Hey folks! I should probably introduce myself since I've been a lurker for a few years. I'm a single young professional in Nashville, TN and have reached a point in my career/life where I can think about fulfilling my lifelong dream of owning a cruiser.
I have always been a "function over form" kind of guy... And that has lead me to become a big fan of Ranger tugs. A lot of folks might not find them aesthetically pleasing... But to me that makes them all the more endearing. I was originally set on a R-25 because I felt that it was the smallest package with the amenities I wanted... Namely A/C, Generator, and a head that is not within 5 feet of where I will lay my head. I know those are luxuries but I also know that in the middle Tennessee summer heat and humidity if I am hot and miserable the boat won't get used- and I want to use whatever I wind up getting.
That said, over the last few months- partially due to favorable reviews here- the R23 has really grown on me. I know it might be a unpopular opinion but I find that boat straight up gorgeous, even with the outboard. With nearly double the top end speed I could cover a lot more ground vs a 25. I like the idea of outboard power a lot. I'm just not totally sold for a few reasons-
1. While the 23 is undoubtedly capable for inland rivers and lakes I wonder if it is still capable of tackling the weather conditions one might encounter at sea along the loop.
2. Lack of a generator. With only dockside AC I feel that nights on the hook could be miserable in Tennessee heat and humidity. Can this be overcome with a portable generator in the cockpit? Has anyone done this?
3. That head situation. For me fluids can go off the stern... But I'm not discounting the possibility of picking up a significant other along the way, and i feel like the idea of waking up to your SO doing their business 12 inches from your head could be a turn off.
4. That shower situation. Is the shower system in the R23 functional or a lip service item? I'm personally OK with solar showers in the cockpit but want to keep a potential SO in mind
I should probably mention that the goal is to get a boat that I can use for a weekender and occasional 1-2 week trips for the next few years. Unfortunately corporate finance really limits my ability to take longer trips. After ~7 more years at my company I am eligible for a sabbatical year and I would love to take on the loop. I would plan to keep the boat on a dock on the Cumberland river (towing just doesn't fall in with my lifestyle) and spend the weekends exploring the river and its various lakes and offshoots. That also includes day trips entertaining and fishing with my buddies.
I'd also be curious to know if there are any substantial differences in cost of ownership between the 25 and 23. How do fuel costs compare between the 2? Also, would one be easier to single hand than the other?
Any feedback/ comments are more than welcome. Thanks in advance for the guidance- I look forward to hopefully joining the ranger tugs family next season!
I have always been a "function over form" kind of guy... And that has lead me to become a big fan of Ranger tugs. A lot of folks might not find them aesthetically pleasing... But to me that makes them all the more endearing. I was originally set on a R-25 because I felt that it was the smallest package with the amenities I wanted... Namely A/C, Generator, and a head that is not within 5 feet of where I will lay my head. I know those are luxuries but I also know that in the middle Tennessee summer heat and humidity if I am hot and miserable the boat won't get used- and I want to use whatever I wind up getting.
That said, over the last few months- partially due to favorable reviews here- the R23 has really grown on me. I know it might be a unpopular opinion but I find that boat straight up gorgeous, even with the outboard. With nearly double the top end speed I could cover a lot more ground vs a 25. I like the idea of outboard power a lot. I'm just not totally sold for a few reasons-
1. While the 23 is undoubtedly capable for inland rivers and lakes I wonder if it is still capable of tackling the weather conditions one might encounter at sea along the loop.
2. Lack of a generator. With only dockside AC I feel that nights on the hook could be miserable in Tennessee heat and humidity. Can this be overcome with a portable generator in the cockpit? Has anyone done this?
3. That head situation. For me fluids can go off the stern... But I'm not discounting the possibility of picking up a significant other along the way, and i feel like the idea of waking up to your SO doing their business 12 inches from your head could be a turn off.
4. That shower situation. Is the shower system in the R23 functional or a lip service item? I'm personally OK with solar showers in the cockpit but want to keep a potential SO in mind
I should probably mention that the goal is to get a boat that I can use for a weekender and occasional 1-2 week trips for the next few years. Unfortunately corporate finance really limits my ability to take longer trips. After ~7 more years at my company I am eligible for a sabbatical year and I would love to take on the loop. I would plan to keep the boat on a dock on the Cumberland river (towing just doesn't fall in with my lifestyle) and spend the weekends exploring the river and its various lakes and offshoots. That also includes day trips entertaining and fishing with my buddies.
I'd also be curious to know if there are any substantial differences in cost of ownership between the 25 and 23. How do fuel costs compare between the 2? Also, would one be easier to single hand than the other?
Any feedback/ comments are more than welcome. Thanks in advance for the guidance- I look forward to hopefully joining the ranger tugs family next season!