More observations - R23

S

Salish Seaker

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 29, 2017
Messages
180
Fluid Motion Model
C-242 C
Vessel Name
Island Time
We've been using the boat fairly regularly, mostly for day trips since I started a new job that has severely restricted my ability to take week long boat trips I had grown accustomed to. :cry:

I've noticed a couple of things that have surprised me and wondered if other R23 owners have experienced the same thing.

We noticed that the boat is very susceptible to weight distribution. I realize that trim tabs can correct lateral trim but I was really surprised how little it took to be out of balance. I figured this was due to the deep-v hull rather than the flat bottom hull I was used to. More surprising was what happened this weekend. We took my family out on our normal 1 hour day trip cruise to Poulsbo. There were 7 adults on the boat all fairly small, between 130-180 lbs that I estimated totaled about 1050 lbs. With 3 people in the cockpit, the boat could not get up on plane! We had to distribute most of the weight towards the bow of the boat and then Island Time was able to plane at the normal speeds. I was very surprised that the Yamaha 200hp could not dig itself out of the hole. Plus I noticed on other trips, the motor would lug when trying to climb on the back of waves in following seas with only 2 people in the boat. Very surprising! This motor usually wants to go one speed, FAST! I guess I'll have to test the RPMs @ WOT to see if it's propped correctly. Of course I don't anticipate having that many people on the boat in the future, it was just the first time on the boat for the family from California. We will definitely limit the max amount of passengers in the future. Have any R23 owners with the Yami 200 changed out the original factory ss prop to a lower pitched prop?

Another phenomenon I've discovered is the inability of the boat (or the captain's inability) to get the stern to continue turning while executing the "back and fill" manuever in a tight fairway. I have to turn the boat 180 degrees to port in a small area when returning to the dry stack pick up area. I was very surprised when trying this manuever that I can't seem to turn the boat in reverse even with the wheel turned full right, the stern only goes straight back rather than continuing to float the stern to the right, causing some quick adjustments and a lot of stress using the bow thruster and forward full left. I had mastered this manuever in our very nimble, flat-bottomed C-Dory, practically turning the boat on a dime. I know, practice, practice, practice but even when trying this in open water, the stern still doesn't seem to continue the turn. Is this the way heavier deep-v hulls normally behave? Any pointers?

Peter
 
Hi Peter,

I can't speak to performance issues, but did you have the outboard trimmed all the way up when maneuvering? I have read that backing is much more effective that way, as the propeller thrust will be going under the boat rather than against the stern. Seems to work with my KW.

That said, the hull shape will definitely affect your ability to turn on a dime.

Bruno
 
Hi Peter,

Yes, I also notice how sensitive the boat is to weight distribution. I attribute it to the fact that it's not a big boat, fairly light, and probably higher center of gravity because of the substantial cabin top along with the V shaped hull. With just our family of 2 adults, 2 kids it's not really an issue. Just when we have guests on and everyone wants to sit on the stern benches.

I also have a tight starboard turn to get into my dock and cannot do it without the bow thruster yet. The boat is still relatively new to me so I'm still experimenting. I'd like to be able to do it even if my bow thruster fails.

But overall we really enjoy the boat.

Cheers. Tom
 
I have had the same situation with a fully loaded boat. We eventually got on plane but it may have been because my wife noticed and moved forward . She is small and just her weight shift was helpful. I figure it's normal and I certainly don't want to have the boat loaded like that often.

I haven't tried the back and fill on the 23 as I thought that was for boats with a rudder. To spin it is a matter of whipping the steering wheel around stop to stop while working the throttle forward and reverse. It gets easier with practice but a suicide knob is in my future.

Jim
 
I have had my R23 for 20 months and have experienced similar situations. As far as weight sensitivity goes, it is a characteristic of the hull design and the fact that the boat is light. A fair trade off for performance. When heavily loaded, I was having trouble getting the boat to plane until I learned to use the trim tabs on the hole shot, then rather quickly trim up to get better forward motion. Another problem I have is that the engine bracket continues to fill with water, adding extra weigh to the stern. The factory has told my dealer that they have added a pump to the newer models, but they will not do anything for the boats in the field (water). Backing is a problem because the engine cannot make a full swing due to transom design. The best I have found has already been stated, use that bow thruster. I have almost 200 hours on my little tug and have been very pleased with it. A few minor problems, but it is a boat!
 
Yep getting on top with people sitting in the back of the cockpit is tedious and sometimes takes for ever
Last trip out I tried some voodoo on it
Basically turning hard right or left then back at the right time, she will kind of wiggle her way out of the hole and reach the planing speed.
 
If you can get a burst of speed maybe you could just pop those pesky people over the transom and speed away.... :lol: Yep, weight in the back of the boat is a real fuel burner state of affairs..... just as well it's difficult to place a dinghy back there on the OB models. 😉
 
Thanks for all the replies guys. Lots of good tips too. It's nice to know that these are common symptoms on these boats. Love the boat! No complaints at all.

Peter
 
I had the same issue, I put a whale tail on the 200 and it helps a lot. Let me know if you are interested in seeing a picture. Kevin
 
I think the R23 is a great design, within reason.

Deep V mono hull, narrow beam and underpowered if more than 3 people. It is what it is.

For our needs we love the price but it's just to small for anything to serious. We are saving for the R27 at this point. Wish we could afford an Aspen 32. Someday. We are wanting to spend time in Alaska and just want more boat.

We have some friends with an R23 and they pretty much use as their island taxi and for cruising around the islands in good weather. It's perfect for that, and a blast.
 
Kevinandcarol":3p3128i4 said:
I had the same issue, I put a whale tail on the 200 and it helps a lot. Let me know if you are interested in seeing a picture. Kevin
Click to expand...
If you get a chance, I would be interested in seeing a picture.

It is my understanding that the R23 is rated up to a 250hp engine, which might help with full loads, not a cheap upgrade though.
 
Barry, is that whale tail hydrofoil stabilizer anything you would consider for your R27-OB Yami 300? What are your thoughts regarding your 27 and the size of your motor? Is the size spot on or would you like to have more power?

Bob

PS: Are we going to see you and your family August 17th in Ganges, BC?
 
No Whale Tail for me at this time. The F300 seems plenty good enough at this time even with a full load on board.

Am working on the Aug 17 / Ganges GTG... trying to line folks up with their schedules. I'm flexible, but others aren't so lucky.

Just finished with another R-27-OB customer tour yesterday --- who are having their R-27-OB delivered next Friday. It was a couple in Seattle along with their son who had not seen the boat before.... also they wanted first look at my cockpit enclosure by King Marine... they liked it and they will try and get same. They had to hurry away at the end of the tour and get back to their workplaces to help pay for the boat... 😱 😉 It appears the R-27-OB is getting a lot of attention/Interest in our PNW area. This couple being still working have limited time for their boating so having a boat that will get them places quickly was paramount.
 
crowleykirk":18j6b65j said:
I think the R23 is a great design, within reason.

Deep V mono hull, narrow beam and underpowered if more than 3 people. It is what it is. <stuff clipped>
We have some friends with an R23 and they pretty much use as their island taxi and for cruising around the islands in good weather. It's perfect for that, and a blast.
Click to expand...
Pardon my chuckle but I guess it all depends on what you're used to. Our R23 seems enormous to Caryn and me as we moved up from a 22' C-Dory, which we used frequently and enjoyed immensely for 13 seasons. Talk about small with a narrow beam. Yet we spent at least a week on the boat a couple of times each summer cruising the beautiful PNW whether sunny or rainy. It was much more than an island taxi to us. I can't wait for next summer after I establish some time in my new job so I can spend a quality week or two on Island Time. I especially can't wait to retire in 2-3 years so we can really cruise the Salish Sea. Its plenty of boat for us but I realize, YMMV.

As for adding a hydrofoil on the outboard, we had a Permatrim on our Suzuki outboard on the C-Dory. They worked great on those boats and many people installed those on their C-Dorys as they really improved the handling of those flat bottomed vessels. But I don't think I'll install one on our R23, I don't think it needs one and we don't intend to have that type of load again. I'll just try to use some of the suggestions on this thread to help me manuever better.
 
C-Dory's a very nice as well. You sound very experienced and knowledgable to your area so I'm sure you feel safe in your boat choice. To each his own🙂 When we have taken the R23 out we like it very much, we do notice just getting on board how much it rolls side to side, my wife doesn't like that..ha..ha. When we go back to back on the 27 we just feel so much more stable. But like I said, the wallet is not as stable with the 27🙂

I had a boat business when I was young and spent most of my time on Grand Banks boats, customers boats, not mine🙂
So the Rangers take a little getting used to.

I think all the Rangers are nice. We have yet to buy one and most likely will go with the R23 more because of price.
There is the possibility of the 27 so we'll see how the finances play out.

We are working on a small second home on FH, should be there next spring. Plan on spending late summers and fall in the area. It's tough, we live in a beautiful summer area as it is but we so want to get to our boating adventures.

Anywho.... enjoy your choice, have fun be safe and get out there🙂
 
Thanks Kirk. 2nd home in FH, Friday Harbor? Nice!

I've yet to ride on a 27OB but like you, a bit of a reach for us when retirement is so close.

Have a great summer!

Peter
 
Not sure how to post a picture on this so if you email me ill send it to you. I put one on my r23 that doesn't require drilling holes in the cavitation plate. It also helps getting out of the hole with just the two of us on it. I would have liked more up too but moving up would require a 6 cylinder , heavier motor and more fuel. Kevinvndrhydn@gmail.com
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top