Did you check out the link Bob? These are not really fishing boats and not too far from their RT/CW customer base. The Walkaround has a mini-cabin with day head and the bow is full of loungers. They have a built in grill and with that big hardtop this is more in the picnic cruiser class.
Yes Bill, of course I followed the link. The Cutwater series are more of a 'Fast boat"--a least in the diesel iteration. Now there is not a lot of difference in function between the cabined Cutwater and Ranger Tugs. The original intent was more the Cutwater as a fishing boat/vs the ranger tug as more of a cruising boat. I have, in the past, examined all of the Cutwater series, with a one of the company executive
You asked:
This makes me wonder how a C-Dory would work as a day boat, in either configuration.
My answer was directly to your question--about the C Dory as a CC boat or open boat. Adding a grill, forward seats or hard top would not change that opinion, normal it into a "picnic boat" If I wanted a "picnic boat" there are far better candidates, such as NorthStar or Hinkley.There are some downeast type of boats which qualify as "picnic boats".
Many Center consoles and dual consoles have heads in a small compartments (I would not consider the Cutwater CC or Dual console, as having a "mini cabin". The hard top is much if any larger than on many traditional center consoles. seats forward are often found in center consoles. Generally these are not popular boats in the PNW. I don't see the Cutwater as a picnic boat.
Let me address the Cutwater boats specifically: The 24 is "Center Walkaround"--basically a hybrid--of a center console and walk around. I have owned both types of boats. On this boat you cannot walk around on both sides--which is a characteristic of both center consoles and "Walkarounds". The Walkarounds have a cuddy cabin, with bunk, and often portipotty under the V bunk. Some have a head, some have a small galley in this size boat. You walk around the mini cabin on both sides.
Center console, may have a head under the console. I have even seen some with a bunk (larger boats) under the forward part of the deck. There Is a bait well and sink aft--many have this feature in back of the center console--but not unique.
The dual console is typical for dual consoles. Some have a grill, ice box etc--There are the flip flop seats which seem to be part of the Ranger/Cutwater line--and perhaps this is atypical. (as well as a foredeck which conceals a ladder.). Certainly good for day boats--but not particularly unique.