tomp":1unt0v1c said:
Looking for some input...likely the audience here may be biased.
A couple of years ago I bought my first boat. I live in the Pacific Northwest and decided it was finally time to start seeing it from a different perspective. It was a fantastic decision and one that I don't think I will ever regret. My first trip up to Desolation last summer was magical.
I have had my eye on Rangers since I first started to hang around my home marina.
I have begun to get more serious about buying, and with 2 teenage boys figured I will focus my search on a 31 CB.
I had an occasion to speak with a couple of boat salesmen who operate out of the marina and they were scathing in their comments about the Ranger. I can sum it up by saying that they were all look, but no longevity. Told me if I did buy to buy new and sell fast because they have no re-sale. Scared the hell out of me.
Now at the risk of starting an avalanche of threats to the two guys, can I get some different perspective please!
Thanks folks,
The first question is what style, manufacturer, and model boats are they comparing the Tug to? The next question is what information are the salesman using to make these statements? The question of longevity can't really be answered yet with a Ranger Tug. The Ranger line for the most part is new to the market with the exception of the Martini and R21. R25 entered the market 2007,R29 2009, R27 2011, R31 2012. A 10 year old boat that had a suggested retail price over 200K that is maintained, longevity should not be questioned. If it is walk away from it. The cost of a 29 Ranger in 2011 or 31 in 2012 Ranger and its resale value today is in line with most products in that price range. There are a few elements that positively help maintain the resale value of earlier Rangers. 1) design, trailerable, market niche, Diesel power plant 2) Production, from 2008 to 2012 the production of pleasure crafts was down. The country was in one of the worst economies most of us ever experienced. The used boat market is good because there is large void from low production between 2008 and 2012. 3) This is my opinion. When production levels are down quality goes up and when production levels are high quality goes down. There is a large market of buyers looking for used boats right now and there are limited amounts of them out there. Supply and demand keep the resale value up.
Longevity is maintained by quality construction and materials used to build the boat. Longevity is increased greatly by good maintenance and care of a boat. I'm interested in what products the salesman sell. I can honestly say I have never had a Marine Salesman say a negative comment about Ranger or Cutwater. To question longevity of a boat that the oldest it could be is 7 years old (R31) I would want to hear some facts backing the statements.
( My opinion) Ranger and Cutwater have increased their demographics of boat Buyer by introducing the outboard models, along with a strong economy the production levels have increased. Fluid Motion has a small dealer Network through out US and Canada and most selling other product lines along with Ranger and Cutwater so they are busy and understaffed.Unfortunately the Maine industry is in need of more quality trained technicians.When the boat leaves the building from the build it needs to have the same quality that Ranger was known for or there will be more Salesman commiserating about the product. For every one customer you please you gain another customer. For every one customer you disappoint you loose 10.
Do your home work if buying a used Ranger Tug, Price, condition and maintenance records. If your purchasing a new Tug be familiar with the systems before your purchase, do some research, read topics related to the R31 on Tugnuts, Its a large purchase so go see a build at the factory. The more knowledge you have about the boat you are purchasing the less surprises you will have. Do your homework and you will not go wrong with purchasing the Fluid Motion Product.
