Cutwater 30/32 Bow Access Concerns

[PhantomF4]

My wife and I are looking at either a Cutwater 30cb or 32cb and saw both at a recent boat show. We were very impressed with the features and finish of both. Our main concern, especially as we age is accessing the bow. We also saw a Ranger Tug 31 and that seemed a little safer with a helm door, deeper side wells and higher rails but was priced significantly higher and we like the Cutwaters much better otherwise.

The bow access concern is becoming a deal breaker for us Are our concerns overrated? Do owners feel safe and comfortable accessing the bow, even when underway?

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I would not access the bow of a Cutwater or ranger tug when underway. The command bridge is a good way to be out on deck underway, if someone wants.

As for accessing the bow when moored, it is not too difficult but you have to climb up and out of the cockpit. Or some folks put a ladder in the stateroom.

 

[Almanac]

I feel safe accessing the bow. I think the first few times it seems scarier than it is, but you quickly get used to it. As far as accessing it underway, I would only do it at an idle / no wake speed, if you choose to do so. I'm not sure of your physical capabilities, but some general thoughts:

1. Get yourself a mustang auto-inflatable life jacket and wear it
2. Keep 3 points of contact on the boat at any time. Just like a ladder.

 

[PhantomF4]

Excellent points, thanks!

 

[S. Todd]

I have found that accessing the bow on these boats at a boat show or other situation where the boat is on a trailer, or up on blocks, is more intimidating than in real life on the water. The surface below is lots more solid than water and farther away when on the trailer. When have had a R25 and now a R29. The 10 foot beam of the larger boat makes the journey to the bow feel safer, but either way the handholds are well placed so you never have to make the walk without a good grasp. No disagreement with the prior comments on this topic.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Agreed. The side access is slightly tricky but has always felt adequately safe enough when stopped (or idle forward) in otherwise calm-ish water. It is actually more difficult, I think, to come back into the cockpit than to go out.

OTOH, if concerned about this, RT 31 (and maybe others?) have a helm door.

 

[SJI Sailor]

It occurs to me: what is the reason to ask about bow access? The answer may depend on why the OP is interested.

If it is to sunbathe, etc., while underway, then I would be extremely hesitant as a matter of safety, especially above a few knots.

OTOH, for going out to deploy the anchor, then I would say it is of little concern -- except in rough water. Just a matter of the minor agility to climb up from the cockpit and hold on to the side rails.

Finally, if it is about fender deployment, it might not even be necessary. We used to go out on the bow, but now deploy and retrieve our forward fenders from the helm & nav windows. Just saying -- no need to get into the heater topic of fenders 🙂

 

[PhantomF4]

The main scenario I had in mind would be deploying or retrieving the bow lines. Not a concern now but possibly in 5-10 years as we get less nimble. We are considering the RT 31 because of the helm door and also the Jenneau 1095. Good to hear the bumpers are accessible from the windows. From all I’ve read here, the Cutwaters are still in the running for us. I was really impressed by the design and engineering once I saw one up close.

 

[SJI Sailor]

Makes sense! FWIW, what we do with fenders is this:

Forward fender hangs from overhead rail (this is on the sedan model), hanging outside the helm window. We can easily reach out the window to deploy it or pull it in. It lies on the side deck (still tied on) when underway. There is also a cleat right there, so if one preferred, I suppose it's possible to put it there instead of the overhead rail, and then untie it and retrieve through the window.

Midship fender hangs from the back of the overhead rail. The line is long enough to retrieve it by simply pulling it back into the cockpit (still tied on). Or put it on the side cleats accessible from the cockpit.

Aft fender is on a cleat in the aft corner of cockpit, same as the aft docking line.

So we can retrieve or put out all fenders from the cockpit and salon, no need to go on side deck or bow. And we don't even have to untie them.

OTOH that leaves fenders on the side deck (which we never use when underway) and hanging down into the forward part of the cockpit. Those may be in the way depending on your exact docking needs and so forth.

Works great for us, though, and feels very safe (and quick, and simple). Depending on the voyage and sea state, we have the option to untie or do other things, but it is not required.