Boat test for the 2003 Bluewater 6000 Custom Series with boat pictures, boat specifications, and boat test results. Includes pricing, videos, engine test reviews, and ratings for the 2003 Bluewater 6000 Custom Series.

While Raycroft ambled about Cornucopia, I sat with the Klapmeiers and the Paschs at the dining table—seating for eight—amidships to port on the 6000’s expansive top deck, as we enjoyed generous portions of Jolie’s wild rice soup, an assortment of Wisconsin cheeses, and an endless bowl of salad.

How expansive is this deck? I measured 17’5” from the end of the helm area forward to the molded-in stairs aft and 12’6” from port to starboard. Besides the dining table, the deck features a large sunpad aft, flanked by seats just forward of the stairs and another one to port. There’s also an optional Jenn-Air electric grill opposite the table, and aft of the helm, a refrigerator, is also an option. The hardtop extends just short of the aft sunpad and shades the deck. To say that this design is perfect for entertaining is putting it mildly. With 20 people up here, there would still be plenty of elbowroom.

Once Raycroft was back aboard, we said goodbye to Tillman and set out for Bayfield. Sitting at the double helm seat (there’s additional seating to port), I took note of the careful positioning of all the navigational instruments and the ease I had in reaching the controls and switches.

At various times all six of us were up here enjoying the panoramic views. Later, we stopped at sandstone caves along the shoreline of the peninsula. We quickly and safely launched Raycroft in the dinghy for a photo op, via the standard electrically operated transom lift, while listening to Lyle Lovett on the CD stereo and engaging in lively conversation. It was a good thing this Bluewater 6000 had the optional four-side enclosure, as a midsummer Lake Superior thunderstorm caught up to us late that afternoon.

Lightning strikes were plentiful, and we saw a bolt almost tie itself in a knot. I noticed the boat handled the quickly building two-to-four seas and accompanying wind with little or no wallowing. And with her sharp entry and low center of gravity—she’s only 11’3” from the waterline to the bridge windshield—she gave us a relatively comfortable ride through the slop. We made Bayfield in the rain and, with nothing else to do, settled into the saloon for some snacks, wine, and conversation.

Like its counterpart above, I found the main deck perfect for entertaining. Bluewater boats feature a one-level design that on the 6000 includes three staterooms. The master and its en suite head are aft, and the guest berth is to port and amidships. The forepeak also has a private head. All the staterooms have plenty of closet and drawer space with enough stowage to accommodate any extended cruising schedule.

The galley is to port with dining area opposite, and the lower helm is forward and to starboard. A convertible couch sits opposite. There are extra large windows all around for a wide-open feeling whether seated or standing, and there’s enough room so that all six of us were comfortable not only in our seats, but also while moving around. I measured an average 6’5” of headroom throughout, with a whopping 7’61/2” in the lower helm area.

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