R-27 OB versus 2014 (ish) R-29 Classic

[kjpower]

Hello There,

We are considering either a newer R-27 OB or a slightly older 2014 R-29. The main reason we are considering the R-27 OB, for the moment, surrounds price and moorage availability as well as inexperience with boats over 26 LOA. Part of us thinks it may be better to spend a few years in the smaller R-27 OB to see if we really need the larger R-29, but are worried we’ll find the R-27 OB too small.

We understand the R-29 has a wider beam by 1’4” and coupled with the increased length is more spacious inside. The head and main berth are bigger on R-29, which is a big attraction. We’re more of slower 15 knots kinda boaters so we’ll rarely being taking advantage of the speed that comes with the R-27 OB. That said, it’s easier to find moorage for a boat 30’ and under, and it’s certainly easier to dock a boat with an 8’6” beam than a 10’ beam.

Has anyone been on or owned both, and have some advice on the big differences/pros/cons.

Thanks so much,
KJ 🙂

 

[ixlr8]

BAZ had a 27OB and now has a R-29CB, hopefully he will notice your post and chime in. I have 27OB and have sea trialed a 29CB. We are trailering the 27OB to different lakes in New England, as well as exploring the New England coast. When we retire in a few years, we will have a house on the water and will get a 29CB. We won't be trailering the 29 like we do the 27OB. We like the extra room and stability of the 29.

 

[Red-27]

I just made a similar decision. although i wont have my r-27 delivered until next spring. i am getting a trailer with it although i dont plan on transporting it that way much but got a deal on it and it will be easier to store it in the winter that way. I decided on the 27 over the 29 because i wanted the ability to go fast to both get to cruising destinations in a timely manner to take full advantage of time off as well as the ability to escape bad weather as needed. Also my mechanical skills are limited so i am more confident working on an outboard motor. if i ever hit a rock with the prop i could replace it with the boat in the water saving time and money.

I think docking would be about the same with both as the 29 had bow and stern thrusters. Personally i love the new style windscreen on newer models i had a chance to sit in a few before i ordered mine as the visibility is awesome when compared to the 4 window setup the older models have.

according to the date sheets available on the ranger tug website the r-27 gets 2MPG at 30mph and 2.7MPG at 8.6mph
i am not sure about what MPG an older ranger r-29 would get at what speeds but its probably very efficient at lower speeds.

i dont know if this helps i just thought i would share some of the reasons i decided to go with the 27

 

[knotflying]

Everybody gets twofootitis. You will get the 27 and then yearn for the 29. Skip to the chase. You mentioned speed is not a major concern of yours, which is an attribute of the 27 OB. If you are not going to be towing the boat long distances on land I would go with the 29. since permits and towing a larger boat won't be a concern. With a little practice your concerns with getting used to a larger boat will go away in short time. The 29 will give you more space and be a more stable platform in rougher seas. We have the classic 27 and love it, but the 29 is one we always consider.

 

[Midwestboater]

To me the major issues between these choices are:
OB vs Diesel
8'6" vs 10' Beam as relates to stability, towing and room inside the boat

The size difference in terms of handling is really insignificant; you will easily get used to handling a slightly larger boat. On our first charter in the PNW we had a R27 for the week. It was fine but my wife wanted more room to move around so our next charter was a R31CB. I am a very infrequent boater but I found no issues in going up from the 31 - - the boats operate so similarly.

Our charter last October was an American Tug 365. I went into that with some trepidation and requested an hour of instruction at the start of the 10 day charter. By the second day I was feeling pretty comfortable handling the boat and by the end of the first week I was docking in some very tight places. So, you'll get up to speed quickly even if your experience is with smaller boats. The main thing is you've evidently done some boating and you have a feel for how boats handle in general. Good luck on your decision!