2022 Cutwater C-24 CW

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

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

Cutwater Boats – Auburn, Washington; 253-839-5213; cutwaterboats.com