.
I have the C288 and spent 6 weeks with the boat in the San Juans and Canada. Did a couple strait crossings back and forth to Canada. The boat handled very well - plenty of power and at times it was better to just get it up on top of the waves for a smoother ride. My only gripe in some of those wet conditions - lack of a center windshield wiper. However - does not limit visibility.