New Ranger 31 Owners

[randywoodson]

My name is Randy Woodson, and I am looking at the R31. I would be interested in candid comments on your thoughts and experiences with the Boat. I stopped by the factory today and spent some time with Andrew, but want to get past the sales pitch and get your thoughts.

If so inclined you can pm me or send me a note at woodson.randy@gmail.com. I live just outside of Olympia WA. I have owned a C-Dory (factory purchase) and currently have a 26' Hewscraft. I don't want to give up fishing, but I don't see myself chasing Salmon every weekend as I get older. Looking more at cruising; perhaps an Alaska cruise or just spending time in the San Juans.

Appreciates your insights.

Randy

 

[Downsized1]

randy i have one for sale had it about year an half 55 hours on it just had oil filters etc done I'm 77 yrs and all my b0ats are perfect my wife is not doing well this my phone #561-302 3220

 

[Spinner]

Hi Randy, I currently have an R-31 sedan model. It replaced my original R-29. I cruised for 5 weeks straight last summer, Desolation Sound, Princess Louisa, Gulf Islands....

The boat was great. I encountered a fair amount of heavy weather, no issues. Enough storage space, comfortable sleeping quarters, I do recommend it!

 

[ttlmac]

Randy, I've had an R31 sedan for 3 years, I upgraded from an R25. I love the boat. It's basically a Ranger Tug with no compromises. By that I mean that it is enough bigger than the other models that there's plenty of room in the engine compartment, salon, head, and forward stateroom. The smaller models are amazing for their size, but with the R31 everything is just a little bigger and more comfortable. The 300 hp Volvo is a really steady engine. I've had no problems with the boat or the engine.
Tom
Indian Summer II

 

[jcarrdive]

Hi Randy-
Will you be at the boat show this next week in Seattle?
Ela and I have had an R27 for the past 2 years and have just ordered a new R31CB. The Ranger Tugs, in general, are exceptional boats! We loved our R27, but decided we needed a bit more room for retirement living (not near retirement, but want to have it paid off when we do, so we are buying it now).
All the people we have boated with that do not have Ranger Tugs are amazed at the boats. I don't think you can go wrong getting one. The tug community is super-helpful, and the boats are great.
See you at the Rendezvous if you get your tug!!! Hope you do!
Jeff and Ela
Bobolink R27 (soon to be R31!)

 

[Gwai Lo]

Hi Randy..... I'm a brand-new owner of a Ranger 31S having had an older, much slower, North Pacific 36
for several years up here in Canada. I've been a sailboater since a boy (be able to hand, reef n'
steer as my dad used to say) and the Ranger ticks my current boating boxes - fast(ish), shallow draft,
can be handled singlehanded. I would agree with other respondees that the Ranger packs a lots
of stuff into its schizophrenic hull. Is it a Florida party boat -yes (my wife loved the wine cooler
and "disco" lights under the bed). Is it a fishing boat -yes. More gunwale rod holders n' cup holders
than you can shake a stick at. Is it a weekend/week away boat -yes. But when all is said and done
it isn't a small price. I WAS going to call my boat "Could've been a Bentley".....
So - I've been slightly shocked at the poor finish and things found to be "broken" on delivery.
The NP36 was built in China and was by far better finished. For example the interior helm door
slide came off in my hands, the door trim detached from the interior panels, lamp bulbs out, cockpit
fridge twisted in the f/glass mount, table returned for a new one, wardrobe door put on backwards
etc. My point? Not that its a bad boat. BUT, IMO you need to chase the factory or the dealer
HARD on quality control/checking details (I'm not sure there is any QC process) and withold an
amount until you're happy. AND - I bet Bentley don't sell their cars without an OWNERS MANUAL........
A :shock: anyway go for it....

 

[jcarrdive]

Randy-
We have had our R31 a couple months now. Awesome boat!!! We love the command bridge, the size, the comfort and the Ranger family.
Jeff and Ela
Wallowa, R31