Help ! 25sc or 27

[RandyCindy]

Hello Everyone,
With retirement around the corner we have decided to get back into boating and purchase a Ranger Tug. Last season we went to several boat shows and even took a test ride on the 27. Because the retirement fund is not a overflowing bucket the 27 is a little out of our reach. Here is our problem. We have not seen a 25sc except in the brochure and the closest one is over 1000 miles away.
Could you very informed sailors please give me the the major differnces? I know it is 2' shorter but is it really cramped? is the galley to small to work in? Is the head to small to take a shower in?
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated,

 

[RProffer]

If you look on The World of Ranger Tugs, you will see there is a dealer in Lefroy, ON that appears to be not too far from you. It looks like he may not have any R-25's in stock, but may have one on order. There are also some R25's in the Great lakes area. If you contacted them, they may let you take a look-see. It looks like the dealer in Vermont has all models available.

 

[RandyCindy]

Thank you for your suggestions. We are talking to the dealer in LaFroy ON. He only has a 27. The closest 25 available is in Florida.

 

[GulfSailor]

Could you very informed sailors please give me the the major differnces? I know it is 2' shorter but is it really cramped? is the galley to small to work in? Is the head to small to take a shower in?
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated,

We own a C28, but looked very careful at the R25, R25sc, R27, and R29.
Here's my take on it. None of the heads are spacious, and all of the galleys are fine if you're catering for no more than the number of people each boat will sleep.
I would always value the extra cabin volume in the R25 over the extra cockpit area in the R25sc, but that's a purely subjective opinion.

Looked at from a different perspective, there's nothing like getting 'hands on' to make a judgement that's truly meaningful to you, and the cost of a plane ticket is chump change compared to the price of any of the models you're considering.

Bearing that in mind, Marc at Wefings has a brand new 2010 R25sc: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2010-Ranger-Tugs-R-25-Sport-Cockpit*in-Stock*-100668198
and a lightly used, very well equipped 2010 R25: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2010- ... -100450438

I've seen them both and we came very close to making an offer on the R25 before we decided to go in a different direction. Both are very well priced, but that R25 really is an exceptional value considering the hours, the equipment, and the condition.

Marc is easy to deal with and has an excellent reputation here on the Tugnuts and C-Brats forums (and it's rather nice here in Florida at this time of year 😉 ).

 

[RProffer]

On The World of Ranger Tugs, the little white men represent dealers. If you click on them you can access their websites. The dealers in Wisconsin and Vermont appear to have R-25's available. There are other dealers with R-25 also but you can be the judge as to what is convenient for you to visit.

You may have to zoom in on the map to see the dealers, especially in populous areas.

FYI - there are two versions of the R-25 - the classic and the R-25SC. The classic has a smaller cockpit and a larger cabin than the R-25SC. The classic is no longer in production. The R-27 is basically a R-25 classic with a larger cockpit (plus a few amenities). Depending on what is more important to you, cockpit size or cabin size, you may want to choose between a SC or a classic. You could save a few bucks on buying a well maintained classic. One thing nice about diesel engines is they will last forever if they are maintained.

 

[ozoner]

Boy, +1 on this.

Looked at from a different perspective, there's nothing like getting 'hands on' to make a judgement that's truly meaningful to you, and the cost of a plane ticket is chump change compared to the price of any of the models you're considering.

 

[aginglawyer]

We got our R35SC this past May after looking at it and the R25and the R27. Our budget dictated 25 feet. Whether you get the 25, 25SC or 27 depends a bit on whether you spend most of your time inside or out. We live in our cockpit, have plenty of space inside when underway and cook at least 2/3 of our meals on the BBQ, including breakfast. We reaLly needed the SC and are happy with it, ecstatic actually. Sleeping is the same in all three. Decide if you are innies or outies and definitely get the Bimini.

Allan on Stout
An important part of the Salt Spring Armada

 

[kkschuler]

The dealer in Manitowoc Wisconsin has a new 2008 selling for less than dealer price which is a great buy. Call them at 920-894-2632.

 

[RandyCindy]

Would like to thank everyone for your help. Happy to report that we have decided on the 25SC.

 

[lornec]

You might consider a used Ranger Tug,let someone else take the depreciation.
The Ranger Tug wear well, I've seen some really well cared for examples.

 

[Levitation]

Let me second, or third, a used 25 Classic - or that new 08... The new 08 would be sweet, near uesed boat low price for brand spanking new...
Unless you have signed a purchase contract, go see a 25 Classic somewhere, anywhere...
Otherwise, welcome to our world and enjoy whatever you choose.. :mrgreen:

 

[doke01]

Our 2007 R-25 is holding up fantastically! When she gets her new coat of bottom paint and a nice waxing everyone still thinks she is new! We've had very few problems over the life of the boat so far and I can see her lasting many, many years more! Unless a Cutwater 28 manages to sneek it's way up to our dock... 😉

Or maybe that Ranger 31 I have been hearing rumors about! :shock:

 

[Levitation]

Ahhh yes, the old disease twofootitis.... I hear it is incurable...

 

[Don and Brenda]

It must be incurable, 5 years ago we bought our first boat an old 16', 2 years later an 18 1/2', then the 22' C-Dory and now am on the hunt for a tug or Cutwater, my wife says when will it end!

 

[JamesTXSD]

It must be incurable, 5 years ago we bought our first boat an old 16', 2 years later an 18 1/2', then the 22' C-Dory and now am on the hunt for a tug or Cutwater, my wife says when will it end!

For most long-time boaters, you work your way up... until you finally get to a boat size that is more work than fun... then you start working back down again. 😉 Frankly, I admire the folks who buy a boat and keep it for decades. Our traveling/cruising style seems to change every few years (we've had larger and smaller than our current CD-25); another couple months with Wild Blue, and it will be the boat we have owned the longest.

Once you get "the itch", the only (temporary) remedy is a substantial withdrawal from your bank account. Life is too short to suffer the itch for very long... you can make more money, you can't make more time. If "the right boat" means you'll get out there more and enjoy yourselves, then the right answer for "the 25sc or the 27?" is: yes.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

PS To expound a bit further... get a boat that is too small or not enough amenities, and it becomes more endurance than enjoyment. Oh sure, we all know the rare couple who can spend months using a boat without an enclosed head with shower, no refrigeration, and limited storage. Or, when you get to the point that the boat is too big for a couple to handle comfortably, the boat tends to become a floating cabin, not getting out much. BUT, the right size (and amenities) makes it easy to get out and stay out longer. My take on this is that there is less difference between a 25 and a 27 Ranger Tug (since they have the same beam) than a 22' boat like the C-Dory (no enclosed head, narrower beam, most don't have pressurized water or hot water, or a fridge) and the 25 (or 27) Ranger Tug.

We all also know people who feel anything smaller than a cruise ship is too small. For those of us with the desire to be on the water, AND who want the ability to trailer, AND who can co-exist in smaller (cozy?) accommodations, boats our size are hard to beat. Well, for now... until "the itch" strikes again. 😎

 

[baz]

...snip...

Bearing that in mind, Marc at Wefings has a brand new 2010 R25sc: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2010-Ranger-Tugs-R-25-Sport-Cockpit*in-Stock*-100668198
and a lightly used, very well equipped 2010 R25: http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2010- ... -100450438

I've seen them both and we came very close to making an offer on the R25 before we decided to go in a different direction. Both are very well priced, but that R25 really is an exceptional value considering the hours, the equipment, and the condition.

...snip...

Boy, that used R25 (classic) with the sunset yellow Portland pudgy is truly a unique R25 with its additions. I liked the photos that show the various upgrades (nicely done). The heater between main cabin and forward berth looks a little bulky and may restrict the opening into the forward berth -- but only a hands-on look would determine this for sure. I liked the modified storage area as well. It all gives me 'winter' activity ideas for our 2010 R25. 😀

I'd be curious to know what the asking price for this R25 (classic) might be... anyone know ?

 

[wefings]

The owner has it listed at 129.9k with Float On Trailer. It is an amazingly well outfitted boat . Built to singlehand , but lots of conveniences and well thought ot additions .
Marc

 

[baz]

The owner has it listed at 129.9k with Float On Trailer. It is an amazingly well outfitted boat . Built to singlehand , but lots of conveniences and well thought ot additions .
Marc

If that R25 has only 63 hrs on the engine then that price is very fair IMO (trailer included, right?). Of course we must add the sales tax and any shipment cost to wherever it ends up at as well.

 

[vt97john]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm searching for Ranger Tugs in the $100k to $120k range and I don't want to go smaller than 25'. I've sort of narrowed my search to the following two boats, and would appreciate it if anyone could help me compare and contrast the two options. This will be my first boat, but I've had some exposure to boating through family. If I went with the following 25sc, what would I be missing out on regarding the 27? And how do the pricing / value between the two boats compare?

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2013 ... 103388808/

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2012 ... 103256616/

Thanks!

 

[NorthernFocus]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm searching for Ranger Tugs in the $100k to $120k range and I don't want to go smaller than 25'. I've sort of narrowed my search to the following two boats, and would appreciate it if anyone could help me compare and contrast the two options. This will be my first boat, but I've had some exposure to boating through family. If I went with the following 25sc, what would I be missing out on regarding the 27? And how do the pricing / value between the two boats compare?

I'll only speak to the basic difference in the two from a design standpoint. I won't go into all the pros/cons of specific equipment on each.

The main difference between these two depends a lot on how you plan on using the boat. If you plan to take long, multi-day cruises then the 27 is probably a better choice due to the larger cabin. The cabin tends to shrink with every night spent aboard. And exponentially with increasing number of people. If you'll mostly be doing day trips and spending a lot of time in the cockpit then either one will do. Since you are down south the smaller cabin of the 25SC is probably a bit easier to keep cool with AC.

If this is indeed your first boat you're biting of a chunk. These boats are pretty complicated to operate and maintain due to all of the systems that they have(electrical, plumbing, electronics, etc.). If you've owned/operated/maintained a large RV then that may not be an issue for you.