29 S New style vs Old Style

[Woody]

We are in the market for a 29S
Asking for opinions on the new style layout vs the old style
We are not concerned about the original tug "look" More interested in the configuration and also noise factor
since the engine was moved back
Our current diesel truck will not handle the payload, any opinions on a new truck? Ford, Dodge or Chevy.?
3/4 ton or 1 ton?

 

[BradOwens]

We have an old style R-29 and love everything about it. The new style lost the pilot house door. I use that door to handle the starboard midship mooring line every time I dock the boat. I love having that capability, especially when single handing. The R-31 has it as well. I don't know if the new style is any quieter, but we've never had an issue with the noise level. It's a pretty quiet boat as is.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Greetings from Desolation Sound where we are "shaking down" our new-to-us R29CB. We got hooked on Ranger Tugs when we chartered a 2011-era R29 in San Francisco a few times. Bought a R-27 in 2012 and then traded up to the new version of the 29 a few weeks ago.

Simple advice: go spend some time on both boats. You will get a great price on the classic R-29 (much less than a new 29) and you will enjoy it. It is noisier, but not a lot noisier, and it has that cabin door for access to the foredeck. The new 29 has a very different layout in the main cabin. There is more visibility and an immense amount of light with its Starship Enterprise ceiling. Too much light for some, I suspect, but great for rainy PNW days (like the last four up here).

And the engine--including all the systems--are easier to get to on the new R29. As one who did a lot of work on his R27, I am relieved to be able to get to stuff much easier. I think the new R29 handles the rough stuff a bit better, as long as you are cruising at 14 kts. I think the old 29 handled displacement speeds better. Just an observation.

Our boat will be back in San Francisco this fall and in the Pier 39 Marina. If you want to come by for a look, PM me and we can see about finding a time. Happy to show off the new rig.

Jeff

 

[coreychamness]

Hopefully this won't invoke the looooooong thread that erupted when the first Tugwater 29 came out.

Corey