R25 vs R25SC

[tugabee]

My wife and I are seriously considering a 25' Ranger Tug. We've looked at both the R25 (original layout) and the R25SC (sport cockpit). Per the factory brochure, the main advantages of the R25SC is the larger cockpit. It must have cost the manufacturer a significant amount of money to make the change. Did the manufacturer make the change merely to satisfy potential customers' desire for a larger cockpit or were they correcting what might be construed to be a shortcoming of the design?

With the R25SC, the engine is completely out of the cabin. Is this because of excessive engine noise in the cabin of the R25? Is access to the front of the engine better in the R25 or the R25SC? It appeared to me to be better in the R25 as the step can be disassembled to provide access, but I didn't do a thorough inspection. Neither model seems to provide the access to the front of the engine that I'd expect. How big a problem is this?

My wife actually prefers the cabin layout of the R25 because of the better functionality of the 'cave'.

I'm apologize if there is already a thread on this topic. I've done some searching, but haven't found anything that addresses my specific concerns. The Ranger Tugs appear to be solid, high quality boats. What I've pointed out are not 'deal breakers', but part of the process of examining the various alternatives.

Tony

 

[Ainokea]

We have the R25 with the 110 Hp Yanmar. I find there is more than adequate room all around to work on this power plant compared to the larger power plant options. As far as engine noise it may be a little louder but not overwhelming. The cabin layout is dependent on what you desire. I think the R25 is a better layout and the cockpit can easily handle 2 chairs . The 25SC has the larger cockpit which may be great for fishing. If you want both the R25 cabin and the larger cockpit then look at the R27

 

[BaseCampAnne]

The R-25SC is the boat I am enjoying, but I totally agree that the R-27 looks ideal if you can swing it.

Since I solo most of the time, the 25SC is plenty large, and the engine is very accessible. I believe the engine noise is somewhat less, but it is still quite audible. And yes, the cave is much smaller!

I had a 90 Suzuki on the 22' C-Dory I had previously so welcomed a larger engine, although I don't know enough yet about the engines to say it is that significant or not. It just sounds like I could get out of a situation faster...but knowledge and skill are more important.

Hopefully you will find a boat that you can purchase and get out and enjoy it, whichever model works for you!

Anne

 

[South lake]

We went through the same decision process and ended up with a new 2010 R25 from Wefings in Florida. We liked the larger cabin and that was more important than a larger cockpit.

We have the Yanmar 150hp and like the fact that when it's trimmed properly we can run at 18+ mph and get 2.3+ mpg or slow to 7 or 8 mph for phenomenol mileage and range. Engine maintenance looks pretty difficult though, especially if you had to have an impeller replaced. After the oil pipe recall, I have a good Yanmar mechanic on speed dial because I would not want to work on the engine myself.

As to which model, for us the R27 was a beautiful boat and soved the cabin vs. cockpit question. But there were a couple of new R25's out there and the price difference drove our decision.

Taking all of that into consideration though I just don't think there's a bad decision to be made when buying a Ranger Tug. These are beautiful boats, well equipped, and I think you'll be happy with any choice you'll make.

 

[knotflying]

I own an R-27 and bought that over the 25-SC because we wanted the larger cabin and larger cockpit. If we were to go the 25 route it would have been the classic 25 because the cabin is basically the same size as the 27 and you are only giving up cockpit room. I really like the 25 and having helped a good friend change the oil on his and examine the room to be able to work on the engine and the simplicity of no computers plus fuel efficiency I would say it is a winner, the rest is personal choice.

Good Luck

 

[Just Limin']

Hi,

We bought a new 25 SC a couple of months ago from Chesapeake Ranger Tugs in Annapolis. Just my wife and myself. We Love it! We recently moved over from a Pearson 32 sailboat. Take a look at our photo's under Just Limin'
Feel free to email me directly at Coppifan@AOL.com if you have any particular questions.

Wonderful boat! Perfect for the Chesapeake Bay.


Bill Eggert

 

[commander bill]

I have the older classic R25. I believe going to the R25SC was a business decision which included the newer R27. The R27 does have some improvements but is basically an older R25 with a larger cockpit. That made the older R25 viewed as no longer needed. The R25SC and R27 satisfied both "sides" of the market. I believe the R25SC and R27 both provide less noise and better maintenance access that my older classic design. I prefer more cabin space over cockpit space so my choice would be between a used R25 classic and newer R27 (I never fish and hate the sun).