Looks of R-23 & new R-27 compared to the classic Tugs

[baz]

Subject: Looks of R-23 & new R-27 compared to the classic Tugs

The classic Tugs all have swim platforms, with some having rails along with a vertically mounted dingy.

The new R-23 and R-27 outboard models have the big Yamaha motors on the back platform.

Putting aside the more modern aspects of the cabin superstructure for the new R-23 and R-27 the side view profile of these two boats isn't that much different IMO from the classic Tug profile on the water. They all have this thing/hump/object hanging on the back. :lol:

 

[mcphersn]

I for one think that the original tugs look much cooler. My 23 looks OK, but a 21 or 25 looks great. I just like the other advantages of the outboard more than enough to make up for the looks. YMMV.

 

[baz]

Yes for sure.... beauty/looks is in the eye of the beholder. 🙂

I also like the looks of the traditional Tugs.

However, I'm one that embraces change when it's done well, and the new RTs (R-23, new R-27 and the R29S) are good examples of this being done, well designed and thought out with modern styling inside and outside. I find I don't hanker over wanting the traditional RT. I find the inside of the new Tugs an enormous benefit compared to the old.... especially considering the head placement in the R-23 and new R-27 along with the well thought out new R-27's V-berth area.

I agree with you about the outboard advantages 100%.

Hanging an outboard onto the traditional RT classic would surely be a total anathema. So what was RT supposed to do ?

RT as a business has to look forward to new, and yes, younger customers who aren't as likely to hanker for the traditional tug look.... hence they are correct IMO to design a model(s) for this new and younger customer set.

Here in the PNW we really don't have the canals, the great loop or small passage ways that suit a slow moving Tug boat for traveling small distances. One can tool around in the southern portions of the PNW Puget Sound, but beyond that one is looking at cruising distances of 20, 50, 100, 200 miles with not much in between for sight seeing until you get to your destination. With limited vacation time working people have, getting around quicker than what the traditional RT offers is a big plus. The outboard and increase in cruising speeds the R-23 and new R-27 offer has to be appealing to folks in the PNW area for sure. I have no clue how many R-23s have been sold to owners in the PNW area, but some 150 R-23s in total have been sold in a little over 18 months. I suspect the new 2018 R-27 will be selling just as well come this time next year.

Having a blue hull on the R-23 and the new R-27 does make it more like the traditional RT with some obvious differences. Having a different hull color will make the boats stand on their own merits IMO.

For me, the new RTs give me the benefits of new technologies and go some way in providing me the feel of the traditional RTs.

The new R-23 and new R-27 are to me a happy and useful blend of the old and new.

The Ranger Tugs simply get better and better. 😀

 

[Champ]

We had a person at our Marina comment about how great our R-23 looked on the water. We were returning to harbor at about 28-30 MPH. We love this boat. Perfect for our use.