R 29 Newbie Wannabe @ Dinghy & Bike Storage

[Wizard]

Hello All,
We are liveaboards on our Grand Banks 36, based in Charleston, SC, and have been cruising for almost a year, although we have owned the boat for almost three years. We have found that we like the lifestyle, but it has occurred to me that having a trailer-able boat would open up many cruising locations that would be impractical otherwise, and would also serve to compress the time to move long distances. So Ranger Tugs have come into focus, particularly the R-29S and the R-29CB.

I'm struggling with two basic issues. One, dinghy storage, and two, bicycle storage.
As to the dinghy, we have not utilized our dinghy/outboard nearly as much as we wanted to, because it is a pain to load and unload. I do see that there is an available davit system through Ranger Tug that stands the dinghy on its side at the edge of the swim platform. So although I don't like the look of that approach (sorry), it seems to beat the alternatives, and may be the only way to go, for a motorized dinghy, particularly on the CB model, if that's the way we go.

That leaves the issue of bicycles. I have a folding bike, and the Admiral has a full-size, with basket, etc. From what I read on the forum, removing and replacing bikes on the Ranger Tugs can be a challenge. So I was wondering if there might be room for the bikes between the dingy and the transom box (would it make sense to move the transom box?). Of course there would be more salt exposure for the bike(s), but at least in the short run, it could make sense, at least for one bike, if not two.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Mike

 

[captstu]

We are 29 requires a permit to tow it. It is an oversize load. This is it a complete showstopper but it is a pain in the back.

The 8’5” boats like you r25 and r27 do not require a permit to cut out but they have much less interior space Than the r29

The weaver davits generally mounted on the Rangers for tilt up these can be battling any boat with space except the outboard versions. We have one it works quite well. The space on the swim platform between the dinghy and the boat is large enough to hold a bicycle for a week or so. It is constantly wet so after a week the bike will be nothing but rust.

 

[scross]

I’ve seen 27s and 29s with bicycles secured to the bow rails. Sometimes covered, sometimes not covered. The bikes are still going to get soaked with salt water. Cheap aluminum frame bikes that you don’t mind replacing every couple of years would be my strategy.

 

[Red Raven]

On our R27 we keep two folding electric bikes in the cave. One has a removable basket. Just a thought. The swim step gets really wet.

I’m sure you have also considered how much less space an R29 has than a Grand Banks 36 for living aboard. Not to mention the added cost of the large truck.

 

[Wizard]

Thanks for all the advice.
In reading posts, I have run across several references to the "cave". I would like to know where is it located, its approximate size. Does a boat with a generator and air conditioning lessen the space in the "cave"?

 

[ethanbarnett]

Welcome. We are relatively new R29S owners, a 2015, and we store our folding bikes in two travel bags flat on the forward deck abutting the stantions. They do not hinder visibility and are just secured by some extra line. We do not currently have a truck or trailer. We've discovered through other Tnuts plenty of haulers that for a reasonable fee will haul the boat. Some own just a trailer and rent a truck through Enterprise. Something we may consider down the line.

Currently we are in the Bahamas and this boat has handled some crazy seas and situations quite well. Strongly recommend the 29S for extra beam, space, stability and exposure to natural interior light.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Wizard, you asked about the cave. The cave is the space on Ranger Tugs or Cutwaters that is below the dinette area that one gains access by the cockpit door, just inside the cabin. The cave is a 2nd sleeping area however most use it for storage.

Jim F

 

[Red Raven]

Thanks for all the advice.
In reading posts, I have run across several references to the "cave". I would like to know where is it located, its approximate size. Does a boat with a generator and air conditioning lessen the space in the "cave"?

In addition, the “cave” is officially described as the midship cabin. Also may be referred to as the Quarterberth. It has more or less room in each model and may not have room for folding bikes in all models. In the R27 Classic there is additional space used for a chart table and chair which most folks remove to make additional storage. That is what we have done as well. I don’t know the R29S well enough to know if there is the same or even more room for folding bikes in the same area.

Regarding space used for generator and air conditioning we have neither but as far as I know none of the boats use any of the space in the midship cabin for these items. The generator is typically housed in a cockpit locker and the air conditioner is located under the forward passenger seat.

Here’s a photo of the folding bikes in the cave. One of the carry bags has been removed to show the bike better:

 

[timdelta]

Do a forum search for crane and see if that may be a solution.