Issues with the new R-27

[Capt. Chris 53]

I'm curious as to what, if any, the owners of new R-27s have been experiencing after they have taken delivery of their new boats? Have there been any things that have not operated correctly that should have been corrected before delivery?
Thanks for being candid and honest on this.

 

[baz]

1. My TV was not receiving channels as it should have. RT came to boat and fixed the issue with installing some kind of signal booster box.

2. Some curtains were missing clips to hold the edges close to cabin wall to avoid light and improve privacy. RT came to boat and fix the issues.

3. The edge of the Teak/Holly flooring was lifting at several edge spots. RT came to boat and fixed the issue.

4. Forward saloon's (V-berth area) Table assembly was not what I expected when boat assembled in factory. It was not same as when putting money down for purchase. RT reinstalled the table as original before delivery.

5. Cockpit gunnel surface had a nasty chip in the gelcoat. RT fixed this after delivery.

6. Severe fibre glass damage in floor corner in back of toilet. Boat was taken back to factory and repaired professionally.

7. Refrigerator door swung the wrong way. This was fixed when the boat was taken to factory to repair the #6 issue.

All in all the boat was delivered in good order, operations was without faults and I was a happy camper. 😀

 

[Capt. Chris 53]

For someone living east of the Mississippi how would think Ranger Tugs would handle those kinds of issues?

 

[ixlr8]

For someone living east of the Mississippi how would think Ranger Tugs would handle those kinds of issues?

Selling dealer should handle these problems, working with Ranger Tug. At least that is what I am hoping, I am in Maine and my 27OB should be delivered in 2 weeks.... if the ice is out of the lake by then.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Jim,

You are absolutely right. This is why purchasing from a dealer you trust is so important. I know your dealer very well and you are in great hands.

In regards to Barry's boat, I would say we had a bit more than normal. Being an earlier build we have learned a lot and have minimized these issues. My suggestion to anyone taking delivery of a boat is to stay close to the dealer for as long as you can. Running and operating every system on the boat before you decide to take it away is crucial.

Every boat we deliver out of the factory has a two day pre delivery inspection prior to getting to the end user to ensure 99% of the kinks are worked out before you even step foot on the boat. This should be the same for our dealers around the country as we provide them with the same tools we use. Make sure you purchase from a dealer that has in house service and travelling service as we all know that the boats don't always stay in their homeport.

I think this is a good time for us to post our two day orientation training we provide if you chose to do a factory delivery. If you do not take advantage of the factory delivery, I would ask your dealer to provide this same service. I will also post our pre delivery inspection and vessel checklist for everyone to see. Please look under Ranger Tug Factory Technical bulletins to view.

 

[ixlr8]

Andrew,
Is there a YouTube video or something similar for your two day orientation? I know several people who have been thru your orientation only to discover that a week later they couldn't remember 80% of all the information that was thrown at them. I understand a lot of information is discussed in a relatively short period of time. A video of an orientation that an owner could refer to would be nice.
I know, just what you wanted, another thing added to your to do list, if such a thing doesn't already exist.
Just make sure the 27OB owners manual is done first. 🙂

 

[Andrew Custis]

Many of our owners video the orientation themselves. We do not have a youtube video. Who the heck would want to watch me on tape for 16 hours..... :lol:

If I launched one, I am sure it would be criticized to the point that I couldn't live with myself forcing me to lock myself in a dark room and you would never hear from me again. Maybe that is what everyone wants. 😀

 

[Rocky]

Jim,
We just finished our 2 day orientation yesterday. (Ours is an R29S, but I assume the process is the same). My Boating experience is somewhere between "Old Salt" and "Brand New."
I will admit that the experience did have somewhat of a "drinking from a fire hose" feel to it. However-The guys doing the training realize that. They encourage note taking - Video taking and questions. We wrote notes and took some video about several of the areas I felt less familiar. They go through a checklist and make thier notes on that for you, as well - then you get a copy of the checklist after it is all over.
Depending on your personal experience level, you will be very familiar with some items, and like me, there will be things you have never seen before or words you have never heard before. They will spend all the time you want on anything you need. I have also been encouraged to call or email if something comes up later.

We had a fantastic experience with Tim and Kenny. Both were knowledgeable, patient, helpful and fun. We had a blast learning about our new boat.

Enjoy the new boat!!

Rocky

 

[ixlr8]

Jim,
We just finished our 2 day orientation yesterday. (Ours is an R29S, but I assume the process is the same). My Boating experience is somewhere between "Old Salt" and "Brand New."
I will admit that the experience did have somewhat of a "drinking from a fire hose" feel to it.
Rocky

We wish we could have done a 'factory delivery', but we live about as far away from the factory as one can get in the lower 48. Our previous boat was an open cockpit center console 21' diesel skiff, no seats, no canopy, only instruments on board were; rpm, depth and compass. I suspect your comment about "drinking from a fire hose" will be apropos when it comes time for our delivery/orientation.
I talked with my dealer today, he is fairly sure the ice will be off the lakes by our present scheduled delivery date of April 27. 🙂

 

[jagizzi]

So we were about as new as you could get to this type of boat and systems. We did the factory delivery and forgot a lot of the details as expected but... It did at least give me a chance to at least remember about the main points so I would know what to ask about later and...

The factory folks, all of them, from Andrew to Tim, Kenny, Ivan and even Richard in parts, will still take my calls (after 15 or so, so far ;-) even in this day of caller ID. I've had to ask the same question twice, asked a question to which I knew the answer but didn't realize it, and have asked a couple that they had to get back to me on (these were due mostly to differences in model year etc), but every time I have gotten an answer followed with "Call anytime Jim". That is what is impressive to me.

I am sure that it could be possible to wear out your welcome but reasonable requests for information have always been met with answers. You can't get it all the first time but between these folks, and Tugnuts, you don't need to worry about that.

And yes, I've called on a weekend evening cuz xxx didn't work, and the phone was still answered, or the message was returned that day.

There's my 2 cents but I'd say enjoy the orientation, take notes but don't sweat it. It's a great 2 days!

And the factory folks, and all of us on Tugnuts, are here after that ;-)

Jim

 

[BB marine]

It is good to see that Ranger/Cutwater has developed a inspection check sheet. Hopefully this will decrease the amount of over looked sub quality or unfinished installations during assembly at the factory. Unfortunately this does happen and I know it does because it happened to us on our 2016 Cutwater. Having trust in your dealer doesn't prevent or help the matter. To this day if I was asked what I think about the dealer I purchased the boat from I would have not one bad comment about him. Honest as the day is long. He was up front with me, I do not employ technicians I use outside contractors for installations and repairs. We( dealership) rely on the quality of the product we sell to be right and We( dealership) feel that fluid motion have that quality. We ( dealership) expect these boats to be fully inspected and ready for delivery when we receive them from the factory. After reading so many positive comments here on Tugnuts about customer service and how they go above and beyond to make sure your experience is good. We purchased the boat with (looking back) much higher expectations then we should have. I have a list of Pre-delivery issues, delivery issues, installation issues, equipment issues, and performance issues all documented thru Emails, text, and phone calls to customer service with little to no resolutions to the issues thru Cutwater. I will give Richard a very high rating helping me receive needed parts. I did receive multi-able thank you's from Cutwater customer service for resolving all of my issues and repairs myself. I also received many I'm sorry's too. Do I feel Ranger and Cutwater are quality built well designed boats ( above average) with the potential to be excellent with Quality control. Hopefully having the new factory check sheets filled out and signed by a responsible employee will help dial in the deficiencies before the boat leaves the factory. And holding the selling dealer responsible to go over each operating system before the delivery takes place to insure the new owner has that excellent quality product. As a consumer that is what I expected but did not receive.



2 years later after making many warranty repairs, warranty revisions, all at my expense to labor and supplies we have the boat that I expected to take delivery of. ( Richard did send me teak flooring , transducer components, door latch, curtain, and square drive fasteners) at no cost to me.

For someone living east of the Mississippi how would think Ranger Tugs would handle those kinds of issues?

 

[Disaster Relief]

In the world of YouTube videos there’s a lot of things that can help. The man hours required to produce a video for a new Tug or Cut would be astronomical and would have its flaws. It would also be so long that it would be overwhelming to find the spots you were looking for,

What we have is this forum with many knowledgeable owners plus factory personnel a click or call away. Most issues are covered here. This is probably the most well documented series of boats out there. Factory support is outstanding and they answer the phone and call you back. I have the dealers’ and his mechanics cell phone number, they answer on weekends. They send people to my dock to fix things without me being there.

There will be issues on a new boat. Ive had issues but I rate the after the sale service with these boats a 10.
My learning curve was about 6 months with twice a month weekend use. I used this forum several times per week and still get on regularly.

One major issue was a bad Volvo helm station. The problem was intermittent so it wasn’t easy to narrow it down. Once the Volvo Tech came out it was replaced 3 days later. I’m sure it worked just fine while the boat was being built. Battery cables were loose, once I figured out what the problem was, an easy fix. Shore power breaker went bad. Dealer sent mechanic to fix. So the factory isn’t perfect and the components aren’t perfect. But they fix it, stand behind it and I truly believe learn from it. This was a new experience for me in the world we live in today.

Ask questions here and I can almost guarantee someone will answer.

 

[baz]

Just for the record, and something I posted elsewhere last year after receiving my 2-day orientation training from Tim & Kenny....

I had created a list of 80 questions in preparation for Tim's arrival on day-1. I did not reveal my 80 questions to Tim to begin with. At the end of the day's training, etc I pulled out my list of 80 questions and presented it to Tim. We both went through the list and all but one question had been covered during the day.... I was mightily impressed. 😱 😀

The one question that could not be answered or resolved was how to flip the port side Nav seat and fold it down completely. Later on I was able to figure this out by removing a bolt the factory places on the hinge, presumably for safety reasons.

There were a few more things I did not list above...

8) Aft bilge float was inoperative and had to be replaced. Was replaced at factory.
9) Transducer needed a replacement o-ring. Was done at factory.
10) Missing canvas for windshield above stove. This canvas actually installs on the outside as it would be a fire hazard if on the inside. Canvas was delivered later.
11) The rubber protector that the aft cabin's flip up hatch rests on when fully opened kept falling off. Was replaced.
12) Down rigger plug in cockpit on port side had to be relocated as it was interfering with the port side cockpit seat's forward chromed bracket when folding seat out.

 

[Matty]

Given the choice of a near perfect boat at delivery with poor service afterwards or a few issues to resolve with great customer service I will take great service any day. Admittedly I have only had our 2018 R27 for 3 weeks but I have found very little that was not ready on delivery. Our orientation was a bit short due to a late in the day dealer delivery but I am catching up quick. Learning it myself makes it easier to remember and I learn along the way. I agree with the fire hose comment. Too much info in a short amount of time. Between you tube videos and this site I have little to complain about. Some people have a different tolerance level. But for me if I am sitting on a boat on a sunny day trying to figure something out I am in a good place.

P.S. Most importantly - do to the short orientation we did not know the propane tanks were not full on delivery. Too late once we were on our way down the river. Critical when wife is going to make me blueberry muffins on our first time out. But like I said - happy to be on the water with such trivial issues. We made do. Made them the next morning.

 

[Bserwer]

Congrats on your new boat. I took possession of my 27 OB last month. I was very impressed with the orientation and level of detail. There is one issue that is in the process of being resolved. For some reason, the factory installed a high speed scoop on the through hull providing raw water to the wash down, generator and toilet. I understand why the AC unit requires this but not the Gen/head/washdown systems. This issue has resulted in constant overflowing of the head. The high flow fills the holding tank and then overflows the toilet every time the boat is taken out. I have had to remember to close the seacock or suffer the consequences. I am waiting on a in line valve which will be installed on the head supply line (activated/opened by flushing the toilet) which will hopefully fix the issue. There is a similar valve on the generator cooling line. I am a little surprised that the factory didn't identify this issue earlier, but maybe there was a good reason??? I have waited now 3 weeks for the part to come in. hoping it gets fixed soon. Good luck!

 

[kf91]

We took delivery of our R-27 in December and no issues to report. Didn't have any issues with the 2017 R-25 we had for a year before trading in for the new boat.

 

[Heaaron]

Congrats on your new boat. I took possession of my 27 OB last month. I was very impressed with the orientation and level of detail. There is one issue that is in the process of being resolved. For some reason, the factory installed a high speed scoop on the through hull providing raw water to the wash down, generator and toilet. I understand why the AC unit requires this but not the Gen/head/washdown systems. This issue has resulted in constant overflowing of the head. The high flow fills the holding tank and then overflows the toilet every time the boat is taken out. I have had to remember to close the seacock or suffer the consequences. I am waiting on a in line valve which will be installed on the head supply line (activated/opened by flushing the toilet) which will hopefully fix the issue. There is a similar valve on the generator cooling line. I am a little surprised that the factory didn't identify this issue earlier, but maybe there was a good reason??? I have waited now 3 weeks for the part to come in. hoping it gets fixed soon. Good luck!

I’m no expert, but I’ve owned a lot of boats. I’d consult the ABYC standard to determine whether the scoop should be removed. I’ve always thought that forcing water into a head and genset was a no no.

 

[dclagett]

The installation/owners manual for the Mase generator installed on my RT25SC warns against a scoop strainer. The manual states only use a straight thru hull. That being stated, my generator was installed with a scoop strainer. I have not had any problems however I only open the raw water ball valve when running the generator. You may want to check your generator manual to determine proper installation configuration.

 

[BB marine]

is one issue that is in the process of being resolved. For some reason, the factory installed a high speed scoop on the through hull providing raw water to the wash down, generator and toilet

This issue has resulted in constant overflowing of the head. The high flow fills the holding tank and then overflows the toilet every time the boat is taken out. I have had to remember to close the seacock or suffer the consequences. I am waiting on a in line valve which will be installed on the head supply line (activated/opened by flushing the toilet) which will hopefully fix the issue. There is a similar valve on the generator cooling line. I am a little surprised that the factory didn't identify this issue earlier, but maybe there was a good reason??? I have waited now 3 weeks for the part to come in. hoping it gets fixed soon. Good luck!

It sounds like the set up on your boat is for a inboard engine with two extra ports. Our boat C26 has the same set up. Main draw is the engine secondary draw is the wash down and head. With this set up the head is fine because the engine running maintains a vacuum, the head and wash down need to pump the water from the strainer it is not forced. The head, and generator should not be on a scoop thru hull. If it is the thru hull must be closed when cruising unless you are running the generator. If the thru hull is open and not running the generator there is a chance water could get ingested into the engine thru exhaust when you are at speed.. To put a scoop type on a planing boat capable of 35MPH+ not a good idea.

The solenoid for the head is a good idea regardless if this was a problem or not. I installed the solenoid/switch purchased thru Raritin. It is wired into the button for flush with an addition inline fuse for protection. I did this when we used raw water flush for a safety to eliminate bowl over flow. I now use fresh water flush and the switch is needed in this application.

Quote from Professional BoatBuilder,"Finally, seawater supplies to generators are another area where manufacturer instructions are often disregarded or only partially observed. Beginning with the intake, generators should not be equipped with scoop strainers (hull strainers are covered in detail in Professional BoatBuilder No. 127"

Hopefully Ranger and your dealer will resolve this issue soon for you.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Brad,

I just saw this about the toilet overflowing on your new 27! Feedback like this does really help as we have identified this on another boat at the factory. I will check on the valve and make sure we have a plan asap for this.

Thank you for posting.