Hi Ron,
Hopefully, you've made it over to the C-Brats forum, as well, since those boats are on your list. The hull characteristics will result in different rides, especially between the 22 C-Dory (less than 3,000 pounds) and the Ranger SC25 (closer to 6,000 pounds). The C-Dory has a flatter hull (about 2º of deadrise) vs the rounded hull of the Ranger; as you'd expect, this will make for different ride/feel. The best thing for you would be to arrange a ride on each of your considerations... in similar conditions would be ideal. Try to attend a C-Brat gathering where there are often Ranger Tugs (most still consider each other "kissing cousins") - you could see plenty of each up close and personal.
For the use you are suggesting (going slow, spending time at anchor), any of these choices will work. In use, they are also different. The 22 is the least expensive, basic, but solid. The 25 C-Dory (the boat we have) has more elbow room, an enclosed head with shower, fridge, hot and cold pressure water; again, the 25 weighs over a ton more than the 22, so there is a significant difference in the ride. The more rounded/v hull on the Ranger will ride different; also another thousand or so pounds heavier than the CD-25. My experience is the hull form on the Ranger is less prone to pounding in chop. The C-Dory hull is more easily planed. Definite differences and advantages for each. The Ranger is certainly more luxuriously appointed than the C-Dory. Diesel vs gas outboard. Major price difference between each. Both have great owners groups.
The C-Dorys will have a greater top end speed. At hull displacement speed, all will give decent fuel mileage (for a boat). Rudder and thrusters for maneuvering the Ranger; more turning cut with the outboard on the C-Dory.
The Ranger Tug factory folks really seem to understand customer service - an important part of the owner experience. C-Dory has had a couple changes in ownership in the past few years, but the most recent folks have a long history in the boat building business.
We first started considering a C-Dory back when Ranger only made the 21' tug; went to the Seattle Boat Show with the intent to buy a 22. After seeing the 22 and the 25 side-by-side, we knew the 25 was a better fit for our cruising style. The Ranger 25 (original model) was in the development stage at that time, and was being marketed by C-Dory (thus, the "cousin" comment earlier). Owners of each model can tell you why they bought what they did, but getting on each of these boats (preferably in the water) will be the best way to narrow down your choice.
To specifically answer your handling questions, my experience with the CD-25 is: handles following seas well (good buoyancy in the stern), easy to control boat speed for the conditions; it will pound at speed in 2+ foot chop, so you trim down the bow or slow down to get a good ride. In heavy seas, the CD-25 is very seaworthy, but you will need to adjust speed for the conditions; the boat can take more than I care to. Comfortable at anchor; since there is a lot of boat above the waterline, it will "sail" at anchor in a good wind, but isn't uncomfortable. You can lessen the swing by using two anchors or a bridle.
If you intend to tow (one of the best features of all the boats you're considering IMHO), you will need more tow vehicle with the CD-25 or the R-25SC compared to the much lighter CD-22. Our CD-25 runs about 8,700 pounds on the trailer; figure closer to 10,000 pounds for the tug; around 4,500 for the CD-22. We tow with a diesel pickup and it is a good match. We've hauled the boat coast to coast to coast. While that may not be in your plans, any of these boats will give you wanderlust. 😀
Good luck with this part of the process - it's part of the fun.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
