Ahoy R Matey, Ranger Tug vs C-Dory

[Boont Boater]

We really like our C-Dory but I see some long term advantages to owning a Ranger Tug. I was wondering if some of you who had owned both boats would be willing to give some pro and cons between the two boats. I thought this might be an appropriate forum for this question but I might end up putting it on the C-Brats site, eventually.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[RProffer]

We were at a C-Dory rendezvous this summer, and one of the biggest complaints were the engine problems many of them were experiencing using the alcohol+gasoline mixture. It appears it is going to get worse as the alcohol percentage is increased. It appears boat owners have no say in the matter.

The Ranger Tugs all have diesel engines, so you don't have to worry about that issue. There were several C-Dory users at the rendezvous interested in upgrading to larger boats that were interested in the Ranger Tug. There are several people on Tugnuts that were previous C-Dory owners. I am sure they will chime in.

 

[R-Matey]

Hi Jeff,

Nice to see you posting over here on the TugNut site. We remember meeting you the day you picked up the 25CD from Lee Kincaid and then seeing you again this summer at the fuel dock in Bellingham. Wish you'd been able to return to B'Ham to attend the C-Brat get-together but we understand about vacation time and schedules.

Over the years we've owned 3 C-Dorys but are now at an age where we appreciate the comfort that the Ranger Tug offers us. We spent 6 1/2 years running around in a 19' C-Dory visiting different San Juan Islands and up into Canada several times. Often spending several days at a time on her. The two 22' C-Dorys that we owned were good boats, too.

As for the Ranger Tug we just love the ease of handling. The thrusters make docking s-o-o-o easy. The ride is good in rough water. Visibility is good in the cabin (lots of light). The SC (Sport Cockpit) is the only 25' model available as the mold has been retired for the early 25' model. The larger cockpit is excellent. When we made our maiden voyage to Langley in June we had 8-10 people in the cockpit area which did include three full size adults on the swim step.

Much more to be mentioned here but a trip to the Seattle Boat Show in January 2011 will give you a bigger picture of diffferent size tugs and options. I need to point out that the after purchase support by the factory is unequaled in the industry.

By the way it was a pleasure meeting your First Mate. Nice lady!

Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY
25SC

 

[knotflying]

Having owned a 22' C-dory for 3 years I have to say it is a great little boat, but we decided to go bigger and went with the R-27. It is scheduled to be delivered in April so other than a few sea trials we have no experiences. Our reason switching over to the Ranger was similar to yours. We wanted additional creature comforts and a little more room. We didn't want to loose the ability to tow. After doing a sea trial on the 25 and the 27, the 27 seemed to fit the bill for us, maximum room and ability to tow. We ordered A/C, heat and auto pilot. Hopefully this boat will fit our needs and the American or Nordic Tug will only have been a fleeting consideration. The Ranger group also seems just as welcoming as the C-Brats, which is also an added bonus

 

[commander bill]

Love my R25 & never owned a C Dory. Considered buying a CD25 and went out for a few hours on a cruise 4 years back. Ranger is more comfortable & slower. The C Dory draws less water & hull is likely more durable. I would feel more at ease taking it places (shallow & hazards) which I would not take the Ranger. Diesel & thrusters are advantages that speak for themselves. I do not see the 2 choices as competive. Each boat serves different needs. I chose the Ranger based on what I wanted a boat for rather than one being a better boat.

 

[wefings]

Nicely stated Bill .
Comin from a guy who is involved with both boat lines .
Marc

 

[sportner]

We really liked our C-Dory 25 too, there isn't much NOT to like. I have had it in real rough water on the Columbia River bar and the Pacific Ocean outside and I always felt safe and it always brought me home. We would still own it but we wanted a little more comfort and the R27 is a delight to travel and cruise in. We have been aboard almost 2 months now and we love it.

 

[Boont Boater]

Thanks for all the input.

I've had several problems with my 150 hp outboard only one of which stopped the engine. Of course I do have a kicker (which wasn't working at one point). None of these problems have been too serious and a couple were repaired under warranty. Still there were times last summer when we were in rough water that an engine malfunction would have been most unwelcome. Which, as some of you mentioned, gets us to the reliability (hopefully) of diesel over gas.

The other difference that I'm interested in is the ability to handle rougher conditions, particularly in the R-27 or the R-29. To be fair to our C-Dory it seems to handle rough water better then those of us inside, especially my wife and my dog.

Obviously the fit and finish is better in the Rangers. Of course you have to pay for the difference. I'm glad to hear that you're happy with factory support.

If you have a R-29 is it hard to hire someone to move it up and down the coast? Someone told me that the factory delivery guys could move it north when they head back up.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Stella Maris]

Jeff,
I believe that factory uses a commericial shipper to haul the boats up and down the coast. I have been at the factory and watched them load them on trailers.

I met some folks in Port Orchard one day that have their 37 foot Lord Nelson Victory Tug hauled up to the PNW each summer via a commericial transport service. They said the cost was $1,300 each way!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[captd]

Jeff,

We have had both a 22 ft. C-Dory and two R-25 Rangers. The CD and the Lucky Fin have crossed the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas. Both can handle water that I can't. For us it boils down to the length of time you can stand to be on the boat at one time. One month was a stretch for the C-Dory. Four months on the Ranger last winter was a peace of cake.

The C-Dory is better for off shore fishing. Gets you home faster with a pending blow.

Guess it all comes down to what kind of boating do you like. 😀