Finally, a cruise on a Ranger R-27

[tugfan]

Thanks to Peter from Winter Island Yacht Yard we finally got out on the water for a test cruise. Peter was ever the gracious host. The question was going from the fast lane of Blue Moon to the slow lane of a trawler, would I be tearing out what little hair I have left? I was pleasantly surprised, it was a different experience, but I must admit, I enjoyed it.
The boat was responsive to drive, very smooth and solid. It was also dry and warm, which is nice.
All in all I was pleased, Michele was pleased, which is always a good thing.
Now, the big decision, put Blue Moon up for sale.
Stay tuned.

Bill

http://www.eclecticwonders.com uncommon art

 

[Don and Brenda]

Congrats on finally getting a test drive, it too took us some time before we finally got one.

 

[baz]

Bill: Where in Windsor, CT are you located? We used to live in Hazardville, CT and then moved to East Granby, CT before making the trip west to the PNW area in 1977.

BTW... What I know about the 2013 R-27 makes my mouth water -- it will be an awesome boat with all its improvements, and I'm seriously looking at trading in our R-25 for one. 🙂 For long enough I've always felt the extra 2 feet wasn't worth the effort and expense, but have now come to my senses after seeing several over past 18 months and now having seen a 2013 model a few weeks ago.

 

[tugfan]

Congrats on finally getting a test drive, it too took us some time before we finally got one.

That was the case here, a FORMER Connecticut dealer wanted us to literally sign in blood that we were ready to buy a boat after the ride. We quickly decided he was not to be our boat dealer. Peter was far more understanding and willing to wait a bit if necessary to make a sale.

Baz: We live on Windsor Ave, the main drag through town, been here ~24 years.
Sadly, we aren't looking at new boats, we are looking in the used market, either a real clean "classic" 25, or if we get lucky a used 27. Having bought two new boats, this time I want a pre-depreciated boat.:lol:

 

[Boatdreamer]

I was reading the comments about the 2013 R27. We just bought a 2012 R27 and was wondering what changes have been made to 2013 boat over the 2012 model. Thanks
Tim
Gratitude R27

 

[baz]

I was reading the comments about the 2013 R27. We just bought a 2012 R27 and was wondering what changes have been made to 2013 boat over the 2012 model. Thanks
Tim
Gratitude R27

I saw the 2013 R27 at my local marina in Edmonds, WA when Pete & Sandra on "Sella B" docked for a night after having picked it up from factory hands a day or two earlier. I spent about 2 hours chatting with them on their new R27 and had the opportunity of seeing 'up close' the 2013 upgrades. The cockpit removable angled table, the folding dinette table that improves the galley/isle width, stainless steel plate adjacent to the propane stove top and espresso mocha/brown leatherette faced helm come to mind... 🙂 Yes, they are creature comforts but IMO they are very welcomed. You could PM Pete to get a full description and persuade him to post some pictures for us. See his post at http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2929.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Thanks Barry,
Sounds like some nice upgrades. The cockpit table sounds like something we would like to add to Gratitude. Does anyone have any pictures of the table yet? Does anyone know if they made the seastrainers for the A/C and the genset larger? I'm cleaning those two out a lot. That would be an easy upgrade if I had a part number. Thanks
Tim
Gratitude

 

[down stream]

We got our new 27 about 6 weeks ago. Sold my 40ft Silverton, and went back to a Range Tug. Best decision I have ever made.
If you decide to make a change you will love it.

Jim

 

[Pete]

Tim,

Yes, larger strainers for the AC and generator. Can't take photos since we are on our way to Florida and our Ranger is on its way to N Michigan. Don't ask but it's not quite as dumb as its sounds.
Pete

 

[Boatdreamer]

Thanks Pete,
To bad you can't have your new tug delivered to Florida, the weather is getting cooler down here, and we should have a mild winter. I'll give Andrew a call about the seastrainers and see if the table is something we can add. Good luck with your new boat, sounds like you're already enjoying it. Looks like it will be the end of the year before we can spend any real time on ours. I'm looking for a used dinghy, any do's or don't? Looking for ideas.
Tim
Gratitude R27

 

[baz]

I was reading the comments about the 2013 R27. We just bought a 2012 R27 and was wondering what changes have been made to 2013 boat over the 2012 model. Thanks
Tim
Gratitude R27

One other thing I noted on the R-27 and I'm not sure if this is new for 2013, but it is a change from my 2010 R25.

The water gutter for draining water off the rear cabin roof's sides on my R25 exits into the cockpit area. On the R27 it exits to the side and consequently water is not directed into the cockpit area... nice. 🙂

On a side note... have people noticed the curved window surfaces on the R-31's forward facing windows ? The visual reflective effect is very noticeable and pleasing and adds to the boat lines IMO. This would be a nice addition for the R-27 as well.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Just got to see a 2013 R27, nice changes. I like the cockpit table a lot. That will be an easy add to our 2012 Tug. The sea strainers are much larger too. That might take a little more work to add, but I think it will be worth it. I hope Ranger Tugs doesn't keep making changes every year, this could get expensive!!!

Tim
Gratitude R27

 

[walldog]

On a side note... have people noticed the curved window surfaces on the R-31's forward facing windows ? The visual reflective effect is very noticeable and pleasing and adds to the boat lines IMO. This would be a nice addition for the R-27 as well.

I do not notice a curved glass on the windshield windows. Please point out what you mean.

 

[baz]

Herb: The R-31's front facing windows curve outwards just like the front windshield does on a automobile. Does that clarify it ?

 

[baz]

--snip--- I hope Ranger Tugs doesn't keep making changes every year, this could get expensive!!!

Tim
Gratitude R27

Expect Ranger Tugs to make changes to their product lineup once or even twice per year. This has been their trend over past several years. The boats just get better and better... 🙂

 

[Todd]

Have not been on a 31 but in the pictures the glass looks just like my 29, flat.

Can someone clarify this? Is it really curved? I like the flat glass I have. Looks, tug-like. and the wipers work great on flat glass.

 

[baz]

Todd:

As I posted, the R-31's have curved glass on the front facing windows... and this is what I observed when at the recent Bremerton GTG last Sept. I spoke with Andrew today to confirm this and he said I was the expert and was absolutely correct -- ALL R-31s have this curved glass... and it really does enhance the visual appeal IMO when looking at the R-31 from the bow position. The reflection from the curved windows provides a fish-bowl view affect and captures a lot more surrounding detail in the reflection than does the flat glass. Obviously this appeal is going to be personal.

BTW -- I suspect wipers work great on the R-31's curved glass as well as evidenced by auto windshield curved windows. Maybe one or more R-31 owners can chip in and clarify the wiper action.

 

[walldog]

Well Barry, you got me. I have only been on two or three 31s and even driven one, and never noticed the curved glass in the front windows. I am sure that the wipers are a non issue, as RainX will work on the curved glass as well if not better than the straight glass.

 

[baz]

Herb: It's quite possible one doesn't notice the curved glass standing in the boat and looking forward. However, it's quite noticeable from the outside.