Introduction and debating a R-23 vs R-25

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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!
 
My wife and I are in a similar situation, and have spent a lot of time on this exact question. We're both young professionals (33 years old), live in the south, and have the goal of doing the loop in about 10 years. Our goal now is to get a boat for weekends and the occasional week. We landed on the R25sc, but hadn't had the chance to spend any time on an R23 until recently.

After getting to know the R25, I found the R23 to be a great day-cruiser, but that's about it. It had a nice layout, lots of sun, and I agree that it's a great looking boat. However, it lacked a few of the creature comforts that are critical to us if we want to spend more than a day or two on it.

The head: My wife thought the head set-up was a deal-breaker. The setup was awkward at best, and if you had to go in the middle of night, things are gonna get real.

Generator/AC. We were on the boat at 10 am in September, and the cabin was like a greenhouse. We had to get out of there after a few minutes. With generator option, it's trouble. Sure, you could bring on a Generac IQ or something like that, but what are you going to connect it to to generate enough air? Also, it's not a solution for more than a day trip. Talking with the dealer, there may be an offering in a couple years for this, but then you're pushing into R25 pricing.

The handling seemed fine, but if you're thinking about the loop in it I'd certainly want an inboard diesel. Personal preference on that, though. The outboard was super quiet, so it would be nice for day cruising.

As far as the shower.... I don't see it working all that well. Technically, it would work, but it looked very awkward and was too short for me (I'm 5'11).

Just my 2 cents, hope it helps! My wife and I are still planning on the R25, as it can handle a week without issue.
 
Seems to me that there is some perspective coming into play in that decision. If you have never had a boat, it can be hard to imagine how things will work IF you are comparing them to the same facilities in a house. If you have had a small boat, with only a porta-potty, you can really see how either boat would be a great step up for weekending, week-long, and extended cruising.

Ask the hundreds of people who have C-Dory 22s (C-Dory's most popular model) that have taken them to Alaska, the Bahamas, the Great Loop, and more. Those boats, for the most part, do not have a 110 electrical system; no pressure water; and no separate space for a head (it goes under the head of the V-berth). Could you cruise for extended time on the new R-23? From my perspective: absolutely.

Before getting the C-Dory 25 (which does have an enclosed head with a shower), we had sailboats that did not have hot and cold pressure water... we used a portable propane water heater or a solar shower and did just fine. A couple of our smaller sailboats did not have stand up height in the cabin... a boat where you can stand up to put on your pants?? Nice!!

Have you ever tent camped? My wife and I motorcycle camped when we were younger... having a porta-potty would have been a wonderful luxury. We have had large motorcoaches (with residential size showers) and a couple Class B campervans where you showered while sitting on the toilet (same as in the C-Dory 25). It works. We spent up to 6 months at a time on our CD-25. It is all about the perspective.

You can certainly say, "That won't work for us," but it might be the perfect extended time cruiser for others. As far as diesel vs outboard, there are plenty of both doing the great loop. Ranger adding an outboard option to their line has brought in a lot more potential buyers. Our home is on the Gulf Coast - lots of shallows, and an outboard is a definite advantage in that area. Again, perspective. Diesel and outboards both have their place (I drive commercial boats, all diesel; there are all kinds of commercial boats running outboards); I would not discount either option for any reasonable use for these boats.

If the spousal unit thinks the potty situation isn't workable, you may not wish to try to convince them otherwise (I would not take on that argument). But take them out for a full day on a boat that doesn't have any kind of potty, and you may see a change of perspective.

Good luck with the decisions.

Jim
 
We have the 25SC, I say it's my wife's boat. Our record is 98 consecutive nights onboard cruising FL last Winter.
If the SO isn't happy you won't be either.
Take a serious look at the 27', those 2 feet make a big difference and it's a great long term cruising boat. Save $$ on the used boat market.
 
This is the second time within 24 hours I have heard/read Ranger was working on a generator to run the AC on the R-23.

1st place was a dealer. Yesterday we were looking at an R-23 and they mentioned it.
 
Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. I understand that perspective is everything. I spent a lot of time backpacking in my teens so I lived out of some pretty small spaces. The biggest difference is that was all in Colorado or the southwest. I can deal with crapping in the woods, showering from a hose, and all the associated stuff. The difference though is the humidity here in TN is lethal. If it was a dry climate I wouldn't mind, but I know I would be miserable in the muggy heat.

I've seen some used 27s on the market for less than some 25s. Of course age and use is relative. But my question becomes in general how much worse is the fuel burn on a 27 vs. a 25? Recognizing that there are a lot of different motors in these boats out there of course.

If I won the lottery I would be going after a 29 CB but at the end of the day I can only afford small and efficient 😀
 
I can't speak to the outboards with as much first hand experience but I have travelled for many days and many hours repeatedly in a large houseboat with twin outboards and at low hull speeds puttering along have never used more than a small portion of the fuel on board over a two week period - fuel consumption is a function of your haste to get somewhere and the rpm of the motor. Certainly on the diesel inboards if you keep things to close to hull speed - say around 5 - 6 knots you can get over an hour of run time per gallon of fuel - I routinely get 3 hours from a gallon when puttering along in my Cutwater 28. Try to get somewhere in a hurry and things change quickly. However, once again, I can easily go out for a couple of weeks on only 40 or 50 gallons of fuel if I'm not measuring the quality of my trip in how fast I can get there or how far I can go in a fixed period of holiday time. The journey can be the holiday, you don't need to fix unrealistic or inflexible goals. Buy what you can afford and what you like, fuel economy can be as good or as poor as you want to make it, no matter what engine or boat you choose.
 
These was thread a while ago on fuel economy of the outboard r-23. Folks were reporting around 3 MPH at speed (30 knots) and 6ish running at displacement speeeds...
 
No boat is perfect. You will always have to make a compromise. Get the biggest boat you can afford and be comfortable with running financially and physically. Doing the loop in a 23 will work. In some spots you may have to pick your weather day. We do that in our R-27. Don't try to fit everything in an R-23 that may fit into a 40 foot boat. Once you load up the R-23 the speed will reduce and that R-25 may have been a better choice for your options and comfort. If price point is critical than more compromise may be necessary and you are back to the 23.
 
As all boats have pros and cons, the right purchase of any boat is a personal decision that only the individual can make.

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to take a look at the other boat line from the same manufacturer, Cutwater.

If I were to purchase a used boat today, it would be the Cutwater 26. While the Ranger 25 is a fine boat, I just like the Cutwater 26 layout better. Personal decision, as others prefer the Ranger layout. If I were purchasing a new boat today, it would be the Ranger 23 with the outboard. Yes, they are different boats, but $100,000 would buy either boat today (or a Ranger 25).

Jim
 
You could always start with the R23 and move up later if it doesn't meet your needs. 7 years will give you time to upgrade if necessary before doing the loop.
 
Yes boats are personal decisions. I have always gone with the smallest boat I could safely use to meet my needs. I am a big fan of smaller. For me, smaller means less maintenance, cost, etc...and more use.

But as was said, very personal decision, and what works for me might not work for others.

I am also a backpacker so I find smaller and more minimal better.
 
I once read somewhere in regard to boat purchases that one should not buy a boat that one needs in ten years but what you can use
now. (Was probably a boat dealer mantra🙂
 
We just got back from a 60 mile round trip run out to a gulf island to anchor out for lunch. We left at 9:00 and back but 1:00 and the boat is cleaned and washed! 30 mph cruise, fresh 90 degree breeze and felt like we are in the lap of luxury all in 23 feet! We anchored when the depth finder hit 2.4 feet and no worries with getting stuck. We have a Honda 2000 watt generator on the swim platform. Bought a nice cover for it and it rides fine there. The shower fells like the Hilton when you've been in the salt air all day. Yes, it is a compromise. But having spent so much time and money trying to over comfort my boating wants ... I'm so glad to finally have what we need. Simplicity without too much sacrifice. When we sleep in the added memory foam bed with the ice cold air condition on, we could be on a 62 footer and not know the difference. Also, if we do out grow the 23, based on the waiting time we endured getting ours, I'm certain moving up to a 31 would not be a beating! We've used our new boat more in 30 days than I can ever remember any other boat I've owned. Please feel free to ask if y'all have any questions.

Glenn


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Nopressure13":iuikrzse said:
We just got back from a 60 mile round trip run out to a gulf island to anchor out for lunch. We left at 9:00 and back by 1:00 and the boat is cleaned and washed! 30 mph cruise, fresh 90 degree breeze and felt like we are in the lap of luxury all in 23 feet! We anchored when the depth finder hit 2.4 feet and no worries with getting stuck. We have a Honda 2000 watt generator on the swim platform. Bought a nice cover for it and it rides fine there. The shower fells like the Hilton when you've been in the salt air all day. Yes, it is a compromise. But having spent so much time and money trying to over comfort my boating wants ... I'm so glad to finally have what we need. Simplicity without too much sacrifice. When we sleep in the added memory foam bed with the ice cold air condition on, we could be on a 62 footer and not know the difference. Also, if we do out grow the 23, based on the waiting time we endured getting ours, I'm certain moving up to a 31 would not be a beating! We've used our new boat more in 30 days than I can ever remember any other boat I've owned. Please feel free to ask if y'all have any questions.

Glenn


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What cover did you use for the generator, and how do you secure it? Is it as simple as running an extension cord to the ac input?
 
I used my motorcycle tie downs.. I have a pigtail attachment to convert the shore power cord from 30 amp to 15 and just plug it in. The cover is a waterproof canvas from Honda.


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Nopressure13":2un4t3se said:
I used my motorcycle tie downs.. I have a pigtail attachment to convert the shore power cord from 30 amp to 15 and just plug it in. The cover is a waterproof canvas from Honda.


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Do you run the A/C from the Honda Generator?

If so:

1) Do you do it underway and at anchor?

2) Did you tie the Honda into the boat's fuel tank?

Thanks
Dan
 
Nopressure13":335hvrn5 said:
We just got back from a 60 mile round trip run out to a gulf island to anchor out for lunch. We left at 9:00 and back but 1:00 and the boat is cleaned and washed! 30 mph cruise, fresh 90 degree breeze and felt like we are in the lap of luxury all in 23 feet! We anchored when the depth finder hit 2.4 feet and no worries with getting stuck. We have a Honda 2000 watt generator on the swim platform. Bought a nice cover for it and it rides fine there. The shower fells like the Hilton when you've been in the salt air all day. Yes, it is a compromise. But having spent so much time and money trying to over comfort my boating wants ... I'm so glad to finally have what we need. Simplicity without too much sacrifice. When we sleep in the added memory foam bed with the ice cold air condition on, we could be on a 62 footer and not know the difference. Also, if we do out grow the 23, based on the waiting time we endured getting ours, I'm certain moving up to a 31 would not be a beating! We've used our new boat more in 30 days than I can ever remember any other boat I've owned. Please feel free to ask if y'all have any questions.

Glenn


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How did you mount the Honda and what type of cover did you get for it. I agree with all you have said. Could not be happier with our decision to purchase the R-23.
 
Hello Dan! I haven't needed to run the A/C underway. Open up the ventilation and the rear glass panel. Cools off nicely. At anchor, the generator is quiet back there and it works well. No issues. It runs all night on the existing fuel tank. It would be a good idea to concoct a direct fuel line to the boats fuel tank. I carry a 5 gallon race car type fuel cell if I'm planning extended time offshore.


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