Buying Decisions Help: North Idaho

[Bulljon]

We are now serious about purchasing our first Ranger tug after 10 years of contemplation. My main question surrounds the practicality of using a newboat in two locations. The primary home would be on Lake Pend Orielle in North Idaho. The boat will be in a private mooring year-round. I want to be able to set the boat up for fishing, think Salmon Trolling, including downriggers, planer boards and rod towers etc. Some of the best fishing takes place in November and December so the added comfort of a heated cabin is obviously very appealing. The second use would be an occasional trip to Puget Sound or potentially Vancouver Island for salmon, fishing, crabbing, etc. I’m currently leaning toward the R 25 as the front runner for a few reasons. Seems like the extended back deck around the outboard would be well suited to fishing. I would like to be able to attach a secondary kicker and operate it through some kind of remote or auto pilot system. Not sure if this is practical? I have a Ram 1-Ton Diesel Dually as a tow rig. It should easily handle the weight of the 25 foot boat. Would it be a stretch to think that a R27 could serve this purpose better? Day trips in North Idaho will generally have family members on board with very limited overnight stays. Overnight trips to Puget Sound would be with two passengers sleeping aboard. I’m very interested in thoughts on this matter. Should I be thinking about a larger boat? Diesel vs. Outboard power. We are thinking about a preowned boat and hope to find and purchase something by the end of 2026. Appreciate any insights and comments.

 

[Fishmagnet]

We do lots of fishing on our R27. This is how we were rigged for our trip last summer up the Inside Passage. Prawn trap and crab trap on the swim platform. Scottie downriggers. Salmon, jigging, and halibut rods in holders on each side of the bimini. 9.9hp kicker.

 

[Robert]

The R23 has room on the swim platform than the R25. Also IMO a larger cockpit due to the narrow stern section.

 

[Bulljon]

View attachment 26948We do lots of fishing on our R27. This is how we were rigged for our trip last summer up the Inside Passage. Prawn trap and crab trap on the swim platform. Scottie downriggers. Salmon, jigging, and halibut rods in holders on each side of the bimini. 9.9hp kicker.

That’s a nice looking set up! Have you trailered your boat much or do you keep it on the water full-time? I really like the idea of the extra comfort of the R27. Without getting in one and comparing it side-by-side with the 25 it is hard to imagine the difference. Maybe you could shed some light. Also, how do you steer your kicker? Thanks for the response. I really appreciate it.

 

[Bulljon]

The R23 has room on the swim platform than the R25. Also IMO a larger cockpit due to the narrow stern section.

I noticed in the specs that the length of both the R23 and R25 were identical. Dry weight difference is 500 pounds more for the R25. Is the floor plan slightly different? I like the idea of something easier to trailer.

 

[Fishmagnet]

We trailer our boat about two hours one way, each time we use it. It's stored in our garage when we're using it. Been to Puget Sound and back twice from Northen Wisconsin. Trailer is an Integrity triple axel aluminum trailer.

 

[Bulljon]

We trailer our boat about two hours one way, each time we use it. It's stored in our garage when we're using it. Been to Puget Sound and back twice from Northen Wisconsin. Trailer is an Integrity triple axel aluminum trailer.

Great info, that helps. Thanks again. JM