Getting ready to pull the trigger on R-27 order

[wincrasher]

I've been lurking and mulling getting a Ranger for several years. I'm close to pulling the trigger on a R-27, claret red. I plan on ordering one with exactly the equipment I want.

Couple of questions:

Most of my adventuring is in the South. Will I regret not getting the Webasco heater? It will have the reverse cycle as well as the engine heater that is standard. Also getting the generator.

I see Wefings no longer stocks Ranger. They have this long statement on their website complaining about Ranger. What's the story there?

I'm talking to a different dealer that is convenient to my home. They are offering a small discount (around 5%). Seems slim. What is typical for these boats? I don't expect an unreal deal, but I also don't want to be taken advantage of.

Trailer - they do not seem to want to sell me an EzLoader. They have the Road King. It's aluminum, rated much higher than the boat weight, torsion axles, etc. No oil hubs though - should that be a concern? Should I go triple or dual axle?

 

[REO6205]

I see Wefings no longer stocks Ranger. They have this long statement on their website complaining about Ranger. What's the story there?

I couldn't find the complaint about Ranger. Link?

 

[wincrasher]

http://rangertugs.info

 

[pleeson]

If you can get any discount you are doing well - I don't think the factory has a surplus of production. Triple axle trailer because of the ready for water weight - likely over 10,000 lb. I started with a double axle and the difference in stability, load carrying ability, and braking when changing to a triple was monumental. I imagine the make available is a function of where you are. IE Proximity to trailer manufacturing location. I imagine that you want to focus on air conditioning rather than heat unless you are seriously considering trailering and boating in the NW! Have fun with the decisions! Exciting!

 

[stwendl]

Just completed my purchase of an r27

Opted for as little options as needed, down to just the nav and autopilot as bare essentials. I plan to use it on the water and on land. Therefore no genset, or ac, or heater.

When on water the engine will do heating, and power. Ac can be accomplished with a good setting of fans.

When on land engine and genset would not ward due to water cooling. Having a portable Honda generator will fill that need on water and on land.

I opted not to get fancy leather since I have dog. Need to have removable seat covers any way. Why cover expensive leather.

I even opted out of the stove and will use either an inductive cooker, a propane portable or the grill preferably outside. Cooking smells and splashing can ruin inside of cook location.

I found a used aluminum trailer for almost half the price of new, albeit only two axles. Three axles would be better if there was a blow out. Not sure about stability but better breaking on six wheels makes sense.

Opted out on the cockpit enclosure as I am looking for a hard top for storage of a dingy, just have not found the right solution yet.

I look at the ranger tug as a platform to built what I want down the road. To me that is part of having a boat rather then having a turn key solution.

Interesting note on the wefing announcement. But if you look at the references to other boats they have on their site the ranger seems to be a much fancier boat than what they plan to stock. Maybe not a surprise. Ranger will do fine with or without them. The tugs are a great design and very desirable. I can't imagine any other boat even coming close to how the boat looks like and fits. I am sure some one may have a few points to disagree on. But be sure that any such points will be adressed by ranger and will show up in a later model. Ranger listens to their customers and the service world class as many testimonies on this site and from owners will attest. You can buy directly from the factory if you are willing to do a bit paperwork.

Hope you find your solution.

 

[Scuffy]

We bought both a C-Dory and our R 27 from Wefings. Both boats were well rigged as supplied by Wefings with no real issues . I think some of the fallout was from two other dealers added by Ranger in Florida. Mark speaks well of the dealer in Stuart the other not so much. I'm sure Ranger wanted more sales and Wefings does sell a variety of boats. I have always found Marc to be a man of his word he does what he says he's going to do. He has long been a pilot house type cruiser specialist. I would think a call to the dealer in Stuart might be in order just for another opinion. We have factory A.C. and reverse cycle heat. I would not think you would need he Webasco but it certainly would not hurt your resale value down the road. I myself like the idea of factory installed options for two reasons, one is that in most cases you get a good job. Two Ranger's buying power carries a lot of weight with their suppliers. Nice for items with just or out of warranty situations. Not to mention re rigging an assembled boat for me anyway would be a major pain in the ass. Our boat came with a factory installed 2.7 Mase generator. I think it's great to have and not having to carry gasoline or refuel the generator is a nice feature. We have trailered boats a fair amount and we use RV parks when on land which all that I have seen have power available so we never really needed a generator. As far as the land based A.C. goes we will get a portable A.C. unit and carry it in the truck should be need it. Everyone has a different way of doing things. Just like cars loaded boats I think sell faster then stripped. As for a trailer both of our cruising boats had Float On trailers which I think are the best. We use a tandem axle 12000 pound version. It came with radial tires and we had Wefings get them balanced. If the boat is positioned correctly for proper tongue weight and the trailers tongue is level I don't see a problem with a tandem axle trailer. With electric over hydraulic brakes we have plenty of stopping power. Our first six months of owning our R-27 we drug it home from Florida 1100 miles and on up to Canada to the Trent Severn Waterway and on to Little Current and back home. Nothing squirrelly about any of the trips so far. In a few months we will head down to the Florida Keys as we do every winter Both Mike Rizzo and Jim Favors do there share of towing and use tandem axle trailers. Blowing a tire on a tandem trailer is not likely to effect the short term control of the rig. Continuing on with a flat and heating up the other tire on the same side could be come an issue due to over heating. Trying to keep cool with just using fans is not really an option for us. We do use a fan to help circulate the air in the berth. But without A.C. in the south or the northeast like the Chesapeake I think it would be unbearable. JMHO here.

 

[wincrasher]

Thank you for the thoughtful replies.

My options list is long - almost everything! I'm still going back and forth on color and the heater. Both reds are nice, but I lean towards the claret.

Today's weather this week may be my guide - I've spent the last few days in Charleston - sunny, highs in the 50's & 60's days and nights in the 30's & 40's. If I was out on the hook this week, I'd be either having to idle the engine all night, or run the generator and the reverse cycle heat. Neither of those options are exactly desirable, as I'm a fairly light sleeper. So I may have to put that back on my list.

I need more details on the trailer my dealer is specing out. From reading on the forum, some are reporting their boats topping 10k pounds. My dealers is saying 8,500, and saying the trailer is good for 10k. I'm thinking of just demanding a 12,000 lb trailer and being done with it. 16" wheels would be great.

 

[Scuffy]

I would think about getting some 3 or 4 inch queen sized memory foam for your berth. You can use your cushions as a template for the size to cut the memory foam to fit the berth on top of the factory cushions. That being said we usually stay plenty warm once under and on top of a comforter or two. Alcohol can be part of the equation with it's false sense of warmth. The switch to turn the generator on is close to the berth along with the reverse cycle heat. So things can be warmed up when you venture out to deal with the coffee pot. We had an Espar heater on a previous boat and they themselves sounded like a jet engine. It did work well and warm up fast but sum bitch was a little rowdy if you in a neighborhood with fellow boaters. You might as well get the heater you only go around once. Then you will always have it.

 

[nzfisher]

I have an R25 not the 27 but a few things you might think about-

Gasoline on your boat for the generator- will this increase your insurance cost and fire risk?
My boat is nearly bottomed out on the springs of the double axel trailer, even when I remove heavier items for hauling.
Your red boat might be pink in very few years in a sunny climate.

 

[JamesTXSD]

You will be happy to have the heavier weight-rating trailer, spec'd out with the heaviest load rating tires for that size. I have not seen a trailerable boat from any manufacturer that comes in at the weight they state. Running it onto a scale AFTER you own it is the only way to get a factual weight.

Unless you spend all your time boating in the summer, you will be happy to have a good heat source on the boat - it is always cooler on the water. Running the engine all night while at anchor is not a reasonable solution from my perspective... not to mention what your anchoring neighbors might have to say to you the next morning. If you are at a dock with power, an electric type space heater is a good option. I haven't seen a reverse-cycle heat that is as efficient as a dedicated heater/furnace.

Congrats on the upcoming purchase!

 

[Irish Mist]

I have to agree on the trailer. go bigger for sure... You will not regret the diesel heater either. I did mine myself as an after market add on. The best thing I have done. I am in the north so use it a lot. But it is like 4WD You may hardly ever use it but when you do , you are glad you have it. If you are going to trailer, the portable generator is super handy if you are going to be camping in truck stops and parking lots. It is also nice to have on board if you run your batteries down at anchor... I can tell you though , it is pretty nice to be able to push a switch and have the built in one start up and everything works.... It is a tough one. I would say if I was ordering new, I would not pay the price for the built in generator, but that's just me.
Congratulations on your choice of boats , you will really enjoy it how ever you trick it out.

 

[Scuffy]

I would think these couple things should not add a lot of extra cost but are worthy of mentioning,#1 Upgrade the inverter to 2000 watt unit. #2 Have the stereo wired via the aux input to the TV's the ear phone jack. That way you can listen to the TV thru the stereos speakers. The TV speakers are a little weak by them selves. #3 Have them add an engine raw water sensor by Aqua Alarm to sense the loss of water being feed to the engine. They offer both a red light and an audible alarm get both. #4 A Digital Yacht FM / TV antenna. The standard FM antenna is just a coil of wire and is inadequate. The TV antenna also could be better. The Digital Yacht unit greatly improved both the TV reception and the FM radio's ability to pull a lot more stations. Although the content available at some locations would leave a lot to be desired. You can do a search on this site about the inverters. My photo album has pictures of the digital yacht antenna installation. Getting these items done at the time the boat is being built is a whole easier than having to route wires needed in a finished boat. I'm sure other can chime in about changes or upgrades that are worthwhile and not particularly expensive to do. Oh yeah don't pass on the autopilot with the remote control. You won't be sorry.

 

[wincrasher]

I would think these couple things should not add a lot of extra cost but are worthy of mentioning,#1 Upgrade the inverter to 2000 watt unit. #2 Have the stereo wired via the aux input to the TV's the ear phone jack. That way you can listen to the TV thru the stereos speakers. The TV speakers are a little weak by them selves. #3 Have them add an engine raw water sensor by Aqua Alarm to sense the loss of water being feed to the engine. They offer both a red light and an audible alarm get both. #4 A Digital Yacht FM / TV antenna. The standard FM antenna is just a coil of wire and is inadequate. The TV antenna also could be better. The Digital Yacht unit greatly improved both the TV reception and the FM radio's ability to pull a lot more stations. Although the content available at some locations would leave a lot to be desired. You can do a search on this site about the inverters. My photo album has pictures of the digital yacht antenna installation. Getting these items done at the time the boat is being built is a whole easier than having to route wires needed in a finished boat. I'm sure other can chime in about changes or upgrades that are worthwhile and not particularly expensive to do. Oh yeah don't pass on the autopilot with the remote control. You won't be sorry.

Will Ranger Tug do these items, or the dealer? Preference would be to have Ranger install them.

 

[knotflying]

Definitely Autopilot with remote. When the sun is beating down at the helm, it is nice to have the remote and sit on the port side.

I have the Reverse Cycle AC and the Wabasto. When on the hook in cold weather I use the Wabasto, quieter and it works on 12V. I use the boat in the summer in Rhode Island and in Florida in the winter. I have never been uncomfortable on the hook sleeping without AC. I know the Chesapeake can get stuffy. However, I doubt you will be on the hook at night with the generator running and the AC. You may be cool, but you may not sleep from the noise and may be dead from CO poisoning if your alarm does not kick in. I do not even use the Wabasto while sleeping. Good blankets and hugging the wife works well.

I do not have the generator. I don't miss it. However, having never had it I may not know what I am missing. I carried a Honda 2000 for 3 years and never used it.

I have the solar panel and without the generator it is a help.

Always get a trailer that is over sized for weight capacity. You won't be sorry. My boat loaded with equipment, supplies, some fuel, some water weighs in at about 9,000 lbs. Dual axle is definitely a must, three is better, but you have now added additional maintenance and two more tires to get a flat. Are you telling me that because you have 3 axles you won't have to stop to change a tire or be less susceptible for a flat? I think not. Two axle will actually have bigger tires and better load rating. 3 axles are definitely required on the 29 or larger because of the need to distribute weight.
I prefer electric/hydraulic brakes. Much better if you ever decide to go in mountainous areas.

I did not get the standard anchor or safety equipment from the factory. I bought a larger anchor 35 lb. Never dragged. I bought larger fenders and auto inflatable PFD's

Radar, and chartplotter are also necessary.

The above items are best ordered with construction. The factory may have an issue installing both the AC and a Wabasto, but the Wabasto can be installed by your dealer on delivery. Discuss the price of parts and installation in advance.

Use the boat for a while. You can always add other things without much ado. That is if you like to diddle on the boat as many of us do. Even adding the generator after market won't be difficult. The factory usually pre-wires for it , but make sure it is done in advance and after market installation should be easy.

Enjoy the journey of purchase. So many options without a bottomless money pit can be daunting. 😀

 

[nzfisher]

See if you can get the factory to add at least 3 labeled pull wires from engine compartment to helm. Give them the wires and a case of beer if necessary. You won't be sorry.

 

[knotflying]

See if you can get the factory to add at least 3 labeled pull wires from engine compartment to helm. Give them the wires and a case of beer if necessary. You won't be sorry.

Or at least a drag line so you can pull the type and gauge you may need at a later date. And remember to always pull another drag line along with your new wire. Ideally two flexible conduits (one for 12V and one for 110V) with a drag lines in each would be the cat's meow!

 

[Dale777]

Wincrasher,

On my previous 2012 R27 the boat alone weighed 9,276 pounds with 50 gallons of fuel, no fresh water, empty holding tank, a dinghy, and "our stuff". Add in the weight of an all aluminum 2-axle Float-On trailer (model 1231ABB) for 1,274 pounds. That Float-On trailer was called a 12K trailer, but in fact was only rated for 11,274 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). So, don't believe your dealer when he says a trailer is a 12K trailer; demand to see the GVWR then subtract the actual weight of the trailer itself to get to a number that applies to the load the trailer can carry (i.e. the R27).

9,276 pounds for R27
1,274 pounds for trailer
-------------
10,550 pounds total

11,274 GVWR for trailer
10,550 subtract combined boat and trailer
---------
772 pounds in reserve under the GVWR

You clearly need a trailer that has a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds.

 

[wincrasher]

This is the model they told me was being supplied - RKAV 26-28

As you can see from the attached link, that model matches up to several of varying specs:
http://www.roadkingtrailers.com/RKAV.html

I'm waiting to hear back on which one it is. The dual axle with the 16" wheels & E rated tires has a GVWR of 12,000 and a load carrying capacity of 10,000. Not sure if the trailer would actually weigh 2000 lbs - that seems a bit on the heavy side.

To get over those ratings, you have to go to a triple. I'm not really comfortable with C or D rated tires. So if I want E, then that also means 16" wheels (that's a plus) but then the rating is WAY over what is needed. Other than the cost, I don't really think there is any downside in that, unless you guys can point something out.

 

[wincrasher]

Well, I'm happy to announce that my new R-27 is on order. Should get it in late February or early March.
I decided to go with the triple axle trailer rated for 13,000 lbs. Color is Hero Red and I got almost all of the options - nav, auto, ais, genset, ac, webasto, agm, solar, RIB, bimini, lp stove, lights, etc.

Very excited. Now have to come up with a name.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Well, I'm happy to announce that my new R-27 is on order. Should get it in late February or early March.
I decided to go with the triple axle trailer rated for 13,000 lbs. Color is Hero Red and I got almost all of the options - nav, auto, ais, genset, ac, webasto, agm, solar, RIB, bimini, lp stove, lights, etc.

Very excited. Now have to come up with a name.

That's GREAT news! That sounds like a really nice boat.

dave