R23 thoughts/experience

[cstpt]

About a year ago I started a thread about the R23, and got some insightful responses. I finally got the chance to compare it to the R25 and aside from the head arrangement, didn't find a compelling reason to prefer that model for my purposes which would justify the higher cost.

I came very close to pulling the trigger on a new R23 this week, but shied away primarily because of the loss I'd have to take on my two-year old 21EC. It remains on my mind, though, so I invite additional thoughts on your experiences with the R23, especially any drawbacks you've found or reasons why you might choose an alternative were you to do it again. I'm aware of the inherent limitations of tankage etc.

If there are any Canadian Tugnuts who might be thinking of selling an R23 in the future, I'd be interested in starting a conversation.

 

[BB marine]

Chase I can't comment on the difference R23 compared to R25. I have a Cutwater. When we purchased our C26 2016 the C24 was a new model. My first choice boat was the Ranger 21EC. That is my favorite Ranger Tugs for overall appearance. It just didn't have near enough room for what we planed to do. We then looked at the C24 with a sterndrive Volvo diesel. I wanted a diesel. I really liked nice finishes, all the amenities we needed except the head configuration and birth area quarters seemed a bit tight. I then focused on the R27 I really liked it but it was 50K more then the C24 with apples to apples equipment. My wife didn't like the interior layout she liked the Cutwater lay out which is now the standard for all Rangers and Cutwaters in their new models. Our finial choice was the C26 night and day difference with interior room compared to the C24 and very comparable to the R27. Still about 50K more the the C24. I would expect that the difference between the R23 and R25 would be the same statement. It all depends on how you plan on using the boat. Weekend cruising the R23 is a great choice as is the C24. If you plan on cruising for weeks at a time the R25 would probably be a better choice. As it was for us C26 over the C24.

You stated you would be taking a big hit on your 21 EC. That surprises me. It is a discontinued specialty boat. Someone looking for that model would most likely pay a premium for it. The R21EC is not a boat you want to trade in at a dealer. It is a boat that you what to sell out right. It will sell. A dealer will sell it at a 30% mark up from what they give you for a trade-in value.

 

[Larry1030]

Chase, we faced a similar dilima a year ago when looking at the R23 vs the R27. Almost purchased an R23 not just for the lower price but felt like the smaller vessel would be easier to handle, easier to dock, easier to put on a lift, and easier to trailer. The R27 just looked so much bigger. After demos on both vessels we elected to go with the R27 and today we are really glad that we did. Had I bought the R23 I probably would be looking to trade it for the R27. We found the R 27 much roomers inside and the head is greatly improved compared to the R23 (was very important to my wife). Also the R27 comes standard with many, many options that are extra and very costly to add to the R23. Didn’t think I really needed Autopilot but after having the boat for a year I wouldn’t want one without it. During our demo we also felt the R23 was under powered with the 200 Yamaha compared to the 300 on the R27. Not because of top speed but the 300 is peppier and easier to get the boat back on plane after slowing down. The R27 also handled rough water and the wake from other vessels better than the R23. After owning the R27 for a year we found it very easy to handle, dock, and load on our lift. Bigger size not an issue at all. Hope that helps.

 

[cstpt]

Thanks for the replies. The low value was indeed based on a trade. That’s an expedient way to go with some tax savings, and eliminates the cost of owning two boats simultaneously, but I have come to the same conclusion that it should be sold privately when the time comes. I also agree that the 21ec is aesthetically at the top of the line. I expect that for many people RT first came on their radar when they saw it, certainly was true in my case. It has its limitations to be sure, but in terms of making a statement on the water, it is nearly peerless. As to going bigger, which was the gist of my first thread, I expect few wish they had bought something smaller.