Does anyone have any experience with the newer outboard tugs versus the older semi-planing inboard hulls? I do not like pounding over the top of the waves and I do like the way my R25 easily pushes through the chop, however outboards have attractions for other reasons. I would appreciate the experience of anyone regarding the pros and cons of the Tugs with an outboard on them.
Newer planing Hull with outboard
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S. Todd
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(I can not answer with the experience of having owned an outboard RT. so I make this comment based on my analysis of the performance charts I reviewed in detail before upgrading our inboard R25SC to a R29S) One of the biggest drawbacks I see to the outboards is those all day runs at 8 to 10 knots pounding into 3 footers with the occasional 4 or 5 footer. You don't want to pound your boat and yourself to death at the speeds the outboards are fuel efficient at and at 8 knots where it is comfortable the outboards look very inefficient. We had 4 Sea Rays prior to buying our first Ranger Tug and they had hulls and performance characteristics more closely related to the RT outboards. In flat water they were great. In the 3 to 4s, which we often had on the Great Lakes, I slowed down to 8 to 10 knots. The Sea Rays were IOs so not as poor performers at those speeds as the outboards. I miss the ability to water ski and have smooth fast runs on inland lakes but not as much as I thought I would (my brother has a couple of ski boats so I just do that with him).
zekeandboone
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linedoctor
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I had a R29 classic and now have a R27 OB so I can say from experience that you first need to decide if speed or ride comfort in rough water is your priority. My 29 was much more stable and comfortable (size being a huge factor of course) in anything less than smooth water. This time I chose speed. I can get places in a third of the time I could in the 29....as long as the seas are good.
When I need to slow down in rough water the economy is not good and the ride is only bearable. I often bite the bullet and stay at planing speeds and take the added beating. Putting up with that is not for everyone and the trade off is that it sucks, just not for very long.
I plan my trips around the water conditions more than I did when I had the 29. It boils down to how you intend to boat. I’m retiring soon will consider going back to a slower diesel Ranger once time doesn’t matter so much.
When I need to slow down in rough water the economy is not good and the ride is only bearable. I often bite the bullet and stay at planing speeds and take the added beating. Putting up with that is not for everyone and the trade off is that it sucks, just not for very long.
I plan my trips around the water conditions more than I did when I had the 29. It boils down to how you intend to boat. I’m retiring soon will consider going back to a slower diesel Ranger once time doesn’t matter so much.