25 SC or 27 better for us?

[davidludlow]

Is their considerably less thrashing in heavy seas with the
R-27? Is it worth the 50K more, knowing I will need to pay a lot more for gas with it? (Do you know why they changed from Yanmar to Volvo?)

I'm new to this world. I was cruising a seaward 27 R/K sailboat. I was at my limit towing it with a chevy silverado with a small V-8. The seaward is 6,000 lbs. Do you think I could handle (over) 1,000 lbs. more? Is it worth getting a new truck for greater comfort and less thrashing in high seas?

 

[knotflying]

Both boats handle the same in whatever seas you may be in. The boat can take more thrashing than you.

The switch from Yanmar to Volvo has different theories. Both engines are good. If you find one with the Yanmar just make sure that all the service bulletins were addressed.

The difference between the 27 and 25 is more about space. If you want more space and a bit more power that will be a personal choice.

If you are going to do any meaningful towing you need a 3/4 ton with a diesel engine.

 

[JamesTXSD]

The 25SC will come in around 10,000 pounds, all up on the trailer; the 27 will be around 11,000... a LOT more than your Seaward. Both boats are trailerable, but you will want to have at least a 3/4 ton truck, preferably diesel. That "upgrade" will make your towing life MUCH more pleasant. There is a lot of discussion about tow vehicles on this forum - check the archives.

The ride will be different from your sailboat (this coming from a former sailor). You will quickly get spoiled by the inside helm, allowing you to be more comfortable in all kinds of weather, including sunshine. Don't believe that "dark side" stuff that some may tell you: powercruising is a delight!

The 27 has more cabin room than the 25SC, similar cockpit space. Good luck with the decisions.

 

[Levitation]

Think carefully before you make a decision.

There we were, two people and a small dog, huddled over a can of Sterno for heat, cheek to jowl in the claustrophobic cabin of our R25 Classic. Hoping to find some stale, left over food in the pavilion after the party going on there wound down, to get us through the night.

While on the magnificent R27 in the next slip they were quaffing champagne, eating a gourmet meal prepared in the sumptuous galley of the 27, music wafting through the near freezing air of a cold spell in Florida, wiping the perspiration from their faces in their well heated boat, and laughing.

And they were dancing in the cockpit .. .. .. .. dancing!
I was never sure they were laughing at us, but I was suspicious.
So, how do you want to go boating :mrgreen:

 

[Irish Mist]

Danny
You gave me my morning smile 🙂 We have friends looping in a 25 and doing quite well Having a 29 I was really surprised with the room on the 25.. Having said that more room is always appreciated but I would really have trouble paying extra 50 k for the 2 ft.. Now if it was two feet of beam.. Different story 🙂
Good luck with your decision You will be fine with either one

 

[JamesTXSD]

Think carefully before you make a decision.

...
I was never sure they were laughing at us, but I was suspicious.
So, how do you want to go boating :mrgreen:

And THERE is the definitive answer! 😉 Thanks, Denny-o, I really appreciate a good chuckle in the morning! :lol:

 

[joempo]

Just for clarification, after reading Denny-O's comments - the R-25 Classic and R-27 have the same size cabins. The difference in length is in the cockpit. The R-25 SC has a smaller cabin and a larger cockpit than the R-25 Classic.
Denny-O has a wealth of information and is quite the humorous writer.
Joe

 

[baz]

Joe: Actually, the R-27 does have more cabin space. The extra 2-feet that the R-27 has over the R-25 (Classic) is apportioned between the cabin and the cockpit. It's about 12" for the cabin's length and 18" for the cockpit.

You should note the extra R-27 cabin space is most apparent in the head/shower room compared to the R-25 (Classic)

...and of course the R-27 provides easier access to the front of the engine (the end having the raw water impeller). For DIY maintenance this aspect is VERY important.

 

[joempo]

Thank you for the correction, Baz. I guess I was mis-informed, or I misunderstood. Not the first time for either case. 😳 We are not ready to give up the R-25 Classic regardless.
I hope all is well with you and Gill and we are looking forward to seeing your new boat on the water.
Joe

 

[baz]

Joe: It's always good practice to have a tape measure with you when reviewing the Ranger Tugs... :lol:

I'll post a photo of the new LAXEY R-21EC so you don't miss it out there.... There's no bright yellow Pudgy on the swim step for you to lock onto now. 😉

 

[davidludlow]

I'm the poster guy (guy posing this query, not the "poster boy" for anything, I hope). I quite enjoyed the creative sefl-depricating humor of one of you and see u folks aren't on the "dark side". I never heard that before. Anybody know where that expression came from?

I'm leaning toward the 25 RC to save some bucks, encouraged especially by my core question being answered about there not being significantly greater thrashing in high seas between the two. U-all talked me into getting a bigger truck, but wonder if you can give me some clarification about why it would be better to be a diesel and why necessarily a 3/4 ton?

Thanks to u who sent the info about the scale weight of boat, trailer, with full fuel and water tanks of 9,600 lbs. Very helpful, especially when they boast of it's being 6,250. (This i misleading even though they say "dry weight" as one wouldn't suspect it to be a full 35% more with fluids and trailer.

I spoke with chevy national technical assistance, and the guy looked up all he could find about what trucks haul the heaviest loads. He knew nothing about why diesel would matter. He said the biggest factor would be that it needs to have their 6.2 L ecotech engine and an axle ratio of 3.4. But their Sierra 1500 is supposed to happily tow 12,000 lbs., so I don't get it. ????

Thanks for your responsiveness. I'm glad you are such an interested bunch.

David

 

[knotflying]

The diesel has a lot more torque and will use less fuel and pull you up hills without any difficulty. The 3/4 ton and better vehicles have heavy duty everything including brakes. It isn't all about going, it is about stopping and control as well. My trailer and boat all in is 11,200 lbs. A 10% tongue is 1,120 lbs. A half ton is exceeded so 3/4 ton is the way to go. You can never have too much vehicle when you are towing. And too little is dangerous.