In and out of the Classic and New modern RTs

[baz]

Subject: In and out of the Classic and New modern RTs

Over past 2 months I've been on the RT Classic models, the R31 and the new modern looking and modern styled R23, R27/OB and the R29 S.

The impression I've come away from with regards to seeing out of the cabin on each of these models is that I feel very closed in when in the cabin of the Classic models vs. the newer R23, R27/OB and the R29 S cabins. Because of my almost back-to-back comparison of all these models I feel quite confident with my impressions.

There's simply a huge difference in view-ability when inside the cabins. The R31 sedan was the worst for me and I felt quite claustrophobic trying to see out clearly. The R31 having the helm door means when its closed there's no way for the Captain to poke their head out briefly to see things or get a little bit of fresh air as there's no sliding window that all other models have. Yes, the helm door can be slid open but it opens up a huge space and is quite heavy and somewhat awkward opening IMO.

The other aspect is that now that I've owned the modern new 2018 R27/OB for a little over a year is that when being in the Classic models I feel it's kind of like turning back years in terms of styling and feel the insides are quite old fashioned, and with far too much wood about me making things even more closed in for me. The newer models have a very much cleaner look inside with just about the right amount of wood that does not close in the space.

Comparing the forward visibly between the R31 sedan and the R29 S is simply an eye opener with the R29 S being far superior IMO.

 

[BradOwens]

As they say, to each his own. I much prefer the classic styling of the older models.

 

[baz]

Yes, viewing the Classic models from the outside is pleasant for me as well. It's the insides that bother me.

 

[Rocky]

Hi Baz,
I love the look of the classic Tugs. That being said, I bought an Modern R29s because of the visibility and feel and havnt looked back. I love our boat.
The side door might be a nice feature, but I don’t think I miss it. I have never wished it was there.

Rocky

 

[baz]

Rocky:

When viewing a R31 S the other day I spent a lot of time getting out and back in through the helm sliding door. I came away unimpressed.

I'm 5'-10" tall and weigh in at 180 lbs and have a somewhat slender torso. I found the helm door really wasn't that wide of an opening and I find I had to slip through kind of sideways along with heaving myself up about 12 to 18" from the cabin floor level. Access to the bow is excellent but that is where the advantage of the helm door ended for me. When closed there's no sliding window that is provided on all other RT models. This was a deal breaker for me as I like to have the sliding window cracked open at times for fresh air in my face and opening the window wider to pop my head out to see the side of the boat and especially to the rear.

The helm door locks itself when fully opened so when wanting to close it quickly the locking mechanism can be an obstacle to some extent.

I simply did not see the big advantage people talk about for this skinny opening helm sliding door, plus it's quite heavy and likely adds $6,000 to the price of the boat, so I'm told. As they say, the more corners a house has the more expensive it is to build. 😉

The outside visibility in the R23, R27/OB and the R29 S is simply awesome. This is very important for the fast moving R23 and R27/OB models.

 

[Matty]

Which is why Ben and Jerry's makes so many flavors. Pizza has numerous toppings and there is all kinds of music. To each his own and no one is right ...no one is wrong. We love ours for the update....but i bet classics love theirs for just that. It is a classic.

 

[bill46]

Love the sliding door, allows single handing boat.

 

[baz]

Love the sliding door, allows single handing boat.

Quite honestly I don't see this as any advantage being solo compared to having a line that goes from bow cleat to either of the two aft cleats and gently looped there. When docking either a dock hand can grab this line and have control of the bow and stern or with me exiting to the cockpit and getting on the dock to be able to do the same.

Getting out of the helm door to do the docking is not much quicker (if at all as I timed it) from my experience than exiting through the cabin door and onto the dock with line in hand.

Docking solo with an open helm door or simply leaning out a sliding window (which is huge on the R23, R27/OB and R29 S models) and grabbing a coiled line below the helm door or the sliding window is the same to me.

I've single handedly docked the R-25 Classic, R-21 EC, R23, R27/OB using the above method. The main difference with the outboard models is the added attention to moving the stern with the outboard vs. a stern thruster on the other RT models.

Now in windy and/or gnarly current conditions and having to dock on the lee side of a dock will be a challenge regardless of having a helm door or not. Getting a line on a cleat in this type of scenario is tough solo and without a dock hand to help.

 

[Larry H]

Having a thruster remote control can help with single handed docking. Take it with you as you step onto the dock, and you can push the bow or stern back up to the dock while standing on the dock.

 

[Wee Venture]

I’m pretty sure this thread could get pretty emotional because we’re all different people with different preferences and priorities. Even more to the point, those of us who have bought one model or another have undoubtedly done our own due diligence, and now having made our purchase involving a substantial investment, there is a pretty strong psychological need to defend it against those who suggest a different choice would have been objectively “better.” If we all understand we’re talking subjectively, that’s ok - what’s right for me may not be what’s right for you.

Having said that, I will say that we have an R-31CB and we love the helm door. I often leave it open on warm days while I am cruising and it makes me feel closer to the water. When we leave a dock, the first mate can handle the stern line and I can reach out the door and just flip the line (attached to the midships cleat) off the dock cleat and we are effortlessly on our way. Coming into a dock, I open the door, flip out the fender which is already attached, and just hand or toss the line to a dock helper. If there is no helper, I can be out the door and on the dock in 5 seconds from a seated position at the helm. That is no exaggeration, I just timed myself. I am 6’-1” and 72 years old. (It is true there is a bit of a learning curve on where to step and how to have your body facing as you go out the door. And I will say that you have to be careful of the gear/throttle lever so your butt doesn’t hit it and inadvertently put you into fast reverse which can be embarrassing. I routinely now put the control on “throttle only” if I am leaning out or going out the door after docking.)

Regarding the boat as a whole, we love our classic model. And we had an opportunity to view and tour all of the models at the Seattle Boat Show, one after another. But the newer styling is wonderful too, with great visibility, beautiful lines and lots of interior light. I totally get why many people love and choose the updated look. Still, we chose the one that we did and haven’t looked back. At the end of the day we all need to trust our own instincts to determine what works best for us.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Well Stated Wee Venture. We’ve owned both the classic R27 and now the newer styled R29S and found positive attributes in both boat designs. Just as one example I don’t like having the head in the state room on the R29S but on the flip side I like having more rear visibility because the head is not located at the starboard corner of the cabin, as it is on the R27. Likewise the Classic R27’s head location was more convenient for useage, kept the holding tank out of the stateroom but it’s location sure hampered visibility.Boats designs are a compromise because of space so as long as the benefits of one boat outway any disadvantages we have a great boat. The most important thing is being on the water in the boat we love.

Jim

 

[baz]

This thread of postings should serve potential future RT owners with things to think about, both pro & con when making their decision to buy. The RT is a sizable investment to make and due diligence is the right approach culminating in a successful decision on which RT is the most suitable.

The thoughts of current RT owners about their boats is an excellent source of information. These thoughts quite likely would not be apparent at first blush for people looking at boats at a Boat Show and being lured by the sales people. :roll:

 

[Red Fury]

Here are my thoughts..... I love the new OB models. We are the proud owners of a 2017 Classic R27. Classic in the sense that is last years model but a new boat at the same time. The new R27 OB was coming off the line as mine was nearing completion.

Here is what we love about our classic:
1 - The Diesel engine. Powerful and reliable. Not as easy to work on as the OB’s. We are good with the slow and steady trawler speeds. The clean stern and swim step is great. No problems with room for our Portland Pudgy on Weaver davits.
2 - The single captains seat and double nav seat. I can still drive the boat with the dinette in full use and with the dinette being used as a bed. I can fire up early and get underway with out having to wake a sleeping kid still in the dinette bed.
3 - The head in the main cabin. Even though it blocks some rearward view, I much prefer this over having it in the master sleeping area. We have had overnight guests and it is nice that they have not needed to step into our “room” to use the facilities.
4 - The classic look. The reason I fell in love with this boat in the first place.

It’s all about your personal preferences. I surely would have been upset if I had delayed another few months and not been able to get a new classic. Don’t get me wrong - love the new models, but love mine more.

 

[BradOwens]

Regarding guests using the head in the forward stateroom: Our 2012 R29 has a curtain between the bed and the companionway allowing some privacy. I imagine the new R29 and R31 models have that as well.

Still, any Ranger Tug model, or Cutwater for that matter, is a great boat, from a great company, with outstanding customer service and great fellowship between owners.

I couldn't be happier!

 

[Irish Mist]

The curtain is nice but the walls are pretty thin 🙂 I remember a post a few years back and an owner had installed an exhaust fan that as well as venting provided some background noise to hide any unwanted sounds emanating from the depths of the head.
Personally I like having the head in the bedroom. We use the shower a lot as well and closing the door to the bedroom allows the privacy of leaving the bathroom and using the space of the bedroom for dressing.
Like others have been saying no bad answers here..