...looking for thoughts and advice. I think an R29 is right for me, but I've been a small sailboat owner to date. I'm looking to cruise, multiple day trip (of course) and just hang out in the NW Sound. What should I be thinking of...all advice welcome.
Looking to be a first time Tug owner...
- Thread starter rocolli01
- Start date
Bruce Moore
Staff member
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2008
- Messages
- 2,248
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Hull Identification Number
- USFMLT4104I
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- SSBN 658 Mariano G. Vallejo
- Vessel Name
- Soundtrack
- MMSI Number
- 368096220
Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.
trailertrawlerkismet
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2011
- Messages
- 2,519
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Vessel Name
- (2022) Kismet
That’s a tough question to answer as a lot depends on your budget, will you keep the boat in the water or would you need a truck n trailer....more expense. If you have a 27 you would not need oversized load permits vs you would for the 29. We’ve owned both sizes and loved both boats but for different reasons. If you have not been on either that may be a good place to start. Check out our blog, listed below, to see how we’ve used both boats over the last 10 years.
Jim F
Jim F
H28
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2014
- Messages
- 182
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-30 S
- Vessel Name
- Hygge
We went from an Erikson 25 to a R/T 25 with trailer,
then to a RT 29S w/out a trailer
We "switched from sails to steam" for all the usual reasons....
I think the 29S is a nice sweet spot. the extra beam vs. the 25 is nice
you ask a very broad question. It is all about your mission profile. ours is taking out friends for "day trips" and one long (2 week) and one short (4 day) cruise per summer. We like to weekend on the boat and don't miss "the cave" of the Erikson.... and, the boat is big enough to do the Great Loop when we retire...
then to a RT 29S w/out a trailer
We "switched from sails to steam" for all the usual reasons....
I think the 29S is a nice sweet spot. the extra beam vs. the 25 is nice
you ask a very broad question. It is all about your mission profile. ours is taking out friends for "day trips" and one long (2 week) and one short (4 day) cruise per summer. We like to weekend on the boat and don't miss "the cave" of the Erikson.... and, the boat is big enough to do the Great Loop when we retire...
Gunner065
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 21, 2020
- Messages
- 108
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-26
- Hull Identification Number
- FMLR2516B010
- Vessel Name
- Off Watch
- MMSI Number
- 316018278
We purchased our first power boat last June, a 2010 R25 SC (just love the cockpit room). For us, never have owned any boat before, it was the right boat to get into boating, plus the one we purchased was in excellent condition and the price was right.
That being said, we can see ourselves trading up within the next 5-10 years to a R29S. The 25/27 have a beam of 8' 6" which can be troublesome in really bad weather. Don't get me wrong, the RTs are very seaworthy, but I do believe that more beam (and more weight) would make riding bad weather a lot more comfortable.
In august we took her out for an 8 days maiden voyage. My wife, I and our fury friend were very comfortable and had plenty of room during our transits and when alongside or at anchor. If you have more people onboard than 2-4, I would definitely consider the R29S. The differences between the R25 and 27 are marginal at best.
That being said, we can see ourselves trading up within the next 5-10 years to a R29S. The 25/27 have a beam of 8' 6" which can be troublesome in really bad weather. Don't get me wrong, the RTs are very seaworthy, but I do believe that more beam (and more weight) would make riding bad weather a lot more comfortable.
In august we took her out for an 8 days maiden voyage. My wife, I and our fury friend were very comfortable and had plenty of room during our transits and when alongside or at anchor. If you have more people onboard than 2-4, I would definitely consider the R29S. The differences between the R25 and 27 are marginal at best.
Dubs
Active member
- Joined
- May 17, 2015
- Messages
- 44
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Hanse 348
- Vessel Name
- Dubs
I grew up on sailboats and appreciate the speed, convenience, visibility and comfort we enjoy on the Tugs. I only miss the fuel economy! We started with a 2015 R27 (classic) and moved up to the R31-S after 3 seasons. On a typical 150-200 mile cruise, the R27 averaged over 2.0 NMPG, while the R31 averages about 1.7 NMPG. There are significant space improvements going from the 27 to a 29, and 29 to a 31. The inboards offer some nice advantages, such as less LOA not having engines hanging off the back, and engine-cabin heat while motoring. Comparing the new R29 to the R31, there seems to be more cabin room in the 31, specifically in the dinette setup, and a much larger cockpit, especially with the bump-out seats on the R31. One feature the R29 owners may not see as a must-have is the starboard captain's door, which I find to be a deal-breaker in favor of the R31.