R-23's Outboard vs. Sterndrive models

[baz]

Subject: R-23's Outboard vs. Sterndrive models

I've been reviewing the R-23 as a potential upgrade from my R-21EC. This is just a preliminary review as I'm quite happy with the R-21EC but do see the attractiveness of more space, more comfort and higher speed that the R-23 offers.... and of course, it has all the traditional Ranger Tug niceties etc. The R-23 seems like a very sensible boat for the money IMO.

I do have questions at this time related to the engine options of Outboard vs. Sterndrive.

1) Which is the quieter engine at cruising speed ?
2) Why does the sterndrive have 5 more gallons in the fuel tank vs. the sterndrive model ?
3) Which engine would require less maintenance ?
4) When the outboard engine is raised is it completely out of the water ?
5) The outboard motor turns to port and starboard, right? Does the sterndrive also rotate in a similar fashion ?
6) The outboard motor uses gasoline fuel presumably whereas the sterndrive is pure Diesel, right ?
7) Fuel economy for both engine models comparisons; where can I obtain this data ?
8) Does the outboard motor kick up as a safety feature if boat runs over a submerged log for example ?
9) Does the sterndrive require a rudder if it does not swing port/starboard as does the outboard ?
10) There's a 300 lb difference in the boat's "Weight, Dry" with the outboard model being lighter; what component does the extra 300 lbs for the sterndrive come from, or is this weight distributed among multiple components ?
11) Are both engine models as easy as each other for trailering ?
12) The outboard engine is fully exposed whereas the sterndrive engine is enclosed. Does this mean the sterndrive is apt to last longer with respect to corrosion etc ?
13) Which engine model provides the highest cruising speed and WOT speed ? I'm presuming the outboard provides higher speeds as it has 30 HP more than the sterndrive; is this a correct assumption ?
14) I'm unfamiliar with outboard engines; what are the negatives & positives for such an engine ?
15) I assume a new outboard is easier to replace than the inboard sterndrive engine, right ?
16) Does the sterndrive Volvo diesel engine employ a closed fresh water cooling system along with a heat exchanger ?
17) Some engines have anodes; does the outboard and sterndrive engines have anodes ?
18) The sterndrive employs an alternator for charging batteries, right ? How is engine battery charging performed by the outboard engine ?
19) Is the sterndrive engine fully enclosed under the cockpit; that is, no portion of it protrudes into the cabin ?
20) How easy is it to replace the water impeller on the sterndrive engine ?
21) Does the outboard use a water impeller for cooling the engine ?

Thanks.... 🙂

 

[Scuffy]

Just my opinion here but stern drives would not be my choice. The outboard would be infinitely easier to service and maintain. Yamaha service is everywhere. I would think the outboard model would have more storage.The newer 4 stroke Yamahas are amazingly quiet. I'm guessing the outboard would get 2 to 3 miles per gallon. Maybe much better than that traveling at displacement speed. The warranty also might be better with the Yamaha. Stern drives have the engine in the boat not just hanging off the back. They turn the unit just like an outboard turns. Outdrives generally require more service (u joints) and have the possibility of having boots that can leak that could sink the boat. Outboards usually clear the water when they are tilted. The outboard will kick up if it hits an obstruction. I would not own a boat with an outdrive.

 

[baz]

With the outboard motor model what feature is there for cabin heating ?

 

[Red Raven]

We owned a gas stern drive before we boaught our R27. It was fine as a lake boat (fresh water) and even not so bad in the salt for a few days at a time with a good flush and rinse each time we pulled it out. However we tried keeping it on the water for a couple summers and I was pretty hard on the stern drive as it sits fully submersed even with the outdrive up. We would pull it a couple times during the summer to flush it and get all the stuff off that was growing on it.

So, I think it depends on how you plan to use the boat. If you plan to pull it after each use and flush and clean it a stern drive is fine. If you plan to keep the boat in the water for any length of time I would not choose a stern drive.

The primary advantage of the stern drive I think would be the diesel power, the engine cabin heat, and room for the dink on the swim grid. The primary advantages of the outboard is to tip it up out of the water when not in use, easy access to the engine for maintenance and repair, and easy to repower if needed.

 

[baz]

My understanding from RT is that the outboard model will cruise at 25 mph with a WOT of 35 mph. This has to be considered a fast boat. The cruise speed is at around 1 nm per gallon I believe.

The hull is a full planing hull, right ?

Cabin heat for the outboard model can be provided via a Webasto diesel fueled heater (with a 4 gallon tank).

 

[Red Raven]

Yes it is a fast boat relative to the other Ranger Tugs. My understanding is that it is a full planing deep V hull (or nearly so as there is no hard definition). The deep V gives a better ride at high speed in rougher water at the expense of power required to get on a plane. Everything is a trade off. Not sure what the speeds are for the stern drive version. Note that those speeds are probably only manageable in calmer waters. The deep V will help but the size of the seas will limit your comfortable speed. That light of boat likely will get tossed around a bit in heavier seas.

If you want to do a day trip to Friday Harbor from Edmonds it would be a good choice. A bit tight for longer stays though.

Curt

 

[mcphersn]

My outboard R-23 averages about 2.4 statute mpg at 25mph cruise. My (unverified) understanding is that the aft cg of the outboard version reduces the useable fuel to 75 gallons. Anodes are not as important on outboard motors because they spend less time in the water. In my opinion, the only unquestionable advantage of the diesel is the fact that diesel fuel is safer in marine applications because it is less flammable.

 

[sleepyboat]

I put up a post a few month ago, asking about the two different size tanks. This was Andrews response.

"The physical dimensions of the tanks are identical. When you do GAS they require different baffles and wall thickness which lower the capacity by 5 gallons. Just as you thought, why would we want to make it harder on ourselves when we build and order the parts? We are with you but requirements change on different fuel sources".


Yes, it is a planning hull and will go on plane at around 20 MPH and sooner if you use the trim tabs. I have found it cruises quite nicely a 23-25 MPH. After break-in I did manage to get her up to 39 MPH (outboard) in seas with a slight chop. I personally would not recommend the max speed on anything other an flat glass conditions, Things can get twichy up there, like coming across a wake from a boat half a mile away!

The Yamaha has a substantial zinc mounted just above the prop and is easy to change.

Besides the Webasto a propane Mr Heat warms up the cabin well.

 

[Brian B]

Outboards do have a water pump that needs servicing. The lower unit of the engine has to removed to gain access to it. If you have never done that job before leave it to a professional. I could change the impeller faster on my Yanmar than an outboard.
If you want to compare maintenance cost call a Yamaha dealer, ask about the hourly shop rate, check prices for a water pump installation, ask about fuel filters, thermostat and VST filter replacement costs, full tune ups etc.
These are not our father's outboards. In the end it's a b.o.a.t. and we all know what that stands for.
Don't forget to add in the costs of the Yamaha recommended fuel treatments like Yamalube and Ringfree with every tank of fuel.
There is a class action lawsuit against Yamaha for internal exhaust corrosion issues on engines produced about 10 years ago, repairs are costing owners that I know about $2,500.00.

 

[baz]

Many thanks for ALL the responses. Appreciated very much. Keep it coming. 🙂

 

[baz]

I'm told by a well informed person that around four R-23 sterndrive models have been sold vs. over 100 for the outboard model.

I recall from my USCG training class that gasoline powered engines require a 'blower' in the engine bay. I presume this is only for inboard gasoline engines. With the outboard there's no need for a 'blower' system, right ?

Given that gasoline is far more 'flammable' than diesel and that the gasoline fuel tank for the outboard is under cockpit with batteries on either side lockers, is there any reason to suspect danger from sparking at battery terminals causing gasoline fuel vapor igniting ? Horrors indeed.

 

[Champ]

I'm told by a well informed person that around four R-23 sterndrive models have been sold vs. over 100 for the outboard model.

They don't seem to offer the Diesel engine as an option on "build your boat"? We love our R-23 outboard. Every thing we loved about the R-21 with none of the negatives.

 

[baz]

Champ: One of the features I'm liking on the R-23 vs. the R-21EC is the larger cabin. Here in the PNW it can be kind of cool/cold for many months of the year and having a warmer and larger cabin that accommodates adults and some kids would be welcomed.

The Webasto diesel heater for the R-23 outboard model is quite expensive and wonder how well it does in heating the whole cabin ?

Where is the boat's shore power connection ? I cannot determine where it is from all the photos I've looked at. Typically RT places it in the cockpit and maybe on the inside of the transom. This would be my preferred location as I always moor stern-in with a starboard tie.

 

[mcphersn]

Shore power is on the transom, port side.

 

[baz]

Is on the left or right of the transom mounted speaker ? I've not been able to get a good view of its exact location. Thanks. 🙂

 

[baz]

...snip...
The Webasto diesel heater for the R-23 outboard model is quite expensive and wonder how well it does in heating the whole cabin ?
...snip...

I understand there are two heating vents. One maybe is in V-berth area and the other in a mid cabin position, right ?

How well does the Webasto heater keep the cabin and V-Berth warm and can a desired temperature be set on the heater's control panel ?

Is the heater's diesel tank filled from an outside port ?
Is tank 3 or 4 gallons in size ?
Can the tank's fuel level be observed via the heater's control panel and/or visually ? I ask as the tank is buried out of sight. 😱

What is the heater's economy ? I had a Wallas stove/heater on my R-25 (Classic) and its small heater (with lid lowered) did a good job for most of the time but getting heat to the V-berth was somewhat lethargic. I only topped up it's diesel fuel tank once during 5 years of using it.