Considering the purchase of a R31CB

R

randalltgroom

Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
19
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 SC
Hull Identification Number
FMLT3109G314
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Ranger Tug R31CB
Vessel Name
Beech Boy
Hi folks from a potential R31CB purchaser. Would appreciate any input as I wrestle through my evaluation. Took a R31CB out on a sea trial and was favorably impressed. (Although my wife would like something used and a bit bigger) So I would like to hear back from anyone willing to comment about their satisfaction with the R31 or Ranger in general. Quality/Reliability/Seaworthiness for trips to the Bahamas/Customer support satisfaction are important to hear about. Also interested in any comments on the Volvo engine. Thanks all, Randy
 
Hi Randy

Wecome to the site, by following the site you will soon lean that Ranger Tug customer service and support are tops in the boating world. Other people will have to answer your specific questions on the R31.

Don
 
We wrestled with similar questions last year. Wound up (unintentionally) buying an R31 CB at Vancouvers 2012 boat show and launching in August of that year.

We had our heart set on a used Tug style boat from two different manufacturers in the PNW. Couldn't afford them used, plus most did not have a command bridge.

Our wishlist was

CB
Extra cabin
Built in Gen set

To our suprise, when we saw the R31 it fit the bill.

In terms of size, yes its small compared to what is out there BUT the flip side of that is

- cheaper permanent moorage
- narrower beam meant we could fit into of the one club shelters very quickly, others with more seniority are still waiting, they have beamier vessels
- cheaper transient moorage
- option to trailer
- easier to manaeuver (sp), plus bow and stern thruster

We call our boat a swiss arm knife on the water

PS we are in no way affilated with Ranger Tugs or their sales agencies

We could talk more privately if you like

email plumptre@hotmail.com
 
Thanks for the replies. Any other comments out there?
 
I have owned nine boats in my life time. I am now on my second Ranger Tug. My first was an R-25SC. I now have an R-27
2013.
I have had larger boats, and smaller boats. I have never had a better boat!!
The guys at the factory Jeff, Andrew, Kenney, they are all great guys. They will not steer you wrong.
Good luck in your hunt.
 
I will comment on the Ranger Tug's product quality, reliability and customer service, along with 2nd hand thoughts on the Volvo D4 engine.

Product quality:
I've own just 2 boats in my life time and have sailed plenty. The two boats I've owned were powered boats. One was in the UK for up & down the numerous canals and the River Thames and its many many DIY locks when I was in my early 20s and the other is a Ranger Tug R-25 purchased new in late 2009.

I'm no expert in boat manufacture but the look and feel of our R-25 is top-notch. It's solid, feels solid and it functions as it should. When you buy new from Ranger Tugs they provide a full 1 year warranty on everything. Anything you're not happy with concerning quality or things not quite right they will fix and/or address promptly. I also believe if the sell you a pre-owned Tug they will stand behind the boat's operations and quality. They typically refurbish the pre-owned boats to try and get them back to pristine condition from what I've seen. I firmly believe you get real value from purchasing a Ranger Tug. The boat comes equipped ready to cruise on the waters. So if you want you can put your 'check book' aside after the purchase for awhile... and that's a nice thought IMO. The Tugs are very well thought out from a design view point and handle well when underway. We've had our R-25 for around 3 and 1/2 years and it still feels like new. We've had maybe one problem that really needed attention. It was that the Auto Pilot was behaving in a mysterious way. A Garmin technician sorted this out promptly for us after Ranger Tugs brought it to their attention. Other very minor issues were promptly taken care of and our R-25 at this time is operating flawlessly and we are very happy with our investment.

The one thing from a quality standpoint that concerns me is that some of the SS components have started to rust. I suspect this is unavoidable as we keep our R-25 in salt water 100%. However, I do wonder if high-quality SS components were installed. Marginal SS will rust very quickly in a salt water environment. For the SS pieces that require the boat to be hauled out to replace them has to be a PITA.

Reliability
In the time we've owned the R-25 it has never failed us. We have the Yanmar 4BY2-150 turbo diesel engine that performs as it should and gives us no fuss whatsoever. None of the Tug's components have failed us and continue to work as they should. I'm amazed (as others are) that my original 4 batteries are still in top-notch condition. As with any complex machinery, adhering to stated maintenance schedules is essential to maintain reliability.

Customer Service
This aspect has to be at the top of my list of good things to say about Ranger Tugs. If there's one word to describe it it has to be "Excellent". The after sales service for us has been second to none. I challenge anyone to say otherwise. Ranger Tug will not let you down when you ask for their help and advice, even beyond their included warranty period.

Volvo D4 engine
My dock neighbor built his boat up from scratch over a period of 3 years. He researched extensively for the right engine for his boat. He considered the Volvo D3 and D4 engines and ended up choosing the D4 for it's power output. This engine has been running now for close to 4 years and he's very happy with it. He did mention he had one issue early on (not sure about the details) and Volvo took care of it without issues and at their expense. I've listened to his engine on the water and at first one might think his boat was being driven by an electric motor rather than a diesel. It's awfully quiet.

Would I buy another Ranger Tug -- Yes.
Would I recommend a Ranger Tug to family and friends - Yes
If I had the requirements to match an R31 and the brass wasn't an issue would I buy an R31 - Yes
 
Thanks for the great feedback. All pretty dog gone positive. Now I just need to convince my wife!
 
I have been trying to convince my wife for years but she wants a much bigger boat!
 
Agree with all the above except I like the looks of the Sedan over the CB :mrgreen:
 
Randy:

You've been given a lot of great advice on why you should buy a Ranger Tug 31, I agree with everything said. In your last and first post on this thread you state that your wife might like a larger used boat and I can understand the attraction, having owned larger boats. So if you're convinced the 31 is the boat for YOU then if what has been discussed here is not ammunition enough to convince your boating partner then maybe you should ask why she feels she would like the larger boat. Don't get me wrong, we would like you to join the ranks of Ranger Tug owners but if your wife still thinks she might be happier with a larger boat then you may have to overcome her reasons from that front, not so much on why the Ranger Tug 31 is such a good and reliable vessel.

Here are some thoughts.....besides larger used boats costing more to operate/maintain they are not under warranty, larger boats can not as easily be moved across country if you wanted to cruise new territory (Lake Powell, Great Loop, Florida Keys, Chesapeake Bay, Flaming Gorge), not as easy to maneuver, they typically do not come with a built in loyalty group like the Tugnuts, resale value ? and so much more. But, unless you already know, I would suggest you find out what her reasoning is for the larger boat. If you can overcome this, she will be happy with the 31 and you'll be even happier.

Keep us posted on the progress,

Jim
 
Randy
I was looking at larger older boats also, but in the end I realized I was getting more boat for others to use not for me to use. The extra space is nice but comes at a cost. Also I boat a lot and explore different spots, a bigger boat has more draft so restricts you a bit . If you plan on staying in port a lot and using your boat like a cottage then the expense and draft is not an issue. I am a lot north of you and on small lakes and rivers, besides the extra mooring fees for a larger boat when it is busy, there are times when there is just no room for a longer boat to dock. But the bottom line, I was married for 35 years and if your partner is not happy , you won't be happy... Just saying...
Good luck, and the good news is it sounds like there is some kind of boat in your future 🙂
cheers
Mark
 
Wow, lots of great input to digest and share with my wife. thank you all for your information and enthusiasm. Randy
 
Update: Thanks to all of your supporting input...I placed an order for an R-31CB. Coming in September.
 
Randy: Congratulations on your decision. Will you be taking delivery in Washington? It is a great opportunity to cruise the PNW and if built in time you could join the Rendezvous in September, in Anacortes, Washington. Even if your new boat isn't complete you could still come out to join in the fun, see your boat in the final days of production and then cruise the PNW. So what color did you go with?

Jim
 
Randy:

Well done... but I'm curious to know what convinced your wife to agree with the final decision to buy the R-31CB ? I will understand if you don't care to post back... as personal choices are just that --- personal. 🙂
 
Congrats!
 
Randy- do you work in the aerospace industry by chance?
 
Congratulations !!!!!
 
I think she realized the logic of the smaller boat with lower operating costs over a larger trawler. And I think she knew that I was happy with the choice.
 
Jim, I will be taking delivery here in Florida so no PNW for now. But it sounds nice, Maybe once I retire I can arrange it.
 
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