R-25, 27 or 29??

[CaptainLarryVaughn]

I'm trying to decide between an R-25, 27 or 29. Looking for something to finish the Great Loop in, from NYC to South FL. Definitely want something trailerable, as I will bring it home (Indy) during periods when I'm not boating. I have two problems: 1. I have never been on a Ranger Tug,but I've pretty much convinced myself that I want a Ranger Tug. I would like to see one of each size. 2. I'm fairly large, and am concerned about my size on a small boat. I'm 5'11" and 260 pounds. I'm 76; odds are that I'm not going to lose weight at this point!

I'm an experienced boat owner, both power and sail. I currently own a 41' trawler that I'm moving to Nashville to use as a condo. I want something that I can single hand around the Loop, for the most part, although I do have friends who will likely join me at times when I need another set of eyes and hands. I will likely resell the Tug after completing the Loop.

I'm looking for feedback from other folks who are in the XXL size category, regarding the challenges you've had with traveling on a small Tug, and what you would recommend.

I would also love to have the opportunity to tour some smaller Ranger Tugs, over the next couple months, and am happy to travel to see your boat, if you're willing to host a stranger for a couple hours.

Thanks for listening; hope to hear your thoughts.

 

[scross]

I’m 6’1” and 240 lbs and have absolutely no size related issues with enjoying my Ranger 25 Classic. I think the R-25 Classic would be easy to single hand with the possible exception of launching and retrieving to the trailer. Up to three adults on board by using the lowered dining table as a single bed would be tight but doable for short periods.
For engine and systems maintenance I’d prefer having 5 foot long thin but super strong arms that articulated in 4-5 different places!

 

[Bruce Moore]

We moved up from an R-25 classic to and R-29 classic several years ago. The extra length and extra beam basically doubled the interior volume. That meant several things for us. A bed instead of a v-berth. Larger head/shower. Larger galley. More cockpit space.

As for size, I'm 73 now - 6' 195#. When I was 65 I weighed 225#. Took 7 months to drop 40# and 6 years to gain 10# back. Pretty much locked in now. Basically did it by burning more calories than I consumed. Rather than taking up less space in close quarters, the biggest benefit has been mobility, balance, and strength.

Good luck with your selection.

cheers,

Bruce

 

[PNWTX]

Ultimately it'll come down to which compromises you're willing to make. Personally, I like to squeeze as much utility out of every inch as possible. I want as small of a boat as I can get that still checks all the important boxes.The trick is defining which boxes are important to you.

I'm 6'1"/225. The R-25 OB hits the sweet spot in my mind. The thoughtfulness of its overall design is readily apparent, giving us everything we need in a more manageable/efficient size.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

Given the parameters you have listed, the 29 will certainly be the best fit.

 

[Brian98133]

At 6'4", 275#... I appear to be the largest of the group so far :shock: I also have the smallest boat, so far! Might be a fun challenge :lol:

We went from a 30' boat with 10.5' beam (Sea Ray Amberjack 290) down to the R23, and I couldn't be happier! The only mod I will be doing is moving the helm seat an inch back for better knee clearance. I didn't really want to downsize, but my wife (5'2" and an 'undisclosed' weight 😛 but definitely height/weight proportionate) was concerned that - as we age - she may have to pilot the boat at some point, and she never thought she could handle the larger Sea Ray.

The R23's largest hurdle for me was the beam at 8.5' - a full 2' narrower than the Sea Ray. It's a learning curve, but there's no doubt that my weight affects the roll of the boat way more than the old 10.5' beam (and being less than half the weight of the Sea Ray adds to that!). But not at all uncomfortable! I'm so used to it now (11 months in) that I hardly remember that I'm on a 'smaller' boat!

Overall, passage through the R23's walkways and doorway has not been an issue, even for this big dude! It's a great boat, and no matter what model you end up with, you'll be very glad you got an RT!

 

[gwishon]

6’5”, a svelte 225 lbs. 68, with three artificial joints (hip, both shoulders — genetic degenerative arthritis, thanks, mom!). No issues whatsoever getting around our R-29.

If you do your own maintenance, you’ll definitely lose weight!

Gordon

 

[vertigo]

If you do your own maintenance, you’ll definitely lose weight!

I can attest to that: after a year of owning an R29 Classic, I'm down almost 30 pounds without even trying, and now find the helm door much more useful than I did this time last year! 😛

 

[Red-27]

Another factor to consider is the fuel, water and holding, tank capacity if your doing the loop and intend to anchor a lot. The R-25 has 99 gal in fuel, 34 water and 15 holding. The R-27 has 150 fuel, 40 water and 30 holding. The R-29 has 145 fuel (diesel), 60 water, 40 holding.

 

[JeffRad54]

I can't speak to other than an R27, but being a slim 6', 175 lb. solo boater, I have to ask if you are comfortable with very skinny gunwales for when you have to head up to the bow for anchor work. Maybe a Monk Trawler, Nordic, etc.?

 

[j&lgray]

You have posed great questions. We have taken all three of those boats on all or parts of the Great Loop.

See our websites:
www.laurieann-ranger25.com
www.andiamo-ranger29.com
www.tribute-kadeykrogen39.com (This has a page for our Ranger 27, Trilogy. Yes, we are owners of two boats.)

The length of the V-berth in the Ranger 25 and 27 is the main item to test out. Everything else you can create strategies to deal with. Like, bow lines that are tied back to the cockpit.

 

[CaptainLarryVaughn]

Thanks to all of you who contributed comments, questions and suggestions. Love this forum! Although I have not started a search yet, I believe an R-29 works for me. I live in Indianapolis and am an experienced boater, and to some extent, am experienced in towing trailers. I pulled an O'Day 25 sloop between Indy and Melbourne, Florida many times, behind a half ton Silverado. While I don't necessarily recommend it, some of those tows were single handed. I added a tongue extender to the trailer which simplified launching and retrieval. I could almost always find willing volunteers to help me launch/retrieve in Melbourne, for the price of a lunch. Boaters are wonderful people!

I'd like to get your advice about tow vehicles for an R-29. I intend to use Indy as a home base for finishing the Great Loop, a segment at a time, to coincide with seasonality of weather. I have already done Miami to New York City, but wouldn't mind repeating some of those legs. Assuming I don't repeat legs which I've already done, for the most part I'll have no trailerable trips in excess of 800 miles, and with no serious mountains to contend with. When I was making the IND/MLB trips I stayed west of the Smokies and traveled through Alabama instead of Tennessee. It added about 100 miles to the trip, or about 2.5 hours, but eliminated steep grades (more troublesome going down than up!)

I would appreciate hearing your suggestions about tow vehicle requirements for pulling an R-29, as well as any experiences and advice you might want to share.

I had hoped to start a search for my next boat by now, but unfortunately, Covid is very much alive in Indy. My wife is a Nurse Practitioner at a major hospital. Other than when she's on duty, we're quarantining as much as possible. Praying that a vaccine will soon be available for her. This, too, shall pass! Happy Holidays!

 

[Katmat]

There are plans for a Rendezvous in S.W. Florida this coming February. There will be all sizes of Rangers & some Cutwaters there. Plan a weekend getaway & check them out. That is what we did, originally wanted a 25, then a 27 & then decided on a 29'.

 

[S. Todd]

Larry, We live here in Indianapolis and appreciate the fact that the drive to the launch ramp is an all day event. We had a R25SC that we towed with a 1997 F250 (rear wheel drive only) for three years, after towing Sea Rays with it for its entire life. There were times when getting up the ramp without 4 wheel drive was iffy. In Sept of 2018 we ordered a F350 diesel four wheel drive dually 4 door long bed. The new truck has a turning radius that is huge but made the towing experience a far more pleasant and comfortable experience. We considered the possibility of eventually getting a larger boat and once we had the bigger truck we bit the bullet this September and ordered a R29S. I am still researching oversize load towing requirements etc. and probably will not be able to give you a first hand account of how well things go until spring. The 29 is supposed to be finished being built this week but we most likely will not splash her into Lake Michigan until April.

 

[H28]

We went from a RT25 to a RT29 and the extra beam has been very noticeable while underway on Lake Michigan......

We had a trailer with the '25 but really never used it, so we passed on one for the '29.

But everyone's mission profile is different.........

 

[Dale777]

Captain Larry,

Since I've owned both an R27 and and R31S, I far, far prefer the R31S. The R31S or R29 Classic helm door is so, so much better than the R29 or R25 in docking and departing from a dock, especially if you will be single-handing a lot.

Additionally, you gain a wider beam and more length which makes for a noticeably more stable ride. Then for a larger person, the walk-around v-berth bed is far better in the R31 or R29 Classic.

It sounds like you are leaning toward an R29 Classic, with the helm door. If so, then a good choice.