Feedback on C24 diesel (similar to R23) to purchase

[MattE71]

I recently posted this on the Cutwater board but it looks as though this gets more traffic. Seeing as the C24 is quite similar to the R23 I thought id give this a try. I'm a potential C24 Coupe and have zeroed in on one. It would be for the GF and I cruising the Gulf Island and the San Juan's. I noticed most of the C24's and the R23's seem to be mostly outboards. I like the idea of this 220HP Volvo diesel for the fuel economy and the fact that I can mount a small rigid hull on the back and have it ready to use.

Does anyone have anything to say positive or negative about the D3 diesel version? Any likes or dislikes about the boat in General. We would like to mount some bikes on the roof if possible. Is the front bed adequate for sleeping? I'm 6' 175 lbs and the better half is 5'7" 120 lbs. Is there an okay amount of room with the doghouse and seat combo?

Any opinions or stuff to look out for would be appreciated!
Cheers!

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i dont know how many people have actually bought the diesel version. lots of folks seem to be choosing the outboard version - hence why not many replies.

I also therefore wonder about the second hand market. will more people prefer the outboard boat or cherish that someone selected the diesel option.

 

[MattE71]

Thanks for the reply! In my mind I thought a 24ft cruiser like this with a diesel would be ideal. Am I mistaken?

 

[scross]

Based on your stated mission of multi-day cruises and the need for a RIB dinghy my bias is towards the inboard diesel as well.
If the same at the C24 O/B then the 30 gallons of fresh water is adequate for several nights away from the marinas. The 11 gallon black water tank is a bit marginal - good for 2-3 days between pump outs for a party of two. Can’t speak to the v-berth room for the C24 specifically but in general FM boats have pretty roomy v-berths. If the one your looking at has the combo electric/alcohol cooktop be aware that the alcohol cooking performance is sub-par at best.
The fact that the C24 diesel is a rare bird shouldn’t deter you in my opinion. Get the boat that matches what you want to do with it!

 

[scross]

Copied feedback from Solaris about a C24 in 2016:
“I love it. I have had a number of boats before - from an older Sea Ray SRV255 CB TANK, to a Donzi 16 Classic. I was planning to buy a less than 10 year old 28-30' cruising boat. However, I went to the Seattle Boats Afloat show last September and saw the 24CW. What attracted me was the sheer innovation, and the fact that I could have an ocean cruiser and a trailerable boat with decent accommodations in one package.

I took delivery in June this year and have put about 37 hours on it, mostly Cruising from Vancouver up to Egmont and inbetween. (Google it - fantastic cruising) In the past I have trailered to the Columbia River Gorge area, lake Chelan, and other NW lakes, so having a trailerable option was desirable. I keep it at a dry storage marina, where you can launch it yourself or have the staff launch it for you.

Pluses :
- Unbelievable fuel economy. Cruise 20-22Kn burning 8-9 GPH with latest generation Volvo V6, 240HP
- I seriously questioned the guys showing the boat about a V6 instead of a V8, but it is amazing performance
- Top speed 32-34 kn, depending on currents and wind etc. so up to about 40MPH
- Incredible optimization of space for its size
- Huge fridge - bigger than 32 ft boats!
- Trailerable
- Very well-equipped
- Port side bulkhead window opens to enable the rear dinette seat to become and outside seat
- I like the reversible stern seat
- Very easy to handle
- Capable and safe in rough water, but have to go about 8 - 10 kn
- Pops up on plane with relatively minimal bow rise

Minuses :
- Because of the twin-stepped hull, you trade off rough water handling for increased efficiency, so in a chop you have to slow down, although the bow flare does a great job of keeping the spray away
- I had a number of minor deficiencies at delivery, however everything addressed by dealer
- The anchor that comes with it is a small claw type and has unsatisfactory holding power, and I replaced it with a slightly bigger Delta, which works better here
- the anchor chafes on the bow deck and had a block installed to protect the deck which resolved it

Overall comments :
- It is not a big boat, however it is so innovative in the use of space, that is feels like a 28
- The V-Berth is very comfortable - I am 5'10" and with another person it is just big enough, taller folks will find it short
- I took the pads out of the quarter berth as it makes a far better storage area
- Otherwise, I love this boat so far
- I have done at most 4 nights on board, at full service marinas
- I would say it punches above its weight
- I created a Youtube "Solaris Solara" and uploaded some video - I will upload more
- I will say that this boat gets attention wherever I go. Similar to the attention my little Donzi would get. I believe Cutwater has a "winner " here, and if you maintain it well, it is truly a "boat of the future "
- I cannot get over the fuel efficiency

Hope this is helpful.”
Mike

 

[MattE71]

Thanks very much Scross for taking the time to forward that info!

I wonder if there was performance issues with the diesel in this boat? I see the D3 in the C24 is no longer an option. Hmm....

It would be interesting to know how the R23 performs?!