New to boating - considering a Cutwater C26 for the Great Loop

[Winterdad]

Hello all!
Im brand new to boating and I am shopping for a boat to go on the great loop solo with my dog Winter. I am looking for a small boat that could complete the loop. I was hoping to get some expert opinions on the 2016 Cutwater C26. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

 

[scross]

Hello all!
Im brand new to boating and I am shopping for a boat to go on the great loop solo with my dog Winter. I am looking for a small boat that could complete the loop. I was hoping to get some expert opinions on the 2016 Cutwater C26. I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you!

First, I have a 2017 Cutwater 28, not the 26. I’m sure you know all the C26 specs:
Length, o.a. (molded) 25.6 ft
Length, o.a. (Inc swim & pulpit) 30.1 ft
Bridge clearance (folded mast) 9.1 ft
Beam 8.6 ft
Draft 28 inches
Fuel capacity 80 gal
Water capacity 40 gal
Holding tank capacity 30 gal
Weight (dry) 5,900 lbs
Engine VP D3-220

The cabin, head and v-berth of the C-28 and C-26 are almost identical. For us, the C-28 is a very comfortable for 2-3 week long cruises. With practice I don’t think it would be hard to operate the boat single handed if necessary.
With some adjustments the v-berth is comfortable for my 6 ft 1 in height. Getting out of the v-berth in the middle of the night has its challenges. The galley is great! We supplement the refrigerator with a portable freezer in the cockpit that gives us enough perishable food for a week or more. Propane cooktop works great! Dining table great for 2 and acceptable for 3.
Be sure you understand when you can use your A/C when underway or at rest when not connected to shore power. There are limitations.
The VP D3 220 engine used in the C26 is now an orphan. I can’t speak to parts availability. The D3 has gathered mixed reviews for reliability.
The main layout difference between the C26 and C28 is cockpit size. The C26 cockpit is much smaller than the C28.
Consider upgrading the solar from the stock 140 watts to 300-400 watts for better battery management. Also a full or 3/4 Bimini will keep you in shade during the summer. Highly recommend both dinghy and trailer as part of a package.
Good luck!

 

[Winterdad]

First, I have a 2017 Cutwater 28, not the 26. I’m sure you know all the C26 specs:
Length, o.a. (molded) 25.6 ft
Length, o.a. (Inc swim & pulpit) 30.1 ft
Bridge clearance (folded mast) 9.1 ft
Beam 8.6 ft
Draft 28 inches
Fuel capacity 80 gal
Water capacity 40 gal
Holding tank capacity 30 gal
Weight (dry) 5,900 lbs
Engine VP D3-220

The cabin, head and v-berth of the C-28 and C-26 are almost identical. For us, the C-28 is a very comfortable for 2-3 week long cruises. With practice I don’t think it would be hard to operate the boat single handed if necessary.
With some adjustments the v-berth is comfortable for my 6 ft 1 in height. Getting out of the v-berth in the middle of the night has its challenges. The galley is great! We supplement the refrigerator with a portable freezer in the cockpit that gives us enough perishable food for a week or more. Propane cooktop works great! Dining table great for 2 and acceptable for 3.
Be sure you understand when you can use your A/C when underway or at rest when not connected to shore power. There are limitations.
The VP D3 220 engine used in the C26 is now an orphan. I can’t speak to parts availability. The D3 has gathered mixed reviews for reliability.
The main layout difference between the C26 and C28 is cockpit size. The C26 cockpit is much smaller than the C28.
Consider upgrading the solar from the stock 140 watts to 300-400 watts for better battery management. Also a full or 3/4 Bimini will keep you in shade during the summer. Highly recommend both dinghy and trailer as part of a package.
Good luck!

Awesome. Yes, I will probably need to upgrade the solar and switch batteries to Lithium. Thank you so much!!

 

[scross]

Awesome. Yes, I will probably need to upgrade the solar and switch batteries to Lithium. Thank you so much!!

The lithium battery upgrade is a huge process. Not just swapping the batteries out. The entire charging system needs to be professionally analyzed and a number of components replaced. Several well known Tugnuts have reported spending $10-$14K to do the lithium conversion properly. A search on this forum will give you LOTS to read.

 

[TrevLA]

I'm very curious to keep reading comments about this exact topic. I bought the 2027 308CB....I'm trying to truly determine if this boat will handle the loop. I've done a ton or work on my previous C248 with fuel economy. GPH at trawler speed (6-9mph) seriously extends range, but the ability to take on 25-30mph in some stretches is a real advantage..with the 308, more speed, with some more fuel burn.
It's just hard to find anything on outboards doing the loop. I'm not worried about space, as I think the 308 has plenty of room, it's the outboard vs traditional inboard deisel i wonder about. Thoughts?