Initial inspection- R-31

[pgw60159]

Hi All,

I'm new to this community and am grateful for all of the information on here! I'm looking for my loop boat and am considering an R-31. I have lots of inland (lake) boat experience, this'll be my first cruising boat, so I'm very aware of the many things I don't yet know! While I'll certainly have a survey completed on any boat that I purchase, I'd like to get thoughts from you on what things I should pay particicular attention to on my initial look. Clearly that will be the only time I'll be able to look without costing me $$$, so am hoping to learn what items you might highlight to indicate potentially larger or costly issues, known weak points on this boat, and maybe areas for needed replacements/ upgrades. I'm looking for a 31 that's on the order of 3-10 years old to give you a sense of the age range, and will incorporate this feedback into my initial checklist of items. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[AGLyme]

I purchased a 11 year old R31cb last year.
Fortunately it was a freshwater boat and I did confirm that the owner really did throw the keys to the marina after every trip.
I was fortunate that there was a Ranger Tug meeting the summer I bought the boat and got a lot of my Ranger specific questions answered there. The organizer owns a 31cb and he taught me much! (Thanks Gregg).

After a year and a half of ownership I can say that it was the perfect purchase for me. It is also my first boat. My marina is directly on a tidal river therefore I have both wind and tide to contend with as I land the boat… the RT 31 loves going straight, the rudder is small therefore single screw skills are required. The bow and stern thrusters are life-savers but they only guide assist the boat, they don’t “move” the boat faster than a 1.5 knot tide. Therefore try a quick docking exercise during the sea trial to make certain it’s your cup of tea.

If you buy it, I’m happy to spend time with you on leaning the systems.

 

[mikee30]

I have a 2018 R31CB that I bought in 2020. The engine was still under warranty and had less than 200 hours. I bought it from a private seller, never had it inspected, never regretted that decision. If you can find what I found, a fabulous current owner who is upgrading or moving on to other adventures, there’s no substitute. Good luck with your purchase, it’s a great boat.

 

[Rauguthj]

I made extensive use of the Ranger Tugs delivery and orientation checklists. These checklists helped me touch every aspect of our 2024 R31 CB. There is a learning curve moving to a cruising boat with its complex systems. Agree that operating and docking a single screw boat is challenging. I ended up having a training Captain work with me on the “back and fill” technique necessary to effectively maneuver the boat - time and money well spent. Having a good relationship with your closest dealer is important as well. My dealer is always there to answer questions and help me work through issues.

 

[jacrider]

Hey, let's keep this discussion going. We have put a deposit on a 2014 RT 31CB and are doing the survey and sea trial next week. I have lots of questions, but will check back after we are certain we are going to complete the purchase. Thanks.

 

[pgw60159]

I purchased a 11 year old R31cb last year.
Fortunately it was a freshwater boat and I did confirm that the owner really did throw the keys to the marina after every trip.
I was fortunate that there was a Ranger Tug meeting the summer I bought the boat and got a lot of my Ranger specific questions answered there. The organizer owns a 31cb and he taught me much! (Thanks Gregg).

After a year and a half of ownership I can say that it was the perfect purchase for me. It is also my first boat. My marina is directly on a tidal river therefore I have both wind and tide to contend with as I land the boat… the RT 31 loves going straight, the rudder is small therefore single screw skills are required. The bow and stern thrusters are life-savers but they only guide assist the boat, they don’t “move” the boat faster than a 1.5 knot tide. Therefore try a quick docking exercise during the sea trial to make certain it’s your cup of tea.

If you buy it, I’m happy to spend time with you on leaning the systems.

Thank you so much for the kind offer! Yes, I spent a week in the San Juans with a training captain on a R-29 CB to see if I liked how it handled; I think it's going to be a great boat for me, but also agree that there's a lot of learning yet to do. Really appreciate your input and offer! I may take you up on it if this turns out to be the boat! I'm in NC; not sure where you're located.

 

[pgw60159]

Hey, let's keep this discussion going. We have put a deposit on a 2014 RT 31CB and are doing the survey and sea trial next week. I have lots of questions, but will check back after we are certain we are going to complete the purchase. Thanks.

Would love to hear your experiences so far. Assuming you've done the initial inspection, so interested in what you found. Good luck with the survey and sea trial!

 

[pgw60159]

I made extensive use of the Ranger Tugs delivery and orientation checklists. These checklists helped me touch every aspect of our 2024 R31 CB. There is a learning curve moving to a cruising boat with its complex systems. Agree that operating and docking a single screw boat is challenging. I ended up having a training Captain work with me on the “back and fill” technique necessary to effectively maneuver the boat - time and money well spent. Having a good relationship with your closest dealer is important as well. My dealer is always there to answer questions and help me work through issues.

Hi Joe and Linda, Great info, thanks! I haven't come across the delivery and orientation checklists yet, but did a training cruise on an R-29. Would love to see what's included in those checklists if you have them (or a link to them) handy! And will certainly connect with the local dealer- good suggestion! Best wishes, Paul

 

[Brian John]

Hi All,

I'm new to this community and am grateful for all of the information on here! I'm looking for my loop boat and am considering an R-31. I have lots of inland (lake) boat experience, this'll be my first cruising boat, so I'm very aware of the many things I don't yet know! While I'll certainly have a survey completed on any boat that I purchase, I'd like to get thoughts from you on what things I should pay particicular attention to on my initial look. Clearly that will be the only time I'll be able to look without costing me $$$, so am hoping to learn what items you might highlight to indicate potentially larger or costly issues, known weak points on this boat, and maybe areas for needed replacements/ upgrades. I'm looking for a 31 that's on the order of 3-10 years old to give you a sense of the age range, and will incorporate this feedback into my initial checklist of items. Thanks for your thoughts.

Where are you located? I may be listing my 2022 R-31 CB.

 

[pgw60159]

Where are you located? I may be listing my 2022 R-31 CB.

Hi Brian, I'm in North Carolina. And would love to talk to you about your boat.

 

[Rauguthj]

I made extensive use of the Ranger Tugs delivery and orientation checklists. These checklists helped me touch every aspect of our 2024 R31 CB. There is a learning curve moving to a cruising boat with its complex systems. Agree that operating and docking a single screw boat is challenging. I ended up having a training Captain work with me on the “back and fill” technique necessary to effectively maneuver the boat - time and money well spent. Having a good relationship with your closest dealer is important as well. My dealer is always there to answer questions and help me work through issues.

Hi Joe and Linda, Great info, thanks! I haven't come across the delivery and orientation checklists yet, but did a training cruise on an R-29. Would love to see what's included in those checklists if you have them (or a link to them) handy! And will certainly connect with the local dealer- good suggestion! Best wishes, Paul

Paul: PM your email and I’ll send the version I have.