Buyer advice

[Beachboy]

Wife and I are excited to be looking at an R29 this week. First Ranger for us and first power boat after 30 years of sailing. Its a 10 year old boat. I'm a mech engineer, any advice on specifics to check or typical problem areas, conditions to expect? I plan on towing with a Dodge Ram 2500 w/Cummins diesel. Anyone with experience there? I have done a lot of towing with 35' foot trailer but with lower weights than this. I'm aware of the permitting issues with the 10' beam.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

We purchased a 2011 R29 two years ago. Other than ensuring all the systems work at a survey and sea trial... there aren't any gotcha's that I can think of. DO get an engine survey with oil samples. Hopefully, there will be some hours on the oil for the sample. Good luck.

P.S. be prepared for storage anxiety. We swapped out a Catalina 380 for the R29. You have to rethink storage.

 

[scross]

Absolutely recommend an independent professional full systems inspection with sea trial and a professional mechanical inspection of the drive train. Look for certified inspectors who provide a detailed written report. Oil analysis is a good idea too.
Sadly, several threads on this site of folks who trusted the seller and/or dealership, didn’t have independent inspections and had serious issues later.
Trust but Verify! A wise saying...