C30S or R29

[The Bolton Wanderer]

With all boats being accepted as a compromise, and knowing the type of boating we want to do with our next boar, we have finally settled on either a used C30S or later model R29. We will be towing the boat mostly, but I've researched the permits where we will travel and am happy to go to the extra trouble for the 10ft beam.

Here is what we know:
We like the look of the CW more, but the R29 is also pretty.
We like the shower and counterspace, in the C30, we imagine we would appreciate the larger motor, and also prefer, lighter hull colors.
R29 Seems more available (used) and it seems a good 50% come with a trailer, Like the cockpit seating in the R29, and the slightly larger roof space for,, stuff. That's about it.

Other than the above, does anyone have any insight into why one vessel might shine over the other?
Things like, slower cruising use, on the hook, functionality, Inherent issues, design flaws, other??

We would appreciate your input.
Thanks, The Bolton Wanderer.

 

[SJI Sailor]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

 

[serpa4]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

I do like the interior of the Rangers a little better as well as the front deck, but ended up with a C30S. It has a great interior also, but I wanted the 435hp engine. Although I don't plan to go fast all the time $$$, I did want to cruise faster at a better MPG. It is possible to cruise at 18+kts in a C30 for extended periods while the R is capable of 18+ kts, it won't really cruise at that speed for long periods of time.
145 fuel vs. the 180 on the C30. When going slow, both get good-ish fuel economy. But if you need to go faster, weather, etc, the extra fuel will be nice. Also, the generator in my c30 runs off the main fuel tank. After owning a catamaran with no AC and no generator, I just assume live life a little more and accept the replacement of a generator in 10 years when I run the generator to death making AC, hot water for showers, charging batteries, etc. I didn't buy this boat to be uncomfortable. The 40 gallons of fuel is about 80 hours of generator run at WOT.
45 water is about 1/2 the water of the C30's 80. This was also a big deal to me. I plan to use my exclusively on the hook for long runs and don't want to come back just to get water. If you don't need 80, then don't fill it up...but at least I have the option. (My wife likes to shower). I just did a week in the Fl keys and only used 1/4 tank of water. I was very happy as I can sure stay out for long periods of time!! So much to explore and sure don't want to go back to a marina just to get water. I was also on a hot spot fishing 15 miles from Key West killing the fish. Stayed there a couple days for the solitude and 25 fish.

And, many won't agree, but weather window permitting, I will make a few jumps to Nassau and the run will be all during daylight hours due to superior speed. I do have a 20hp kicker on the rear deck for a backup engine.

 

[FlyMeAway]

I would get on-board all three to check. We were deciding between the R-29S/CB, C-30, and R-31. One of my co-owners got on board the C-30 and could not stand the design of the forward glass (both the slant and relative height); it was a deal-breaker.

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

I do like the interior of the Rangers a little better as well as the front deck, but ended up with a C30S. It has a great interior also, but I wanted the 435hp engine. Although I don't plan to go fast all the time $$$, I did want to cruise faster at a better MPG. It is possible to cruise at 18+kts in a C30 for extended periods while the R is capable of 18+ kts, it won't really cruise at that speed for long periods of time.
145 fuel vs. the 180 on the C30. When going slow, both get good-ish fuel economy. But if you need to go faster, weather, etc, the extra fuel will be nice. Also, the generator in my c30 runs off the main fuel tank. After owning a catamaran with no AC and no generator, I just assume live life a little more and accept the replacement of a generator in 10 years when I run the generator to death making AC, hot water for showers, charging batteries, etc. I didn't buy this boat to be uncomfortable. The 40 gallons of fuel is about 80 hours of generator run at WOT.
45 water is about 1/2 the water of the C30's 80. This was also a big deal to me. I plan to use my exclusively on the hook for long runs and don't want to come back just to get water. If you don't need 80, then don't fill it up...but at least I have the option. (My wife likes to shower). I just did a week in the Fl keys and only used 1/4 tank of water. I was very happy as I can sure stay out for long periods of time!! So much to explore and sure don't want to go back to a marina just to get water. I was also on a hot spot fishing 15 miles from Key West killing the fish. Stayed there a couple days for the solitude and 25 fish.

And, many won't agree, but weather window permitting, I will make a few jumps to Nassau and the run will be all during daylight hours due to superior speed. I do have a 20hp kicker on the rear deck for a backup engine.

Lots of good input here, many thanks!
TBW

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

I would get on-board all three to check. We were deciding between the R-29S/CB, C-30, and R-31. One of my co-owners got on board the C-30 and could not stand the design of the forward glass (both the slant and relative height); it was a deal-breaker.

That is an interesting comment, still the CW30 has more glass than most older style Rangers.. Speaks to getting on an R29 Gen 2
Cheers

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

Thats one of my reasons for not wanting the 302 and twin OB. Lots of for and against OB, but I'm not in that much or a rush, just want some added speed for weather.
Thanks.

 

[Boatagain]

As a former owner of an R25 and current owner of a C30 here’s one difference that may or not matter to you. When I had the Tug it was the center of atttention at my marina and every other marina and place I visited. I was constantly getting compliments and questions. Now, with the C30, the boat hardly gets a glance. Oh, I’ll get a “nice boat” or two, but nothing like the Ranger. Just sayin’.

 

[serpa4]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

Thats one of my reasons for not wanting the 302 and twin OB. Lots of for and against OB, but I'm not in that much or a rush, just want some added speed for weather.
Thanks.

Yep. 1/2 fuel and 3/4 water, fully packed for a week, 24kts wot.

 

[FlyMeAway]

I would get on-board all three to check. We were deciding between the R-29S/CB, C-30, and R-31. One of my co-owners got on board the C-30 and could not stand the design of the forward glass (both the slant and relative height); it was a deal-breaker.

That is an interesting comment, still the CW30 has more glass than most older style Rangers.. Speaks to getting on an R29 Gen 2
Cheers

It wasn't just the amount of glass, it was the large wood bulkhead strip above the slanted windows. Looking back at the "virtual tours" (I had to remind myself exactly what it was), I sort of understand why. Our R-31 has storage cubbies above the windshield, but the look is different than the Cutwater. I think the slant forward was also a big part of the issue.

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

They are very similar and seem equally functional overall (note I'm much more familiar with the C30). I'd suggest to get onboard both and see which details you like more. Apart from that, it may be more a matter of preference for one look vs the other.

As for the larger engine, I thought it would be useful in our C30 but have found that it really matters very little here in the PNW. Their top speeds are not that different and it's quite rare to go that fast in any case, thanks to the many logs. Of course that may vary according to where you will boat!

Thats one of my reasons for not wanting the 302 and twin OB. Lots of for and against OB, but I'm not in that much or a rush, just want some added speed for weather.
Thanks.

Yep. 1/2 fuel and 3/4 water, fully packed for a week, 24kts wot.

I like it!

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

I would get on-board all three to check. We were deciding between the R-29S/CB, C-30, and R-31. One of my co-owners got on board the C-30 and could not stand the design of the forward glass (both the slant and relative height); it was a deal-breaker.

That is an interesting comment, still the CW30 has more glass than most older style Rangers.. Speaks to getting on an R29 Gen 2
Cheers

It wasn't just the amount of glass, it was the large wood bulkhead strip above the slanted windows. Looking back at the "virtual tours" (I had to remind myself exactly what it was), I sort of understand why. Our R-31 has storage cubbies above the windshield, but the look is different than the Cutwater. I think the slant forward was also a big part of the issue.

Yea, I'm not quite getting it, but then I'm a bit biased toward the down East look. Again though, I do like the R29 Gen 2..I was sold on the R31 layout but can't warm to the older look. Darn good boats though.

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

As a former owner of an R25 and current owner of a C30 here’s one difference that may or not matter to you. When I had the Tug it was the center of atttention at my marina and every other marina and place I visited. I was constantly getting compliments and questions. Now, with the C30, the boat hardly gets a glance. Oh, I’ll get a “nice boat” or two, but nothing like the Ranger. Just sayin’.

Yes I understand that! We have 2 R25's and a couple of R23's at our Marina and there is always a fuss around them. But in the end it's similar to the fuss around steam trains, meanwhile the super diesel or electric goes zooming past in the background un noticed. R29 definitely has presence, but I can't see it when I'm on it. I think another component of what we end up with is availability/price on the day. We don't dislike the R29 at all so either one would be super. Still hoping for a C30S though. Cheers TBW

 

[H28]

I think the best advice is to sea trial each one and let the handling, ride, etc. be the tie breaker.

We came from a RT25 and like the tug design, and are comfortable with the Ranger line.

We have a 2018 RT29S and it turns heads every where we go (have been told by people on $1M boats that we have the "nicest boat in the harbor') so that is nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker either way.

I'm sure you won't go wrong with either choice.......

 

[The Bolton Wanderer]

I think the best advice is to sea trial each one and let the handling, ride, etc. be the tie breaker.

We came from a RT25 and like the tug design, and where comfortable with the Ranger line.

We have a 2018 RT29S and it turns heads every where we go (have been told by people on $1M boats that we have the "nicest boat in the harbor') so that is nice, but not necessarily a deal breaker either way.

I'm sure you won't go wrong with either choice.......

Yes I think what you says makes sense. But when looking at used boats its hard to have each available to trial in succession.
I do agree with the comment on appeal. Everyone is always drawn to the Rangers. I've never actually seen an R29 in the flesh! But as mentioned we've been on an R27 OB and a CW 302. I imagine the R29 will feel much like the C302 in size, which was great, but it was the R27 that got all the glances on our trials.

 

[SJI Sailor]

If it were me, I would take a trip and see some. I expect most dealers (or RT) wouldn't mind showing you whatever they have. It gives them the chance to sell to you 🙂 Or ask TugNuts folks. If you're in Idaho (as listed in profile) then Seattle or Portland could be good options.

Or maybe charter one out of Anacortes or Bellingham and see first hand! -- last I looked there were at least a couple of R29s for charter there.