R-23's rear view and helm window opening

[baz]

Subject: R-23's rear view and helm window opening

One of the first two things that were readily apparent to me when being onboard a Tugnuts member's R-23 the other week was

1) Rear view is excellent without any obstacle in the way unlike for my previous R-25 (Classic).

2) The helm window opens very wide allowing my head and almost my left shoulder to lean out easily when looking aft. I always found this very awkward on my previous R-25 (Classic).

 

[sleepyboat]

Barry,
The side windows do in fact open quite wide, unlatch and slide with ease. But being the detailed guy you are I am surprised you did not mention the screens for these windows which are black panels that Velcro on to the frame from the inside. I find this inconvenient as with my 27 I was opening and closing the screen due to my speed (open when fast, closed when slower) and activity level of greenheads (horseflies on steroids) in the rivers marsh areas of Newbury Ma. I do find the missing screens offer a cleaner look to the 23’s profile.
Rearward visibility is excellent but as my wife discovered the glass hatch that opens and rear facing dinette seat is the million dollar location for comfort cruising and view. It also allows for cockpit socialization without taking up any floor space.
John

 

[baz]

John:

You are quite right about the window screens on the R-23. I had noticed that and was a bit surprised at the way the screens had to be affixed from the inside with velcro vs. the sliding screens on the R-25 (Classic) I owned. On the R-25 I had to cut about 1" from the rubber stop (top and bottom) to get the window to slide open wider. That did help but still was a squeeze when wanting to look out forward & aft.

I rarely used the screens on my R-25 and they were always fully opened. In the PNW we aren't plagued with nasty small bugs so screens are not employed that much if at all. The only time I purposely closed a screen was when I had a small child in the Nav seat on port side to protect the child from leaning out too far. My grandson loved to climb about in that seat and was always my designated 'lookout' which he took to heart.... (if you see what I mean). 😉

I will ask RT if they have any further refinements for the screen being more user-friendly.

The R-23's rear visibility is greatly enhanced vs. the R-25 due to there not being the head/shower closet obstructing the view to rear.

Yes, that large opening port side window facing the cockpit is an engineering marvel IMO.... a much appreciated design for such a small boat.

I'm trying to figure out what can be done to have a factory installed cockpit table for the R-23 outboard model as one is provided for the stern drive model... at least I believe the stern drive model does have that as standard, but now I'm unsure if RT offers the stern drive model any more. My understanding is that they've only sold a few (maybe no more than 4) over past 18 months. This amount of sale volume for the stern drive model could make RT discontinue offering that model.

The R-23 with outboard is certainly a divergence for the traditional Ranger Tug's overall design/looks, but comes with numerous benefits that have been discussed elsewhere. For me, the R-23 with outboard means more cockpit storage, a quieter ride, less mess with having an inboard engine compartment, can go slow or FAST (up to around 36 kts) which for distance cruising with little scenery to gaze at is a big plus, full/easy access to the engine, less exhaust pollution and a lack of diesel fumes that some of my family become nausea with. Being on the boat the R-23 looks are out of sight while inside the R-23 it feels and is very Ranger Tug stylistic-like in every respect.

On my R-25 and R-21EC I employed Autopilot and for the R-23 this same feature is offered; spendy for sure but well worth it for extended cruising for long hours at the helm. Note: The Autopilot option is not offered for the R-23 stern drive model.