R-29 S versus R-29 CB

[Scuba Too]

I just put a deposit down on the R-29 CB so now I'm curious about feedback on the S vs CB version. Is there any difference in handling? What are the pros and cons to selecting between the models?

 

[RainyDay]

We've had our 29 CB for a couple of months now. I can only speak about the 29 CB. I haven't spent any real time on a 29 S.

We LOVE the command bridge. I can't really see how we would enjoy our boat nearly as much without it. We live in the Pacific Nortwest, so on beautiful sunny days, it is fantastic to drive the boat while fully outside.

I find docking and leaving the dock from the command bridge to be preferable if you have someone with you, since you have such a great view of the entire boat. But, not so much if you are docking alone. I think the cabin helm has incredible 360 visibility in both the CB and the sedan.

A funny little difference between the 2 helms is that the throttle on the command bridge sits at an angle while the cabin helm throttle sits flat. So, there's a small learning curve for getting comfortable with both helms.

The CB still has the atrium Windows for lots of light. But I am guessing the sedan has more.

Also, the command bridge sits back a bit to allow there to be the atrium Windows, so you lose possible storage space on the top where the command bridge sits. We are still figuring out how we will transport our kayaks when we take them on the boat. The sedan might give more options for that purpose.

All in all, we wouldn't give up the command bridge for anything.

Hope this helps.

Ken
Rainy Day

 

[jcarrdive]

Scuba Too-
We looked at the 27 and moved to a 31CB mostly for a command bridge. We also looked closely at a 29CB. BOTH CB versions were great. My guess is that you will not regret having the ability to go up top and drive, dock, and sit. Rainy Day is right about the docking, as you get a 360 view from up top.
jeff and ela
Wallowa R31

 

[Scuba Too]

Thank you for your feedback! We had a chance to see a 29 S and fell in love with it. There wasn't a 29 CB around but the broker showed us a Cutwater C-30 CB and said it was basically the same command bridge. Looking at the 29 CB photo the command bridge looks really well integrated.

The 29 S does have a couple of sky lights over the dining area and I suspect the 29 CB doesn't have them?

I get your point about storage of kayaks and SUB's. We own a couple of Hobie Mirage Outback kayaks but these are heavy so I wasn't planning out trying to get them on top of a boat in any event. The hull on these kayaks are 80 lbs each!

We're in southern California and it looks like we may be the first in the area to get the 29 CB model 🙂

Again, thanks for the feedback!

Eric

 

[Scuba Too]

Thanks Jeff & Ela. So what was the deciding factor between the 31 & 29? I suspect that I'll love the command bridge as well but my only experience so far was on the Cutwater in a parking lot. 🙂

 

[RainyDay]

Eric,

You are correct. There are no skylights over the dining area on the 29 CB.

In regards to the 31 CB vs the 29 CB, we looked at both when we were shopping. The 29 CB is pretty new, so probably most 31 CB owners did not see the 29 CB when they were shopping.

Main differences:
. Extra head and larger midship berth on 31 CB
. No atrium Windows on 31 CB
. Command Bridge is forward on 31 CB and pushed back on 29 CB
. Head is forward of the cabin helm on 29 CB and aft of the cabin helm on 31
(I prefer the forward head, because it gives a near 360 view from cabin helm)
. Wrap around Windows on 29 CB

Overall, my assessment was that the 31 gives you more space while the 29 gives you more visibility and light. It's a personal preference.

Hope this helps,

Ken
Rainy Day

 

[BradOwens]

I'm not following what the above post says about head position. Both the 29 and 31 have the head off the forward stateroom. The second head on the 31 is down in the mid berth area and doesn't interfere with the view from the helm. The smaller tugs (25 & 27) have the head in the aft corner of the main cabin.

 

[RainyDay]

Sorry. My bad. Thought I remembered the 31 like that, but guess I confused it with the 27 we looked at at the same time.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Hey all, our 29CB is coming in September. I am working on a simple "fix" for carrying kayaks suspended off of the side railings from the command bridge. Will post to the website as soon as I get it worked out.

Jeff

 

[spierp]

Jeff, I'm very interesting in your kayak side mount on the 29CB. Looking forward to the post.

 

[adventres]

We love our CB! Just like Ken, we have the same experience with the upper deck throttle is in a weird position, but other than that Ken said everything we would say about our CB including the windows. We finally were able to use the CB this past week with the nice weather up in Canada!

We haven't gotten any toys yet, so, we aren't too worried about where to place kayaks and such. We heard to put the kayaks on the front deck, or hang from the upper deck side rails. I think Jeff is planning something!

good luck!

 

[Scuba Too]

Thanks all. Great feedback! Our boat is scheduled for end of August and we're planning to do the factory tour in early September. We're in southern California so I figure it's a great way to see the San Juan islands.

Jeff, I look forward to seeing your pics for carrying kayaks.

 

[jcarrdive]

Scuba too-
Hi, for us, the deciding factor between the 29CB and the 31 CB was the cubbyhole room and the roominess of the cockpit with the swing-out seats. (and the additional fuel and room up top for more people).
We can have Ela's mother or my mother more comfortably in the 31 cubbyhole stateroom.
jeff and ela

 

[Hydraulicjump]

An answer to an earlier question about how to put kayaks on a R-29CB. My inner engineer got the best of me (I am a geologist in real life) and I built an inexpensive, elaborate hanger that can attach to the side rails on the command bridge. But I didn't feel it was sturdy enough. So I gave in and bought two sets of these:

http://www.magmaproducts.com/Products/G ... 0-626.html

it will make for skinny passage up to the command bridge, and having to duck a bit when going forward on the gunnel, but I can vouch for the strength and durability of these. Kayaks on the side of the command bridge will also cramp things a bit when you are driving, but I see no other choice other than something elaborate over the cockpit.

These are expensive, but sometimes it costs $ to save hassles and to have all your small toys on your big toy.

We will model these at the Rendezvous.

Jeff

 

[spierp]

thanks for the post Jeff. If you have any photos of the finished install would be much appreciated. We have a wedding the same weekend as the rendezvous and won't make it.