Differences between R-29 and R-31

[griervictoria]

I am contemplating buying a new Ranger 31 sedan (express) but wonder apart from 2feet more in length, what else you get for the money ?

Jim G

 

[Spinner]

Bigger cockpit with lots of seating, extra head in the Lower berth, seating with table on the fore deck and a bigger engine. To my mind, those are the major differences.

I love my R-29, but the cockpit on the R-31 is pretty sweet...

 

[coreychamness]

Jim,
We just contemplated that exact same decision. What do you get for 2 feet and either 10k or 20k depending upon sedan vs Flybridge. You get, the improved cockpit as previously mentioned, you get an extra head and you get an engine that is completely outside the interior cabin. Other than the obvious flying bridge - that's pretty much it! For us, we expect to have a lot of visitors so a cockpit that is more serviceable was a desire. My spouse was also very concerned about visitors needing to enter the "master cabin" in order to use the head and our hope is to be able to force the use of the aft head (except for showers of course). Although there is a fwd curtain you can pull in the master cabin, it is not the same as a real door. Those two capabilities drove the purchase of the R-31. It was worth it for us but may not be justification for others. From 25EC through 31FB, it is all about what an additional feature/capability is worth to the user/purchaser. The 25 is probably the best economical value from that perspective. We purchased a R-31FB.

 

[griervictoria]

Thank you both for the helpful advice and pointing out the differences. Food for further thought. Normally as the length increases, so also does the beam but not in this case but the engine placement and the push out seats and larger cockpit is desirable.

 

[Andrew Custis]

A few more I didn't see mentioned. Curved glass windshields, pantographic wipers, larger hot water heater, larger fuel tank, larger fresh water tank and outside steering option. The new 29 has the same cast iron block Volvo but slightly less HP. 😀

 

[Paul and Tanya]

I love the 29 and think it would be a perfect size to upgrade to for our family. I just cannot get past the steps taking up so much room in the cockpit. I hope that a 31 style cockpit could somehow be incorporated into the 29 model.

 

[Jake]

I love the 29 and think it would be a perfect size to upgrade to for our family. I just cannot get past the steps taking up so much room in the cockpit. I hope that a 31 style cockpit could somehow be incorporated into the 29 model.

Any real reason for the steps in the 29 other than the obvious? I mean why so large?

 

[LADYBUG TOO]

The steps make great seats with a cushion and, we love the storage in the side compartments as well as the access. The 31 is nice but the 29 is all we ever wanted. We looked at Mainship and some other trawlers before we made our final decision. One was too large, one was comfortable but the R-29 was just right!

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too

 

[jpichler]

another major differentiator in the R31 is the option for an aft steering station which is desirable if you fish.

 

[PhilR]

Are the cabins the same on the 29 & the 31?

 

[Andrew Custis]

The cabin size is very similar in both the R29 and 31. The 1/4 berth layout is a bit different since there is an additional fresh water head there and the shelving was removed that used to be along the port side so it seems bigger. The galley layout was changed in the R31 where we pushed the oven and stove back so it opened up space just as you enter the cabin. Other than that, it is very similar.

 

[kskogerson]

My wife and I just completed a So Cal trip with our 29 to Oxnard to visit with our daughter and my wife's 90 year old mother. We spent two weeks with 3 people (daughter had to work) and 2 dogs on the 29 and visited several channel islands. I have to say I wouldn't trade this boat for much right now. I had a fifty footer which is bigger than most apartments but this little tug has got it all over the big guys in my opinion. The galley for one has got it all over my bigger boat. We had two chairs on the deck and didn't feel too cramped. The boat performed flawlessly. Can't say enough about Ranger and their product and service. I had Andrew on the line a couple of times for some minor issues, but the difference is is that someone either answers or calls you back....not so with brand x.

Looked at the 31, too busy for me, reduced height clearance and more weight when towing, 29 is enough boat to tow.
That's my two cents.

 

[griervictoria]

Thank you all for your comments.
I have purchased an R31 sedan (which has been named 'The Glasgow Ranger') and just love the whole deal. I downsized by 15ft so this boat I can take out by myself and the maneuverability with fore and aft thrusters is a treat. I am looking forward to not doing acres of britework every year. Just to remind me I have varnished the flagpole and it looks great.....
I was used to 7-8knot trawler speed and I can see us putt- putting along at that sometimes but I also got her wide open for a few minutes and clocked 25Kn. so that is very useful if in a hurry to get away from an oncoming weather system.
Very impressed with all the thought that has been put into the Ranger.
I am sure this will enable us to continue boating for many years. The WOW factor is always present !
Jim and MJ
Sidney BC

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Welcome Jim and MJ to the wonderful world of Ranger Tug boat owners family, you'll love your new R31. Like you we to came from a larger boat, we like to call it "the upside of downsizing" with all the flexibility we have being able to get into skinnier water, more fuel efficiency, ease of maneuverability and less costly to dock and insure. Have a grand inaugural boating season on your R31.