Factory Upgrades to Request for RT27LE OB

[Paul on Hartwell]

Our RT 27 LE OT is on order for delivery in August 2022. My question to you is this ...what upgrades should I request the Factory to make to the current LE package prior to delivery? Shall primarily use the Tug on a large fresh water lake in Georgia however, shall also trailer down to Florida. Anticipate spending several nights anchoring out before returning to our dock and placing on shore power. Apologize for such a global question but want to capitalize on your experience.Your response is very much appreciated..
Paul on Hartwell

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[Hank Pauli]

Following - also have a 27LE OB due in August. Will be used at Smith Mtn. Lake in VA, on the Hudson River in NY and for 2 or 3 months in Fl. in the winter annually. Wondering if we need a Honda 2000 for battery recharge and how long that would take to charge the lithium batteries while on the hook if we run low on juice. I'm guessing I would plug it in and use it just like it was shore power? Also wondering if the factory is putting an LED bulb for the anchor light yet. Would love a "Prop Talk" on the lithium set-up and all it's particulars.
Hank

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I’d upgrade the solar panel to something in the 350-400w range and an MPPT controller if it was me. But you will need to look at roof space for your needs.

 

[Submariner]

I don't know what to tell you for "factory upgrades", as in, what they'll do or not do. You'd have to talk with them.

All my upgrades are posted here which I installed myself.
https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/upgrades

I started with the Northwest edition. With the LE, you shouldn't need to do anything to the batteries (assuming you're getting the LiFEPO4 batteries). But being in a hot climate, I'd suggest upgrading your solar to as big as you can go to help run that air conditioner (At least 400 watts).

 

[DMD3]

We are in the same situation as we also wait for our 27OB delivery scheduled for August ‘22. I’m guessing we’ll have consecutive hull numbers… between the three of us I think we may have august capacity covered...lol. Also looking for advice/experience.

We are still on the fence about aux motor package from factory, leaning towards including it mostly for piece of mind and secondarily for trolling. Other than that about the only upgrades I’m pretty much committed to doing myself will be satellite weather and solar as we plan to spend more remote (and quiet) nights on the hook rather than at marinas. I definitely would not prefer to carry along a portable generator.

 

[Hank Pauli]

I am hopeful that the lithium batteries will provide a few days on the hook running the refrigerators, lights and coffee maker. I already have the Honda 2000 I use when camping in my truck camper. Just thought running it for a few hours during the day (while out paddle boarding or kayaking) would be an easy way to supplement. Am interested in more solar but still need room on the top for paddle boards, etc. Has anyone solved this dilemma of more solar vs. lost storage?

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

A portable generator is a great way to supplement power. We have the Honda 2200 companion model with the 30 amp plug. Works great!


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[GypsyMoth]

We are still on the fence about aux motor package from factory, leaning towards including it mostly for piece of mind and secondarily for trolling.

I like the piece of mind regarding the 9.9 kicker for redundancy, couple of thoughts: first, mine is tethered to the F300 for steering, however the throttle is back near the kicker. I’m sure I can get close to my harbor using only the kicker, but I’d hate to have to put the boat in my slip- having to run between the helm and forward/reverse/throttle controls… I’ve added an hour meter to the kicker to manage maintenance periods, also the kicker should be run on a regular basis to keep the impeller from getting stiff in one position (and becoming less efficient). Of course, there is also the additional maintenance. I’m still happy I have it…

I converted a Honda i2200 to run on propane, have yet be on the hook long enough to need it. Without running the A/C or reverse heat my two solar panels will keep the batteries charged without having to pay too much attention to electrical use- definitely add additional solar if you have the roof space, and max out on the house battery capacity.

I also went with the factory davit, and RIB. They do make access to the engines slightly more inconvenient, and I do need to pay more attention in harbor fairways as the RIB hangs out past the engine and will swing over when I attempt to turn the boat; but again I feel the benefits outweigh the detriments… Other than the RIB, I don’t bring along float toys, so my roof is available for the extra solar panel.

 

[Paul on Hartwell]

Thank you all for your responses. It is apparent that Andrew and Factory folks are attentive to the Tug Communities needs. The Galvanic isolator and Lithium battery bank are two good examples of recent upgrades to the Tug 27 LE OB that new buyers benefit from. Emile, in Pensacola has been very helpful and responsive to my questions as well.The upgrades some of you have made to your boats are amazing. Submariner has some unique skill sets and his videos are informative and very useful.
My upgrades are the cockpit refrigerator and Aux motor package. Agree that speed control for the kicker would be a desired upgrade at the helm. Also have a Honda 2201i companion generator, that if needed will come in handy should we care to extend our stay at anchor.Thinking seriously about upgrading/adding solar panels. Coming from an 80x16 house boat need to rethink my power management strategy ..🙂
Also, great to meet the other August/September 2022 expecting Tug owners. Wish you all a Very Happy New Year ! Thank you, feedback is a gift.
Paul

 

[ggreen]

Can the Auxiliary Motor Package: 9.9 HP, tie bar steering w/ remote throttle control be purchased and installed after the fact, meaning I took delivery of my boat without this option and wondering if anyone installed the system after their purchase and will Ranger Tugs sell the system. Instead, can just the motor mount be installed and can that be purchased through Ranger Tugs. I would like to have a backup just in case I have an engine problem.

Thanks,

Gary G.