Classic RT27 Vs. RT27OB

[wyostober]

Hello. I am shopping for a RT 27 and would like opinions between the Classic and the new OB model. I live in the Rocky Mountains so service is a big consideration for me. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

 

[rstrott]

Without having much knowledge of boating in the Rockies (seems like an oxymoron but I am from FL and had no idea one could boat in the Rockies) instinct would tell me you would have an easier time finding a Yamaha dealer to service the engine on the new R27OB than a Volvo or Yanmar dealer for the older style R27IB. What I can say from experience is the R27OB is one sweet boat: updated dash gives a nice modern look to the timeless tug profile, latest in marine electronics, dealer and factory support, full manufacturer warranties, and the list goes on...

Hope this helps in your search!

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

Your original post was rather brief, and certainly qualified available service we can all agree is an important factor.

However, having said that, how do you plan to use your boat? In a destination versus journey world of boating, the 27 Classic is a journey boat, and definitely the 27-OB is a destination boat. Are your bodies of water relatively small lakes? Do you have children for water sports (tubing or skiing) that only the 27-OB can accommodate?

Both of these boats overnight very well, and are trailerable. The Classic is more fuel efficient and the OB offers more bells and whistles. You can find both boats in the used boat market but only the OB new, if that's important.

Figure out how you plan to use the boat and you've answered most of your questions. Good luck in your decision making!

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[drykard]

The RT27OB eliminates a very serious hull penetration. That by itself would allow me to sleep better at night.

 

[Toki]

The RT27OB eliminates a very serious hull penetration. That by itself would allow me to sleep better at night.

I wonder if that thru-hull concern is more than countermanded by the safety of diesel Vs gas on board. As a fellow tugnutter said in another post on this subject "...there is one thing for certain. As unpleasant as it may smell, you can motor on home with a bilge full of diesel. With a bilge full of gas you better get off the boat before it finds a spark."

 

[dencarst]

I have own both boats R27 & R27OB
Service may be harder to get for the Diesel but sure enjoy the R27 and went to OB for the faster speed now sometimes wish I the old R27 back.

 

[bluestreak]

I just purchased a 2016 27 ft Tug.
Direct diesel IB, 5 cylinder 220 HP Volvo.
New ones (27's) are all OB and I don't like the looks of them.
The appearance is too much altered from the "trawler" style.
In addition the trailer is now a 3 axle instead of the 2 to handle the extra weight of the 4 stroke 300 HP Yamaha.
My boat will be in charter service in Anacortes, WA.
Bill

 

[baz]

Hello. I am shopping for a RT 27 and would like opinions between the Classic and the new OB model. I live in the Rocky Mountains so service is a big consideration for me. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you.

If service is your biggest concern (and trumps all other concerns you have for R27 Classic vs. R27/OB), then I would first determine where the Volvo and Yamaha/Suzuki certified service facilities are that are located in a suitable and accessible location to where you keep the boat. If neither one is suitable you then have a big problem to solve for yourself. Determine this and then post back for advice.

 

[wyostober]

Thank you all for you input. I do appreciate it. I definitely have a lot to think about. I will basically be using this boat on small to large lakes in the Rocky Mountain region. With that said i have no Volvo dealer nearby, but do have a Yamaha dealer within 100 miles. Ultimate long term goal is to take this cruising saltwater someday. Lots to think about and thanks again. I think either way i will be happy.

 

[Matty]

As far as OB VS diesel I happened to have a preference for OB for ease of maintenance and personally I did not like the idea of the hole either. But I kind of knew that was possibly just me over thinking it. What I did like about the 2018 and newer is the change to the windshield, switch to wide seat at captain's helm (grand kids "helping") and the additional glass up top to let light and sun in.

As far as the change in looks go - a day does not go by that I don't get gazes and thumbs up from passing boats. But the style of boat is much more rare here in FL. I am sure the classic would turn heads here as well.

I do agree - you will be happy either way.

 

[Kim and Ed]

Hard to beat these classic good looks!
gallery2.php?g2_itemId=65987

 

[Kim and Ed]

By the way, the hole in the boat is nessessary. Otherwise you would have nowhere to throw your money into!

 

[knotflying]

I think The Doghouse 2 hit the nail on the head.