How the Ranger 29 really handles the water

[Mystical]

Just wanted to make a quick post for all those looking into buying or are wondering how their boat will do in heavy seas.
This past weekend we took our Ranger to Newport from Mystic CT. The sea forecast was 3-5 going through Block Island Sound. We rounded Point Judith RI and the seas were much worse. We think closer to 7 foot very confused seas. One of the boats we were following, a 40 foot Viking, said they couldnt really see us, just the water we were pushing off. I wish they had taken some pictures. The boat barely ever slammed and ran a consistant 13 knots right through it averaging 11 gallons per hour. The return home trip was a pretty decent 5 foot swell. The boats that were with us for the return trip home, two were Sea Ray cruisers and one was a Tiara 36 Bridge, all had to pull back the throttles while our little tug took the lead at 17 knots at 3500 rpm. The boat did awesome. I have complete confidence is this little ship.

 

[baz]

That all sounds very impressive... and for me these boats can handle far more than I can... 🙂

 

[assignment]

I agree completely! Our R-29 is one tough lady. We recently discovered what I call the "captain and mate limit" a few weeks ago in the Chesapeake Bay. While we had an eventful 4 hours of 3 to 4 ft. beam seas with wind gusts to 20 kts and a 3 - 4 second wave period, Chessie shrugged it off like a honey badger. All four wipers kept things clear as we motored at 9 - 10 kts. A cabinet door flew open but we had nothing come loose, leak or get damaged. Had to hand steer most of the time because of the set sensitivity on the autopilot (our choice) so my arms were tired.

It must be the lead ingots.

By the way, the Chesapeake Rendezvous was fantastic! We could not bring our boat up the bay to attend because of previously established limits (see above) so we drove the 4-wheeler. Met a bunch of wonderful and enthusiastic Ranger Tug and Cutwater owners - can't wait 'till next year!

Bud
M/V Chessie

 

[RProffer]

I drove my boat back from the Chesapeake Rendezvous and anchored in a little cove on Back Creek up the Little Choptank. Beautiful anchorage. Yesterday morning I continued my trip and found the weather guessers lied again in their predictions. I should have checked the weather before I left, but didn't. Anyway, I had waves coming over the bow on my little R21-EC. She handled it beautifully and only slapped a couple of times. The waves washed out the side drains with very little getting in the cockpit. Little did I know, my 25' bow lines, I always keep coiled on the bow, got washed over the side and were trailing on either side of my boat. I sure was lucky the lines did not get caught in my prop. In the future I will have to remember to take in my bow lines for rough weather.

 

[caveman88]

Good to hear that Brian. That is our main concern . How it handles the seas. We will be in Mystic soon.

 

[Mystical]

do you know when you are coming our way? Maybe we can take you guys out for a short run

 

[caveman88]

We will be up for 7/1 thru 7/8 with a few good weather nights at Watch Hill. We would love to go for a little cruise.
Thanks see ya soon.

 

[Mystical]

We are heading to Block Island for a few days that week. We are heading out on Thursday morning. We will look for you on Wednesday when we get down there. we are still on the same dock, just the north side now