cutter boats

[franger]

looking for any input regarding quality/reliability of the cutter brand of boats (same manufacturer as grew).

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: cutter boats

franger...I have a Cutter 2003 XLE 173 I believe. It's about a 17 ft bowrider, ordered it new from Cutter/Grew with 115hp Merc. Kids use it mostly for skiing and wakeboarding. Overall I'm pretty satisfied with the fit and finish of the boat. This is our 4th summer now and it shines up just like new. I would have to say the Cutter is probably just a touch lower than the equivalent Grew sort of like the Pontiac/Chevy comparison. Only had 3 problems so far all at delivery, Convertible top rear piece was ripped, thye replaced right away, fuel guage didn't work, I found the pink sender wire reversed with ground, trailer lights had a short which caused tow vehicle to blow fuse, found a shirted wire to frame on one of the marker lights. I would say it's good value for the money, let me know if you have any specific questions.

ps...the only pet peeve I have is the telescopic boarding ladder as it only has 2 steps, looking around for a 3 step to replace it with.

 

[franger]

Re: cutter boats

thanks for the reply boatin bob, hard to get any response on this brand. i'm going to look at the boat today - 2004 167 or 169 (not sure) with a 90 merc. i noticed on grews website that yours has a wider beam, higher max hp and is heavier than the 167/169. did you look these models before settling on the 173 ? asking price is $12500. can't seem to find this package new for comparison on price. any additional input appreciated.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: cutter boats

franger...have a look at this site, Boatland Canada it's where I bought mine, you will see a brand new 2006 169 for $12,900 but it's only with a 60 hp Merc but these guys will up the power for reasonable price. We looked at this model but went with the 173, the extra beam and a little length seemed to make a huge difference in usable space in the cockpit. and in the stability of the ride. Also upgraded the power from the 90 to the 115 as my sons like to ski together and one is 220 and the other 180 lbs, the 115 has no problem pulling them both up. A couple of options we had added were, take out the passenger side sleeper seat and put in another swivel bucket, makes it easier for the spotter to swivel around to watch, put in a nifty ski pole that doesn't require a tripod, tonneau cover as well as the convertible top, upgrade power from 90 to 115 (2 stroke)

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: cutter boats

Here is a couple of pics of our 173, the yellow color was also a custom order

 

[KCook]

Re: cutter boats

Interesting to see that Boatland Canada carries both the Cutter and Tahoe lines. Have you heard them make any quality comparisons?

Kelly Cook

 

[franger]

Re: cutter boats

just got back from looking at the boat, it actually ended up being a 171 XLE (same specs as a 173, not sure what the difference is) with the full convertable top ($1000 option according to boatland). it appeared to be in excellent condition, got her up to 45 mph. long story short, i bought her!

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: cutter boats

Congrats on the boat! That price seems much better than if it was a 169, I don't think you could go wrong....Happy Boating!!!!

 

[franger]

Re: cutter boats

thanks boatin bob, i'm taking posession some time this week just in time for the long weekend. seen by your location that you're a lake simcoe man. i'm an avid ice fisherman and that is my lake of choice. was i touch with cooks bay marine about a storage/launching package where you keep the boat on the trailer in a locked compound and when you get there launch the boat and when you're done trailer it and park in the compound. $300 may to nov based on a 16 ft boat, includes unlimited launching. might check it out this weekend, any advice or suggestions on this or other lake simcoe marina's appreciated.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: cutter boats

Seems like a decent enough price and the water is not the cleanest in the bay so you will find the bottom won't develop that nice brownish scum on the bottom by staying on the trailer. I actually have 2 boats 35ft Thundercraft (my avitar picture) and the Cutter. Even though I live in Keswick (on Cooks Bay) we keep the boats up on Lake Couchiching near Orillia. I have a 42 ft covered slip which is just big enough to keep both boats in.