Possible R31-CB Purchase

[RJM1953]

Hello fellow boaters!
As for introductions I am new to this site and happy to be a member. As I have been widowed for several years, my late wife and I owned an Albin 43' trawler which gave us great service. We sold the Albin shortly before she passed and intended on purchasing a 49' pilothouse trawler which obviously did not happen. I would like to get back into boating again but without my beloved wife who was quite an accomplished boater and first mate, now find myself limited to finding a vessel that has the amenities of my Albin; generator, A/C, comfortable berths, etc., but manageable enough for me to single-hand, specifically dock by myself. I own my own boat slip at my condominium complex and there are no dock hands to help me. I looked at the R31-CB at the Norwalk CT boat show in September and left quite impressed by her design, attention to quality, and clever use of space. The dealer assured me that with the twin thrusters and excellent sight lines from the lower station that docking her single-handed would not be a problem. So I respectfully ask my first question to you members as to whether any of you have any experience regarding single-hand docking of this vessel? My other potential candidates for a purchase include a Nordic 34, American Tug 34, or a Beneteau 34-35' but I really like the Ranger. Any help on this subject would be greatly appreciated...! And oh yes, I have lots more questions for future posts.
Richie

 

[BradOwens]

Hello,
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, but happy you have decided to return to boating.
I often single hand my 2012 Ranger Tug 29, which is almost identical to the current R31. The pilot house door makes line handling a breeze if you dock starboard side to the dock. If you have any questions, this forum is great.

 

[NorCal]

Hi Richie, Great question and I am sure many others will chime in. I have a 31CB and I also have the cockpit steering. I single handedly dock all the time. I practice from all steering stations. I will back into a slip, go forward, just play around with it. One thing that is very beneficial when single handedly running your boat is to have a line attached to the center cleat on the boat. That way you can get out easily step on the dock and have good control of the boat. Also the wireless thruster control is very handy if you are using the cockpit steering station.

Best of luck on your new boat hunt. We are very happy with our boat.

John

 

[Gin]

John, I’m very interested in your use of the cockpit helm for docking. Not trying to high-jack the thread, but if it is ok to ask here: How and when do you use the cockpit helm for docking? And are those times sufficiently worthwhile that, if you were configuring the boat from scratch, you would include the cockpit helm?

Gini

 

[knotflying]

Hi Richie,
Used to live in CT, but now travel between RI & FL. I don't think you will have an issue being single handed. You may want to inquire about adding a remote for the thrusters. The remote will definitely add to maneuvering when alone and trying to dock. I suspect that the dealer you were speaking with was Winter Island. A great group of people. They are honest and reliable. If you want to get additional information feel free to PM me.

 

[RJM1953]

Thank you Brad, John (NorCal), and knotflying for your collective input. I am now reasonably convinced from your replies that yes, I will be able to dock single-handedly. Knotflying you are correct in that the dealer I am communicating with is indeed Winter Island Yacht in Salem Massachusetts. Thus far they have been a pleasure to talk with taking lots of time to answer my questions and address my concerns. I met Peter at the Norwalk CT Boat Show and have been speaking to his son-in-law Wagner. They have put me on the list to board a R-31 CB on their Demo Days as soon as the weather breaks and go out for a ride. I am certainly looking forward to seeing this vessel again and to see how she performs. As an aside, if I do make the move to purchase a Ranger versus the Nordic or American Tug, I will opt for the third helm station in the cockpit as John talked about in his post. Not really convinced that I would need it, but the added expense becomes a moot point when I am spending such a large sum of money already. Any other input by Tugnut members is always welcome! Thank you again!

 

[pete s]

Richie...
I purchased a new R 31 CB last year in Annapolis... I do not have the cockpit helm, but as others have said, with both thrusters, and more importantly some practice backing with a single screw... I have single handed docked her many times..
The remote for the thrusters, placed on the lanyard around your neck as you run around is a great asset !! The helm station door as someone said is a godsend.. just keep a line on the midships cleat and loop her on the dock without even getting out... I have become very comfortable with this... and altho the cockpit helm station is probably very nice to have... the cocktail sink is even nicer !!!
Best of Luck !!!
Pete S, Red Bank NJ

 

[baz]

Having a somewhat loose line that runs from the bow cleat to a cockpit cleat can also be useful when solo. Having the line attach to both ends of the boat gives you a great deal of control aligning the boat to the dock side and for avoiding one end or the other swinging out due to wind or current.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I pilot my cutwater28 single handed. its a little shorter than the 31 but the experience is similar. (same engine config, windage, and thruster configuration)

I have both the outside and inside steering but no bridge. if there isnt significant wind/current its very easy to get close and then walk out of the cabin into the cockpit grab a line and jump onto the dock. I think getting down from the bridge would take a little more time.

i am so used to driving from inside that docking from the outside helm takes some practice because there is now a lot more boat in front of you as the helm is further aft. the pivot point changes which takes some getting used to. it has been useful to have the after helm station for docking and general use though

as mentioned by others, a mid ship line is key. I tie it to the cleat and run the line back to cockpit. that way I can hop over the gunwhale with the line and maintain control once I am close enough.

even with the single prop its possible to place the boat where you want (even in reverse). I had some practice this winter as the stern thruster failed whilst I was single handing. the back and fill technique is crucial as the prop walk is significant (as expected) but is also useful for getting closer to the dock in reverse.

I have the thruster remote, but I find I dont use it much. I get close with the normal controls and then get a line ashore pretty easily. its faster than faffing with the remote. a line to shore is far more powerful than a thruster.

Also its very easy to accidentally press the thruster buttons on the remote if its in your pocket or tucked under a lifejacket. Also I always fear dropping it in the water even if the lanyard is around my neck. as you bend down to tie lines it feels too easy for it to fall off!