Newby looking for your input/experiences

[Zeb]

Greetings,

I'm a sailboat guy currently with pretty much the largest easily trailerable sailboat you can find (Seaward 25) so I do have some reference to the space the trailerable boats provide. For point of reference, I say easily trailerable at 8'6 limit as I've not much interest in permits/wide loads.

That being said, I have a couple of questions for some R27 or similar owners if you will indulge me. I have had the opportunity to have a look at some Ranger tugs at various boat shows but of course, I never seem to think of these questions until after I'm gone from the show.

Where do you find yourself "lounging" on the boat in the evenings? Cabin and table area seem a bit small and there really isn't a lot of room otherwise inside the boat. Aft Cockpit?

Second question is how do you find the V-berth space for two?

Thanks in advance for indulging the new guy questions. The Tugnuts forum is really a nice resource of information.

Regards,
Zeb

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Hi Zeb and welcome to Tugnuts, where you'll find everyone is very helpful.

Lounging answers will be varied I'm sure but for us we use the Salon dinette table for playing games, eating, conversation and watching tv. If it is warm outside we head to the cockpit for all of the above. In pleasant weather the cockpit is very enjoyable but you'll need a couple of folding chairs and a table. When we get tired of the settee and its later in the evening and we're watching tv or reading we often times head into the "stateroom", fold the tv down so it can be viewed from a horizontal position, read or listen to music.

As far as V berth space for two........we sleep with our feet to the bow, therefore giving us more shoulder space where it is widest. We've also added, as many Tugnuts have, a memory foam pad on top of the cushions.....this makes for a much more comfortable sleep. Because of the memory foam pad we leave the "stateroom" made up as a bed all of the time, for us this seems easier.

Lastly I'd suggest that there are no questions you should shy away from so don't be concerned about indulging us as we are happy to help.

Jim F

 

[Zeb]

Thank you Jim, your answers and your blogs have been very helpful in investigating the lifestyle a bit more. Much appreciated.

- Zeb

 

[steven_ickman]

I have C28 so not sure the R27 is exactly the same but one thing I'd add to Jim's comment is we sleep feet toward bow as well but on the C28 the board for the seatback at the bow is on clips so it slides up for easy removal. We take the seatback off for a little bit of added legroom. Definitely would recommend the memory foam pad as well and as for sleeping in the v-birth itself I'll say it was a little claustrophobic the first night or two but you get used to it.

Steve

 

[Zeb]

Thank you Steve. I appreciate your perspective. I agree on the v-berth feeling a bit tight on my current sailboat as well, but after time I've gotten used to it.

Thanks,
Zeb

 

[S. Todd]

I second everything Jim Favors says with the following additions: When the weather is nice we use the standard cockpit seating cushion and table and also sit on the steps rather than bothering to bring director's chairs. I suspect when you sat in the cockpit of your sailboat you sat on fiberglass cockpit seating with just small cushions (at least we always did on the Hunter 37 we sailed at times). We have been somewhat surprised by the amount of time we spend at the dinette table in the evening. When the weather or insects force us inside, it is very nice to have that space and still a great view through all the glass windows. We find the V-berth very adequate. We travel with a 22 lb and a 60 lb dog. They get the "cave" during the day but at night they like to share the V-Berth and it works for us better than the queen size bed at home.

 

[Scuffy]

Ditto on Jim's comments. We also got a rear camper type enclosure done by our local canvas people. As with our last boat it gives another place to hang out in the cold or rain. It also makes for a place to pout as the interior can be confining in times of trouble. That never happens to us but just in case, we have a fall back plan. When using the factory supplied cockpit cushions and table, rain does not present a problem. We can roll up the sides and rear when conditions permit. We have a zippered back door if you are entering from the swim step. We used the factory frame modified some and went with dark blue Sunbrella instead of the usual factory tan color. It's like a water proof sun room for us and an added all weather space.

 

[knotflying]

Ditto what others have said. It is a mixed bag depending on weather and time of day. Usually in the evening I like to get into the v-berth and read or watch video on the iPad while my wife will stay at the table and surf the Internet. Even in a small space you can garner some alone time. Having spent over three months on the R-27 at any given time we never really felt confined. There have been times when visiting friends we preferred to stay on the boat rather than in the comfort of their homes. I think that says a lot about the comfort of being on the boat. A bigger boat is always nicer, but it is all about your personal preferences and the pros and cons of a larger boat.

 

[Zeb]

That's really great feedback. Thank you all.

Regards,
Zeb

 

[jcarrdive]

Hi Zeb- We have an R27 with two large dogs aboard with us. (Brinkley and Bailey). The small aft stateroom is a nice haven for the pups during the day.
For evenings, we find it nice to sit at the table, but have thought of lowering the table and throwing the cushion on it for popcorn and a movie. It takes just seconds to drop the table down.
The 27 has a nice cockpit. we have had 4 for dinner out there and even with the dogs nearby it is okay. Not spacious, but adequate. For 2 people, it is all the room you need and surprisingly dry with our Bimini cover in Tacoma during the rains.
The bunk is more than large enough. We have slept with head to the bow and head to the stern. Going head to stern makes the bed seam like a king sized bed. You can even leave out a center cushion if you don't toss and turn. Plenty of room.
Jeff and Ela
Bobolink

 

[WinterIslandYY]

I have designed and installed a seating system for the port side of the R27 and 5. it has a full cushion set from bulkhead to stern including the aft seat with a 2 piece bolster. i have done one for the stbd side also but just a big one person seat. All are easily removed. Ask John DeCaro how he likes them.

 

[Rwnorton]

WinterIslandYY
Do you have pictures?

 

[jcarrdive]

Zeb- We had an R27 and it was just fine for two of us and two larger dogs. The cockpit was big enough to enjoy the nice days and the galley table sat 4, with 3 being much easier, but doable with 4.
The bed was more than enough for 2, and when fireworks were going off we might even have the two dogs beside us also.
With any RV, tent or boat, you have to learn how to maneuver around each other, but that is not hard to work out.
For us, we moved up to our R31 for the flying bridge, but our R27 sufficed in all other respects. You will love yours when you get it!
Jeff and Ela
Wallowa R31

 

[McThomas]

I have owned a Seaward 25 and now own an R27. We do outdoor lounging in the cockpit on the fantastic custom cockpit seating installed by Winter Island Yacht Yard (mentioned above) and indoors we lounge at the dinette - we assemble the dinette bed (takes 30 seconds) to watch TV in style. It is usually just the two of us, kids could sit on the front facing port seat if needed. PS the Seaward is a great boat, we managed a weeks cruise with 3 kids back in the day - we had to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle at night but it was a lot of fun!