Buy or Run? A 2010 R25 In Rough Shape

Tug Nuts, I need your expert advice on a 2010 R-25 for sale with a Cummins/Mercruiser QSD 150hp.

The boat has been used as a live-aboard and has not been run much over the past several years. It is being sold at a substantial discount.

1) The hull is extremely oxidized/faded. Is this too far gone to be recovered or can this be restored through sanding/compounding/polishing?

2) There is a lot of visible rust in the engine room. Of course visuals don't tell the whole story of the mechanical condition, but from what you see visually in the engine room photos, does anything stand out to you that is alarming in particular? It has 550 hours.

3) There is substantial staining throughout the entire interior monkey fur - stains of all shapes and colors. I've done lots of research on this, but in your experience is it easily removed on Ranger Tugs?

Of course if I put in an offer it will be subject to survey, sea-trial and mechanical inspection, but I would like input before getting to those steps.

Thank you for your input!

I wouldn't worry about the hull too much. A Makita buffer or similar and 3M buffing compound should take care of that. Couple of days work. Or hire a kid that knows what he's doing. You can try a small section yourself. It'll come back.

Lot of corrosion on that that engine though. I would be very concerned about that. The engine mounts, hose connections, etc. all seem to be very corroded. My boat is a 2013 and doesn't have anything like that. It seems like saltwater sprayed in there from a leak and the engine wasn't rinsed with fresh water later.

Like the hull, the interior monkey fur might clean up fine. A small steam machine would help there, especially if its mold or mildew. You would have to try a section to see what you're up against.

The engine? Not so sure. A Cummins-Mercruiser? Not sure about parts availability for that one. Others will chime in.

With this level of care, the people may never have taken care of the cooling system either.

-martin610

From the pictures of the engine compartment it appears to have a water leak at some point and salt water was sprayed throughout (most usually the raw water pump) . It’s not so important what you see as to what you don’t or can’t see !
The boat has definitely been neglected
When you say a substantial discount, you can find R-25’s in that year range from 70-90 thousand with trailers, and in good condition.
Does it come with a trailer? Working /refurbishing a boat out of the water is a lot easier and you’re not paying for dock space for something you can’t use.
It would depend on your level of experience and your budget!
Some will look at it and see a piece of junk and others will see the potential of a nice boat
It would be a great project for the right person if the price was worth your time and labor ( usually about 35-40%) of what the market is asking for one in decent condition
Good luck. Bob

I have an R25sc that is the same hull color. It oxidizes quickly but recovers reasonably easily. I actually let mine go for 2 summers just to see how bad it would get and after the first summer, I did not get much worse, and was pretty easy to recover....compounding, buffing and waxing. Unfortunately about a month later it was back to the same chalky look, which is now the norm. Now I just wax about twice a summer.
The rust looks to be (at least partially) from salt water slinging off the shaft where it enters the packing gland. This is real common and can cause water t kinda get all over the trans and back of the engine...and anything else in the area. It is easily remedied with a cut out milk jug fit over the shaft. I made this one in 2017 and it is still effective. It the leak was from somewhere else, it might be a bigger issue.

Fixing up boats is way more expensive than fixing up cars. My big concern would be that the motor is in good shape. A boat with an outboard motor it's easy to swap out a motor if needed. Inboard Motors are not easy. If a boat looks that rough it likely was not cared for at all. I would walk away.

As noted by others, the exterior gelcoat fading can likely be removed with a lot of labor. I would not let that scare you away. But the interior and engine condition are a different matter. The monkey fur staining could be an indication of water leaks from various fittings. But the condition of the engine would be a deal breaker for me. If this boat has so few hours, but is kept in the condition you see this engine, I would be concerned about lack of maintenance on all the really expensive parts that you can't see. Unless you are a mechanic and enjoy working on your own boat, I would pass on this "opportunity."

Fixing up boats is way more expensive than fixing up cars. My big concern would be that the motor is in good shape. A boat with an outboard motor it's easy to swap out a motor if needed. Inboard Motors are not easy. If a boat looks that rough it likely was not cared for at all. I would walk away.

The leaks and engine corrosion look like a nightmare. You only live once. Unless boat yoga and burning money are your passions - run!

You already know, from visual observation, that its been neglected. Cosmetic neglect can be fixed with hard work. Mechanically and electrically, a bigger issue. This isn't a runabout, besides the engine and steering gear, you have nav gear and fridge and ac and DC and everything else. If you have the money and the time and want a project.....if you hope to get it into usable shape quickly, its not happening.

In my opinion the questions would be
If a used 25 runs between 80 and 100K - how much much ,above purchase cost would it cost to rebuild the boat
over buying a good used boat. you didn't mention the cost of the boat (or I missed it), Ranger Tugs are a solid platform to build from
How capable are you of doing some of the work or/and Is the a shop around who can do some of the work
Read the first few chapters of "Crossing the wake"
How much do you want the boat - it would be a project (been there, done that , got the t shirt)

Thank you for your insightful replies everyone. After careful consideration, we've decided to run from this one. Finding capable, reliable and dependable marine contractors (like mechanics) has become extremely difficult, so this would be more of a headache than it's worth. I'd rather just pay more for one that doesn't cause brain damage.

May I ask what the asking price was?

bob daily said:

May I ask what the asking price was?

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$35K. No trailer. The sellers mechanic sent me a video of the boat starting once he replaced the batteries and battery charger. It looks like somebody scooped it up and is taking a chance on it, because the ad was pulled down the next day, it was on the market less than 48 hours.

The interior was absolutely disgusting - mold, dirt, stains, etc. Can't believe someone can liveaboard something like that. I'm not sure you'd ever get the smell out either.

EndlessSummerTug said:

$35K. No trailer. The sellers mechanic sent me a video of the boat starting once he replaced the batteries and battery charger. It looks like somebody scooped it up and is taking a chance on it, because the ad was pulled down the next day, it was on the market less than 48 hours.

The interior was absolutely disgusting - mold, dirt, stains, etc. Can't believe someone can liveaboard something like that. I'm not sure you'd ever get the smell out either.

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I bought it. The engine appears to be mechanically sound. Had a good old diesel mechanic go through it (as I live in NJ) and my agent (best friend) doing the business on my behalf out in Washington is not a diesel mechanic. All good other than the obvious neglect. I will install a new timing belt, serpentine belt, water pump impeller and filters plus polish the fuel. There was not water or fuel in the filthy engine oil. It started slow, indicative of a fuel issue, (and weak starting battery) but once running she ran fine. They did not go to WOT due to the missing trim tab and rough weather, but they did make 3600 rpm without incident. There is a lot of maintenance work to do on the engine, but being a "boat guy" and retired, time I have (until I don't).
As to the smell and filth- your description was kind. Dirtiest used boat I ever bought. I'd say a solid full week of work to get just the interior clean. After two full days I have gone from the entryway to the aft end of the galley sink (including that awful head) with a thorough deep cleaning, including removal of the the compartment doors etc. to wash and rinse them. Today is the sink, fridge (particularly nasty) and helm area...if I get that far. Then across the bridge and down the other side. Finally, all of the soft goods and walls, ceiling etc with steam and upholstery cleaner. The best description for this boats interior is gross! But at less than $.50 to the dollar (basic used-market selling price) and the cost of my time and labor I think she can be "saved" and provide a good clean reliable boat for some inland waterway explorations later this summer. I am glad you passed on it but could not agree more with your observations. It is at least a month of hard work to bring her back.
The hull might come back. Not sure? My local fiberglass / paint experts stopped by to see her (both loved the boat) and think she has a chance but with the caution she is red and red is always a pain in the ass color when it comes to longevity. So I'm thinking of Seattle Gray paint somewhere down the road when I tire of- or no longer can do the work a red hull requires.
Time is money and if you have to pay others this one would be a particularly large hole in the water to fill. This is the stuff I do, so in the end it keeps me out of the bars and busy (not to mention poor!). Judging from your note, I think you made the right decision, she is a pretty big rehab project. I'll post pics down the road for the Tugnuts forum to see how she shapes up.

PS- She is a 2008 R25-Classic (I believe) was the designation applied. And maybe one of you owners out there can fill in this blank for me- fuel and water tanks are plastic? Haven't gotten that far.... one foot in front of the other...

Congratulations.
I also have a 2008 with the Cummins
Enjoy!

35K is a great price for a Tug. If you plan on being a DIYer this would be a fun project IMO. I would like to find one. A major project to restore , use for a season and flip. I believe that is a money maker at 35K. The labor would be the most expensive part of restoration. I would give the hull a chance with a wet sand. compound, polish, and wax. The paint process is an option if you are keeping the boat for long term. I personally would get the buffer out!

I would pull the engine, freshen it up, clean it up, new mounts and paint, new cutlass bearing and packing gland removal cleaning, shaft inspection while the engine is out. That is a much easier job with the motor out. I would also check the keel extension and keel shoe fasteners. Pull and replace fasteners. Fluid motion used wood in the keel extension and engine bed. With the engine removed an inspection of these items and repairs are done easily with the engine removed. The plywood in all storage compartments I would guess are all rotted. Perfect time to remove and replace and confirm all limber holes are clear and draining properly. I would do a complete check of all the electrical. The boats built from 2008 to 2020 that I have been on board had IMO sketchy electrical installation. The design, installation in many that I saw and worked on do not meet ABYC recommendations. Mostly connections, bonding and circuit protection was boarder line at best. I can't comment on newer production after 2020 because I have not been on board many after that date. Hopefully their Quality Control is better now than it was. Bottom line you have something to work with at a good price point to have a nice pocket cruiser when you are done. Congrats!

Post some pictures when you get it all cleaned and fixed up!

Post some pictures when you get it all cleaned and fixed up!

BB marine said:

35K is a great price for a Tug. If you plan on being a DIYer this would be a fun project IMO. I would like to find one. A major project to restore , use for a season and flip. I believe that is a money maker at 35K. The labor would be the most expensive part of restoration. I would give the hull a chance with a wet sand. compound, polish, and wax. The paint process is an option if you are keeping the boat for long term. I personally would get the buffer out!

I would pull the engine, freshen it up, clean it up, new mounts and paint, new cutlass bearing and packing gland removal cleaning, shaft inspection while the engine is out. That is a much easier job with the motor out. I would also check the keel extension and keel shoe fasteners. Pull and replace fasteners. Fluid motion used wood in the keel extension and engine bed. With the engine removed an inspection of these items and repairs are done easily with the engine removed. The plywood in all storage compartments I would guess are all rotted. Perfect time to remove and replace and confirm all limber holes are clear and draining properly. I would do a complete check of all the electrical. The boats built from 2008 to 2020 that I have been on board had IMO sketchy electrical installation. The design, installation in many that I saw and worked on do not meet ABYC recommendations. Mostly connections, bonding and circuit protection was boarder line at best. I can't comment on newer production after 2020 because I have not been on board many after that date. Hopefully their Quality Control is better now than it was. Bottom line you have something to work with at a good price point to have a nice pocket cruiser when you are done. Congrats!

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Thank you. All of your points are good advice, a few I did not have on my radar… it seems it lived under a covered slip. No water leaks, all the discoloration is neglect, not leaks. So far… 494 hrs. on the QSD… a little hard starting but ran clean and strong, 100% the mechanic thought the engine to be solid. Buf I will go through the running gear. All wood seems dry. As I dig my way through I have my eyes out and am actively taking her apart and exploring/learning. Having been a Mainecat catamaran owner and sailing charter operator with same, I am disappointed in the wiring. Borderline shoddy. Mainecats we’re exquisitely wired. Anyway since there seems to be interest in the story I will share as it progresses. BTW- there is a 2008 in the FL panhandle for sale on Yachtworld. Private seller. Ask is $52k, it too needs some love, not too optioned out but does have a trailer. That is about where I sit all in on my boat after all the fees and 5 figure cross country delivery. (Excellent outfit- US Boat Haulers I think is their name? Top shelf… not the cheapest but not fly by night as is so common in trucking / brokers).