Posted by Cutwater Boats on Tuesday, April 17th, 2025
We’re often asked about the difference between our “C” and “CB” models. It’s a great question worth clarifying. The "C" stands for Coupe, referring to the traditional hardtop design of our C-32 model. "CB" indicates the Command Bridge variant, featuring a second helm station atop the cabin roof with a complete and fully functional set of controls. While many boaters refer to this as a flybridge, we prefer the term Command Bridge to highlight its extensive functionality—and frankly, it just sounds cooler.
At the Command Bridge helm, captains enjoy comprehensive control. Equipment includes a Garmin chartplotter, engine monitoring display, electronic throttle controls, bow thruster joystick, VHF radio, autopilot, and the advanced Helm Master joystick.
Operating the boat from the Command Bridge delivers an unmatched boating experience. Perhaps it’s the salt-air, the sound of the bow slicing through the water, the warmth of the sun, or the refreshing breeze. Cruising with friends and family gathered on the bridge, it's where the good stuff happens—where sweeping views and shared laughter mix effortlessly into memories you'll gladly revisit.
Our design team carefully considered potential compromises inherent in bridge designs. For instance, the increased height might seem to limit trailering capability or navigating under low bridges; however, our hinged bridge design reduces overall height, enabling trailering across all 50 states. Additionally, while the bridge stairs could potentially obstruct rear visibility from the lower helm, our designers incorporated windows into each step riser, preserving aft visibility from inside the cabin. We even offer an optional Bimini top for the bridge, providing a welcome refuge from the midday sun. And what about those moments when the sky begins to weep? Each bridge model comes standard with a set of canvas covers, ensuring all vital components remain comfortably sheltered from the elements.
Considering reasons one might choose against a bridge model, gear-carrying capacity often arises. Our Coupe models feature Sport Racks on the cabin roof, which are replaced by the bridge on CB models. Nevertheless, gear storage on the CB is still practical, with accessories like kayak and paddleboard carriers available to mount on the bridge handrails. For others, it simply comes down to aesthetic preference—and that's perfectly fine. We love them both, and that's why you'll see both models cruising happily out of our factory year after year!
Ultimately, your decision depends on personal preferences and how you envision enjoying your time aboard. To see photos and further details about our C-32 Command Bridge, click the button.