Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe Review

The new Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe is a fast and capable offshore fishing boat that’s equally adaptable as a weekend cruiser.

The Monroe, Washington-based boat builder’s new C-302 meets both of these needs by taking the versatile open layout of its popular C-30 Sedan and pouring it into a high performance, double-stepped hull that uses patented laminar flow interrupter technology for exceptional handling, acceleration and fuel economy. The high performance hull and twin 300 horsepower outboards allow the C-302 Coupe to achieve a top speed of 53 mph while literally sipping fuel. Throttling back to 25 mph and 3,500 rpm still brings boaters to their destination with plenty of time to spare, while enjoying even better fuel economy of 1.34 mpg and a range of over 400 miles. Remember folks, this is a 30-foot boat that weighs nearly 10,000 pounds!! That kind of performance gives the Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe enormous appeal among boaters who value the ability to go anywhere without needing a second mortgage for the gas.

Twin outboards give the Cutwater C-302 exceptional performance and fuel economy. Note the pull-down transom seat that retracts when not required.

Step aboard this beauty via the large rear swim platform and transom door, and the large aft cockpit speaks to the Cutwater C-302 Coupe’s incredible versatility. Straight up, this boat is made to fish, and that’s immediately evident with its 30-gallon live well, large fish boxes, rod holders and a sink for bait prep. But it’s more than a simple fishing boat, and while the anglers troll away, the entertainers in the family will enjoy its generous seating space and luxurious amenities, including a Kenyon electric barbecue grill. An extended overhead shade provides a break from the mid-day sun when enjoying the open rear cockpit. In foul weather, the salon can be closed up with canvas.

Flip up the transom and a Kenyon electric barbecue grill awaits.

Besides the barbecue, there’s a full galley located just inside the main salon, complete with a refrigerator/freezer, stove, oven, microwave and another sink. The adjacent dinette features a high-low table, which allows it to convert to an extra berth that sleeps two in a pinch.

A full galley indoors includes everything needed for a gourmet weekend away.

Guests enjoy comfortable seating inside and out, with a nice cherry table, an audiophile Fusion stereo system with eight speakers and Bluetooth wireless streaming capability, a big rear swim platform with a four-step stainless steel boarding ladder, two TVs with DVD players, and even a wine cooler.

A comfortable island berth bed with memory foam mattress provides a comfortable place to rest after a long day on the water.

Down in the cabin, a comfortable island berth bed with memory foam awaits in the spacious master stateroom. There’s also a private head with a shower enclosure. The boat can sleep up to six people on three separate berths, providing privacy and comfort even on extended cruises.

The beautifully finished helm includes a variety of electronics options.

The driver gets spoiled with an attractive helm console that provides plenty of space to accommodate large flush-mount touch displays along with controls for the standard bow and stern thrusters. Built for cruising, the Cutwater C-302 includes thoughtful appointments like bow and helm controls for the stainless steel windlass, and a 2,000-watt sine wave inverter to power accessories without generator noise.

The spacious interior can even be air conditioned for additional comfort in hot weather.

The Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe comes fully equipped for fishing and cruising straight from the factory, but buyers can still enjoy a range of optional upgrades. Many of these are available in helpful packages, like the Luxury Edition that adds air conditioning, a generator, a convection oven and underwater lights among other goodies. Anglers will also find themselves tempted by the Northwest Package, which includes downrigger plugs and pads, a Garmin autopilot radar, and twin Garmin 7612 chartplotters among its equipment.

With standard power the Cutwater C-302 gets incredible fuel economy of 1.34 mpg at mid-throttle, and and a range of over 400 miles.

Some people want a fishing boat, other people want a cruiser. The versatile and sporty Cutwater C-302 Sport Coupe proves you really can have it all.