Commnand Bridge vs Sedan

H

HappyPlace

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2016
Messages
145
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3133A414
Vessel Name
Happy Place
Hello all,

I am a new member and do not currently own a Ranger Tug, but am in the market to purchase a R31 this year. I have been aboard the R31 Sedan model at sea, but never had the opportunity to actually see or board the Command Bridge model in person. On paper, the command bridge appears to provide some nice opportunities, but I am not sure what they are worth to me. I was hoping there were some owners that might be willing to provide their thoughts and assessments on this topic. I would not be trailering the vessel, as it would stay at the marina year round. If you have a command bridge, are you happy with it? Other than height restrictions, are there any other drawbacks?

I appreciate any input provided,

AJ
 
We have the command bridge, but don't use the upper helm much. Our son likes it (PNW), though! I guess you have to ask yourself how much you'd use the upper station. I think the newest boats have more seating up top than we do (2014), so it could be nice for viewing sunsets, cocktails and the like. We used to have a Nordhavn 55 with a hardtop, and that's what we used it for!

If you're going to spend a lot of time running the boat from the upper station, I'd consider adding some sun protection.

My impression has been that the sedan lends itself to storage on top -- kayaks or shrimp pots and the like. But I confess I like the looks of the command bridge, and we've certainly been happy with ours. The access to the top of the CB model is obviously much friendlier than on the sedan.

Jeff
 
Jeff,

Do you find the command bridge to be cumbersome when maneuvering about on top? How about any of the cabling for the mast being in your way? Because the taller mast can be lowered for transport, is it very sturdy when in the upright position? In my travels, someone mentioned that it was noisy up there due to the mast shaking, etc. True?

I think if I had the command bridge we would utilize it often, especially on temperate weather days! I also like the access advantage on the command bridge versus the sedan.

Do you have the aft steering station as well? If so, use it, like it? Lastly, do you have the diesel furnace since you are located in the PNW? Thoughts?

Thank you for your time,

AJ
 
>Do you find the command bridge to be cumbersome when maneuvering about on top? How about any of the cabling for >the mast being in your way? Because the taller mast can be lowered for transport, is it very sturdy when in the upright >position? In my travels, someone mentioned that it was noisy up there due to the mast shaking, etc. True?

The mast is supported by 4 guy-wires...it appears extremely sturdy to me. They're adjustable with turn-buckles, so you can easily remove any slack. All the antennas are on the mast, except for the VHF antenna. It appears very well done to me. The guy-wires are attached in such a way that they're essentially outside of where you step, so they're pretty much ignorable when you walk around up there. The electric cabling is run through a fitting next to the base of the mast, so it's out of the way, too.

As to noise, I can't say, we don't run the boat from up top.

>Do you have the aft steering station as well? If so, use it, like it? Lastly, do you have the diesel furnace since you are >located in the PNW? Thoughts?

We have it, and use it occasionally when entering or leaving the slip. It should be good for fishing, but we haven't done much salmon fishing from the boat yet. We hope to take it to SE Alaska this year, and give it some exercise.

Jeff
 
Hi all. We have a 31CB and spend the majority of our time up top. The view is 360 and for maneuvering the boat in tight spaces, it's ideal because it's an unobstructed view all round, assuming the 1st mate is on the lines. There is no noise from the mast at all if the guy lines are snug. Our CB has bimini over it which is great on hot days. There are often 4 people up top. Since the 2013 has only one bench seat upstairs, there are two standing and chatting each with a hand on the mast. We have no aft helm in the cockpit but have not had any issues. In inclement weather, I am driven to the inside helm station, which is comfortable but not my preferred spot from which to pilot.
 
We have the R31-CB and often operate from above. I never dock or undock from above though I have anchored from up there. It is much easier to have access to the dock to assist with lines via the pilothouse door on the side from below. I find that the small windscreen does an extremely good job of bringing the wind up and over anyone seated on the CB. The mast is fairly easy to put up/take down from the flybridge. We don't have the aft steering station and I can't imagine where I would want it. Just one more complication that would break. It is already fairly complex with two steering stations. We have purged the systems multiple times in troubleshooting steering problems that were eventually traced to the autopilot pump. We originally wanted to save the money by getting the sedan - in fact we asked ranger if we could get the stairs/rails to the flybridge for access and not get the steering, controls, electronics. They wouldn't do it but now that we have the CB, we have no regrets at all.

Corey
 
I really appreciate all the input regarding the command bridge! It seems like everyone who has the CB likes it or doesn't regret having it, with a few that do not utilize it much, but don't have any issues with it. I personally like the look of it and ease of access above. I am sensing that if I had this option, I would utilize it often based on the input. Now I suppose it boils down to whether or not to spend the additional money!

Thank you all again!

AJ
Happy Place
Lancaster, PA
 
We picked up the R29CB in October 2015, which we purchased at the Seattle Boats Afloat in September. The reason we chose to purchase was the added bonus of the command bridge. At first it seem so exposed, but we came from a bow rider and loved the idea of being "out". My husband loves the visibility, I love the table so we can picnic. The kids love the idea of "going on top" of the boat. We live in the PNW, and we can't wait to use it on those beautiful sunny days on the sound!
 
Hi AJ, we don't have a R31CB "yet". We get ours a month from now, but we came from an R27. We wanted to get a bit larger boat, and looked at the R29CB and R31CB.
For me, the command bridge was imperative in our upgrade. The new R31CB has a ton of seating up top and makes the top of the boat usable for all sorts of stuff. Most importantly, you can be up there while cruising and (as people have mentioned in previous posts) you have a 360 degree view!
I will drive from up top in any weather besides driving rain. I bet you will be happy if you get the command bridge.
jeff and Ela
Wallowa R31
 
Jeff,

We were looking at a used R31 sedan somewhat locally, but the more I researched it and got everyone's opinion, the more we are thinking the command bridge would be more suited to our needs. We monitored the usage on our current boat and found that we stayed overnight over forty times last season. We currently have a Sea Ray Sundancer, but it is not condusive to our style of boating, now that we have grandkids and guests staying with us on a lot of our outings.

Since you already had a tug, I am sure you will be elated with your new CB!

Best,

AJ
 
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