Cutwater 28 vs. Ranger 27

[Hornblower]

I am new to this forum and am looking for opinions on a Cutwater 28 vs a Ranger 27. I have owned 2 Ranger 25's and was talked into "trading up" for a Nordic 32. The Nordic was a lovely boat........but simply more boat than I wanted. I missed the ease of use and simplicity of the Ranger! The Nordic has been sold and it's time to back back to a Ranger or the Cutwater. I live and cruise in the Great Lakes and impressed by the new Cutwaters. I am concerned, however, that the Cutwater not handle the rougher seas in Lake Michigan than the Ranger.

So, and satisfied Cutwater owners out there that have had much experience in rough weather?

Thanks!

Hornblower.

 

[Old Salt]

Hornblower,
Have you come to any conclusions and have you made a decision?
I'm researching the same issue. Have you found any helpful information? I grew up with NS built ("wooden boats and iron men") lobster boats (similar to Cutwater design) and they are very seaworthy as long as the sea is respected.
Old Salt

 

[pleeson]

Like the Ranger, I can say that the Cutwater handles big seas better than the occupants. Common sense dictates that perhaps some headings are not wise given a particular sea state but most of us are interested in avoiding arguing with the weather. I can only say that the couple of times I thought it was important to reach an objective despite the weather, the boat was unstoppable - even with heavy spray drenching the entire boat every time we broke through the next wave. I did not try higher cruise speeds but at trawler speed no issues! Buy the design/layout that speaks best to you.

 

[knotflying]

I think the choice comes down to style and a bit more room in the 28 v 27. The one nice feature of the 28 is that the head does not obstruct vision on the 28 as it does on the 27.

 

[S@LTD]

We have chartered both the CW 28 and the Ranger 27. As said in this forum they will take more than you probably want to handle and we have felt very safe on both. We have found the CW to ride a little higher by its design and has a little more freeboard if you put them side by side. Candidly the bit of a dryer ride is probably more of the sensation of the helm and windshield being a little further back relative to the Tug. The CW 28 is solid and IMHO the higher ride, 360 degree view are advantages in rough water. Also, the added speed should not be discounted. It allows you to get up on top in situations with confused seas and a short fetch when others are getting rocked. We love both boats and are leaning towards the CW 28. Yes we are both still working so faster speed and trailerability are key factors us.

Capt Scott and lil TD
Dynamic Duo
Cobalt 293
Fluid Motion admirers