Storage on the 28!

[Pitstop]

Is there any storage under the v berth seats on the 28 ? Coming from a 44 foot boat with a 15 foot beam it looks like storage space is very limited . Any hints where boaters keep there stuff on these boats . Like life jackets ? And how many passengers can you have on board with comfort .not sleeping over .

 

[pleeson]

We eliminated the wine cooler on our build and had them make another shelved cupboard with identical louvred door in this space. Lot's of storage for two adults from a camping background and we definitely live and cook aboard when we are on the water. Of course, we did not add a generator or air conditioning so good availability of space I the cockpit storage areas for boat related items, leaving the interior free for personal and housekeeping necessities. You have to be organized and eliminate trinkets and evening dress wear but it all seems to go away out of sight. We make lot's of use of Tupperware style rectangular storage bins in the kitchen, putting cruise sized packages of condiments in one, baking goods in another, canned goods in a third, etc. you just pull out the,labelled container you need, retrieve what you are looking for, and slide it back in the cupboard. Bottom line - if you are organized (like my wife), there is enough space. The only thing we need to store in the aft bedroom is our cockpit bimini sides and table, but those can come out at night if I am travelling with a buddy and need separate sleeping accommodations. My only issue has been the overwhelming majority of the storage is on the port side, so we needed to move two of the four (solar power) batteries to the starboard side to remove a loaded list to port. Keep and open and creative mind - I am sure it will work out for you!

 

[pleeson]

I guess I left part of your question unanswered. We went with the inflatable life jackets to save space and to encourage us to wear them more often when active on deck. They store under the rear cockpit bench seat if you can go without a live well, along with throw bag and other safety items. These boats are definitely best for two adults and maybe two kids as overnighters, although four adults would be possible for short durations probably. For day trips in nice weather maybe six max, if the weather turned you would want to make the forward berth up into seating with that number, and there are certainly no scenic tours going on from there. There is small storage under the front berth/seating - useful if you pack small soft duffels for your personal gear. We use it for our rolled up canvas window coverings, and keep our personal spare clothing in duffels under the berth/bed, hanging only warm and foul weather gear in the tiny closet. The Cutwater is truly a great cabin cruiser in the old fashioned sense with economical slow cruise, a good turn of speed when you want it, and real live aboard comfort for extended cruises. It is even self sufficient for a week at a time away from marinas - no problem - even in winter with only a solar charging system. However, it is primarily a personal boat, not an entertainment or party yacht. We have no regrets and look forward to exploring further afield using the trailerable feature of this sized boat.

 

[marie]

Hello!! We have just ordered a new Cutwater 28 which will be available by Thanksgiving. Chose Hunter Green for color. One of my initial thoughts/plans is to turn the V-Berth "Coffee-Bar" into a full-on closet. We have already asked the factory to eliminate the sink there. I was surprised to learn that the little TV serves a purpose for fishfinder and ? other. I had wanted to eliminate that TV and place a 24" TV right at the bow so we could more easily watch TV while in bed. I still may want to do that. Our factory rep (Andrew) said that he will put us in contact with a good cabinet man. I think that the little TV will have to stay where it is. This is where I was hoping to put the microwave, leaving all of the below space for new custom cabinet. Anyway, we are still working out the details of customizing that corner so that we can have more usable storage for our clothes. Any ideas from anyone will be appreciated.

 

[DrReidHester]

I chuckled when I read about the wine cooler on the 28 (we're considering getting one). When we used to cruise on our F-24 trimaran we had a mesh bag with a metal handle/closure that we would hang overboard (6-8' in the water) on an aft cleat while we straightened up the boat after anchoring. But the time we were ready for a glass of wine, it was usually perfectly chilled. 😎

We eliminated the wine cooler on our build and had them make another shelved cupboard with identical louvred door in this space.

 

[pleeson]

The TV can swing into the companion way and carry the Nav and/or radar etc data that is then visible from the cockpit. With alarms you could conceivably keep headway while attending to things in the stern. We find we watch movies with our backs to the bow, and then swing around and snuggle down once it's time for lights out. There is a minimal amount of storage under the forward dinette seat area which we use for canvas, screens, and plastic for enclosing our cockpit. Like you we wanted the whole closet/sink cabinet redone in the bow to become far more useable for both hanging and folded items etc. at that time, the factory was not keen at all in case we didn't follow thru with a replacement of suitable quality. I think it is long overdue for them to redesign this area - nobody needs four sinks in a boat this size and a little more closet space would be something to dance a jig over!