Contemplating the 2019 R-29 S model - need reviews

[baz]

Subject: Contemplating the 2019 R-29 S model - need reviews

My current 2018 R-27/OB was purchased primarily to meet my 1st Mate's requirements for getting places much faster than our previous R-21EC and for the ability to store things such as a wheelchair easily and various other needed things for her.

Sadly she lost her struggle with Parkinson's and passed away recently..... yes, sad and emotionally painful.

I'm now considering trading in or selling my 2018 R-27/OB for the new 2019 R-29 S model... my 4th Ranger Tug by golly. :roll: I've been truly smitten by the value of the Ranger Tugs and the awesome after sales attention/service over past 10 years owning the Ranger Tug boat(s).

I no longer need to speed around at 35+ mph which required fairly calm waters to do so and which actually curtailed me at times from taking the boat out when the waters were not so calm. I'm quite happy to slow down to 10 to 20 mph and have the ability to cruise more often not only in calm waters but also in rougher weather conditions we get at times in the PNW. I like to boat all year round and have my boat(s) in the water 100% of the time.

I've been a fan of the R-29 for some time now and was pleased to see RT upgrading their R-29 Classic to the current modern design along with many improvements a few years back. The new 2018/2019 R-29 S has the 300HP Volvo engine that can provide cruise speeds at 16-18 mph with a top speed of around 22 mph. These speeds and the fuel burn economy fit in with my requirements handily. It can handle the various PNW water and weather conditions easily and would venture to say, better than my current R-27/OB can with its planing hull design. Of course the R-29 S with a larger beam is also a plus over the R-27/OB as well. The R-29 S's large engine sits quite low helping to lower the boat's CG and being low the prop shaft is almost horizontal leading to better efficiency turning the prop.

Hey, the R-29 S also has a holding tank level indicator..... whopeeee. I had much anxiety on the R-27/OB that has no such indicator nor could you get a sight on the holding tank at all, so had to install a flow meter in the raw water line to keep track of how much water had been drawn into the toilet and subsequently to the holding tank. This has worked well for me and when the meter registers 25 gallons I know to pump out ASAP.

The R-29 S comes equipped with a nice foam mattress in the forward V-berth area and for the Cave. Thus extra cost involved that would be necessary for the R-27/OB hard mattresses is avoided. I attended the recent Seattle Boats Afloat show and had the chance to explore the comfort of the R-29 S mattresses and was mighty impressed with their comfort level... both for the island V-berth and the Cave. The R-29 S can accommodate a combo of 6 people (a combo of adults and children easily).

For some reason I found getting around the boat from cockpit to the bow was far easier on the R-29 S vs. my R-27/OB... weird to say the least. Oh... and the storage holds in the bow on the R-29 S are simply awesome to have as well as the extra space aft of the engine where the Luxury Edition would have the A/C Genset installed.

I'm no fan of having a big vertical dinghy on the aft lip of the swim step blocking my rear views and will simply transfer my Sea Eagle Fastrack kayak from my R-27/OB to the cabin roof of the R-29 S which BTW has the solar panel position way over to port side making the kayak a simple installation.

I'm looking at a full cockpit enclosure for the R-29 S for cockpit protection from the weather and added safety for small children and my Wire Hair Fox Terrier in the cockpit area. At this time I'm hoping there's no need to have an extension added to the stock hardtop/canvas Bimini such that the rear enclosure panel can be sloped and wide enough to accommodate the flip over transom seat. I did same for my R-27/OB and it worked well without there being any interference with people sitting on the flip down transom seat with the rear panel deployed. This 'sloping' option can/will save a good $2,500 on the cost of the full enclosure made by King Marine Canvas.

I anticipate spending more time on the hook now so having enough juice in the house battery(s) will be a concern to me. Another R-29 S owner has told me they've installed a volt-amp meter Victron Energy BMV-700 unit for displaying/monitoring remaining Ah for the house battery(s).

The stock R-29 S helm console is kind of lacking with its huge expanse of nothing on its left side. I'm a fan of dual chart plotters for obvious benefits as well as providing redundancy so will have a 2nd Chart plotter display installed alongside the stock one.

I like the fact that the Webasto forced air diesel furnace draws its fuel from the main fuel tank so I don't have to mess with a separate fuel tank for it and not know how much fuel is left in its tank as for the R-27/OB.

Well, having said all that, I'm curious to hear from other R-29 S owners about their operating experiences and ownership tasks being either positive and/or negative. I'm sure there are many things I simply cannot see to be issues or non-issues with the R-29 S that only become apparent after owning one for a period of time.

What are the easy DIY maintenance chores for the Volvo D4 engine ? ....

e.g.,
Raw water impeller replacement ?
Oil/Filter replacement ?
Access to raw water filter/strainer cup ?

Thanks in advance for any inputs and advice from others. 🙂

P.S. Oh....and I'm going for the Hero Red hull. 😀

 

[FlagShip]

Hi Barry,

First off, sorry to here of Gill's passing. I can't imagine what that will be like if/when I encounter that part of life.

My wife and I just took delivery of an R-29CB in July (hull #2 of the 2019 run). Only two months in so I can't speak to all aspects of the boat. All of your points are accurate:

The extra beam is great for stability and for room inside.
We did add a memory foam topper to the forward berth (so comfy).
Diesel heater works great.
The 300 hp diesel is great, tons of torque. It goes when you tell it to.
It's very happy at a fast cruise of 16 kts, burning about 10 gal/hr, but its content tootling at 6 or 7 knots with great fuel economy.
The impeller looks easy to swap out, oil filters are right on top for easy access, and the strainer cup is very accessible.

We did the Rendezvous this year (great fun). Went up on Thursday, flat water and a smooth ride. Came home on Sunday in a Small Craft Warning, 2-4 foot waves in Saratoga Pass. The boat handled it fine, just slowed down and let it push its way through the waves. Water over the bow a few times, but we were comfortable and warm inside.

We have yet to spend time on the hook, looking forward to see what the batteries/solar panel can do.

We have a few minor fixes to be done (like 4 things is all), very impressed as these are built by hand. Ranger is very responsive and it taking great care of us.

Brett

 

[Craig]

Wow! I think you have covered it. I wouldn’t know what else to add, except to say that the boat has been a pleasure to own. The maintenance chores are straight forward and there is ample room to get around and get things done. I did add the second screen at the helm for the same reasoning you describe. I also added a Flir camera for running at night. It is particularly helpful in the fall and winter months when its dark by early evening. We also added the Ollsen davit system. The benefit for us is the 9.9 Yamaha outboard stays attached to the dingy and rides at an angle so you still have a view to the rear of the boat. If you get the new 29 you wont be disappointed.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[BB marine]

Sorry for your loss Barry. Good luck on your quest for another Tug. I'm surprised at your decision to go from outboard to diesel again. Your positive comments about the boat,performance, ride, and seaworthiness. I have questioned the quality of ride of the deep V to the semi displacement hull. since the outboard models came out. I have always been a advocate for outboards but not with Tugs. Your comments in your decision to change boats sounds to me that the sea handling is slightly compromised in the V-hull. Everything seems to be a compromise. I like the semi displacement hull ride of our Cutwater but many times the need for speed enters my brain. When I'm on the water cruising at 15mph and a 23 or 27 outboard Tug comes cruising by me at 30 mph I think there would be times when that extra performance would be beneficial. Its a tough decision. I think your choice of boat, the 29 is a good one. The 2 reasons I would consider a 29 over our 26 Cutwater is island berth, and D4 Volvo. Other then that we are happy with the accommodations that came with the Cutwater or that I installed to give us comfort for extended cruising. We have the D3 which so far has run flawlessly. My only concern is 220hp from 2.4 L 146 cu in displacement 4000 rpm to provide 220hp. A very light duty aluminum block engine. The D4 ( iron block ) is a more substantial engine 3.7 L 226 cu in displacement 3500 rpm to provide 260 hp or 300hp. (Longevity of the engine running at cruise speed) The island berth is another benefit. We have a large berth in our Cutwater and it is very comfortable with the 3" memory foam topper we installed but I feel like a contortionist sometimes getting in and out of the berth. If you have concerns about the Volvo I would put them to rest. Good luck.The 29 is my favorite of the fluid Motion line. Good choice!

 

[Matty]

Sorry for your loss. Great post on thoughts about the 29. But what I take from your writing is that I need to adjust my retirement plan if you are now deciding to purchase yet another Ranger Tug and cruising as much as you do for years to come. Great attitude!

 

[baz]

Sorry for your loss Barry. Good luck on your quest for another Tug. I'm surprised at your decision to go from outboard to diesel again. Your positive comments about the boat,performance, ride, and seaworthiness. I have questioned the quality of ride of the deep V to the semi displacement hull. since the outboard models came out....snip...

The main reason for looking at the R-29 S vs. keeping my R-27/OB is that my requirement for speeds at and above 25 mph have now gone poof.... and in addition to be able to comfortably navigate and operate a boat in sea conditions that aren't suitable for the R-27/OB to be in for comfort and at a reasonable cruise speed. I feel and expect the R-29 S will allow me to cruise in sea conditions that will be superior to that offered by my R-27/OB in similar sea conditions.

I expect with sea conditions such as 2 to 3 foot waves and above the R-29 S will not only be more comfortable but will allow it to cruise at a higher speed than for the R-27/OB. Thus the R-29 S will outpace the R-27/OB under these conditions and in addition allow me to operate the boat in adverse sea conditions more often.

So far using the R-27/OB I've always stayed in port if I can when there's a possibility of 15+ mph winds and waves kicking up to 3 feet or above. I will not be so hesitant with these sea conditions having the R-29 S and thus will have the opportunity to use the boat more often. The R-27/OB is great in fine weather and will get you places very quickly. When weather turns gnarly the R-27/OB must be slowed down for comfort to a cruise speed that would less than what a R-29 S can provide in more comfort. My opinion of course... 🙂

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Barry,

Like the others on this post, I am sorry to hear about the passing of Gill. You made many changes to accommodate her needs and I am glad the two of you got out on the water (along with your many grandkids).

Barbara and I spent our third summer cruising the PNW in our 29CB, having retired Tugnacious our classic 27. I can only reinforce what others have said here, but with my own twist. The move up for us from the v-berth to the queen-sized bed (no more kicking my spouse in the head when I got up), the larger and more comfortable head (and shower), the ability to pass each other in the cabin without sucking in your gut (well, my gut I guess), the spacious cockpit with plenty of seating, the rock-solid easy to work on Volvo D4 (no marinized car engine), the wonderful command bridge that we can pack a crowd onto or just watch a sunset from, and the superior sea-keeping that this 16,000 lb boat has (that's the weight the lift operator said) has made all the difference. I miss the tug-like look of our 27, the ease of close quarters handling, and the ability to easily trailer, but shipping it is still easy...and that is what money is for.

Bottom line: I spend twice as much time on the 29 than I did on the 27. It is just a nicer place to hang out. And it is still a breeze to single hand, which I do all the time in San Francisco, where the bigger boat is a bonus due to rough conditions.

Good luck with your ruminations over a new boat. But I remind you, you have a pretty nice ride right now! I look longingly at those 27's as they blow by me at 30 kts on a flat calm day.

Jeff

 

[baz]

There's one other benefit for the R-29 S that the R-27/OB lacks and that is the R-29 S's cockpit area is heated. During winter times this R-27/OB's cockpit area can be cold whereas for the R-29 S's cockpit area which receives heated air from the diesel furnace it will be not so cold. Now this is a pleasant surprise. I'm unsure if this is a 2018 and/or a 2019 new feature for the R-29 S, but no matter a plus for sure. 😀

 

[crowleykirk]

So sorry for your loss.
I'm very curious as to your choice of the S model over the CB. You are obviously very experienced and have a good reason for your decision.

We are hoping to make a purchase of the R29 or Aspen C120 within a couple years.

Thanks for the great post.

Kirk

 

[baz]

Basically...I really have no need for the topper/flybridge.

Plus...

1) Visually I don't like the fragile look of all the scaffolding of the bridge railings everywhere.... also its added instability to the boat even though quite minor

2) Less space over galley area due to the steps to bridge.

3) Absence of cabin hatches.

4) Extra $15K...

5) increased exposed side area force in winds conditions

6) The extra weight

7) More chrome to keep clean

8) Need for canvas to cover the bridge -- extra cost

9) Plus, where would I install my 15-foot Kayak ? 😉

 

[crowleykirk]

Ahhh.... see, I knew you would have very well thought out reasons🙂 We are new to PNW boating, had a boat business years ago in Newport Beach, CA. We're working on a small vacation place on Friday Harbor now so we're getting base camp in order🙂

Thank you so much for your replay and please, please keep us in the loop as to your purchase and experience with the 29S.

Take care and enjoy the new adventures, maybe we'll see you on the water soon.

Kirk

 

[baz]

Hi Barry,
...snip...
The extra beam is great for stability and for room inside.

Yes, the room inside of the R-29 S is quite deceiving when one compares it with the R-27/OB. At first glance one sees the difference to be minimal because both boats have the exact same layout in the cabin. However, upon closer inspection one begins to appreciate what the extra 18" of beam adds to everything.... such as wider helm seat, wider Cave, more gangway space, larger dinette table, more console space, and of course the generous space in the forward V-berth area.

We did add a memory foam topper to the forward berth (so comfy).

I tested the stock V-berth's foam cushion for comfort and concluded it was sufficient for me laying on my back and sides. Thus I would not be inclined to add any more foam to it.

...snip...
It's very happy at a fast cruise of 16 kts, burning about 10 gal/hr, but its content tootling at 6 or 7 knots with great fuel economy.

Yes, this fuel use is what I've been told to expect and is almost the same as what I get for my R-27/OB at same speed. The Yamaha Performance Bulletin for the R-27/OB (which IMO is very accurate) shows at 4000 RPM on the F300, 18.5 mph, 11.8 gallons per hour and 1.57 miles per gallon.

The impeller looks easy to swap out, oil filters are right on top for easy access, and the strainer cup is very accessible.

That is good news to read... thanks. 🙂

We did the Rendezvous this year (great fun). Went up on Thursday, flat water and a smooth ride. Came home on Sunday in a Small Craft Warning, 2-4 foot waves in Saratoga Pass. The boat handled it fine, just slowed down and let it push its way through the waves. Water over the bow a few times, but we were comfortable and warm inside.
...snip...

Yes the Saratoga Passage stretch of water can get a bit choppy at times and I've cruised up/down that stretch a number of times both in calm and not so calm conditions.

The one thing I would miss about the R-27/OB would be when returning from a cruise and wanting to get home in a hurry. In decent water conditions the R-27/OB can eat up distances in a real hurry.

 

[baz]

Today, after much ado and after exactly 2 months from my OP posting with reading, reviewing the R29 S up close at boat shows and factory tour and much discussion here and with RT, I plonked my deposit down for the new 2019 R29 S. It is estimated to be delivered to me sometime in March 2019.

My R29 S specifications are...

The NW Edition
along with these extras

• Hero Red hull
  Factory installed RIB 290 9' 6" dinghy with 2.5 HP Yamaha outboard motor
  2nd Chart Plotter
  AIS 600
  Teak/Holly carpet for cabin & cockpit
  Professional bottom paint.

I intend to have King Marine Canvas template and install a full cockpit enclosure for me as well.

I will be trading in my R27/OB and I'm told it should sell easily within 30 days. 😀 So, I'll be without a boat for some 5 or 6 months. 🙁 That does provide a little time to gather some additional brass come March 20129 timeframe. 😉

My purchase is subject to a successful/acceptable sea trial in waters that I typical ply.

I feel exceptionally good/comfortable with my choice.

There will many times I cruise this boat all year round solo and be on the hook periodically and at this time I sense this will not be a problem for me. Other times I will undoubtedly have family, grandkids and friends on board and will likely do crabbing and some fishing. As I have somewhat of an aversion to having a dinghy on the swim step blocking my rear views when cruising scenic areas etc, I intend to only have it with me when I know I'll be needing it, otherwise it will be left behind at my Marina's dock/slip. I could hang onto my 15' SeaEagle FasTrack inflatable kayak and install it on the R29 S's cabin roof as I do today on my R27/OB.... but just may decide to sell it.

 

[Jake]

Congrats. I think the 29S is a perfect fit for you and the PNW.

Jake

 

[BB marine]

Congratulations on your Purchase R29 S ! If I were to upgrade that would be my choice, Island bed, nice size cockpit, D4 Volvo. My only issue is we like to travel over the road. (Towing weight and beam). Good luck and have fun preparing for your new boat.

 

[FlagShip]

Well done Barry, we are still passionately in love with our 2019 R-29. I'm envious of the 2nd chartplotter and the AIS600. I'll change to the AIS600 someday, for the 2nd chartplotter I can cheat and mirror our Command Bridge plotter on an iPad when I'm at the lower helm and vice versa.

The placement of the dinghy on the swim platform does interrupt the view, but the boat's wide enough and the helm high enough that I can see pretty good around it. That being said, for short day trips leaving the dinghy at the marina will become our standard operating procedure so we can enjoy the view of the wake.

https://youtu.be/9MawQWp-tuA

I hope March comes quickly for you, maybe they'll move your boat up in the assembly line like they did ours.

Brett

 

[baz]

Brett: Thanks for that video showing leaving Elliot Bay and the Seattle downtown (Space Needle) area receding into the distance.

1) The dull and low level sound is quite pleasing. 😀 Is that the sound of the engine with the cabin door open ? If so, that is a huge cry from the noise that my 2009 R-25 Classic made with its 4BY2 150 HP Yamar engine. 😱

2) What speed were you traveling at? It looks to be maybe 10 to 12 kts.

3) The rear view with the dinghy on the swim step is actually quite good.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

Barry, Barry, Barry...

I think the R29S is a great boat and a great fit for you and your family. I'm happy for you and your decision to go forward with your purchase, and you know I mean that!

However, I must come to the defense of my girl, a R27-OB like yours, The Doghouse 2.

There are so many features of the R29 that I like, you've mentioned them, and most everyone sees them as an upgrade... even if you are downsizing! Love the v-berth and head, cabin / galley area for size and layout, and the comfort of the cockpit with the added flip-up window to make it even better, and I really like the extension of the cabin top out over the cockpit. I've never owned a marine diesel, but our last boat was a Volvo-Penta 5.7 liter I/O, and it performed very well. The reliability of a diesel, its longevity, its torque... I would love to own one!

You and I were both leaving Port Browning together "ahead of the storm", but experienced opposing tides and wind... it was a bit choppy (3-4 feet, maybe 2-3 sec interval) but not uncomfortable. We took it slow (6-8 knots), trimmed up a bit, although at that speed it offered only modest effect, and we lumbered on. I suspect the R29 would handle that better than the R27-OB. Once out in Haro Strait the water flattened out. Go figure. It was pedal to the metal, for us the sweet spot is 4400 rpm, motor trimmed up to achieve my best miles per gallon, doing 28-32 miles per hour. Keep in mind (remember Yamaha seminar at RT rendezvous), outboards like to be driven fast, not slow. Anything 2 mpg or better is good!

So 2 things come to mind in conclusion:

Boats, well-constructed, can typically handle more than its occupants, although a good skipper will always consider the comfort of his passengers and crew. Our previous fiberglass boat, made in the NW for fishers, was virtually indestructible in Puget Sound waters. But it could beat you up in the chop. Our R27-OB has a softer ride, but can take a wave with more passenger comfort!

There are two groups of boaters, journey or destination. We want to get to our destination now, yet we can slow down when the scenery, or conditions, dictate. Do we compromise with less space? I don't know, we've never been on a bigger boat! We all choose the boats that fit our needs and our pocketbook. We found ours!

Cheers,

Bob & Kim
The Doghouse 2

Ps: ok, maybe 3 things... when breaking up with your girl, the chivalrous thing to do is say "It's not you, it's me"... hehe

 

[FlagShip]

Brett: Thanks for that video showing leaving Elliot Bay and the Seattle downtown (Space Needle) area receding into the distance.

1) The dull and low level sound is quite pleasing. 😀 Is that the sound of the engine with the cabin door open ? If so, that is a huge cry from the noise that my 2009 R-25 Classic made with its 4BY2 150 HP Yamar engine. 😱

2) What speed were you traveling at? It looks to be maybe 10 to 12 kts.

3) The rear view with the dinghy on the swim step is actually quite good.

Yes, the door is open in that video. With the door closed it's very quite, my wife and I can carry on a normal conversation, door open or closed. That was probably right around 10 kts.

Even at a fast cruise of 16 kts, I'm pleased with the noise level. The engine being completely outside of the cabin makes a difference.

 

[baz]

Bob (Doghouse 2):

Yes the speed (pedal to the floor) of the R27/OB will be missed at times as will the rate at which distances can be consumed rapidly. As you know, speed was a top requirement with my 1st Mate Gill and the primary reason we opted for the R27/OB vs. the R-27 Classic which was no longer being produced but available as a used one. We upgraded to the R27/OB from the RT-21EC which gave us some 6x the speed performance of the R-21EC. :roll: I pushed the R-27/OB quite aggressively at times in various water conditions and although I felt a bit nervous at times with the boat and having never had owned a planing hull model previously, my 1st Mate never complained; such as water slapping noises on the hull, fiber glass creaking & groaning noises, the odd times the bow would dig in causing the bow to simply disappear in front of me followed by having the whole boat washed down (full enclosure acted well in these conditions as the cockpit never took on water). However, 1st Mate's advantage with all of this was that she wore two very powerful hearing aids, without which she would be totally deaf. So, with the flip of a small switch 1st Mate simply tuned out all the noises and really never complained about the bumps thank goodness.... although there was one time when I yelled out "...hang on..." which she did not hear, and she was propelled from her V-berth seat to the ceiling ..... and I looked down toward her and she was AOK, she grinned and simply said not to do that again. :lol: What a sport she was.

Life moves on and now boat speed is not top on my list. What is top on my list these days is more comfort, solid performance but not necessarily best speed, ability to weather whatever the PNW can throw at me at times and the best after sales service for boat ownership. Having now (or about to) have owned four RT models all built in my back yard so to speak, by a reputable company that excels in after market service attention to its customers is simply a no brainer for me in selecting the R29 S as my next boat.

I had given up on any hope of doing maintenance on the R27/OB's Yamaha 300HP engine and simply enlisted my local Yamaha boat shop to do that once per year. The average cost for this was between $600 and $800 which included hauling my R27/OB out and back in after the service was completed. It was easy peasy for sure and much like handing my car's key to the auto shop and getting the car back later.

I like to do as much as I can maintaining my boat and looking at the Volvo Penta D4 300 HP engine I can see I can do much of the periodic maintenance... and this will be something I'll enjoy doing.

The R27/OB in calm waters is a dream to operate and much fun. I suspect I will get as much fun with the R29 S even though at times it will take me longer getting to my destination. I kind of like rocking & rolling and the R29 S with its wider beam will offer me a more comfortable 'roll' along with a more overall stable ride.

I never did tell my grandkids the R27/OB had a ski tow pole.... so it will not be missed. :lol:

I will miss the transom mounted Electric Grill on the R27/OB; never used it in my 18 months of ownership but will miss it nonetheless.

I feel the only real thing I'm giving up moving onto the R29 S is speed. I can live with that.

'Speed' has been in my blood most of working career in the High Performance Computing profession. The computing performance (speed for solving problems, allowing for a greater detail in the solution with more iterations, time to market for industry and so on) always trumped every thing else including cost at times. Today at home I have the fastest computer(s) I can afford and still consult using my own + Govt. available CFD codes to help defray the costs. For example I rent out my Apple iMac Pro for months at a time which, with many cores and large memory and a host of RAID external devices, can crunch through the most demanding CFD problems. Speed is simply 'good'.

Even though your Doghouse 2 can speed along at 35 mph I can still trail behind you with my R29 S and eventually catch you up at your destination. In fact, you'll already be docked and standing by to help me dock, right ? ... and I'll have that line that runs from the bow to an aft cleat that you can grab to stabilize the boat for me. :roll: 😀

I'm sure we agree... we both love our boats.