Advice sought

[H28]

I'd love a RT 25 but they are bit out of my price range for the moment. I'll a 25/27 one day, but after the kids are thru college (6 years). I had high hopes for the Cutwater 24 but by the time you add up the cost of upgraded engine, you are striking into RT territory. The RT 21 is just too small. I'm in Chicago, so it isn't like we get a big choice of used ones locally that I can kick the tires on. I saw a used RT25 in Maryland, and called that guy who represents buyers who advertises in PassageMaker, left a message with his secretary, but he never called back (not enough $ in it I guess for him).

I stumbled on used Bayliner 246 Discovery boats that are not all that different from the Cutwater 24 in terms of mission profile and amenities (better head on the Bayliner). There are some used one in the 30k to 40k range.

I don't regard the Bayliner as in the same class as quality wise as the Cutwater/Ranger, but for a couple wanting a placeholder boat on Lake Michigan for six years, it seems like a decent option (trailerable, 8'6" beam)

Anyone have any experience with the Bayliner 246? I have been thru the Bayliner forums. Basically the consensus is "you get what you pay for, but if you aren't crossing oceans, you''ll be fine". We want a boat mostly for weekending in one of the Chicago harbors, with a once per summer week or two cruise. And with the trailer, maybe extend that range. Who knows, maybe do at least the Chicago to Mobile section of the Great Loop in stages.....

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Levitation]

If the bay liner fits your budget at this time then go with it.
The best advice about boats was written long ago
go small
go cheap
go now

Treasure the time you have with your kids. It will be over in a heartbeat.
Have fun and make memories for them
:mrgreen:

 

[down stream]

I have owned the 246. It is a good boat.
After selling the 246, I purchased a R-25 that was a great boat. After a couple years.
I sold the R-25 and purchased the an R-27. The R-27 was wonderful in all aspects.
My suggestion is to Find a used R27 or R-29. In the long run you will be much happier, and
better off.
I could have saved a lot of money if I had taken my own advice.

 

[jcarrdive]

I would wait and get a Ranger Tug. Also, consider a Ranger Tug R21 with the complete enclosure. I have seen some on the water and they look great, lots of room. You would do without an enclosed head, but if you are not averse to moving a few things inside and outside it would work. And it is economical.
We got a used R27 and love it. Keep your eyes out for a good deal and take to the TUGNUTS whenever you meet them, something that works for you will come up.!
We looked at a lot of boats, including bayliners, but opted for the Ranger. It was better in every catagory we cared about. Craftmanship, range, noise, service, style, ext. Bayliners seemed to us to be the wonderbread of boats.
Jeff and Ela, Bobolink R27.

 

[Irish Mist]

Listen to Levitation... Wise words... Once you re boating you will know better what your needs are.. Better to be boating then talking about boating.. It will all fall into place over time. If you do your shopping carefully you can move up or sideways with little loss
Good luck 🙂

 

[NorthernFocus]

When we were looking at used boats this past summer, our other option than the R25 was a Rosborough 246(simply coincidence on the 246 nomenclature). There were several of them for sale used on the lakes, on both sides of the border. That is a fine, roomy, seaworthy boat and used ones can be had for a good bit less than an R25 though more than the Bayliner you describe. I'd have actually prefered the Rossy. With outboards mounted on a bracket there is actually more space than on an R25. We ended up with the R25 simply because one came up for sale locally at a bargain price.

If I lived in that area I have no doubts that's the boat I'd have bought.

 

[knotflying]

All boats are a compromise. We also looked at a Rosborough, but the interior amenities are night and day. I think the worst tradeoff is the dripping of condensation when it is cold outside when the cabin is heated. I have friends that come out in the morning and have to dry out all their bedding. So if you plan on using it with those conditions be forewarned.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I'd suggest taking Denny-O's advice and buy what you can afford now, enjoy boating with your family as they are maturing thru collage over these coming 6 years. By then you'll have a great feel for boating, you'll have life long memories for you and your children and then move up to a Ranger Tug. Besides if you buy a used Ranger Tug now in 6 years (or sooner) you'll want a newer or larger one, so you may as well wait and get the Ranger of your choice when the time is most appropriate.

Jim F

 

[NorthernFocus]

...I think the worst tradeoff is the dripping of condensation when it is cold outside when the cabin is heated. I have friends that come out in the morning and have to dry out all their bedding....

With a proper heater condensation shouldn't be a problem in any boat. We've boated for 12 seasons in an un-insulated glass boat in Alaska and condensation has never been a major issue. On the other hand, matresses placed on cold surfaces will sweat regardless of heater type, hull insulation, etc. That is resolved very simply by putting drydeck panels under the matress.

 

[John Shea Jr.]

Peter Haywood of Winter Island Yacht Yard, Salem ,MA has an 25 in his yard for sale. I saw the boat at a NE Ranger Rendezvous and it was well cared for then. I have a 2010 R25 and can say only good things about the boat and the service from WIYY.

 

[knotflying]

...I think the worst tradeoff is the dripping of condensation when it is cold outside when the cabin is heated. I have friends that come out in the morning and have to dry out all their bedding....

With a proper heater condensation shouldn't be a problem in any boat. We've boated for 12 seasons in an un-insulated glass boat in Alaska and condensation has never been a major issue. On the other hand, matresses placed on cold surfaces will sweat regardless of heater type, hull insulation, etc. That is resolved very simply by putting drydeck panels under the matress.

Scientifically warm air holds more moisture than cold air, hence why condensation forms on a cold surface when warm air hits it. Add to that the moisture added when humans exhale and propane stoves are lit. Unless you have a heater that also de-humidifies I can't see how one wouldn't get condensation on an uninsulated surface. Perhaps Alaska has less moisture in the air and there have been no condensation issues.
Sorry, we have gone off topic a bit here, but it relates to the consideration of a Rosborough V a Ranger and the trade off when using heat in a cold climate.

 

[Boont Boater]

How about a C-Dory? Those are well built boats and are really well-used by many of their owners. Don't have much fancy yacht foofaa but they have what you need to spend time on the water. Check out the C-Brats on the links. Once upon a time Ranger and C-Dory were closely associated.

Jeff

 

[NorthernFocus]

How about a C-Dory? Those are well built boats and are really well-used by many of their owners. Don't have much fancy yacht foofaa but they have what you need to spend time on the water...

I was also going to recommend a C-Dory but in the OP there was some mention of "weekending in one of the Chicago harbors". In that light, one could hardly recommend the creature comforts of a C-Dory. Relative to many other boats of similar length they are narrow and rather spartan. They are simple, seaworthy, and efficient, but full of creature comforts they are not.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Wefings Marine in Eastpoint Florida is taking in a real nice, well cared for C-Dory from fellow boating friends of ours. If interested you should give Marc a call to inquire.

Jim F

 

[JamesTXSD]

How about a C-Dory? Those are well built boats and are really well-used by many of their owners. Don't have much fancy yacht foofaa but they have what you need to spend time on the water...

I was also going to recommend a C-Dory but in the OP there was some mention of "weekending in one of the Chicago harbors". In that light, one could hardly recommend the creature comforts of a C-Dory. Relative to many other boats of similar length they are narrow and rather spartan. They are simple, seaworthy, and efficient, but full of creature comforts they are not.

We had a C-Dory 25 Cruiser... spent up to 5 months at a time on it (yes, every night onboard). Lots of folks spend extended time on CD-22s, including trips to Alaska. Or the Great Loop.

There are plenty of Ranger owners who came from C-Dorys, so I would imagine others here might add their experience.

Jim

 

[H28]

thanks everyone. the Bayliner is probably out. as a reformed sailboat driver I'm fine going slow. I don't want to have to get up in the mid to high teens to get the bow down....

There are a few Cape Dory 28 Hardtops out there for sale....older.......a nice thread exists if you search Cape Dory 28 Hardtop review.

I'd love to actually get on a C-dory Venture 23. Not many around here