Engine
Cutwater’s C-24 CW, or center walkaround, part of a three-boat series including a coupe and a dual console, combines a 24-degree deep-V hull, an 11-degree planing pad, and Laminar Flow Interrupters for stability in turns. Two hull steps reduce friction at speed. We hit 42.2 mph, a good speed for a 6,300-pound boat, with Yamaha’s F250 outboard. We’d favor the F300 Yamaha ($5,250) for boaters with a bigger crew.
Interior and Accessories
We noted an anchor windlass on the bow, with all-chain rode for holding in rough conditions, beside a telescoping, four-rung beach boarding ladder. The bow cockpit seats six, plus offers a table and four cup holders. It’s also deep enough to stand in securely and cast. Twin three-hole rocket launchers stow rods.
The console is off-center to port, so the starboard walkway is a generous 2 feet wide. To port, walk along the side deck to the aft cockpit using convenient hardtop grab rails. The top is sturdy enough to support racks for paddlecraft plus a six-rod rocket launcher.
The helm comes standard with a compass, a 9-inch Garmin display (12-inch for $2,625), a linked DSC VHF, a Yamaha engine display, a stereo, a bow-thruster control, trim-tab controls, USB receptacles and cup holders. Twin seats boast armrests, flip-up bolsters and footrests. Go belowdecks to discover a marine toilet with a holding tank, a sink, a counter, a rod rack and a broad lounge.
The helm seat hides a 12-volt refrigerator and tackle storage. Behind the helm is a sink and an electric grill ($1,050), which requires an inverter ($1,700). Slide out the cushioned cooler to make an aft-facing seat for two.
The transom mounts a fold-down seat for two, with access behind to plumbing and wiring. Under the gunwales are rod racks plus downrigger weight holders; atop them are rod holders and downrigger pads. There are two in-sole insulated fish boxes, plus cavernous stowage on center for bulky gear. The transom holds a pop-up ski pylon, a sink with work surface, and a livewell.
The C-24 CW does it all.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha 250 hp
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/15.5″ x 16″ Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 81 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.
High Points
- Rack on hardtop can carry kayaks or paddleboards without interfering with rods in the after edge’s rocket launcher.
- Helm seat module offers ingenious storage, seating and a summer galley.
- Walkaround design creates a spacious lounge in the console and elevated walkway, which eases stepping up to high wharves; the transom platform provides easy access to floating docks.
Low Points
- Off-center console impedes fishability versus a conventional center console.
- Getting into the bilge’s mechanical space requires removing the transom seat completely from its bracket.
Toughest Competitor
Blackfin’s 252 CC ($153,858 with a Mercury Verado 300 DTS outboard) is a center-console with a commodious head compartment and a good mix of fishing, luxury and family-fun amenities.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $125,937 (MSRP as tested with Yamaha F250XSB) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 29’2″ |
| Beam: | 8’6” |
| Draft: | 19″/32″ |
| Displacement: | 6,300 lb. |
| Transom Deadrise: | 24 degrees |
| Bridge Clearance: | 9’1″ |
| Max Headroom: | 6’2″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 116 gal. |
| Water Capacity: | 26 gal. |
| Waste Capacity: | 13 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 300 |
| Available Power: | Yamaha F250 or F300 |
Speed, Operation, Efficiency
Cutwater Boats – Auburn, Washington; 253-839-5213; cutwaterboats.com
