New Ranger R-23

[Jake]

Would love to hear the thoughts of all you experienced tugnuts regarding the new R-23. Outboard vs, inboard diesel sterndrive. Compared to a Cutwater 24. Thanks.

Jake

 

[Two killicks]

This is great, RT did it! I am looking forward to read about the new boat!
From what I can read when comparing engine power, the weight... the Cutwater 24 is a sporty speed bomb and the Ranger Tug 23 is like the RT 25 little brother.

Both offering pretty much the same amneties onboard for the same price. Depending what you want to do with the boat.

I wish that I could see both side by side at a boat show...

 

[Irish Mist]

I really like the idea of an outboard, lots more storage inside the boat and great accessibility to the engine 🙂

 

[South lake]

I think if I were going to look at an outboard powered tug/trawler styled boat in that price range I'd look closely at the new Rosborough RF-246. A choice of 3 cabin layouts and more floor-space at 25' versus 23'. Wefings has one in stock in that same color of green. They have some nice features including sliding doors by the helm and passengers seats to make access to the bow easier and provide for some good ventilation.

If I were going to stay diesel, I still like my 2010 Ranger Tug R25 classic cabin best.

If I were going to go down in size, I'd opt for the R21ec and if they offered outboard power on that I could see a lot of interest where I live. I'm on Grand Lake St Marys Jake, not far from where you are in Fort Wayne.

 

[sheral]

Interesting. About $95K USF, with either an outboard or a diesel inboard as options. There must obviously be a demand for something between the 21 and 25 models. However, I wouldn't have thought that a jump from the 21 to a 25 would have been that contentious, if you wanted to move up to a bigger boat. But wtf do I know? Will be interesting to watch this unfold.

 

[wincrasher]

The demand isn't the size. It's looking for a price point.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

I like the looks of the new R23, it must be close to production if RT put the specs on their website. The outboard option certainly would give an R23 a lot more cockpit storage space, lost by someone downsizing from an R27. Does anyone know when one will be available for inspection?

Jim F

 

[Irish Mist]

Hopefully for the Vancouver or Seattle boat shows 🙂

 

[rt11002003]

A R23 sounds like what I wanted six years ago. The Rosborough RF-246 is nice; I owned one for a couple of years. I find the R21EC just a bit too small and the RF-246 a little to large for my purposes.

 

[rt11002003]

Well, I looked at the factory info. Not really to my taste. I wanted a bigger model of the R21EC. I would choose the R25SC over the R-23 for a larger diesel boat. Not a fan of stern drives either. If going O/B, I'd likely go RF-246 again; iff looking for something larger than my latest R21EC.

 

[LAKERtoo]

.. I've only got one short season on my 2005 R21 Classic, but I would have liked to see an R21EC with the outboard pod option .. something to save for ! .. I would think that a 40 HP Merc with power tilt and trim would be ideal and a lot less money and a lot more usable space.. theres no budget models in these tugs and I think that there is a market being missed .. maybe there is a niche market for these older R21'S for a well designed outboard pod to handle suitable outboard power ..

 

[Two killicks]

The inboard diesel is bigger than the 25 sc! Is this to gain more speed?

 

[R Baker]

I'd heard a rumour about a new small tug but was quite surprised to see the "euro" 23. I was expecting to see an enlarged 21, basically similiar but with an enclosed head - then the 23 would be near perfect. The marketing guys supposedly drives these decisions; so good luck to Ranger with their new baby.

 

[Jake]

Noticed the Cutwater 24 outboard is transom mount but the RT 23 outboard is on a bracket. Is there a design reason for the difference or just a preference. I know you avoid the big flip up aft seat (stern drive) box but wonder if there would be a big difference in handling. I realize the hulls and horsepower are totally different, but the 200hp would still give you a pretty good top end.

Jake

 

[jcarrdive]

Hi-
It is wonderful that the new R23 has the option of inboard or outboard!!
We have an R27, and I am a big fan of the economy of a diesel engine. We also have a 20' RIB with a Yamaha 115 4 stroke on it. What a great engine. It is 10 years old now and we have not had a single issue with it. We use it for scuba diving, so it is frequently under a heavy load and running hard. They are quiet and reliable.
I think it is great that Ranger offers that option! Here is my 2 cents on the differences.
Efficiency- The Diesel , you will probably save money over long distances (especially if you are running with efficiency in mind).
Longevity in salt water- The Diesel, unless you wash out the outboard every day or do freshwater cooling. (Presuming you are not trailering it with each use).
Noise- the outboard. Being that far back, it will reduce your noise lever, I presume.
Storage- The outboard. No internal engine = more space.

Jeff

 

[Brian B]

What is the max outboard HP rating for the boat? I didn't see that in the specs.
I think for a boat this size I would go with the largest motor the boat is rated for.
I would also look seriously at the Evinrude ETEC instead of the Yamaha.

 

[pleeson]

I would like to see at least the C24 if not the R23 with an option of either single or dual outboards. For example there is a 300 HP Yamaha available on the C24. For large bodies of water/long crossings (and maneuverability) if would far rather have two counter rotating 150 HP outboards. Otherwise, I think I would go for the reliability of an inboard diesel. As for stern drive, it is a poor way to look for improvement on one of these other pure options - each with strong advantages.

 

[mlull]

Don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but the 23 makes me appreciate my 21 all the more...

 

[Charlie]

Wonder if twin outboards would be an offered option? Twin 115 Yamahas sounds like just what the doctor ordered!

 

[Jake]

Wonder if twin outboards would be an offered option? Twin 115 Yamahas sounds like just what the doctor ordered!

Now there's a true C Dory guy talking. 🙂 One stupid little thing that can be kind of a big thing for some is the easy step on the swim platform from a floating dock that is easiest when boarding with a single engine configuration. At least in my head.