New R-29 debuts at Roche Harbor Rendezvous

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Jack (Slackwater), I sure wasn't implying you are a troglodyte. My apologies if you took my statement to mean that. I totally get people liking the traditional Ranger lines. All the current boats, from the 21 to the 31 are immediately recognizable as a Ranger. This is a departure.

I have owned 9 Harleys over the years. I recall how the faithful reacted when Harley introduced the V-Rod. It has developed its own following, although you don't see as many of them on the road as you do the cruisers or the FLH models. People like what they like.

I recall a C-Dory gathering in 2007 where the factory introduced a 29 that the C-Dory faithful immediately disliked. It kinda resembled a C-Dory, but in a "Baby Huey" sorta way. It tanked. It wasn't a bad boat, it just didn't appeal to the typical C-Dory buyer. There were people putting down the design who had never seen it in person.

And that situation is what this seems like to me. I trust you will allow me to have an opinion without taking offense? Some of the harsh words that are being said here may be tempered if/when people can see the boat in person. I don't see this as a design by committee, but rather another styling offering. I haven't seen the boat in person, so my opinion is irrelevant. I was at the Seattle Boat Show when Ranger (in conjunction with C-Dory) introduced that first Ranger 25. That was certainly a departure from the whole premise of the R-21. Then, the 29 was offered. Some people said it wouldn't sell because it didn't have an 8.5' beam for trailering. It obviously sold well. Then the 27, the 25SC, and the 31. I also recall some Ranger folks wondering about that whole "Cutwater idea." From my outsider perspective, the Ranger factory folks do pay attention to what their buyers are looking for. They keep offering boats that people want to buy!

Seems to me that the current 29 is very close to the 31 in design, with the 31 having a way better set-up in the cockpit (as well as other niceties). This new 29 may have other things to offer some who think the "traditional" Ranger Tugs are a bit squared off... please note I am NOT saying that is my opinion - I like the styling. So, it might be smart for Ranger to offer a unique 29 design that brings more buyers (who are less drawn to the traditional tug styling) their way. My guess (and it is only a guess) is that, with the current 29 and 31, buyers seem to be leaning more towards the 31.

I don't see ANY reason this design cannot coexist with the rest of the Ranger line. Chevy offers Corvettes, pickups and family sedans... I think Ranger can get away with something traditional and something more swoopy. Of course, I am sure I will tick off some traditional tug owners by comparing their boat to the Rangers. My opinion isn't the issue here - it is more about Ranger offering options... and seeing who pulls out their wallet.

My hand is extended in friendship, not implying anything other than that.

Jim B.

 

[jroyle]

I guess time will tell. Perhaps there is a large group of potential buyers who were waiting for this. I'm waiting for the 33, but hopefully the traditional model.

Congrats to Ranger on the new R29 but...
we were really hoping and ready to buy an R33-34ish traditional 😉

 

[Irish Mist]

Don't get me wrong I think it looks smart and I agree with the forward thinking but it is a different boat . I agree you need to evolve and is a nice looking boat but is a different boat and not the traditional look . I guess I prefer the more square traditional look . There are a lot of nice additions . Will be interesting to see inside

 

[knotflying]

Jim B.,

Well said, maybe there is room for the "Tugwater line" . You will notice that I edited my previous remarks because in retrospect I thought they may have been too harsh. The buying market will be the ultimate opinion. Hopefully Ranger maintains the classic style for the 33 I am hoping for.

 

[Boatdreamer]

I would like to see more pictures before I pass judgment on the new design. I believe you have the Cutwater crowd and you have the Ranger Tug crowd, not sure about putting both in a blender and mixing the two together. I was looking forward to the new boat as we are moving up next year and we thought that might be the one. Not sure now. One feature we really like on the R29 is the side door, but now that's gone. Looking at the pictures, I see the overhead rack is now mounted sideways, our kayak would hang over on both sides, not good for going through the locks. I thought I saw something about the water tank is only 40 gallons, and the fuel is down to 120 gallons. I hope this isn't true as we like to anchor out for more than a few days at a time. Time will tell.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude

 

[baz]

I guess I'm assuming the R-29 (Classic) will no longer be built. When Ranger introduced the R-25SC I believe they stopped building the R-25 (Classic).

I wonder if we will be privy to the Ranger's marketing that lead them to creating the new R-29 ? I do not recall receiving any kind of formal survey from Ranger asking for 'opinions' or suggestions for new/different features for their boats. Surely, that would be important for Ranger's forward thinking for new Ranger models.

For example, what lead Ranger to drop having the pilothouse sliding door ? I would have thought this to be essential to people. Not having one on my R-25 it's hard to know if those with it, actually use it to any large degree ? The freeboard does look a bit more generous so maybe 1st mate or whomever can easily go forward with Captain staying at the helm position.

I suspect the pilothouse sliding door adds considerable cost and therefore not having it keeps overall cost in check.

I'm curious to know what the 5 black-looking things on both the starboard and port sides of the hull are all about ? Three are round and two are rectangular. Are they portholes or what ?

To me, the only design aspect that makes the new R-29 not 'classic' are the two forward sloping windows in the rear of the cabin. This window shape surely is cosmetic and serves no purpose other than visual appeal to some. It's the one piece of visual design that makes the boat look 'racy'. 😉

I think Ranger's new design is an attempt to draw in maybe a younger crowd of would-be boaters who do not have the Tug-lust attitude.

When at the Seattle Boats Afloat Show next week I will be interested to listen to what others say about the new R-29, especially ones who would be first-time boat owners. I will also ask Andrew what he's hearing from these kind of people as well.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Thanks to all that have posted and sharing your opinions. We knew going into this new design that we would have feedback from the folks that prefer a more traditional look. In no way are we planning to get rid of our traditional styling even as we continue to grow. This model will certainly offer an option to those that can appreciate new styling and a different look. The 31 isn't going anywhere and will continue to be a top seller amongst our Ranger line.

Thanks again,

Andrew Custis

 

[Kanau]

Hi All, just thought we would put our 2 cents worth in. The new design is very nice looking and like it a lot but the classic Ranger Tug design was what caught our eyes in the first place. We were not even aware of the tug style boats when we went to the Toronto Boat Show last January to look for a boat. The typical boat in this area is either sleek (Sea Ray style) cruise boat or sail boat, which is what we were looking at when we came across the Ranger Tug display. We both said wow love the tug look. Even looking at other tug style boats manufactured by other companies we do not think they come close to the look of the Rangers. There could be room for both styles but one should not come at the cost of the other.

Barry & Sarah

 

[baz]

Barry & Sarah:

Looks go only so far IMO.

BTW... Just noticed that the colored eye brows have been removed from the front and sides....

The practical aspect of a boat's design inside and out as well as ease of operation and its maintenance will over time trump the visual looks.

I agree that the look was what first caught my attention just over 5 years ago when first sighting the R-21. Then the grown up R-25 REALLY got our attention and one that we eventually opted for. The R-25SC, R-27, R-29 and the R-31s all continued the traditional Ranger Tug visual look, with each one expanding on the base R-21 model's visual look.

After 5 years of R-25 ownership we now find we are now after more modern and expanded amenities within the boat, better DYI maintenance aspects such as coolant access fillup cap, raw water impeller replacement, oil/filter changes, improved engine belt replacement, better access to overall engine components, more cockpit space with integrated seating, better window wiper operation, better layout/access for the helm instruments, improved gangway room, better cabin heating for cool winter PNW cruising, improved air venting for forward inside windows, improved privacy window curtains, larger fresh water capacity, more teak accents within cabin area, easier access at bow for anchoring activities, more windows/hatches, improved midship sleeping arrangements, additional midship cleats (maybe pop up cleats), non-white cockpit flooring, and so on...

I absolutely agree that visual looks are important to people, and in this case the 'Tug look'. It clearly stands out as being different when walking the boat show floor which typically show off glamorous speedy Gin palaces that can cost an arm & a leg. I believe the new R-29 will continue to stand out among the slew of show room glamor with its more modern look yet still hanging onto its Tug look tradition. It still has its upstanding Tug-like lines for the most part, yet embraces a modern look as well... a good blend IMO.

I for one am looking forward to inspecting this new R-29, inside and out for all the reasons I've stated above. With around 200 boats to look at during the Seattle Boats Afloat Show next week it will be a good opportunity to actually compare the new R-29 offering with other boats alongside. The Royal Blue Ranger Tug hull is my favorite. 🙂

 

[mlull]

Whether the new design works or not, they're all getting further and further from the beginning... The 21 and it's timeless style and lack of complexity. Our 21 is now in its sixth season and even today on the Lake of the Ozarks it was followed by people wanting to look and compliment us on it, had its picture taken a number of times, and had boaters pull up and look at it while docked. Stops in gas stations guarantee people stopping to look, take pictures and ask about it. There aren't many, if any, six year old boats that are as attractive to people than a 21. I'm keeping it and have no plans to size up to any other Ranger but have to hope that the company doesn't out-market itself... I'm just as proud in owning a Ranger 21 as anyone else could be with any of their other models and just hope they don't screw things up!

 

[Stella Maris]

After seeing the new R29 at the Boats A Float show here in Seattle today, I have to admit, Ranger has hit a home run with this new boat. The interior is beautifully laid out. The new flip style seat is such a big improvement from the old style. The natural lighting that the sky lights allow in is incredible.

The master stateroom is much larger with a thru walk around island berth. The cave is also larger than on the classic.

There are only two things that I would like to see changed.

1) The way the TV is mounted in the master stateroom
2) A double galley sink

Other than these two things, I would take it as it sits.

And, a surprising fact that Jeff let me in on is, they have already received deposits on 21 of these new boats!

 

[baz]

David:

How did I miss you as I was at the show by around 4:45 pm and went directly to the Ranger Tugs location.

Andrew gave me a 45 min tour of the new R-29... it may have been better for Ranger to name it R-28, R-29M or maybe R-30 to avoid people comparing it with the R-29 classic which no longer is being built. I can see why many current Ranger Tug owners will find this new R-29 not a 'true' looking Tug as Ranger built previously... why ? ... because it's too modern looking, incorporates new non rectangular window technology, new modern locker/storage doors, new modern looking and practical door knobs, flashy leather accents, some bling, no traditional looking pilot house, and so on. This new R-29 will appeal to a younger set who may have shallower pockets and don't have the old baggage. A young family of 5 will love this boat I'm sure.

My personal take...

I absolutely agree with most of what David posted. The lack of a double sink does not bother me so much as all the other new features trump that aspect easily for me.

The space and sensible layout is done very well. Getting onto the bow through the port side hatch in forward berth is a snap and easily achieved. The lower cabin roof line lowers the continuous grab handles from cockpit to the bow making is so much safer walking the sides from cockpit to the bow section.

I suspect an easily made side canvas curtain mounted from the hardtop in the cockpit will be much less expensive than for the existing 'classic' R-29. There's cool LED strips running under the eye brows.... and yes, there are eye brows and they are white on the show boat. Andrew told me they are easily colored if wanted. They are standard white to avoid the fading issue for boats left out in the open and exposed to light and strong sun light. My R-25 is kept in a covered dock and the blue color eye bows are as good as new. I think coloring the eye brows would go a long way to bring some of the 'classic' tug look back to this new R-29.

The cockpit area, seating for 5 and maybe 6 is awesome, access to the Volvo D4 260 HP diesel engine is a delight with just about every DIY item accessible. Raw water impeller is easy to get at and is maybe a 45 min task to replace without brushing and cutting ones arms etc. If you include the reversible double seat just inside the cabin on starboard side with the window raised to under the cockpit hardtop the cockpit seating is increased from 6 to 8 people.

I was surprised to hear from Andrew that the engine was a 4-banger. It seemed large/long enough to me to be a 6 cylinder. 6 requires no crank balancing.... 😉

Four batteries on port side are hidden under the step to the side and after removing about 4 screws/bolts they roll back into view on a sliding tray, so Andrew told me. The other 2 batteries are on the starboard side somewhere.

Access to the rudder, auto pilot arm, rear thruster assembly are really, really accessible.... absolutely well thought out.

Jeff told me it took around 12 months to design the new R-29 and have it ready to be manufactured. There are some 29 different molds for this boat.

Opening the cabin side windows should no longer be an issue compared to all the Ranger classics as the latching has been improved with more practical and modern looking pull/rotate/push locks.

Yes, the sliding pilothouse door is no longer and has trimmed some $5,000 off the cost of manufacture. In fact, the cost for the new R-29 is some $20,000 less than a comparable equipped R-29 Classic. The one at the show had a base price of $209,000 and with its options was up at around $236,000.

The cave on the starboard size is huge. Will sleep two adults easily and the kids will love it. The one issue I saw was that there were quite a few switches and knobs at the cave's entrance that children my find irresistible. 😉 This new R-29 will sleep 6 easily and would be VERY comfortable for 4 adults.

The forward head/shower room has a translucent skylight that forms part of the large flat surface in front of the helm position. Very thoughtful design. It also has a nice port hole window.

The helm has plenty of space for a 2nd 5212 screen as an option. The helm seat accommodates two people.

The port side Nav seat is a single seat.

The bow has two very large lockers on either side of the anchor locker that each can hold two large fenders for storage.

There's a ladder that folds out of the bowsprit ... not obvious until you lift its cover lid. 🙂

Windows are everywhere.

There's a rear TV on starboard side in the cabin's ceiling which can be oriented/rotated forward or aft. When aft, people in the cockpit will be or can be treated to the same display as seen on the master chart plotter.... very cool.

There are still a few items that will be added/changed for final manufacture.

The gangway is well designed and wide enough to let 3 people slide past each other.

The forward berth has standard memory foam mattress and is truly an island for easy access from either side. It appears to be much larger than on the R-29 classic.

There are 5 hull portholes on both sides and 1 in the cabin sides. Three are round and two rectangular. The round ones are black on the outside and brass finished on the inside. The bow berth has two overhead hatches and 2 round portholes on either side.

The step down from cockpit floor to the cabin floor will eventually be about 3 inches. The show model's door dimensions will extended down to achieve this. Ranger makes the door themselves. Andrew said they may make a small step that can be easily removed with a backing bulkhead that can be removed to access some of the engine parts not easily seen from the cockpit opening.

The 1.5" diameter poles holding the cockpit hard top are a delight to grab hold of. They give you a strong sense of security when holding onto them. 🙂

The the rear portion of the hull has a fender rubbing strip that should go a long way to avoid fender rash over time... which has been a constant irritant to current Ranger Tug owners.

Andrew mentioned that the keel is shorter on the new R-29 vs. the previous R-29, and dry weight about the same.

Andrew indicated cabin noise level with cabin-to-cockpit door closed is about 10 dB lower than in previous R-29. That is some awesome noise reduction IMO.

All in all, I think Ranger has done an admirable job in designing a new R-29. Coloring the eye brows will IMO go a long way to bring some of the classic tug visual clues back.

I took a ton of photos and will post them later.

[EDIT]
Unedited photos...

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ysf0respkca40hc/AAAh-igAU6zbAer2-k3CVcQJa/Seattle Boats Afloat 2014?dl=0

 

[Irish Mist]

Barry
Thanks for all the pictures.. Quite a boat. I can see why so many orders and it fills the gap between the 27 and 31 !that would have opened with out the changes.... really why buy a 29 when the 31 was not a lot more and offers all the extra space. Now there is the new 29 . Like it or not as mentioned before quite a company we have bought into. All the innovations on my 29 are what steered me there in the first place .. They are not sitting still at the shop that's for sure.. Will be interesting to see what else is in store🙂

 

[South lake]

Barry,

Thanks for the review and photos. All I can say is WOW!!!

 

[kevinflanagan]

Sorry if this posts twice....

I agree WOW! Can't wait to see this new model in person, thanks for all the photos!

 

[knotflying]

I have to say, it is starting to grow on me. 🙂

 

[rporterfield]

While the looks are different the cockpit layout is much better. The seats flip in, so no hang over and a hard gunnel all the way. The top in the new cockpit gives more protection but still allow one to fish much better with down riggers. Lots of galley drawers. There goal was to have a lower price point up from the R-27. I believe Jeff said the new list for the 295 was to start at $199,000.

Robert

 

[j&lgray]

Thanks David Baker for your review of the new Ranger 29. Your insights are well respected because you and Maureen did so much with your Ranger 29. Your praises sound more like a magazine review. Are you expanding your writing in boat reviews?

 

[Microship]

Dang, this is really growing on me. Being a big guy with a lot of nautical geekery to integrate, that added helm space (and bigger bed) are very appealing.

Probably naive question, but is the hull form the same as the original, or is it more of a Cutwater under the waterline? When I saw it at Roche, I wasn't seriously considering it, so did not examine it as closely as I should have.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[baz]

Steve: My understanding of any hull changes discussing this aspect with Andrew was that the hull maybe had a few tweaks with the biggest one being a shorter keel... but that was it besides more hull side portholes and the rear fender rub strip.