Hello TugNuts,
After lurking on your site for almost a year, I am coming out from the shadows. Why now, after all this time? Two reasons, Marc Grove and the new R 27. My Bride Susan and I live in Kentucky and our daughter lives in Atlanta. So after scheduling a trip to see our daughter, I emailed Marc to see if it would be ok to come down and see his new R 27. Marc said yes and so we ended up in Apalaciacola last Sunday night with an appointment to meet Marc at 10:00 am on Monday.
In my email to Marc, I had explained how we were 12-24 months away from purchasing but are very attracted to the new R 27 and would love to see it now to confirm our lust for it in person. Well, I expected that we would have a quick tour of the R 27 and be on our way but that's not the way Marc Grove does business! We were treated to a 2 hour tour of the R27 at Wefings Marine, going through the boat in great detail to learn all the workings from electrical to mechanical including operational. And if that wasn't enough, Marc invited us to come along for the first sea trial of a Ranger Tugs R 27 in the east that evening after work!
Susan and I left Marc to get some work done and proceeded to explore the oysters of Apalaciacola, take a nap and await Marc's call which came about 5:00 pm. We met at the local boat ramp and watched as Marc launched the Ice Blue R27 effortlessly from it's Float On trailer and we boarded her for a 2 hour sea trial. I am not going to go into a review of the R 27 because being a newbe, I don't feel qualified. But I will give you a few observations. I am a big guy, 6" 4" and more pounds than I would ever admit to in a public forum, and I had plenty of room in the R 27. ( With the exception of the computer desk.) Plenty of room at the helm due to the adjustable seat and throughout the salon, head and cockpit. I mentioned to Marc that the boat seemed bigger the longer I was on it. It is very comfortable with plenty of headroom. The Garmin electronics were nothing short of amazing and even for a novice, the R27 was easy to drive. Not a lot of engine noise and all in all just a blast to be on board. Susan and I confirmed our lust for the R27, actually it may be love.
Conclusion? If you live in the east and get a chance, go see the new R 27 at Wefings or at the Tampa Boat Show. If you want to buy one, call Marc Grove, nobody will treat you better. Thanks Marc!
