R-29S or R-31S; that is the question

[kjpower]

Hello There,

We'll be purchasing a Ranger Tugs soon, and joining the Ranger Tugs family, no doubt about that. The question is, however, should we join the family with an R-29S or an R-31S?

We live, and will be boating mostly, in the Gulf Island area off the coast of British Columbia. The majority of time will be on day trips with the occasional overnight at a marina, however, we also hope to spend several trips each year on anchor for a few days at at time. It's just the two of us, but another adult couple will likely join from time to time as well as family (no kids expected). The boat will be moored full-time with no trailering planned.

Our questions; what are the main differences between the R-29S and the R-31S? We haven't been able to get on both and compare, but have been told:
- the main berth and head (although the heads are on different sides of each boat) are the same size.
- as the two have the same beam, the difference really lays in the size of the cockpit with not much difference in the cabin.
- the R-31S has that great pilothouse sliding door as well as second TV in the main cabin.
- both can reach a very similar top speed.

If you have anything to share on the differences between the two, or any advice it would very much appreciated. We are very exited to join to the Ranger Tugs family soon, and thank you all in advance for those who reply.

R31S R29S
R31 R29

 

[BradOwens]

I have a 29 classic, but it's very similar to the 31. I love the sliding pilothouse door, and wouldn't want to be without it.
I also prefer the seating layout with a single pilot seat, and lounge for the mate across the cabin. My wife also prefers this, as it allows her to stretch out while I drive (or I can stretch out while she drives).

 

[cmwahl]

We have a classic R27 and I have often thought a 29 or 31 would be nice. But alas, the 29 and 31 are too big for our storage bldg. The new 29s has a very small mid berth cabin, similar to ours on the classic 27, maybe smaller. The mid berth on the 31s is huge. So look at that aspect for company.

 

[rackline]

We have a 29 Classic and I really like the pilot house door - especially because I often single-hand the boat to bring it from our mooring to a dock (it's an East Coast thing; -). The main reason we wish we had a 31 is because of the additional 1/2 head in the aft cabin for overnight guests. On the 29 with the head in the forward cabin you need to be really good friends!

 

[SKI3PO]

I currently have an R29CB on order from the factory with delivery scheduled for December. I like both boats and even favor the old fashioned "tug" look fo the R31. However, I am installing a canvas enclosure over my cockpit and the folding cockpit seats of the R29 can still be used when I have the back all sealed up. This was the deciding factor for me. I am in Alaska so have extra enclosed deck space was important to me.

 

[Jfrano]

We first we’re going to get the 25, then the 27, then the 29 and then the 31. I finally put my foot down at the 29 (lol), which to us represented the biggest jump picking up the 10’ beam and the additional battery capacity makes a huge difference in all aspects of the boat, especially to life aboard for any length of time i.e. the loop. We have the 29CB, the CB is like another living space for us or entertainment.

 

[marcham]

I assume you missed the boat show last February, they were side by side. Have you called the port boat house in Port alberni? They make have both ?

From what I remember, the interior space was basically the same but the aft deck was much larger in the 31. I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong...

We also preferred the S to the CB. It's usually cool in the straight of Georgia so we'd rarely use the command bridge, and I'd want the space for solar panels and SUPs, kayaks or a Thule rack. In a warmer climate, it would get usedba lot more.

We found the sliding door a little gimmicky... maybe useful for single handed docking with a crosswind but other than that it took away from the functionality of the helm. We preferred the 29 over the 31.

Wife saw the price tag on the 29S and promptly agreed to a yamaha jet boat for now.... my Ranger awaits....

Sent from my SM-G970F using Tapatalk

 

[Wildcats]

We purchased an used R31. The R29 classic (I think last year manufactured was 2013) has a sliding helm door on the starboard side. We find that to be useful for access to the fore deck and also during docking. Newer R29s don't have a helm door.
The cockpit on the R31 is two feet longer. Engine accessibility is better because the front of the engine including the serpentine belt are in the open rather than being under the deck.
The helm door and the engine accessibility features tipped us to the R31.

 

[Haifisch]

We were in the same quandary a year ago and opted for a used 31. While 2’ doesn’t sound like more space in the cockpit, it is multiplied by a 10’ beam meaning an additional 20 sq. Ft. The pop out seats add additional room and you can have 6-8 normal size adults comfortably. The access to the engine for maintenance is really nice too.

The 31 has a day head which we’ve only used once. I’d prefer it not be there and the area used for something else or to make the main head larger. There’s also a pretty cool table and seat that can be set up on the the foredeck.

The whole thing (LOA) gets a little long with a dinghy tipped up on the back. We are at 37’. I feel at times the thrusters are underpowered for the length and profile in strong winds. Especially in the summer when we have the full enclosure installed.

Love the helm door on the 31 and older 29s.

Don’t skimp on getting a full survey. New or used.

Good luck and have fun with the purchase!

 

[H28]

We (a couple) have the 29S and are very happy with it. We thought the second head in the 31 was a bit of "gilding a lily" and silly. The rear cockpit of the 29 is plenty big enough for us and another couple for dinner, and two other couples for drinks. I can single hand the 29S just fine w/out the side door. With remote thruster control and the cleat just outside the helm window, the side door is not crucial IMHO. I pull up, reach out the window, loop a line over the dock cleat back to the boat cleat, and get the boat set with that hold. no door needed.

Having chartered a GB with a fly bridge, we weren't fans. To each his/her own on command bridges, but we like the "S" model just fine.

 

[ethanbarnett]

For us the 29S just had so much more light and openness than the 31s. No bad choice here.

 

[bill46]

We have a 2014 31CB. Looked at 2011 29 Classic, liked, but price was wrong. Bought the 14 in 16 at a good price.
Love the helm door, can single hand it with door! Also 31 has entire engine in cockpit so quieter cruising. 2nd head is nice, We rarely use Command Bridge, never cockpit steering station, or bow seats. Love ice maker. Bought an Ikea folding table for cockpit and took original to garage. Ikea is larger and folds to stow on inside seat when not used. Pat does not use propane stove, microwave, electric skillet and crockpot. Added 3" foam to berth, much better and cheaper than custom.
Good luck, hope you enjoy.
Bill

 

[kjpower]

Hello Posters,

Thanks to everyone who provided their experiences; it’s appreciated. Sounds like to no bad choice here indeed. Looking forward to buying an R-29S or R-31S very soon.

Thanks again,
Kori 🙂