Potential owner has questions on the C24 and C248

[JBfishon]

Long time boater (50+ years sail and power) looking to downsize from a Nordic Tug 34 based in New England. My wife and I are cruising less and fishing more. Currently looking at 2020 to 2024 used 24' Cutwater coup. I intend to continue cruising with my wife, but we probably won't be out for more than 2 weeks at a time. I look at the 24' Cutwater as a comfortable short-term cruiser and an excellent fishing platform. I've been on new Cutwaters at boat shows and I'm currently looking at used boats for sale in the area.

When cruising, we generally anchor out in protected waters, and I'd like to get forum members to comment on a couple of issues. The Cutwater has a forward reverse chine and step hull design. As a point of reference, Nordic Tugs with a semi-displacement hull and reverse chines can be extremely noisy (forward hull slap) at anchor, to the extent that many owners (myself included) have filled in the foward chines to minimize hull-slap. My question is, when anchored out, is there any significant and annoying amount of hull slap at the forward chine or at the steps. Not an issue in a flat, calm anchorage, and I would expect some slap in high winds and short chop. A light sleeper, any annoying hull slap would drive me crazy.

Haven't taken a sea trial yet, but how does the Cutwater handle in less than ideal conditions, say running at cruise speeds (30 knots?) in seas less than 4 feet? I would expect some pounding and handling issues in high, narly, or running seas. Going out in high wind and over 4 foot seas should be reconsidered. Check out this YouTube video of a Cutwater C-248 going out of Haulover Inlet at 1:06. Not an issue if going slow.

Last question, and I probably know the answer, is that Kenyon electric/alcohol stove useable when burning alcohol. Only thing I could find is a comment like... "can't even boil water". I'm anticipating dropping in a 2-burner propane cooktop.

Thanks for any info.

 

[CaptJim9544]

Hi JB, to your question. There is a very nice, well equipped 2020 Cutwater 24 C-24 Coupe currently for sale located on Lake Texoma in Denison Texas.

 

[scross]

Two comments.
Yes, the Kenyon sucks when using alcohol. I’d recommend a portable butane camp stove. Easy to use, easy to store and easy on the wallet.
Going for 2 week cruises with an 11 gallon black water tank? I see frequent pumpout stops on your trip.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I have a 2018 C242 that we purchased at the end of 2018. We have spent 6-7 nights aboard a few times mostly at marinas.
I have no other boats to compare to but I would say that it’s noisy with water slapping on the bottom. My wife sleeps fine but it wakes me up often. As for the ride we have been caught in 4 foot seas and while the boat feels safe we don’t go out if the weather is calling for anything over a foot and a half. In two foot seas I go as slow as possible but still on plane. Short distances are one thing but anything over 1/2 hour we don’t go or I turn around and go back. We are getting ready to bring the boat from Punta Gorda Florida to the Chesapeake Bay in April so this will be our longest trip. Just my opinion.
KKRCRACE.

 

[bmcminn]

I am waiting to get one of these too. I live in northwest Washington and not Florida. I watch Haulover and Boca channels a lot, but I've only had a powerboat for around 4 years.

That looks like a pretty rough day for a 24' boat, less than $200000, and a single 250. This skipper did pretty good, IMHO. Not sure what they're going to do next, because it just looks chunky as hell out there. I'm seeing some barfing in their future.

I would love to hear what other Florida boaters think about the video though, and acceptable choices for rougher days going through the inlet.

Fortunately I don't think I'm going to have to get into that type of water out here often unless I'm looking for it.

Maybe the OP should consider something with multiple outboards and closer to 28'? Also, I think the C248 would be a delight on the ICW.