In contract! // R-31CB Pre-Purchase Tips

[FlyMeAway]

I've been a long-time lurker on this forum, and am finally in contract to purchase an R-31CB!

I'll introduce myself as a former sailboat owner (I previously owned a Catalina 36 for five years), and lifelong sailor/boater. This will be my first powerboat, and I am buying her with two friends (yes, I'm going into that eyes wide open). One of things I loved about my C36 was the robust online owners community, and I will say that a very big plus in deciding on a Ranger Tug was this awesome community.

The boat is being surveyed on Dec. 3. It's a relatively new vintage (2018) with lowish engine hours, but I would love some tips/suggestions on things people wish they had asked or particular asks for the surveyor. We've hired someone with experience surveying RTs, but I've always thought that going in informed is the best policy.

Beyond that, what are some of the first things people had to do/buy for their new boats that was unexpected for them? As I said, not my first time as a boat owner but every type of boat is different (and powerboats certainly different from sail).

Thanks all in advance!

 

[dclagett]

Look for engine coolant fluid leaks starting at the engine and going to the hot water heater and cabin heater. Even the smallest leak can be expensive to repair due to the compactness of these boats which may require considerable disassembly and time to correct. Check for leaks in the steering system, I have had to replace the helm pump within the first 2 years and a bleed valve on the steering cylinder. The bilge pump float switches tend to not last very long, make sure they are operating properly.

Make sure the surveyor checks the cutlass bearing. If there is any wear I would have the engine alignment checked. Engine alignment is not normally a part of the survey, however if there is any cutlass bearing wear on a 2 year old boat with low hours it could indicate a more serious problem.

Good luck in the survey and I am sure you will enjoy your new boat.

 

[Haifisch]

We bought a 2014 R31S about 18 months ago and love it. One thing I'd wish I had seen was a sample survey for another Ranger Tugs same/similar model so I could get some idea of what other surveyors had uncovered. PM me with your email address if you'd like me to send you a copy of the one that I had done. It's over 40 pages with photos, tips etc.

With regard to things that would merit close attention:
-Get a sample of the engine oil (and note current hours and hours since last change) and send to to Blackstone.
-Make sure the Garmin stuff has all of the latest software revisions and works properly.
-Run the hot water heater (on electric) while connected to shore power.
-Pay close attention to the propane solenoid switch/sniffer and make sure the surveyor confirms that it shuts down in the presence of gas.
-Look for rust/corrosion closely around the reverse gear. If the drip rate isn't set right, things can get a little sloppy down there.

Hope it all goes well for you. It is a great boat, but has a lot of systems. We love ours and have no regrets.

 

[Bobby P.]

If you have a genset, particularly Onan, inspect closely. My genset, at only 30 hours and 2 years old, had corrosion on the starter. I pointed this out during the survey (BTW, be there during the survey and take notes) and the surveyor said that he could not reproduce any leak. In the end I had them take $250 off my offer price, suspecting a future problem. 1 year later, the starter failed. 2 months after that, the oil sending unit failed. I replaced both of these myself for about $250.
BTW, working on these units is a bit of a contortionist act.

At the time I said I'd like to get a mechanic to do an engine survey, but this would not have worked for my time-line. Good sense would have been to adjust my time-line and get the survey.

Good luck!