Used Cutwater 28

Martin610

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 13, 2018
Messages
504
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Vessel Name
Venture
Greetings to all,

New to the site. I'm going to look at a used 2013 Cutwater 28 later this week. I am retiring next month and my wife and I are interested in a pocket cruiser. We have a 25 foot Grady White now with a 4 stroke Yamaha. It's been a great boat, but at this point we are looking for something with more amenities for overnighting.

In reading earlier posts, my sense is the diesel is noisier, but not by much. Am I correct on that?

Any particular items I should pay close attention to when I look at the boat?

If the boat seems OK I will hire a marine surveyor. I just want make sure I am in the ball park before I pay for a survey.

Thanks.

-martin
 
You will get much back-and-forth about the pros/cons for diesel vs. outboard models.

I have the R-27/OB and have owned the RT-25 Classic and the R-21EC both of which had inboard diesels engines.

IMO the Outboard has the following advantages...

1) Quieter - especially in the cockpit area when at cruising speeds
2) Easier to maintain
3) Possible ia bit more expensive on fuel use (mainly because gasoline is at this time more expensive than diesel)
4) Cleaner for the environment
5) Provides the opportunity to go faster
6) Allows a massive amount of more storage space in the boat vs. inboard engine
7) Stylistic looks are not aligned with the Tug look (only as viewed from the outside where you do not spend much time)
8) Less likely to give off fumes to the cockpit area
9) Likely to last longer than you own the boat
10) Easier to move the stern to port or starboard in tight areas and especially for docking and more effective that a stern thruster
11) Less likelihood for water to be in the bilge due to inboard engine's drive shaft
12) Less overall vibration and/or harmonics transmitted to the boat's structure

You have the Grady White with Yamaha outboard already so you will appreciate all or most of the above comments.

Check all maintenance records for the C28.

Good luck with you decision.
 
welcome. I have a 2012 cutwater 28 with the volvo diesel.

one thing that the diesel opens up is easier access to the stern for a dinghy.

Just make sure the engine has been getting serviced by a reputable volvo mechanic.

Diesel keeps the number of fuel sources to one if you are planning on having the webasto diesel heater (which is great for colder days/nights)

bilge water can be minimized with a PSS shaftseal but note there are some drains that drain to the bilge anyway so it will never be dry.

I'd recommend getting a ride on the diesel and see what you think. If you want the cutwater style you need to choose the 23 or 30 to have outboards and the boats are much newer (unless something new was announced about the 28 at the boat show that I missed?)
I'm not sure you will find a cheaper outboard boat because the model years with outboards are newer.
 
Are you going to look at the one in RI?
 
The comparison between the Diesel powered Cutwater or Tug and the outboard Cutwater or Tug is apples to oranges when it comes to on the water running. You really can't compare the two. When it comes to the amenities and comforts at anchor or in a slip I would say they are very similar. If you are looking for the performance of your Grady ( I am a fan of Gradys) The outboard version is the direction you should go. If you want a good riding semi displacement hull with dependable diesel power and a cruising speed of 15kts and capable of running 23Kts then the 28 Cutwater is a great boat. As far as the noise. I have owned both 4 stroke outboards ( Mercury not Yamaha) and the Volvo diesel. Idle the outboard is quieter. I like the sound of an inboard so the slightly louder engine I like. You can carry on a normal conversation. Vibrations actually in my estimation better with the diesel. The critical speed is very Low rpm on the Diesel and seems to be a small rpm range compared to the V6 outboard which normally has a balanced critical speed 1800 to 2500Rpm speeds you try not to run in. As far as the bilge water. There is really just a small amount of water that leaks if the packing is properly adjusted, in fact in my boat the compartment temperature while running normally evaporates most of it. Most of the water in the bilge is from rain water leaking in around the deck hatches which you will get from both models. If you want a dingy along that could be a problem with the outboard. Safety is sometimes brought up as an issue, While the Diesel models have no ventilation system and is not required by USGC. I'm sure that the outboard models have a very good ventilation system installed onboard so that should not be an issue. Maintenance ( my opinion ) easier on the diesel because I can preform it in the water at the dock. If we are doing extended cruising this is an advantage . The outboard should be pulled out to do full maintenance. If you trailer all the time or pull the boat for seasonal haul outs thats not an issue either. My option when purchasing the Cutwater was If I want a fast Pocket cruiser with a lot of amenities there are many manufactures out there. If I want a unique looking boat with a combination of Downeaster pilot house styling and North Pacific styling and diesel power there is only one, Cutwater. As far as things to look for, honestly the same things you would look for on any boat. If you are looking for issues that a Cutwater has. Use this forum as your reverence. Take some time and go thru it, search Cutwater, you will see a lot of things and most all have a resolution. Some issues small some not. This is your resource, any thing you need to know about that boat should be found in Tugnuts.
 
what Brian said! 😀
 
If you go ahead with a survey I would suggest paying a diesel mechanic to do a thorough check of the engine. I would also advise a sea trial with the surveyor. Make the sale contingent on survey, sea trial, and engine inspection.
 
Wow! What a nice community here! I really appreciate the feedback.

I am looking at the one in Rhode Island. I am here tonight as I write this. I am going to meet George tomorrow morning to look at it. He says his shop (Pirates Cove) has been doing the service for the boat and he claims it was well cared for. We'll see.

One thing that worries me, he says there is some minor keel damage. Is there such a thing?

If I am at all interested a survey will be an absolute must. I am engineer but not even close to being qualified to survey a hull, or survey a diesel engine.

Again, lots of great feedback. I have a lot to think about.

Thank you,
-martin
 
There is a slight bulge on the cutwater. the engine bed sits in it to get the shaft straighter and keep weight low.

sounds like running aground or trailer damage. definitely get the boat hauled and inspected by an expert as a contingency.

end of the day everything can be fixed just make sure you get it built into the price.
 
Overall, I like the boat, what I could see of it. It is still wrapped up for the winter. I was able to aboard and look through everything. Nice clean bilge.

The keel issue doesn't seem too bad. It doesn't actually look like impact damage, looks more like it was chaffed by chain. Maybe a mooring buoy?

The owner made a counter offer to my initial offer. I think I will accept it. Owner has agreed to fix the issues. He doesn't have a problem with a sea trial.

I'm looking to engage Rob Scanlan for the survey.

Has anyone worked with him? He seems to be very professional but I have never met him in person.

I certainly appreciate all the input from the community, you guys are great.

-martin
 
Martin610":1ex5ej0j said:
Overall, I like the boat, what I could see of it. It is still wrapped up for the winter. I was able to aboard and look through everything. Nice clean bilge.

The keel issue doesn't seem too bad. It doesn't actually look like impact damage, looks more like it was chaffed by chain. Maybe a mooring buoy?

The owner made a counter offer to my initial offer. I think I will accept it. Owner has agreed to fix the issues. He doesn't have a problem with a sea trial.

I'm looking to engage Rob Scanlan for the survey.

Has anyone worked with him? He seems to be very professional but I have never met him in person.

I certainly appreciate all the input from the community, you guys are great.

-martin


These guys are located in RI, might be cheaper for you. Accredited Marine Surveyors, Augustine Comella & Mark Sepe. 401-641-9108. Tell him a member of the R.I. Saltwater Anglers Association referred you.
I think I have seen that boat underway, great looking boat!!
 
Good Luck on the Cutwater! Good Choice!
 
Congrats. What are the other issues they will be fixing?
 
Other issues should be relatively minor. They need to replace the sump pump switch for the shower. Pump itself is OK. There was a concern with the stern thruster.

It was still wrapped up when I was there. Once I have a surveyor lined up we can unwrap it for a better look.

It is also subject to sea trial, but hopefully nothing else should show up.

-martin
 
Hopefully you can line things up so you can do the sea trial with your surveyor. Hope things work out for you.
 
Weather has been making it tough for us to do the sea trial. I pushed it out to first week in April, should be clear of winter by then. Man, that ground hog was right.

Thanks again for all the input. Appreciate it.
 
It's mine! Took longer than I expected but we finally got the deal done. Just looking to have the boat hauled down to New Jersey where I live.

I really appreciate all the advice from the Tugnuts community.

I will post a picture once I have permission to have an album.

-martin
 
Enjoy your new Cutwater !
 
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