R-25 OB - Thoughts before I pull the trigger

[UVAfisherman]

Good morning - I have enjoyed reading all the posts, and especially everyone's love of these boats. I am about to sign on the dotted line for a new R-25 (outboard) for use in the Chesapeake Bay. Anyone have this boat and have any positives or negatives? Anything in particular to be on the lookout for? Thanks in advance!

Kevin.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[jimbeam]

I have a 2008 R25 that I bought 2 years ago. A good boat. It has the yanmar 110hp diesel and top speed is about 14 knots and cruise easily at 8 at 2500 rpm. We took it down the intercoastal waterway from Norfolk Va to Hilton Head SC. Engine ran for hours at a time with no problems at all. Hit a couple of storms along the way but the boat handled pretty well.
Charleston harbor was the worst. Coming south out of the canal into the harbor hit 5 foot waves head on and 25knot winds, so we tucked in behind a bigger yacht till we got across. Didn't make it all the way to Florida and stayed the winter in Hilton Head island SC. Shelter Cove harbor was great. Marina even let us use bicycles for free to roam the island.
jimbeam

 

[dclagett]

Kevin,

The 25 RT outboard looks very nice and seems to have many good features. I personally do not have any experience with the boat, however I do have experience with the Chesapeake. You did not indicate where you plan to keep the boat or how you plan to use it which may have an impact on your decision. A 25’ boat will get you any place you desire on the Chesapeake when the winds are not up. When the winds get to 10 to 15 knots which they do often, depending on your location you may not want to go out on the bay in a 25’. We take our RT25SC all over the bay, however we are retired and can wait out the weather with a good book in port. Previously we had a 40’ motor yacht and very seldom did we need to stay in port due to winds. Size does matter on the Chesapeake.

I would recommend a sea trial on the Chesapeake in some wind conditions to make sure you are comfortable with the boat. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Dshell]

Kevin,
We brought a Regal 28 Express from St Simon GA to the upper Chesapeake in July. We had zero issues until we cleared Norfolk and entered the Bay. Maybe the Tug 25 would be better but wow we got beat up, dclagett knows the Bay, its the best waterway to explore but my back is still hurting.

 

[LilRhodyTuggers]

Hi Kevin:

Just wanted to say "Hi" as we are awaiting delivery in May of our 2021 Ranger 25! We shopped the various Ranger and Cutwater models and although we were initially serious about the R23, we decided on the 25' for the following reasons: 1. We liked the idea of the longer swim platform with the outboard recessed into that space so if/when we back into a slip while traveling there is less risk of banging the OB against the dock and 2. The head is all enclosed with sink, shower, toilet. The timeline is for us to have the boat by Memorial Day and living in Wickford, Rhode Island, we plan to cruise Narragansett Bay and occasional trips in nice weather to Block Island. We can't wait for summer! Hope to see you sometime and maybe we can meet halfway between our bays! Ken; "Aqueous Flare"

 

[Crg000]

Hi Kevin,

Our R-25OB being built now and should be finished 2/23 and then journey across the country to us in RI. For us it was the perfect size. The head on the 23 was too small and the 27 started getting out of our price range. It’s just 2 of us (and a cat) we’ll share more feedback once we get into the water and start to “live” with it.

Chris

 

[LilRhodyTuggers]

Chris:
Where will you be keeping your boat in Rhode Island? Did you see my note about our delivery of our R25 in May? Ken

 

[Brian B]

Sounds like Narragansett Bay will have quite a few Ranger Tugs cruising around. We keep GANSETT RANGER at Harbor Lights marina in Warwick cove. Looking forward to some extended trips to Block Island this year.