How are we feeling about our R29's?

[Boont Boater]

Hi all, I've been out of the loop but I'd like to get back in. We're trying to sell our C-Dory and want to upsize/upgrade to a R29 or maybe an older Nordic 32. We spent a couple of weeks on one two summers ago and had a good time. There were a couple of problems - some of which were probably operator error and some of which might have been unique to the boat. I know you Tugnuts are enthusiasts but if you don't mind I'd like some objective feedback.

How are you feeling about: fit and finish of the boats - holding up well?, mechanical reliability, ease of service, suitability for a trip to Alaska from Seattle or the great loop, livability - the main saloon comfortable for long trips, etc.

Any other comments or criticisms would be much appreciated. Our C-Dory 25 is the 07 in Berkeley listed on the C-Brats.

Thanks again,

Jeff Pugh

 

[Don and Brenda]

Hi Jeff

I was looking at the same as you a R29 and Nordic 32> I traded in my C-Dory 2 weeks ago on an R27. Many people here have done the loop and several are Alaska veterans, so certainly doable. My boat will be headed to Alaska from Seattle in 18 months, and one of the things I was looking for were the options to make the trip more comfortable, so cabin heaters, complete canvas enclosure, propane cooking etc. Our new boat will certainly do the job in comfort. Good hunting

Don

 

[Nellie Too]

Hi Jeff,
We have owned our R-29 since may 2009 and have had a minimal number of problems. Currently, we have 780 hours on her and have spent as much time as possible boating. Many of our friends with R-25s and R-27 have been to Alaska for full summers (with as many as two large dogs) and we haven't had any negative comments about the boats performance or problems. All of these boats are very stable in rough weather conditions. The trim and finish varies with every boat because they are continually updated with ideas that are generated by the happy owners and ,of course, the company people and I haven't heard many negative comments. I am familiar with the Nordic Tugs which are built locally and have never been impressed with the finishing but they are still a good boat (but not as good). I hope this helps you with your decision. If you would like to talk to me , you can reach me at (360) 293-0003.
Bob

 

[Mystical]

We sea trialed a Nordic 32 before purchasing our R29. I consider the Nordic a whole other kind of boat. The Nordic lacks a second "state room". It is also much slower, will only cruise at about 8 knots, will do 12 though. We really liked th extra beam, lets face it, who actually tows a R29. I also think the fit and finish is better on the Nordic. The price reflects that.
We have had our R29 since March and have had a few new boat issues, all but just a few of the things have been taken care of by the team at Ranger up to this point. Andrew, Kenny, John and Richard have all been great to deal with. I would suggest that what ever year you decide to buy, get a survey. If you have any questions in particular, just pm me.

 

[knotflying]

We have stayed on our R-27 for extended periods (two people) without feeling crowded or wanting to abandon ship, so I would say an R-29 would definitely be room enough for you. The Ranger support and product is superb so no problem there. Perhaps with a Nordic 32 you will get more space, but what you will be missing by buying a Nordic will be speed and the ability to trailer your boat.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Jeff,
We are new to the Ranger Tug family. Before we bought our new R27, we looked at many different boats over the last nine years. We looked at Krogens, Nordic Tugs, American Tugs, Mainships and others. One common problem we saw with many of them was hull slap while at anchor. A couple of boats are so noisy, I'm sure we couldn't have slept on them. We didn't have that issue with the Ranger. We are very happy with the build quality so far. If you plan on trailering, the 27 is a little easier to tow, but if not the R29 is a good option too. Good luck with your seach.

Tim and Donna
R27 Gratitude

 

[Boont Boater]

Thanks for the responses. I will keep you posted. That Prism wax sounds great!

Jeff

 

[Todd]

I bought the R29. Looked at Nordic and American Tugs. I liked the layout of the Ranger best. You don't have to climb three stairs every time you move. The visibility, for passengers in the salon, is also better on the Ranger when under way because it is all on one level. I also like the second berth. My dad has accompanied us on trips and has his own space so we don't have to give up the table as a bed.

The trailer ability is also great. Don't be afraid to pull a R29. They go down the road just great. I have had no problems with the width.

Good luck hunting for your boat.

 

[jroyle]

I also think the fit and finish is better on the Nordic. The price reflects that.

We also looked into the Nordic Tugs and found the Ranger Tugs finishing touches to be far superior than the Nordic. The teak joinery in the fwd berth and salon along with the fiberglass layup is superb on the Ranger Tug. The stainless hand rails on the Ranger are thru bolted versus the West Marine type screwed in railing's found on other boats like the Nordic.If I recall correctly the Nordic windows and hatches were Taylor, not the top of the line Diamond/Jim Black found on the Ranger's. Again this is just our opinion but we have looked at many boats and the quality of the Ranger Tug was a deciding factor in our purchase.

 

[Mystical]

We also looked into the Nordic Tugs and found the Ranger Tugs finishing touches to be far superior than the Nordic. The teak joinery in the fwd berth and salon along with the fiberglass layup is superb on the Ranger Tug. The stainless hand rails on the Ranger are thru bolted versus the West Marine type screwed in railing's found on other boats like the Nordic.If I recall correctly the Nordic windows and hatches were Taylor, not the top of the line Diamond/Jim Black found on the Ranger's. Again this is just our opinion but we have looked at many boats and the quality of the Ranger Tug was a deciding factor in our purchase.

The Nordics are using DSG windows as well. I am not trying to turn anyone off of Ranger, we do love ours, just think that there are a few areas that could have a better fit and finish than they currently do. I think for the price point, Rangers are great boats. I can not comment on Nordics customer service, have heard that it is quite good, but can say that the team at Ranger have been great to deal with so far.
A few areas I think could use some improvement on the ranger are, get rid of the monkey fur in the cabin area. I think the cabin would look more finished if the entire area was covered in the smooth vinal. I think that rear hatches that open on either side of the cockpit could use some tweaking and lining up a bit better than they do currently. We have already pulled the struts out of ours twice. We have had a few minor issues and a few not so minor issues with ours and again have all but just a few, been taken care of. I also have heard that the guys do take customers input and try to incorporate them into future builds,

 

[jroyle]

Our R29 came with teak paneling in the cabin area :?: , the only monkey fur was a tiny amount around the forward windows which would have been tough to shape the teak. I agree, the monkey fur in the forward berth area has got to go.