Looking to buy a 29 or 27

[bigdealsam]

If this is not allowed pls feel free to delete.

I am recently retired and ready to become an official Tugnut. We have attended Trawler Fest in Annapolis and settled on a Ranger Tug 29 or 27. Ideally something 3 to 8 yrs old that would be a great value for a cash buyer with the plan to "learn" on a previously owned model before taking the plunge on a new one. I appreciate the input. Sam

 

[stwendl]

just curious what makes you switch to a R27/9 I think the searay 330 is a nice boat, unless maybe its vintage. and the down size from 330 to a r29 is not that much. Interested in hearing your experiences negative or positive. thanks

 

[bigdealsam]

Wife and I attended Trawlerfest in Annappolis and were "smitten" with the Ranger Tug line of boats. Now that I have retired we have agreed on the 27 or 29 as our next (and maybe final) boat. Large enough to do the ICW or maybe even the loop but small enough for either of us to use for a short daytrip.

The Searay 330 with twin screws was simply too much boat for us. It was a 2000 model and it just never really fit our lifestyle. Chalk that one up as a learning experience. Bigger is not always better.

We are building our new retirement home At Ocean Isle Beach NC and look forward to putting the new Tug on the boat lift soon.

 

[Matty]

I can see how you would have very different thoughts on these two boats. Biggest lifestyle difference is that with a Ranger Tug the galley is up top rather than down in the cave. This way you are always seeing what is happening and enjoying the view except when sleeping. One caution on the R27 is the changes made to the 2018 model which may make it difficult to appreciate on your purchase of an older one to try it out. . The 300 outboard is a significant change. I happen to love it as it gives you much more speed if you need it and easier to maintain. I have not done it yet but when I have time to do a trip to Bahamas I want to be able to get there in a hurry of storm approaches. I imagine you would get the "luxury" version with a/c. I use it a lot in FL. The outboard also allows for plenty of room for the generator. I happen to like the way they flipped the seats around so that the captain has the double seat. Grand kids love to sit with me so that was a must.

But...some people do like the more classic look and diesel on the older 27s and the 29s. Variety is the spice of life.

 

[BradOwens]

If you don't plan on trailering a lot, the extra beam on the 29 and 31 does a lot for stability and a feeling of spaciousness. The walk around berth vs V-berth is also a plus in my opinion, but you can't go wrong with any Ranger Tug.

 

[bigdealsam]

If you don't plan on trailering a lot, the extra beam on the 29 and 31 does a lot for stability and a feeling of spaciousness. The walk around berth vs V-berth is also a plus in my opinion, but you can't go wrong with any Ranger Tug.

Thanks Brad. As we enjoyed TrawlerFest, we made the same observation. I would prefer a 29 but would certainly consider a 27 for the right deal. I have a Ford F250 Diesel Truck which should be sufficient power to pull (and stop) either boat. We have a cable lift on the ICW at Ocean Isle so most of the time I suspect she will be riding on the bunks.
Thanks for your input.
Sam

 

[Todd2]

If you don't plan on trailering a lot, the extra beam on the 29 and 31 does a lot for stability and a feeling of spaciousness. The walk around berth vs V-berth is also a plus in my opinion, but you can't go wrong with any Ranger Tug.

I have to second this opinion. It you are going to trailer a lot the R29 requires a wide load permit for (most) every state you enter. Not that big of a deal if you make a trip only twice a year (to Florida and back, seasonally). It's a pain if you cross country often or try to go to some eastern states. For example, Texas sells year long permits for only a couple hundred bucks, but you can't tow on holiday weekends, after dark, and must stop for an inspection at every truck inspection station. I live in Texas, plan to trailer everywhere, so bought the R27. The R29 feels much bigger, I really liked it, but I wouldn't have made it with the R29 on narrow lane construction roads I had to navigate on the way to lakes, twice already.

It's all a compromise. What fits YOUR usage and tolerance level? Get that one.

Todd

 

[Swansboro Dave]

Get the 41................

 

[Swansboro Dave]

If you do opt for the 29.....and need assistance with your lift bunk spacing.....feel free to measure mine. I just up the ICW from you in Swansboro.

 

[pricelowe]

I have an 2016 R27 for sale in Nanaimo, BC. Very low engine hours.

I have posted details on this site for private sales.

Chris Price
250-228-1617

 

[pricelowe]

I have an 2016 R27 for sale in Nanaimo, BC. Very low engine hours.

I have posted details on this site for private sales.

Chris Price
250-228-1617

 

[Irish Mist]

For ease of towing I would look at the 27.. We tow usually once a year with our 29 and often think how much easier it would be not getting permits... but living full time in the boat we do appreciate the bed and space on the 29.. Both are great boats.. as mentioned the new 27 is worth a look ..
Great decisions to be having to make 🙂

 

[bigdealsam]

If you do opt for the 29.....and need assistance with your lift bunk spacing.....feel free to measure mine. I just up the ICW from you in Swansboro.

Thanks Dave. Maybe we can meet up on a Tug cruise someday. I appreciate your help.
Sam

 

[bigdealsam]

I have an 2016 R27 for sale in Nanaimo, BC. Very low engine hours.

I have posted details on this site for private sales.

Chris Price
250-228-1617

Thanks Chris. I'll take a look. Sam

 

[Tekreck]

I appear to be going down the same road as you. Retire at end of year from large electric utility - looking for 8+ year old well-loved and equipped R-27 “classic” in 9 months or so - live just down the road in Rock Hill - house at Pawleys Island - want to explore every inch of Florida - Trawlerfest in March. Will be following and learning.

Kevin Wilson

 

[bigdealsam]

I appear to be going down the same road as you. Retire at end of year from large electric utility - looking for 8+ year old well-loved and equipped R-27 “classic” in 9 months or so - live just down the road in Rock Hill - house at Pawleys Island - want to explore every inch of Florida - Trawlerfest in March. Will be following and learning.

Kevin Wilson

Thanks Kevin. Wife and I took delivery of our 2012 R-25SC a few days ago. We decided on the R25 because it was
1) A great mid winter value
2) Our cable lift at Lake Norman and the one at Ocean Isle Beach NC would accommodate the weight easily
3) Easily handled by one person.

If you have an interest in a trial run I would be glad to take you and yours for a cruise on Lake Norman or on the ICW.
Sam & Barbara Baker

 

[Rwnorton]

And I have a nice 2016 RT27 available in Charleston. See details in the RT For Sale Forum please.

 

[H28]

we went from a 25 to a 29, and the extra beam is really appreciated. To each his own, but that extra beam makes for a noticeably more stable vessel. I'm not towing it, so the smaller beam certainly eases the towing issues. It is all up to your mission profile I guess. We are on Lake Michigan and wouldn't go back to the smaller beam....

 

[tugnnaweigh]

Also moved up from a R25 to R29, really really enjoying the increased interior space in both cabin and cockpit. Already had the tow vehicle (F-450 4X4) and three axle trailer so the swap was easy. If we towed more than 4 or 5 western states would of taken more of a look at the R27 because of permitting.

 

[Jfrano]

Will the foward berth of the 2018-19 R27 be comfortable enough for a couple, I’m 6’4”. We plan to do the loop 2-3 months at a time.

Thanks.