(Newbie) R27 engines and year-by-year differences

R

ray

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2014
Messages
12
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
C-Dory 25
Hello Tuggers!!

Potential newbie here - we are likely buying a used R27 sometime this spring. Looking somewhere on east coast.

I had a few questions regarding the R27 changes from 2011 to now that maybe some can help with:

  • -- I see the "trouble" with the Yanmar 180's - is this a big deal once taken care of? Is it worth the additional cost for going to a newer year model, if only to get a Volvo D3?
    -- Can anyone outline any other changes between years that may make one decide on one over the other, all else being equal (folding table, etc.)?

Thanks for any help!
Ray

PS - if anyone with an R27 is looking at "downsizing", we are selling our C-Dory 25 here: http://www.brackishboatworks.com/c-dory-25-for-sale
 
The Yanmar is a fine engine. I have absolutely no problems with mine.
 
I second what Pugtug said. We have 208 trouble free hours on our Yanmar 180. She starts everytime and runs great. Overall the Yanmar is very easy to work on too. Oil changes, zincs, fuel filters and even the hidden raw water pump impeller are DIY items. Good luck with your search, looks like you have several nice 27''s to choose from.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude
 
I third that. Once the few issues have been addressed it is a reliable engine with parts available with some not being proprietary. I wouldn't make engine make a criteria. However I would make sure that all the fixes are addressed:
Oil line replacement
Hot water line replacement
Ground for oil sending unit and software upgrade.
 
We have the Volvo in our Ranger Tug 27 (2013). So far, I think it is nearly flawless. I Know owners of earlier Ranger Tugs with the Yanmar. They all like -to- love their Yanmars. And I have a friend in the marine industry who I consider a guru on all things boat-related. That friend leans hard towards Yanmar. Opinions abound. But based on my experience and that of those I know, I don't think you can go wrong with either engine. Find the Ranger Tug you love, Yanmar or Volvo powered. And trust that, all other things being equal, you will do well.

Gini
 
I have just had a bunch of repairs done to the Yanmar in my 21. The two different repair shops both apologized for the cost of parts and the shipping charged by Yanmar. Often the shipping was more than the part. Both shops said that if I had the Volvo the parts would have been far less. Half the repair time was waiting for parts to arrive from Yanmar in Georgia.

I've heard that there is a reason Ranger switched to Volvo. You might ask Jeff at Ranger.

On a side note prior to my fuel injection pump failure on my 21 caused by bad fuel the engine ran flawlessly for over 900 hours. My Ranger 18 also has a Yanmar and for the four years I have owned it it has run flawlessly. The only real repairs to the 18 are a recent starter repair done at a local auto electric shop for about 10% of a new Yanmar starter.

Just my thoughts.
 
Thank you all!
 
We have the Yanmar 4BY2-150 engine in our MY2010 R-25. It has been flawless for its 350 engine hours.
 
I currently have a R27 Ranger with a Yanmar 180 -- no problems and thoroughly impressed. My pervious boat (not a Ranger Tug) had a Volvo D3. It was a DISASTER and, "salt in the wound", Volvo would not own up to their responsibility! Ended up with a total engine failure at less than 100 hrs. and a $10,000+ outlay. Details after the fact have confirmed the liability was not mine. I would be very hesitant to consider anything powered by a Volvo. Want more details? Give me a call at 320-491-9022.
 
I have the 2014 Volvo D3 and so far no problems (147 hrs) one of the big decisions on buying my slightly used Ranger (30+ hrs)
was the optional 5 year warranty. The previous owner paid for the warranty and it was transferable, so I expect to have at least 5 years of no major issues.
Also the parts don't seem too unreasonable to me.
Good luck on your search.
 
Remember when you talk about the Yanmar in the tugs 25' and larger you are tAlking about a highly regarded single rail bmw engine. This engine is used in many European autos- the larger the number of users typically more of the issues are solved. All of the problems that I know of regArding the Yanmar are problems created by yanmar's marine modifications of a German high quality product. I do not know how many D3's are out there so I can't speak to that. Parts Are pricey for both units. I have had 2 of the warranty problems related to YAnmar's modifications but After 500 plus hours the bmw end of the product has been flawless on my R25.
 
The Yanmar BY 180 hp is a pretty amazing engine that comes with a stock alternator that is just as amazing. We had a few "teething problems" but the Yanmar dealership . . . and eventually the head office in Georgia stayed with us until all was perfect; we've rarely had such a comprehensive response to us as a "little guy" from any similar big company.

Click here to see where the Yanmar took us:

http://www.rangertugr27forsale.com/#/log-gallery/

Feel free to contact us with any further questions.

Bob Lynch
 
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