Boats

Cutwater C-24 Coupe Boat Test

The C-24 Coupe is a compact cruiser that checks multiple boxes.

By Kevin Falvey

Updated: July 30, 2019

The C-24 Coupe combines trailerability, family weekending, and good performance from its stepped hull.

With four adults aboard, we hit 47 mph with a single Yamaha 300. (A 250 hp Yamaha is now the sole engine choice.) It’s 24-degree deep-V hull tracked sure and landed soft. And boy was it quiet underway, maxing at just 89 decibels, a hushed level for such a boat, and one I’d attribute to the robust construction, which, besides providing confidence and durability, offers great sound-deadening properties.

For those times you want to meander along, enjoying the sights and just being aboard, fire up the 9.9 hp kicker ($5,260 with remote steering) for even quieter and super-efficient motoring. Naturally, that auxiliary will prove great for trolling, and the C-24 Coupe makes an exceptional fishing platform, what with its large cockpit and standard features such as two gunwale rod holders, 110-quart transom cooler, large anchor locker and foldaway cockpit seating. A 59-quart livewell and washdown ($400) is optional.

At the helm, boaters will find a Garmin 942xs GPS plotter and fish finder. Courtesy Cutwater Boats

In fact, Cutwater loads the C-24 Coupe with mucho standards. Besides the aforementioned fishing features, buyers get a Garmin 942xs GPS plotter and fish finder, a VHF radio, Bluetooth stereo, LED lighting, marine head with holding tank, and sport racks that allow one to carry paddle craft and more.

Belowdecks, there’s a big V-berth and an enclosed head. Up on the helm deck is a convertible dinette that feeds four and sleeps two. The galley is full, and the aft portside window section of the cabin bulkhead opens wide to bring the inside out—or the outside in, if you deploy the aft cockpit sunshade ($1,290). Option up to the 3.5 kW generator ($15,000), the 10,000 Btu air conditioner ($3,240), or the diesel heater ($4,250) to enjoy multiseason comfort.

The C24 Coupe provides excellent visibility from all angles. Courtesy Cutwater Boats

On the helm deck is a convertible dinette. Courtesy Cutwater Boats Dining Table

Belowdecks, there’s a big V-berth and an enclosed head. Courtesy Cutwater Boats

I’m not aware of another boat this size that sleeps four, runs on a stepped hull, and will fish and cruise with the aplomb of the Cutwater C-24 Coupe.

High Points

Opening—or closing—up the aft bulkhead effectively creates a completely different boat.
Our test readings prove it’s quieter-running than many similar-size outboard-powered boats.
Cabin’s big, nearly full beam width helps make this boat a great compact cruiser for overnight trips.

The bow lounger is a comfortable, relaxing space. Courtesy Cutwater Boats

Cooking outside is easy and fun. Courtesy Cutwater Boats

Low Points

That wide, roomy cabin results in narrow side decks for going forward.
We would like to see a fiddle rail at the helm to keep miscellaneous gear from sliding off.

Toughest Competitor
Check out the Jeanneau NC Sport 795 ($70,180 for a base boat with a 200 hp outboard engine). It sleeps two in its narrower cabin, but offers wide, deep side decks in trade.

Price: $114,937 (with 250 hp Yamaha)

Available Power: Outboard

Cutwater C-24 Coupe Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300
Drive/Prop: 15 1/2″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Water on Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 800 lb.