The Pacific Northwest is a region of dramatic beauty and equally formidable conditions. Rocky shorelines, hidden logs and remote anchorages—many reachable only by boat—demand vessels that are sturdy, seaworthy and practical. Long rainy seasons and chilly temperatures make an enclosed helm essential for comfort, while long distances between ports reward boats with generous fuel capacity. It’s no wonder that confident, capable boats like trawlers and faster, more nimble cruisers are common from the San Juan Islands to Desolation Sound.
Cutwater, built in Arlington, Washington by Fluid Motion (the same company that owns Ranger Tugs), targets that middle ground: practical, low-maintenance cruisers with performance and comfort. The brand’s philosophy favors function over flash, producing boats that are rugged, reliable and well-suited to exploration—think of them as the Jeep Wranglers of the boating world. Cutwater boats are designed for people who want to get out and go without fuss, and they often deliver more capability than their price suggests.
The Cutwater 32 Command Bridge (C-32 CB) brings an exciting combination to the segment: a flybridge paired with outboard power. Across the industry, few boats mix an elevated command bridge with twin outboards, yet the C-32 CB does so with clear intentions. John Livingston, president of Fluid Motion, explains that the C-32 CB was conceived to retain the cruising comfort and seaworthiness of the company’s diesel inboard C-30 while adding the efficiency, speed and versatility that outboard engines and a planing hull provide.
Underway, the C-32 CB rides on a double-stepped deep-V hull equipped with Fluid Motion’s patented Laminar Flow Interrupters. Those hull features help deliver predictable, stable cornering and a comfortable ride in choppy conditions. Twin 300-hp Yamaha outboards deliver strong performance without limiting access to the 32-square-foot swim platform, which provides convenient water access for families and swimmers. Stainless-steel handrails around the transom and boarding areas add a practical safety element for getting on and off the boat.
Recognizing regional needs, the C-32 CB offers both an enclosed helm and a flying bridge helm, each outfitted with Garmin 8612 multifunction displays so you can run navigation and systems from either station. The flybridge gives open-air visibility and a commanding view for passagemaking in fair weather, while the enclosed lower helm provides shelter and protection for colder, wetter days—the thoughtful layout balances seasonality and user preference.
Below deck, the layout is practical and family-friendly. A forward stateroom features a comfortably angled berth that allows access on both sides. Behind the helm sits a dinette that comfortably seats four and can be converted into an extra sleeping berth by lowering the table. A clever surprise is a quarter berth tucked beneath the dinette area, complete with reading lights and a porthole—allowing the manufacturer to state a sleeping capacity of five or more. The arrangement is well suited for weekend cruising, family outings, or multi-day trips.
The boat’s creature comforts extend to a full galley and a versatile cockpit, which includes a rear-facing lounge seat, an electric grill, a sink and a second refrigerator. Practical considerations for trailering and bridge clearance were also part of the design: the C-32 CB is trailerable thanks to its 10-foot beam, and its flybridge and radar arch fold down easily to achieve a 13-foot, 6-inch clearance—making it simpler to tow and to pass under low bridges.
Fluid Motion intended the C-32 CB to be a true go-anywhere boat, and owners have used Cutwaters to explore widely—trailering them to fish and cruise in destinations across the continent. The combination of thoughtful design, trailerability, efficient outboard power and a comfortable onboard environment makes the Cutwater 32 Command Bridge a versatile choice for boaters who prioritize exploration, practicality and performance.
Specifications
LOA: 39’10”
Beam: 10’0”
Draft: 2’9”
Displ.: 12,000 lbs.
Fuel: 300 gals.
Water: 80 gals.
Power: (2) 300-hp Yamahas
Price: $309,937
This article was originally published in the February 2021 issue.