Purchasing a Ranger

N

Neil H

New member
Joined
May 10, 2017
Messages
4
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Good Morning

My wife and I are transitioning from sail to power , My knees are bad and for safety and comfort we are looking at the Ranger 29cb or the Ranger 31 vs a Trawler . My attraction to trawlers is aesthetic ,the Grand Banks Europa 36 is of particular interest .
My concern over purchasing a trawler is maintenance of an older boat with a seasoned engine and the brightwork .The Ranger is well equipped from the factory and without question well designed . Trans-portability is not a question in that we live in Vancouver and have our own dock . Our cruising realm is the Gulf and San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound .
Any feedback will be welcomed as I am sure we are not alone in this position .
 
Your post struck a nerve with me. My wife and I have had ten new sailboats over the years but as we entered our eighties it became apparent that if we wanted to stay on the water we would have to make some changes. I would have to have someone do the maintenance as I can't get around like I use to--therefore no outside woods. We both wanted to have a Webasto furnace as we had had them in the past, that along with being in the cabin as we went places looked alarmingly good. We wanted things to be easy. My being an old man I needed a good marine head. And plenty of windows to look around--I'm also slow to see.

So we went ahead and bought a Ranger Tug 25SC and although we've only had it about seven months we are entirely delighted with our decision. Tomorrow we leave on a short cruise, our first, to go to the San Juan Islands and Friday Harbor. A short cruise but I am as excited as I use to be racing our sailboat. I haven't planned this much in a long while--my brain is active once more.

As one gets older maintenance of the boat because a major problem. Looking in on the engine compartment I don't always see things clearly even with glasses. Screwing something into the bulkhead is difficult as well. Screws are small. But on the positive side, the new Garmin GPS system is so far ahead of me. I will spend much time this summer learning and enjoying the system. But there is also safety to consider. I like having AIS to warn me of approaching boats. And having a button to press in an emergency that locates us for rescue is a heartwarming feature--I laugh as I have heart failure and I'm eighty four. It could happen.

Biggest problem? Wrapping my slow brain around the fact that this is a power boat, albeit, a slow power boat. I forget that this tug will not heel. And I forgot that we didn't need foul weather gear. We'll be inside...and warm. When we sold our last sailboat I moved a lot of gear to the tug. Then I had to take much of it off--we didn't need it anymore.

It took me awhile to learn how to operate and steer the boat. I have to watch my wake--something I never did in a sailboat. Amazing. Even with bow and stern thrusters it took me a while to learn to steer this boat--even going forward slowly was something new. But it has been fun...and satisfying. I'm back on the water. And in the San Juan islands.

I wish I had done this much earlier. But I think this tug as it was sold to me is at the moment the perfect boat for an old couple. Now if you excuse me I need to do final packing for tomorrow's cruise to the islands. Life is good.

I wish you well.
 
Welcome Neil to Tugnuts. 🙂

1) If your knees are bad and are likely to get worse why opt for the R-29 CB ? I say this as there are steep steps to the fly bridge.

2) The R-31 S (Sedan) has no fly bridge and might be easier on your knees.

3) I presume when mentioning the Grand Banks Europa 36 you're referring to purchasing a used one, as you go onto saying... "My concern over purchasing a trawler is maintenance of an older boat with a seasoned engine and the brightwork".

4) Both the RT-29 CB and R-31 are considered trawlers... confused as you said "looking at the Ranger 29cb or the Ranger 31 vs a Trawler" :? :? :?

5) If I were in your shoes I would be out there looking at the newer R-29 S, R-29 CB and R-31 vs. the issues you mention about a used Grand Banks Europa 36. It's best IMO to take time researching/reviewing/sea-trials and so on to help making a decision.

6) What I will say is that I believe the Ranger Tugs are very good value for your money and customer service is second to none, plus you live in an area close to where Ranger Tugs assembly its boats. Call Ranger Tugs and make an appointment to view their manufacturing factory(s) for the RT-29 CB and the R-31 to get a close up of the two models.

7) Spend some time thinking about maintenance (even for a new boat) and ask the Ranger Tugs folks about this aspect.

8) Do you really need a large boat? Would a smaller tug such as the R-27 (Classic with an inboard 200HP diesel) be sufficient for your needs, or maybe even the R-25SC. These smaller boats have less beam but many twosomes here love them.

9) Take your time deciding, if you have the time that is.

Good luck. 🙂
 
Thank you
Neil If you are visiting the vancouver area we have space on our dock
 
Hi Neil

We had lots of questions about size, comfort, maintenance, handling etc.. We took a trip over to Port Alberni and spent the day with Dave Turner at Port Boat House looking at options and asking lots of questions. We did a ride out there and got a feel for the boat. We then spent a pleasant night in Qualicum Beach and returned to PBH the next morning. In the end we went for a smaller, new boat rather than a larger used one for all the reasons mentioned above. No regrets so far!
 
Great design and great use of space. Electronics are also top notch. However if you need service you can forget about it. It's a fight to get anything done from my experience. Read this before making your final decision.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8799
 
Chimo":2f63kg5l said:
Hi Neil

We had lots of questions about size, comfort, maintenance, handling etc.. We took a trip over to Port Alberni and spent the day with Dave Turner at Port Boat House looking at options and asking lots of questions. We did a ride out there and got a feel for the boat. We then spent a pleasant night in Qualicum Beach and returned to PBH the next morning. In the end we went for a smaller, new boat rather than a larger used one for all the reasons mentioned above. No regrets so far!
Click to expand...
 
Thank you for your reply We are leaning towards the 29 as we feel it represents the best value for money . A smaller boat may limit our cruising range as we are planning to retire next year .
A new boat or a lightly used boat is in our opinion the best option . A 80 s or 90 s boat could well present some expensive maintenance issues and uncertainty with respect to reliability ,
 
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