New here, questions about trailers and boat choice

[fred024]

Hello everyone, I do not have a Ranger Tug yet. I am still trying to figure out the right boat for my needs (me + wife). I just joined but I have been lurking for a while. I live in NC and anticipate trailering a boat to Florida for extended cruising vacations (I am retired). I have RVed for decades and currently have a fifth wheel toyhauler with a Carolina Skiff J14 inside. I am used to pulling fifth wheels in the 13K range with my 1 ton Dually, but have never done bumper pull. I had some general questions:

1. I am considering a R25 SC, but not sure. Is the aluminum tandem axle trailer option from Ranger Tug the best choice? I am somewhat of a safety freak and have always been willing to pay more to overkill things in the safety arena. In the RV world, people often have trouble with bumper pull trailers swaying. They use weight distribution hitches and other equipment. Is big boat pulling like that? I don't suppose anyone makes a goose neck boat trailer for a Ranger Tug? With RVs the ease and confidence that comes from a fifthwheel/gooseneck hitch is hard to give up.

2. I have considerable salt water boating and sailing experience, but I have no actual cruising experience. I would gain experience close to shore in the Florida gulf, then eventually move on to the Keys and the East coast of south Florida. Given that you plan correctly for a safe window, is the R-25 SC a suitable choice to make a gulf stream crossing to the Bahamas and cruise around the Bahamas? Since I am a little concerned about the trailering, I hesitate to go to the R-27. I have no desire to cruise any further from the US but would want a Bahamas capability.

thanks very much for any ideas,
fred

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Hi Fred:

Welcome aboard to Tugnuts and being a possible new Ranger Tug owner. Lisa and I tow our R27 wth a GMC 3/4 4x4 diesel. We have no issues with any swaying and we have no weight distribution hitch. The most important thing to address, which you are most likely well aware of, is to distribute the weight properly so your tongue weight is proper and keeping your tire pressure maintained properly. The EZ Loader trailer for an R25 is fine, I wouldn't be concerned. We also have an EZLoader trailer for our R27 and it has worked without any major problems.

As far as going to the Bahamas, we have friends with an R25 who have gone. When you go and or return just watch for the best weather window. We had to wait a week in Fort Lauderdale once, with a larger boat, to make the crossing. My point is proper weather is more important then the size of your vessel.

Keep the questions coming,

Jim F

 

[knotflying]

As Jim said, a 3/4 ton diesel will wok fine with these boats, I have toed out R-27 several thousand miles with no issues on a Float-on aluminum tandem trailer, no issues. Float-on is made in Florida and they are great people. We have electric over hydraulic disc brakes. Also as Jim said, always pick your days to cruise. We did the Bahamas with an R-25 no issues for them.

 

[fred024]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I did have another question, but I put it in Chat as it was generic.