Choosing the right tug

[sheltiedad]

I'm just starting the process of looking for a used Ranger 25. It seems to me the factory may make changes to the model as issues arise and not just with the change in model year. I've seen a 2009 which some call the last year of the "classic" model but I don't know what that really means. It also has a Cummins Mercruiser 150 HP engine whereas other years before and after have Yanmars. Any info on what the changes were from say 2008 thru 2010 making one year more or less in demand would be helpful. I know the horse power rating went up but were there any changes in hull or deck construction, standard equipment, measurements etc. Thanks.

 

[Rebel]

I am the owner of a 2008 R-25 "classic" that is for sale. If you go on the RangerTug website you can see all of the features on the "classic", including pictures. The main differences between the R-25 "classic" and the R-25SC is the size of the cabin and the size of the deck. Approximately 2 feet was taken out of the size of the cabin of the "classic" and added to the size of the back deck. I believe that the dimensions and most of the options available for both were similar. My 2008 has a 110 hp Yanmar engine but some of the later R-25 "classics" had a larger engine. I hope this helps.
John Turner, John's Folly, 2008 R-25 Classic

 

[rt11002003]

"R25 Classic" is a misnomer, I think. The original R25 was affiliated with C-Dory and carried their name along with Ranger on the boats' decal. The first R25 had a Yanmar 78HP, if memory serves. Then, they put in the Yanmar 110 HP, one of my favorite engines. The next step was the Cummins 150 HP engines, followed by the Yanmar 150 HP engines. The Cummins 150 and Yanmar 150 are the new breed, new technology, common rail designs.

Then, Ranger came out with the R25Sport Cockpit, shorter cabin, longer cockpit, same hull as a basic R25, w/Yanmar 150 HP engine. Then, came the R27, same cabin as the older R25 with the cockpit of the R25SportCockpit with a Yanmar 180 HP engine.

Confusing? Really just progress. One has to keep up with the engine technology because the supply of the older technology engines disappears, or can't meet government emmission standards. Further, market demands cause changes. Some folks found the first R25 cockpits too small. So, make them larger. Then make the whole boat larger to have the best of both worlds, hence, the R27.

gene

 

[baz]

I purchased our R-25 in late 2009. It was classified by Ranger Tugs as a 2010 model as it had several things added that were not on the 2009 model year R-25s. Our hull number is 2507, if that means anything to you.

From what I recall it had

1. No white monkey fur in the cabin area -- especially in the galley area and this was beneficial in being able to keep the cabin walls in that area a lot easier to keep clean -- as you can imagine.

2. A different looking steering wheel.

3. Bow & stern thrusters were stock rather than optional.

4. Garmin navigational electronics rather than RayMarine

5. I believe there was a choice of Yanmar 4BY150 and a +$5000 Cummins 150 HP turbo charged diesel engines. We opted for the Yanmar. In Jeff Messmer's R-25 video he made the mistake of saying the Yanmar engine was 250 HP... 😉 He had the R-29 on his mind... 😀

6. Throttle lever was different.

7. Fresh water level gauge added.

8. Change in cabin upholstery fabric/design as well as the cabin curtains

9. Some small change in the dinette table design

10. Bimini design changes for the cockpit

11. Somehow an 1800 watt Xantrex inverter was installed for me a zero cost. 😀

Overall, the differences between 2009 and 2010 model years for the R-25 were minimal and the 2010 pricing was around 3%-5% more.

I believe the last R-25s were MY2010 models. After this the R-25SC, R-27 started production. I believe starting in 2010 Ranger Tugs no longer offered Cummins engines for the R-25SC or R-27s.

 

[sheltiedad]

Thanks for all the good info. Nothing like having people in the know. The one I'm looking at has the Cummins/Mercuiser 150. The name Mercury would usually raise a red flag. Any concern I should have. Less than 300 hours from the ad. all the nice equipment, bells and whistles and a price of $115K. Assuming it checks out with a clean survey, how does that price sound. One real positive is that she's sitting in the water about a 30 minute drive from my house. No flying, shipping or delivery costs. No trailer for winter haulout though. I can't see it until early Sept. so if it sells it sells. But if not I'll take it out for a cruise. Looking forward to more of your thoughts. Thanks

 

[baz]

Hmmm -- the "Less than 300 hours..." means little use over 3 years so engine should be close to new condition. Has it had the 250 hr service performed ?

Not knowing what the "bells and whistles" are makes it hard to say if the $115K is a reasonable/fair price. The "bells and whistles" certainly can add up.

Lack of a trailer can push on your budget. Look for a used one as new ones cost around $7K.

Have all the zincs checked... especially the bow/stern thrusters as if these are gone there could be some serious repairs required to the thruster assemblies.

Is the boat sitting in fresh or salt water ?

Is the boat docked in a covered slip ?

Any imperfections in the hull's gelcoat, and are there any bad rub marks showing ?

I cannot comment on the Cummins engine as mine is the Yanmar 4BY150.

Is it a private sale or one from a dealer ?

Don't forget any local/state Sales or Use tax that might be levied as part of the sell/buy transaction. Is the $115K excluding taxes ?

Has the boat been owned by one or more people ?

Where was the boat first purchased from ?

Where has the boat been taken, cruised to and has the boat always been in your area since new ?

Obtain the Hull number and speak with Ranger Tugs to get the boats background/fabrication/build background.

Offhand the $115K sounds a little high to me. I would not have expected this 2009 R-25 assuming a certain level of "bells and Whistles" to have cost anymore than $140K (without trailer) and excluding taxes. However, I'm no expert in the resale of Ranger Tugs, but Ranger Tugs Jeff Messmer may give you a better understanding, so contact him for advice.

BTW... There's an R-25 for sale here in the PNW area (Anacortes)... see post http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2848 and it's asking price is $115K. Compare it with your one locally.