Questions about getting a tug

[swiftshot]

Ok guys, my wife is really wanting to get a boat. By boat I mean an RV on the water. We live up in the Puget Sound. I have two boys one 10 one 15. Now besides a main cabin and bunks or a queen bed in the other. Twin engines, what should I really be looking for in the boat. We are looking to spend the weekends and in the San Juans and around the Sound. Advice would be more than welcome.

 

[Scuffy]

I'm thinking if twin engines is a requirement; Houston we have a problem. Maybe look at the Sea Sport line. Deep V cabin type boat that I think is available with twin outboards. Not sure if they offer all of the amenities Ranger offers. I think any of the C-Dory line would be too small for your needs.
Happy Hunting

 

[swiftshot]

So Ranger doesnt have a twin. I am just worried about getting out and having the only engine go.

 

[BradOwens]

The engines in the Ranger Tugs are very reliable. I retired from the Coast Guard and have been on a lot of boats, and my hands down choice was a ranger tug. For cruising the San Juans and Puget Sound with a family, I can't think of a better choice.

 

[knotflying]

Twin engines could also be double trouble. Bad fuel will kill two engines. A good towing insurance policy is better than twin engines and less expensive. I would not let that be a deciding criteria. The deciding criteria, to me, is get the biggest boat you can afford and feel comfortable in. I would say an R-29 would be a good place to start. From there down you will be making some compromises on space for 4 people, but with a good mindset and minimal clothing and supplies it could work.

 

[Scuffy]

They have a lot of single engine cars, trucks, boats, planes, lawnmowers etc. A maintained diesel is pretty reliable. These are not fast boats our R-27 tops out at about 20 miles per hour. We cruise at 8 mph or 14 to16 mph as anything in between gets you lower mpg. They handle anything short of a small craft advisory pretty well. The factory customer service is unbelievably good. The boats hold the value reasonably well. Plus this site has a wealth of information on anything boat related or beyond. They can be equipped with factory supplied options to suit almost anyone's needs.
Look at both the Ranger Tugs or Cutwater boats. Cutwater's designed to reach higher speeds.

 

[Rwnorton]

This web site is, by itself, almost reason enough to buy a Ranger or Cutwater! You're potentially a newbie, and I am one, and the answers to almost all your/my questions/problems can be found here. Use the advance search box to gain instant experience.
Good luck.

 

[swiftshot]

Thanks guys, I know jumping up to this size increases so much in price, but the wife makes good money and so do I. We cant take it with us so might as well enjoy it some. Thanks for the advise on the engines. Just something I was worried about. So with two boys, 10 and 15 what models come with twin bunks? or do they even make them. I fell in love with the tugs man they are just so good looking.

 

[glthomas]

You can see all the Ranger Tugs on You Tube. Port Boat House walks you through each size and options. Some owners have posted their boats too. I for one would like to see more owners posting their boats while underway, etc.

 

[McThomas]

My only advice is - if you can afford it, get the 31! The "cave" berth is very tight in the smaller tugs and you will need to use that and the dinette berth for the boys. Having said that, if you are new to boating the 31 is a lot of boat and you might want to start with the R25 and have few if any overnights until you get a feel for everything and decide it's right for you and your family. RVs on the water do not exist - you really need to know what you're doing out there 😉 ...

 

[Scuffy]

I would check into a weekly rental. I think there is a 29' Ranger Tug available to rent. That would answer a lot of your questions and let you try it on before you buy it.

 

[BradOwens]

I would check into a weekly rental. I think there is a 29' Ranger Tug available to rent. That would answer a lot of your questions and let you try it on before you buy it.

You might want to check out Anacortes Yacht Charters for renting one.

 

[ronnieg]

Please feel free to call us at the factory for any support. We are here to answer your questions.

 

[adventres]

We just spent 11 days on the water with the Ranger Tug Cruise to Desolation Sound. We have the 2016 RT29CB. We have 2 girls, 10 and 12. They sleep in the "cave" that is a queen berth. One family I saw on their RT31, with 3 kids (15, and 2-12 year olds). They kept their dining table as a bed for the one kid, and the 2 kids slept in the cave. They ate their meals on the back deck. We are used to tight spaces because we do a lot of tenting, so you just do what you have to do with your space. Good luck!