Boat Test - Cutwater Boats

oattestTThe Washington State builder of the very successful RangerTug line of trawlers recently introduced two new boats,and if early response is any indicator, the new vessel willrapidly become as popular as its famous Tugs.The new fiberglass sedan cruisers, 26 and 28 footers,are produced by the Livingston family, one of the mostexperienced boatbuilding groups in the United States.The new cruisers are, like the Rangers, easily trailerable.The Cutwater is a new boat from the keel up, and themajor difference between it and most other boats in itsclass is what the company calls its “keel stepped hull.”Most stepped hulls are built for high speed and thereforehave no keel; but one of the features of the Cutwater isthat is has a substantial keel aft of the hull bottom. Thisimproves tracking and adds a bit of roll dampening whilethe boat’s at rest.The bottom of this semi-displacement hull has beenwidened slightly at the engine space, allowing the engineto be mounted lower in the hull. This lowers the boat’scenter of gravity and improves stability. These features,combined with a hull prop pocket, reduces the shaft downangle and allows for a more straight line application ofpower, improving fuel efficiency and reducing draft.Our test boat was the 28-footer. It is smartly styled witha crisp, chiseled look, and bears no cosmetic similaritiesto its Ranger Tug stablemates. Fiberglass work on theCutwater is excellent, without ripple, haze or printthrough, but this is to be expected from a boatbuilderof Livingston’s experience and expertise.Vessel access is through a starboard transom door offthe swim platform. An obvious feature in the transomis the reversible, comfortably padded seat that, in goodweather, makes the self-bailing cockpit an ideal placeto congregate. The cockpit is most certainly fishingfriendly;no floor mounted cleats or other toe-stubbersto worry about.While the cockpit sides are high enough to be safe andsecure, that opening transom gate and large swim gridmake landing a large fish easy. Should, by accident, anangler slip off the swim grid (something many seriousanglers have done, or is it only me?), the built-in boardingladder can be quickly deployed. Our test boat wasequipped with the optional cockpit throttle and steeringcontrols, useful while fishing, docking or close-quartermaneuvering through crowded marinas.The cockpit includes a fresh water sink and shower, aspace for a cooler and an optional barbeque. The electric/hydraulic engine cover hatch in the cockpit sole, whenopened, provides full, easy access to the machinery space.The machinery space itself is neat and tidy, and routineengine service will present no problems.The foredeck, accessed along narrow side decks withthe help of roof-mounted grab rails, features substantialhand rails and a bow platform ladder that allows beachaccess over the bow.Access to the deck house is through a metal framed,full-length glass door leading to a traditionally laid outmain salon/galley, complete with a microwave/convectionoven, double stainless sink and refrigerator/freezer alongthe port side and convertible settee/dinette along thestarboard. Forward of the galley is a mate’s seat, andforward of the dinette is a double helm seat with winecooler underneath. When the vessel is not underway,the backs of both these seats pivot forward to increaseuseable galley countertop and settee space. There also isa double berth under the dinette which, when not usedas intended, provides great storage space.The deckhouse of the new Cutwater contains morewindow glass than fiberglass, and that makes for a bright,cheery interior even on the dullest of days. The salonroof features four opening glass hatches that add to thenatural light inside. The opening roof hatches also helpThe Cutwater’s interior remainsairy and bright, thanks to aplethora of glass surrounding thedeckhouse. The salon roof addsto the boat’s cheerful dispositionwith a total of four opening glasshatches that flood the cabin withlight on the gloomy days.22LAKELANDBOATING.COMnovember / december 2011Photos courtest of cutwater23LAKELANDBOATING.COMnovember / december 2011