Layout, Equipment & Yachting Review

General Layout & Equipment (manufacturer)

As Cutwater indicates, all of its models come “fully equipped and ready to cruise” with very few factory individual options from which to choose. As a result, the C-302 Coupe is offered in two versions depending on your boating preferences; a Northwest Edition and a Luxury Edition.

Both of these Editions provide the necessary “cruise away” amenities including an anchoring package with chain and line, seven AGM batteries, a Garmin navigation package with twin 7612 screens, radar, depth/fishfinder, autopilot with remote control, bow and stern thrusters with wireless remote control, hardtop-mounted solar panel, swim platform rails, LED lighting, underwater lights, aft hardtop fishing rod holders, macerator discharge, plus a boat-away safety kit.

The Northwest Edition, in keeping with Pacific Northwest boating preferences, adds a cabin forced air diesel heater, microwave oven, propane stove and oven, and downrigger mounting pads. The Luxury Edition, in keeping with Great Lakes and other boating preferences, adds instead a 5Kw gas generator with sound shield, dual burner electric stove, microwave/convection oven, plus cabin air conditioning with reverse cycle heating.

The C-302 Coupe rides on a full-beam double-stepped, ventilated hull design and is powered by twin counter-rotating Yamaha 300 horsepower outboards. Factory performance reports show optimum cruising speed of 25 mph at 3000 RPM and a most commendable top speed of 54 mph at 6000 RPM.

Being a hardtop sedan coupe, the cabin/salon is fully enclosed and weather protected with glass all around with opening side windows, a full-height glass cockpit entrance door, and a large opening starboard side cockpit window which, when open, provides aft-facing cockpit seating on the aft convertible seat cushion of the salon dinette. Additional salon ventilation and natural lighting is provided by four overhead opening hatches with screens. Two similar hatches are within the forward cabin along with five hullside opening, screened portlights.

A large full-width swim platform provides a starboard side concealed four-step boarding ladder and a transom door to the self-draining multi-function cockpit. A double-wide bench seat is concealed within and flips out of each side of the cockpit gunwales and a center transom fold down double-wide seat adds up to cockpit seating for eight, including the aforementioned dinette seat.

A port side cockpit refrigerator/freezer plus a removable cherry table are standard along with a transom top sink with hot and cold water plus a removable Kenyon electric grill which fits neatly into the top of the transom-top 30-gallon livewell. Rod holders, drinkholders, fishboxes, electric equipment room hatch and cockpit raw water washdown are all standard equipment. Entering the salon, the convertible dinette is immediately to starboard above a large mid-cabin, double-wide berth with two opening screened portlights. To port is the galley with maple cabinets, sink, stove, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, plus a wine/water cooler. Ahead of the galley is a passenger seat next to the double wide helm seat which is the forward portion of the dinette seat utilizing its convertible seat-back.

In addition to the twin Garmin twelve-inch screens, Yamaha digital engine readouts, and standard windlass and trim tabs controls, there is lots of available room on the large dash face for any accessories you may want to add. The forward master stateroom features an island bed with memory foam mattress, teak flooring, hanging locker, plus large storage area under the berth. The starboard side head has a shower enclosure, electric toilet, vanity with sink, and opening portlights.

The foredeck of the C-302 Coupe is likewise fully utilized. A centred single fold-up lounge seat is augmented with a pair of forward fold-up seats which are themselves the lids of a pair of fender and line storage compartments built into the foredeck just aft of the anchor locker.

Additional notable standard equipment includes hull vinylester barrier coating, shorepower, VHF radio, dual windshield wipers, docking lights, bow access boarding ladder, hardtop sports racks, a Bluetooth-compatible Fusion stereo, TV/DVD in salon, and a 2000 Watt inverter. The Cutwater C-302 Coupe is indeed “fully equipped and ready to cruise” the big waters with built-in flexibility for sleeping, seating, entertaining, and even fishing.

Luxury Edition Upgrade

• Air conditioning/rev cycle heat..2 zones w/seperate controls
• Bow & Stern Thrusters
• Anchor Package 22# anchor, 50’ HT chain, 200’ line
• Autopilot, Garmin w/remote
• AGM batteries
• Convection oven/microwave combo
• Generator, 5KW gasoline, w/sound shield
• LED lights
• Macerator discharge
• Navigation package, dual Garmin 8612xsv chartplotters w/ sonar, xHD radar
• Safety kit
• Rocket launchers, arch with rod holders
• Solar panel, w/control panel
• Stove top, dual burner electric
• Swim platform rails
• Thruster wireless remote (bow and stern)
• Underwater lights

Boater Features

• Anchor locker, S.S. self launching bow roller
• Batteries w/charging relay & switch panel
• Bow platform w/4 rung S.S. ladder (beach access)
• Bow seats/ fender storage
• Cockpit refrigerator/freezer, 12V
• Cockpit table, removable
• Convertible cockpit seats, fold out of gunwales
• Docking lights, (2) forward hull
• Fishbox
• Fusion stereo system, AM/FM, Aux, Bluetooth
• Hatches (2), forward cabin roof, opening, translucent w/screens Hatches (4), salon house roof, opening, translucent w/screens
• Inverter, 2,000w, pure sine wave
• Mast, stainless steel, hinged 
• Island berth with memory foam, master stateroom
• Mid cabin, 6’ 8” cushioned, portlights, lamps, gear storage Portlight, opening,
• head (1),
• Powered main cockpit compartment hatch
• Rod holders
• Sports rack
• Swim platform w/S.S. 4 rung ladder
• Transom door for easy access
• Transom livewell
• Transom removable electric Kenyon grill
• Transom sink w/hot and cold water
• TV w/DVD (12v)
• Washdown system, cockpit raw water
• Water tank level monitor (fresh)
• Windlass 12V, stainless steel with helm and bow controls

Construction

• Bonded 12V electrical system
• Bronze thru-hulls
• Fiberglass cockpit liner, self bailing w/non-skid
• Fiberglass stringer system
• Shorepower 30 amp/115v, w/50’ cord
• Vinylester barrier coat (hull)

Convenience Features

• Dinette, salon, converts to bed, high/low table, sleeps (2)
• Euro-style covered galley,
• Maple Hanging locker
• Hot water tank, 11 gallon
• Outlets 110V (5)
• Power outlets, 12v stbd side, cockpit, mid berth
• private head, shower enclosure, elec. toilet, vanity, portlights
• Refrigerator/freezer, 12V “ +2nd refrigerator
• Sinks (3), hot and cold water system w/demand pump
• Stove/Oven/Microwave
• Wine-water cooler, 12V

Performance

• Twin counter-rotating Yamaha 300 HP outboard engines
• Digital engine display with fuel flow data
• Double-stepped hull for increased efficiency and performance Laminar Flow Interrupters for smooth, positive cornering (patented)
• Thrusters, bow and stern
• Trim Tabs

Safety

• Bilge pump, (2) 12V auto, high bilge alarm
• Co monitors (2), 12V
• Courtesy lights, cockpit, transom platform
• Horns, electric dual trumpet
• Illuminated Compass
• Navigation lights, with light boards
• VHF radio, with antenna, DSC capable
• Windlass with bow and helm controls
• Windshield wipers (2)

Canadian Yachting Review

Cutwater’s outboard-powered C-302 Coupe is a fast, spacious pocket cruiser that’s ideally suited to exploring every inch of Canada’s lakes, rivers and coastlines.

POCKET ROCKET

Blending the comfortable layout of its popular C-30 Sedan with the riveting performance of a double-stepped hull with patented laminar flow interrupter technology, Cutwater Boats’ new C-302 Coupe is a fast and capable cruiser that’s ideal for exploring Canada’s waterways in comfort.

Measuring an even 30 feet on deck and riding on a 10-foot beam, the C-302 Coupe builds on the runaway success of Cutwater’s original C-30 pocket cruiser, while adding a number of thoroughly modern twists. The most obvious change in the new model is the switch from sterndrive to outboard power, with a pair of counter-rotating Yamaha F300s now riding in place of the original boat’s 435-horsepower Volvo Penta D6. Today’s outboard engines boast so many technological innovations that their choice for a vessel of this size has become almost automatic on the strength of benefits like lighter weight, easier maintenance and the ability to tilt the props up and out of the water when the boat’s not being used, protecting the lower units from fouling by marine growths. Relocating the power to the outside of the transom also does wonderful things for interior cockpit space, giving the C-302 Coupe the remarkable ability to appear much larger than it really is.

Twin Yamaha F300s

Cutwater’s outboard-powered C-302 Coupe is a fast, spacious pocket cruiser that’s ideally suited to exploring every inch of Canada’s lakes, rivers and coastlines.

But those lightweight twin 300s are just the beginning of multitude small changes that combine to make the C-302 quite a different boat from its sterndrive-powered sibling. Cutwater’s high-performance, double-stepped hull, for example, lifts easily onto plane and stays there even at a surprisingly low rpm, contributing to both driving performance and fuel economy. The addition of patented laminar flow interrupters further enhance cornering, allowing the C-302 Coupe to easily manage wide-open throttle speeds of well over 50 mph. The proof lies in the standard Yamaha digital gauges, which reveal a top speed of 53 mph while still delivering impressive fuel economy of 53 gallons-per-hour (gph) or 1.01 miles-per-gallon (mpg) during Cutwater’s performance trials. Throttling back to a more leisurely 25 mph and 3,500 rpm still brings cruisers to their destination with plenty of time to spare, while enjoying even better fuel economy indicated at 18 gph or 1.34 mpg. That’s the kind of performance that really speaks to boaters who enjoy the ability to take longer cruises without having to worry about fuel stops.

Built to Surprise and Delight

What really sets this yacht apart, however, is the way it makes the most of its deceptively compact dimensions, providing far more comfort and amenities than one might expect from a boat of this size. Step aboard via the large rear swim platform and through its wide transom door, and the C-302 Coupe’s thoughtful design becomes obvious right away. Everywhere you look, it seems like Cutwater has devised yet another pleasant surprise to delight C-302 owners with.

For example, a large, comfortable bench seat that folds neatly into the transom wall when not in use provides comfortable seating without taking up any real space. But what really impresses guests perusing the cockpit is the unique way that each gunnel folds down and outward to create additional cockpit seating. These brilliant side jump seats are wide enough for two, extremely comfortable, and provide a unique perspective that’s literally from outside the boat.

The Salon

A spacious dinette sits opposite the galley to starboard, with a high-low table that converts to sleep two when you have overnight guests.

A further surprise can be found in the transom itself, where lifting a large topside hatch reveals a Kenyon electric grill, augmented by a sink and a faucet providing hot and cold running water. The surprising part is that the grill can lift out when not required, exposing a 113 L transom live well that’s hidden beneath it.

The ability to quickly convert this boat from comfortable family cruising to serious offshore fishing gives the C-302 Coupe considerable added appeal – especially with fishing being by far the most popular form of recreation among Canadian boaters. The anglers in your crew will come to love this yacht’s large built-in fish boxes and neatly integrated rod holders, while its raw-water washdown and self-draining cockpit floor make clean-ups as easy as it gets. Who wants to end a day on the water by scrubbing non-skid? Just hose it down as you go and the boat stays clean with no muss, no fuss.

Regardless of whether you’re fishing offshore or gunkholing with the grill loaded up and some nice cold drinks, the cockpit is very much the place to be on the C-302 thanks to its integrated seating and the overhead sun protection afforded by its extended hard top. A removable cherry cockpit table makes this an ideal spot for the ultimate dinner with a view, while cockpit courtesy lights invite you to linger a bit and watch the sun go down.

The Transom

The transom conceals a large Kenyon electric grill, which itself lifts out to reveal a hidden 113L live well.

With this boat’s emphasis on maximizing interior space, the side decks leading to the bow are just wide enough, while thoughtfully-placed railings along the edge of the hard top provide additional assurance as you move forward. There in the bow Cutwater delights with further surprises in the form of two flush hatches that open to reveal even more seating, with dual cushioned observer seats along with a central forward lounge. This is a great space to escape with a book while destressing and recharging your internal batteries while soaking up some sun. The bow also houses the anchor locker, complete with a self-launching stainless-steel bow roller and the primary control for the windlass.

The Helm

The attractive helm console provides plenty of space to accommodate large flush-mount touch displays, along with controls for the standard bow and stern thrusters

Have Your Cake and Eat It

Cutwater offers the C-302 in two slightly different versions, allowing owners to select their boat with a view to how it will be used. The cruising-focused Coupe model features a traditional layout with the cockpit and salon separated by a solid bulkhead with a centerline door. The nearly-identical Sport Coupe model is designed to appeal to day boaters with an open layout that provides a continuous, uninterrupted space from the transom to the windshield – closing off the salon would require canvas. Here in Canada, the Coupe design with its greater occupant protection may very well prove to be the more popular variant – especially as it provides greater efficiency for the available forced air furnace and cockpit air conditioner – but Cutwater offers both to ensure buyers can have this boat exactly as they prefer.

In either variant, as you step from the cockpit forward into the salon you’ll find a fully-equipped galley immediately to port, positioned to serve both salon and cockpit occupants with equal convenience. The well-designed galley boasts more counter space than some city condominiums. With amenities like a full refrigerator/freezer, a two-burner stove, an oven and even a wine/water cooler, it might be better equipped than some of those condo kitchens to boot, and it wouldn’t be hard to produce an enormous range of dishes from within its compact footprint. Large, wrap-around windows make the galley a truly pleasant work space, while its location right on the main deck ensures that anyone preparing a meal remains part of the conversation.

A spacious dinette sits opposite the galley to starboard, with a high-low table that converts to sleep two when you have overnight guests. The aft dinette seat deserves special mention with its reversible seatback. Open the bulkhead window located immediately behind it and you can use the rear portion of the dinette as an aft-facing cockpit seat by simply plunking your bum right through the window frame. It’s a rather brilliant design, and one of the most obvious examples of the tremendous innovation found on this boat.

The forward end of the dinette seat can also be adjusted for either rear-facing or forward-facing seating; in its forward-facing mode, it forms the double-wide helm seat. Cutwater has yet another appealing surprise here, but let’s come back to that in a moment.

Foam Island Bed

An asymmetrically shaped, memory foam island bed is positioned on an unusual diagonal axis.

The attractive helm console provides plenty of space to accommodate large flush-mount touch displays, along with controls for the standard bow and stern thrusters. You’ll also find a remote control for the anchor windlass, which is a nice touch, along with the Garmin DSC-capable VHF radio. Built for cruising, the C-302 Coupe includes a 2,000w sine wave inverter to power accessories without having to endure any generator noise. Throughout the boat you’ll find no shortage of power, with no less than five 110-volt outlets and a further three 12-volt outlets.

Opposite the helm is a comfortable companion seat. When not required, this seat back folds flat, allowing a retractable counter top to lower into its place.

An audiophile Fusion stereo with an auxiliary input and Bluetooth wireless streaming capability also comes standard in the C-302 Coupe, along with two HDTVs complete with DVD players located in the salon and the master suite.

A Master Suite Like No Other

Step forward between the helm and companion seats and a few short steps takes you below decks to the master suite in the bow. An asymmetrically shaped, memory foam island bed is positioned on an unusual diagonal axis, which makes the most of the space while still leaving sufficient space to allow direct access to the head. The bed also lifts to reveal a substantial amount of storage space beneath it. The suite boasts opening portholes to either side and opening hatches overhead for excellent lighting and cross-ventilation. Additional storage, in the form of several drawers and shelves plus a roomy hanging locket accommodates a cruise-worth of clothing and other personal items.

The head is neatly designed and well equipped, with an electric toilet, a basin sink, a small vanity, port lights and a spacious shower with a retractable enclosure.

One thing that’s immediately noticeable about the Cutwater C-302 is the amount of headroom below. There’s up to six feet, eight inches of clearance, which only adds to this boat’s seemingly magical ability to appear bigger than it really is.

The C-302 has a second mid-cabin stateroom, which brings us back to the dinette on the main deck. Access to this second stateroom is through a wide door that’s neatly integrated into the base of the dinette seat. The kids will absolutely love this one – beyond the fact you enter through the dinette by lifting the aft settee, they have a completely private space they can make all their own. Empty nesters will love this space too, although they’re far more than likely use it for additional storage.

The Galley

The fully-equipped galley makes the most of its compact footprint, and is set up to serve both the salon and cockpit with equal ease.

Have It Your Way

Cutwater takes immense pride in the fact that all of its C-302 models are sold fully-equipped and ready to cruise. But as boaters themselves, the company’s engineers and designers know how much we all love to tinker and personalize. So although the boat comes with a long list of standard features, there’s an impressive option list that allows owners to order a range of upgrades right from the factory.

Sport Coupe Model

The fully-equipped galley makes the most of its compact footprint, and is set up to serve both the salon and cockpit with equal ease.

The most popular of these feature enhancements are packaged into groups for convenience. The Northwest Edition adds amenities like an anchor, chain and 200 feet of line, a Garmin autopilot with remote, a Garmin navigation package with dual 7612 chartplotters, a 4 kw radar dome, depthfinder and GPS antenna, a forced air furnace, LED lighting, a macerator discharge, a microwave, a solar panel with control panel, a wireless remote for the bow and stern thrusters, underwater lighting and steel rails on the swim platform for added safety.

For those who plan to spend a whole lot of time on the boat, the available Luxury Edition package adds niceties like air conditioning, the Garmin autopilot and navigation pack, a combination microwave / convection oven, a 5kW gasoline generator, LED lights, macerator, the solar panel, thruster remote and swim platform rails.

Cutwater’s original C-30 pocket cruiser has long been one of the most popular models in the company’s lineup with its nearly perfect combination of size and creature comforts. But with its new outboard power and multitude of small but meaningful refinements, the new C-302 Coupe builds on that great platform and elevates the design to a whole new level. Boaters in search of a comfortable, fast and fuel-efficient cruiser that can go anywhere will find this yacht checks all the boxes.