Cutwater 28 owners

[WillandLaurie]

After several months of going back and forth between the Ranger Tug R 27 and the Cutwater 28 , we decided on a leftover CW 28. The decision was made based on the cost savings between the 2. So my question is, have i made the right decision? If anyone has a CW 28 i would appreciate some feedback. Do you like it. Are you glad you bought it? Would you buy it again? Was the quality good from the start or did you have to get a bunch of things fixed under warranty? Any info would be extremely helpful......Thanks

 

[BaylorU]

You done great!!! 🙂
They’re both great boats, and both have their pluses and minuses. Just the same, both will have their own issues from time to time.
I think it will be impossible for anyone to tell you if you made the right choice (and anyway, do you REALLY want to know???). It is 100% dependent on how you want to use the boat.
Every single boat out there, from a basic rowboat all the way up to a super yacht, has things it’s really good for and things it’s not suited for or isn’t as good at doing. That’s just boats.
Welcome to the group! 🙂

 

[BB marine]

To start with I own a 2016 C26 ( Last year built) Same boat pilot house bulkhead forward. The cabin area is identical. Bow and transom Identical. Cockpit larger (C28) very nice, power plant larger and area around power plant has more room making accessibility to working on the engine better. All features that are more desirable. Construction, quality, hull design are the same.

Did you make the right decision? If you are purchasing the boat from a reputable dealer that has a well established service department. A dealer that is open to provided an extensive delivery and provides a Volvo pre-delivery inspection (PDI) sheet filled out checked and signed, along with an experienced technician that goes through all of the systems installed in the boat. Demonstrates all systems have been checked and are working properly. This should be done with a Pre-delivery check sheet provided by Fluid Motion. After this process as taken place a list of all issues if any are repaired and demonstrated working before taking procession. You made the right decision.

If you have sea trialed the boat before purchasing to see the difference in handling characteristics of a more traditional 28' cruising boat. Be aware the Cutwater C26 and C28 are very good riding boats in rough water 2' to 3' waves but are extremely wet running boats. You stay bone dry in the pilot house just keep a spare set of wiper blades on hand. After you sea trial if you like the handling characteristics you made the right decision.

If you are purchasing the boat to cruise in different parts of the country and plan on trailering a boat that has great live aboard amenities you made the right decision.

Do I like the boat? Yes!


Are there things I don't like about the boat ? Yes
1) a single 30 amp service for all 120V . It really should have 2 but you learn to conserve amperage draw and it becomes less of an issue.
2) Poor engine compartment ventilation especially if a Generator is being used. C28 is better then the C26 because of compartment design and D4 Volvo. I installed additional ventilation to help with compartment temperatures .
3) Old school building techniques- There is a lot of wood used below the water line, transom, engine bed, decks in storage lockers, swim platform, bow pulpit, support bulkheads, all cleats and grab rails anything that is mounted is backed up with wood. I have already seen evidence of water saturation in the wood backing in the swim platform and bow pulpit.
4) C 26 and C28 have small trim tabs installed. The boat design is stern weight sensitive. This can be corrected by adding drop fins or larger tabs 18" x12" planes. Many don't change this but if you do you will realize a significant change.
5) Fresh water capacity advertised 40 gallon capacity. Very deceiving 30 gallon holding tank 6 gallon hot water tank = 40 gallons? Actual capacity of usable fresh water 29 Gallons. That is a marginal capacity for the style boat.
6) Self bailing cockpit design has issues.
7) Galvanic isolator is not standard equipment. This may not be an issue for your use but I highly advise installing one if you plan on keeping the boat in the water and using the 120 v accessories.
8) Swim platform design, drags in the water at 8 to 10 kts


Are there things I like?
1) No matter where you go boaters will compliment your boat!
2) livability and comfort in a small cruising boat
3) Trailering ability
4) Sea handling ability
5) Very easy to single handle while docking
6) Very good fuel economy at hull speed because of hull design. LWL is 28' on C28 and 26' on C26, this is normally not the
case. The Cutwater has an unique hull design.

Am I glad I purchased the boat? I ask myself this many times and after I weigh out all my differences I say yes !


Would I buy my boat again? Knowing what I know now. Yes, but with different expectations. I would have done a factory tour to know the boat better. I would not have taken for granted the quality. The over all quality of the Cutwater is above average to most manufactures products but by no means excellent. I believe quality control is a work in progress at Fluid Motion and with the strong Marine industry market and demand it is hard to maintain.

Would I purchase another fluid Motion Product? No, not because of my disappointment with Fluid Motion but because the Cutwater or Ranger larger models I'm not impressed with. I may go smaller next time with a open boat Grady White or Boston Whaler or if I go larger toss up between Back Cove ( faster) or Nordic Tug ( slower) I have owned both Grady's and Whalers in the past and shopped Back Coves and Nordics and find quality in all.

Warranty!
I had a number of warranty issues, Leaks, electrical, flooring, electronics, workmanship in factory installations, absolutely no PDI's done by the dealer, Volvo PDI or Fluid Motion PDI. ( reason why I stress the importance of this) The Dealer I purchased from was honest and great to work with but didn't have a service department so I did all the warranty work myself. ( reason I mentioned this.) Make sure the dealer will stand behind warranty work. The Customer service at Fluid motion was always available to answer questions but never assisted in getting any work or repairs completed. I'm still waited for final approval of a repair done to a hull to deck ( factory defect) leak in the bow, issue I have had for 2 years and found the culprit last July. Fluid Motion is aware of the issue, since July, the repair needed, acknowledged the defect, but never followed through. A 9 month process to repair a leak and still going on. This is the importance of a Full service dealership. This is not to single Fluid Motion out as having poor customer service because they don't. Over all if you read post on TugNuts there are more positives then negatives. Do your homework up front and you will have far less negatives with your new purchase.

Congratulations on your Purchase of your C28 they are one of a kind awesome boats.

 

[Rednuke1]

We are the very happy owners of a 2015 Cutwater 28. As others have mentioned, the Ranger line and the Cutwater line are both great boats and designs, each having it's distinct advantages. For us, the Cutwater 28 fit the bill to a tee. It is very economical to run at hull speed, and at cruising speed as well. We have had the boat in some very tall, very rough water, (I'll post a couple of videos if someone can enlighten me on how to do that), and I can't speak highly enough about this boat's abilities. Like any boat, it has it's limits, and it's of course important to know what they are. As has been said many times, the boat will go through more weather than you will ever be comfortable with. We are also very happy with the build quality, fit and finish, and the way they are equipped. Some folks "here-abouts" complain or have issues with a few things that I think borderline on the petty, but hey, this is America and they are fully entitled to their opinion and definitely to disagree with me! 😉 If you look at this boats price-point, and compare it to say a Tiara or other boats in it's class, I think you'll agree that the Cutwater, (or Ranger), are fantastic boats for the money. An extra $100,000 might get you a little better fit and finish, (MAYBE), but to me, I'd rather spend that extra $100K traveling with my Cutwater. 😀 We have trailered the boat extensively already, and have had it in all kinds of water bodies. It's a very comfortable boat for two to live on for extended periods. I think it's important to remember what these boats were designed for, and that's adventure. That's what we're doing with ours, and are enjoying every minute of it. We are using it pretty much as factory equipped. We did add the NexGen generator and the AC, and had both professionally installed in the same locations and using all of the same components as the factory installs, by techs that were former Cutwater factory/dealer employees. We downsized from a very nice, very roomy 44' boat, and never looked back. Hope you enjoy your new Cutwater 28 as much as we have ours!

 

[WillandLaurie]

Thank you everyone for taking the time and giving me your perspectives. I am buying the boat as a left over from a dealer who no longer will be selling Cutwater boats. They'll continue to sell Ranger Tugs though. At least if i don't care for the ride i'll be able to jump on a RT 27.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I’ve been pleased with mine. In terms of quality there is no delta between the brands. Same company, factories and building techniques.

The 28 has been in production for a long time now and is a continual favorite due to design and inboard engine option. Good resell.

 

[Sine Wave]

Cutwater 26 We are Great Loopers finishing the loop in 2021, in our Ranger 27. Our travels were essentially trouble free in the Ranger and I would highly recommend one for doing the Loop. We bought our 2015 Cutwater C-26 with the thought of doing more cruising of the Caribbean and chose the C-26 for its better handling in rough waters. The inside living area is identical with the
C-28 and we don't miss the extra 2 foot of cockpit. The living area compares well with our Ranger 27 Tugs.

Due to age concerns I am thinking of downsizing. If the is anyone out there that is looking for a clean Cutwater equipped with all the available options our boat might be the one for you. I have made a descriptive brochure that I would be happy to send to you if you would call me at 716-308-5970 or email me at wcameron8@aol.com The boat has an optional Trailer so it can be delivered to you wherever you are in North America.

 

[Martin610]

I've had mine for close to eight years now. Very happy with the boat. Very nice cruising boat with a lot of amenities for the size. It's versatile too, works very well for coastal fishing, day trips, cruising with up to say six friends. As mentioned it's very easy to single hand, which I do frequently.

Would definitely buy it again.

-martin610

 

[John J Cantwell]

I've had mine for close to eight years now. Very happy with the boat. Very nice cruising boat with a lot of amenities for the size. It's versatile too, works very well for coastal fishing, day trips, cruising with up to say six friends. As mentioned it's very easy to single hand, which I do frequently.

Would definitely buy it again.

-martin610

I purchased a 2019 CW28 last March. Brought it up from the lower Pamlico Sound to the upper Chesapeake and spent last season boating on the local waters. Great for taking the grandkids out for a swim since you can get into shallow waters. Great boat for the ICW and looking for some longer trips this year. If you purchase a cutwater, I hope you enjoy it as much as the "Admiral" and I have.

So far no major issues, but I am still learning the ropes. Not particularly mechanically inclined since spent most of my previous boating sailing. Manage to winterize it myself in December (except maybe the air conditioning) and am getting ready to change the oil, filters, etc. for the season. The Tugnuts videos were very helpful.
Two questions I have for anyone who knows:
1. The reverse gear contraption connected to the Volvo Penta engine had an oil filter in it stamped #3312301037; however, suppliers indicated #3582069 is correct. Are these compatible? Also, since reverse gear is primarily used just to get in or out of a slip how often does it need replacing (especially since it costs $70)?
2. The upper clips that hold the engine air filter on were difficult to get off and first I managed to mangle them and then dropped part of one under the engine block while trying to unmangle it. Could not retrieve it even with a magnet on an extender. Any suggestions where I can purchase new clips?

Other than the above I think things will go smoothly and I will be ready to cruise by April 2.

 

[Gypsy]

You bought a leftover C28. What year is the boat, and what condition is it in? I have a 2019 C28 that is perfect for my needs. It is a great boat for doing the Great Loop. I have trailered mine up and down the East Coast from Lake Ontario to Florida with no issues. Without knowing your lifestyle it is hard to say weather or not you made the right decision. Hopefully you did.

 

[GunkHoling]

I bought a 2019 C28 last year, we use it several times a month year round for island hoping as well as the regular short overnight or brief cruise through the San Juans or to Victoria BC and other destinations in Canada. I've got no real regrets.

For me, the Cutwater pros were: engine produced cabin heat and hot water, easier dinghy stowage, and styling. I find the cutwaters to be generally brighter inside for our cloudy winter days, and I still find the idea of a tug style boat with an outboard a little silly.

I've co-owned a Grandbanks 36 and Nordic Tug 32 with family in the past. The C28 already feels shockingly fast. Given we live and keep the boat in the islands I don't feel like I need the extra speed of the outboards, plus thats awfully fast to hit drift wood or a crab pot.

Perhaps my only regret is not being able to go to the C30. The C28 is great for our family of three, but crowded when bringing 3 families of adults and kids between islands.