CB or S for PNW liveaboard Ranger Tugs R-31?

[33RPM]

We are wondering if the S or the CB R-31 is better for a part time liveaboard in the PNW, including some summer months and some winter months. It sounds like the CB would clearly give us more space in good weather, maybe make docking easier, and let us see sunsets better in good weather. But I’ve also seen comments that those in PNW don’t use the CB much because it’s too cold up there. Thoughts appreciated.

 

[LMRanger]

I personally don't care for the look of the command bridge and there for would never buy that option.

Ralph

 

[Sea Spirit]

I’m with Ralph. I would direct the money elsewhere that would be spent on a fly bridge I’d rarely use. Just not that practical in the PNW, in my view.

 

[Mike and Sarah]

We loved the CB on our past r31! Best place for slow cruising and watching whales, sunsets, happy hour and meals.
We bought a S310 SB last year. We never considered anything but the Sport Bridge. Love it. For those that say you loose roof space for storage I disagree. So easy to climb the stairs and hang paddle boards. We also put shrimp and crab pots up there.

 

[Maggie Anne]

The sedan looks better I agree but since having bought a CB I've found that it is essential for being able to spot logs and crab trap buoys. The visibility from up top is so much better, especially when traveling with more than moderate chop as the waves (not to mention rain on windshield) tend to obscure the floating debris when driving from the main cabin. My next point seems counter intuitive but as the weather gets rougher it seems more comfortable to be to be up top.

 

[Todd Tugnut]

I wanted an S, but my wife wanted a CB. So we compromised and got a CB. I’m really happy we did. There’s just too much to see in the PNW. I mean both the beautiful and potentially treacherous. Also, with guests onboard is so much nicer up top rather than jammed into the cabin or split up with some in the cockpit.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

We have the R31-CB and on nice days, there is no better place to operate the boat from than up top. I would not want to be restricted to having run the boat from the interior all the time. Love the extra space/seating and the enhanced view and vision while docking are appreciated.

 

[AGLyme]

My wife ONLY goes with me to sit up on the CB. She loves the view, the air and a great place to chat with her friends. We can pass drinks and stuff between the salon and the CB easily. Can also chat easily due to the salon ceiling windows.
It is like owning two boats... CB is a blast.

 

[SKing]

CB in the pacific nw is great. I have a dry bag stored up there with my ski-bibs, fleece, blanket etc. I will run from there if its 50 or above and not raining. If I start to get cold I dig in the bag for my warm clothes. So from May to October that's my spot.

Not to mention the additional real-estate. It allowed us to enclose the cockpit without feeling like we are stuck inside. I highly recommend both CB and cockpit enclosure.

 

[calcman05]

I didn't like the CB when we started looking, but it grew on me and we ended up getting one. I would only get the CB now after having it for a few years. The visibility is great and driving from the top on a nice day is amazing. We store two coolers and 4 paddle boards in top at all times, so the space is amazing. We do have 3 kids though, so I'm biased for anything with extra space. You won't go wrong either way.