Comparison shopping

[crowleykirk]

Please tell me if this is inappropriate here. My wife and I have been looking at the Ranger Tugs very seriously for over 4 years now among a few others. We are getting ready to move to the San Juans part time next year and want to be able to cruise the San Juans and in time up to Alaska. I have many years boating experience in Southern California but it's been sometime and I know the PacWest is a different beast altogether. We live in Mammoth Lakes CA right now but plan a move out of CA soon, possibly Idaho.

We are considering the R29CB. We love the R31 and have looked at the R27 in both diesel and outboard. Since I had a diesel business years back, we were the Ford Lehman dealer in Newport Beach we are leaning diesel for many reasons.

We were up in the San Juans and we ran into a couple with a Helmsmen 31 Sedan. We were really impressed. If boat comparisons are not allowed here I totally understand but seems like a logical question to ask on a Ranger Tug forum.
I'm wondering if anyone here has had or knows much about Helmsmen yachts? I've searched the web a lot and I know they are made in China. But she seemed like a really excellent boat. Not trailerable in the sense of the Rangers.

We are still very much in love with the Ranger Tugs and have talked to people there and just seems like you are buying so much more than just a boat. But.... still begs the question.

Thank you.
Kirk

 

[Craig]

Good luck getting service attention on a Helmsman. Ranger is the Nordstrom of the boating industry and we are on our second one now and haves loved every moment of the experience


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[BB marine]

I think you are comparing Apples to Apples, Ranger to Helmsmen. I really like the Bob Warman Hull design. It is a proven design for almost 30 years Camano and now Helmsmen. Both Ranger and Helmsmen have good features. Its all what is important to you and what you value most. As far as the customer service Ranger/Cutwater provides to owners. Most feel that the customer service is very good. I personally feel they provide the service you paid for when you purchased the boat. It isn't better or worse then I have experienced from other boat manufactures. What is important to me is building a boat that doesn't need customer service. That's hard to do but many manufactures with good QC procedures come close to accomplishing that. If we move up to a larger non trailerable trawler the Helmsman (New) or a used 32'/34'Nordic Tug are the front runners. If I were to purchase another trailerable diesel semi displacement boat I would keep Ranger in my considerations although there getting to be less to pick from. Both are good choices good luck and have fun making your decision.

 

[NorCal]

Ok, I will add a little input here. We own an R31 CB. Absolutely love it. We had looked at the Helmsman previously. They are also nice boats. I think the shiny finish in the new Helmsmans make them look very nice. Assuming equal quality we greatly like the explanded living space on the RangerTug. The cockpit size difference between the Helmsman and Ranger is significant. Ranger's flip out seats and much longer cockpit are really nice compared to the Helmsman.

The ladder to the flybridge on the Helmsman is very steep. Ranger has finished off the flybridge very well with the seating for 6 and table up top. The large flat flybridge on the helmsman is nice and could be customized for what you like. It is much easier to walk up the stairs to the flybridge on the R31. Especially if you are carrying something up with you.

I don't think there is a midberth in the Helmsman like the R31.

To us the overall feel of the Ranger 31 is it is a much larger boat than the size would suggest. I also really like the helm door which I don't think the Helmsman has.

Our experience with Ranger Tug customer service has been fantastic.

Best of luck in your search for a new boat.

John

 

[crowleykirk]

Good luck getting service attention on a Helmsman. Ranger is the Nordstrom of the boating industry and we are on our second one now and haves loved every moment of the experience


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There is a dealer in the Seattle area. Have you or someone you know had a bad experience? This is what I'm after so thank you for the reply. I've actually not head a bad thing about Ranger. There can always be issues.... I'm not here looking to dismiss Ranger in anyway... they are at the top of our list by a long shot. But... once you get to this price range there are other options and I want to be sure we weigh the pros and cons.

If budget would allow I'd be looking bigger and Nordic Tug is at the top of that list once over 32 feet.
We want to start on the smaller side and work our way up like it seems most do.

Thanks again and take care.

 

[crowleykirk]

I think you are comparing Apples to Apples, Ranger to Helmsmen. I really like the Bob Warman Hull design. It is a proven design for almost 30 years Camano and now Helmsmen. Both Ranger and Helmsmen have good features. Its all what is important to you and what you value most. As far as the customer service Ranger/Cutwater provides to owners. Most feel that the customer service is very good. I personally feel they provide the service you paid for when you purchased the boat. It isn't better or worse then I have experienced from other boat manufactures. What is important to me is building a boat that doesn't need customer service. That's hard to do but many manufactures with good QC procedures come close to accomplishing that. If we move up to a larger non trailerable trawler the Helmsman (New) or a used 32'/34'Nordic Tug are the front runners. If I were to purchase another trailerable diesel semi displacement boat I would keep Ranger in my considerations although there getting to be less to pick from. Both are good choices good luck and have fun making your decision.

You never know until you ask. I've walked many docks pestering owners..ha..ha... but seems like one of the best places to get infos on owner forums. Appreciate the response. It's a big decision and a costly one. Won't be our last and we'd like to work our way up to a larger boat. Of course cost and wants are always the issue. Ranger are top of the list and have been for sometime but we are getting closer to a purchase and we were in Friday Harbor a couple months back and got to talk to some owners of other boats as well as Rangers. Cross the T's and dot the I's. 🙂

 

[crowleykirk]

Ok, I will add a little input here. We own an R31 CB. Absolutely love it. We had looked at the Helmsman previously. They are also nice boats. I think the shiny finish in the new Helmsmans make them look very nice. Assuming equal quality we greatly like the explanded living space on the RangerTug. The cockpit size difference between the Helmsman and Ranger is significant. Ranger's flip out seats and much longer cockpit are really nice compared to the Helmsman.

The ladder to the flybridge on the Helmsman is very steep. Ranger has finished off the flybridge very well with the seating for 6 and table up top. The large flat flybridge on the helmsman is nice and could be customized for what you like. It is much easier to walk up the stairs to the flybridge on the R31. Especially if you are carrying something up with you.

I don't think there is a midberth in the Helmsman like the R31.

To us the overall feel of the Ranger 31 is it is a much larger boat than the size would suggest. I also really like the helm door which I don't think the Helmsman has.

Our experience with Ranger Tug customer service has been fantastic.

Best of luck in your search for a new boat.

John

Not sure i'm replying correctly to these.
But....really glad to hear how much you like your 31. My wife and I looked at all the Rangers at the Long Beach show and we really like the new R29CB but if funds are there would prefer the 31. Wish the 27 had a small fly bridge. Probably to top heavy. The outboard intrigue me but salt water and outboards.. that's a lot of flushing. Pretty sure we will stick with diesel because of my mechanic experience and desire for longer cruises and reliability, protected prop etc.... I'd have to sea trial them both. Which we hope to do next spring. We are planning on some refresher courses with Anacortes Yacht Charters this fall hopefully. Again, thanks for the reply. Super helpful.
Now I need to find someone that has cruised the Ranger Tugs of different sizes on the Inside Passage, that's really the real world dat I'm hoping to find one day. I'll owe that person dinner🙂

 

[baz]

If you have the time I would continue to hang out here in the forum for a continued discussion for your boating needs; Ranger Tug vs. Helmsman.

There was a chap on this forum that use to post a lot. His name is David Baker and has been around on this forum since late 2008. David went from R-21, R-25, R-29 and then finally to the Helmsman 38'. See http://www.helmsman-ph38-destiny.com

David and his wife live aboard their PH38 in Ballard/Seattle.

David was a great source for advice on many things and especially his experiences with the Ranger Tugs. He has cruised the PNW and Puget Sound for many years, and should be able to give an excellent comparison between the RT and PH38 for you and maybe his thoughts about why he selected the Helmsman after owning the R-29 and also why he selected the Helmsman vs. the R-31.

David's Tugnuts forum name is Stella Maris

Good luck with your decision and when spending a big wad of brass it's best to take the time if you have it.

[EDIT] PH34 -> PH38

 

[sjreib]

I have a C28 and am very happy with it and the service I receive from the Ranger folks. My good friend went from a R27 to a R31 and then to a Helmsman 38 PH. He's been very happy with the support and service he got from Ranger as well as from the folks at Waterline boats on Lake Union the Helmsman dealer.. To me the main advantage of the Ranger/Cutwaters is speed and over the top support. The Helmsman 31 has more beam and a much nicer forward cabin and the woodwork done in China is outstanding. The flybridge is huge which could be a plus or minus. the cockpit is small.
I have seen the Helmsman with both Volvo and Hyundai engines; don't know what's standard. The Ranger family offers great group cruises if that's something you might enjoy; includes great support.
Prior mention of Helmsman 34-never heard of this model.
good luck. Great cruising here in the PNW.

 

[BradOwens]

If you are considering a move to Idaho, the Ranger Tug would allow you to cruise Lakes Couer d'Alene and Pend Oreille, then trailer it to Puget Sound. You can't do that with a Helmsman 31.

The Ranger Tugs have more headroom in the salon. It may not be a problem for most people, but I'm 6'5" and I can't stand up straight in a Helsman 31.

The midship berth on the Ranger Tugs was already mentioned, as was being made in America.

Finally, the pilothouse door on the Ranger Tug 31, or older 29s is an outstanding feature that makes docking much easier. The person at the helm can just lean out the door and throw a line over a dock cleat, or even step off the boat and onto the dock without having to run through the cabin to the cockpit. It is my favorite feature on my boat.

Either boat will be a joy to cruise in, but after retiring from the Coast Guard, and having seen a lot of boats, my choice was a Ranger Tug.

 

[crowleykirk]

I have a C28 and am very happy with it and the service I receive from the Ranger folks. My good friend went from a R27 to a R31 and then to a Helmsman 38 PH. He's been very happy with the support and service he got from Ranger as well as from the folks at Waterline boats on Lake Union the Helmsman dealer.. To me the main advantage of the Ranger/Cutwaters is speed and over the top support. The Helmsman 31 has more beam and a much nicer forward cabin and the woodwork done in China is outstanding. The flybridge is huge which could be a plus or minus. the cockpit is small.
I have seen the Helmsman with both Volvo and Hyundai engines; don't know what's standard. The Ranger family offers great group cruises if that's something you might enjoy; includes great support.
Prior mention of Helmsman 34-never heard of this model.
good luck. Great cruising here in the PNW.

Hi, that's good to hear on the Helmsmen. We were very impressed. But my wife absolutely loves the look of the "cute" Ranger tug. They kind of have that a bit cornered don't they? I'm for more concerned with safety and performance with concerns to the PacWest and Alaska cruising. Looks are a little further down my list. The Aspen boats have also come to my attention. Trying to narrow it down a bit and hope to do some sea trails this fall or next spring. Thank you so much for the comments.
I take them all to heart and I'm amazed at the time you folks are giving me.... much respect🙂 Safe sailing.
Kirk

 

[crowleykirk]

If you are considering a move to Idaho, the Ranger Tug would allow you to cruise Lakes Couer d'Alene and Pend Oreille, then trailer it to Puget Sound. You can't do that with a Helmsman 31.

The Ranger Tugs have more headroom in the salon. It may not be a problem for most people, but I'm 6'5" and I can't stand up straight in a Helsman 31.

The midship berth on the Ranger Tugs was already mentioned, as was being made in America.

Finally, the pilothouse door on the Ranger Tug 31, or older 29s is an outstanding feature that makes docking much easier. The person at the helm can just lean out the door and throw a line over a dock cleat, or even step off the boat and onto the dock without having to run through the cabin to the cockpit. It is my favorite feature on my boat.

Either boat will be a joy to cruise in, but after retiring from the Coast Guard, and having seen a lot of boats, my choice was a Ranger Tug.

Hey Brad, well, I'm not near as blessed as you in the height department🙂 5'-9" so I can get around the engine room much easier than you, a very important fact🙂 haha...
My daughter live in CDA. I have family in the McCall area. But your point is well taken. I really want to keep the boat in the San Juans and do all of our boating up there. But I have read many people that do exactly what you are saying. Some even travel from places like Texas and further and use the Ranger Tug as their cross country RV... pretty darn cool... right?

Your comment on access is spot on. Seems like with all boats it's a compromise. You pick the boat that checks off most your boxes I suppose. Thanks again.... seems like the Ranger is in the win column🙂

 

[BradOwens]

I was just looking at pictures of the Helmsman 31 and noticed that the queen size berth is up against the bulkhead. That could mean one person needs to climb over the other to get out of bed. The Ranger 29 and 31 berths, although oddly shaped, do allow either person to get out on their side of the bed.

 

[crowleykirk]

Good point.
On more boat I MUST sea trial will be the Aspen C100.