R25SC - what to look for in a purchase

[Fly-fish]

I am wondering if the world of Tugnuts can help me. My wife and I are considering a 25SC Ranger tug. However, as this is a big purchase I find myself contemplating how much I don't know about the reliability, the normal maintenance, annual maintenance costs, etc. i have read about some of the issues on this forum and I feel lucky to have done so, but I now am concerned that I could become a mechanic on the water. Can anyone help me to understand maintenance and upkeep, normal and abnormal wear points, etc? We like a 25SC that has about 500 hours on it. Is that much in the useful life of a Yanmar 4BY2 150 HP? When we crusied on it, it only maxed out at 16 knots (we thought 19 was the max). Reasons for this?
Any help is greatly appreciated and hopefully I will become a owner tugnut too with your collectiv insights.

And by the way, we will have the boat surveyed of course.
Thank you.
Mike B.
Camas,
Wa.

 

[elly]

Hi,
I recently purchased a 2008 25. I don't think RT's have any more or less maintenance requirements or issues than other boats. Even though the boat is small there are a lot of systems which can or will need attention. That is boating. One thing I would have done differently in the purchasing process is that I would have looked for a surveyor who was very familiar, even intimate, with RT's. I have found and am finding things that require repair/replacement that would have been noticed by any conscientious owner. Although none of the items are major I would have liked to know about them prior to purchase. If you live in an area where there are other RT owners I am sure you could get one of them to help you.

 

[Fly-fish]

Thank you for those comments and the recommendation. I will look for someone who knows this brand well in my surveyor search.

 

[Brian B]

You should be present when the survey is performed and follow the surveyor around the boat, ask questions. Have the surveyor take oil samples for analysis. You could also have a Yanmar technician check the engine out. I wouldn't be concerned with the 500 hours as long as oil/filter changes were performed along with the maintence schedule.
You didn't state what year the boat is. Mine is a 2010 and there was a Yanmar service bulletin to replace an oil line and water hose that year and earlier. Not sure what year the bulletin ended. Very important that the oil line was replaced as it could burst causing catastrophic engine damage.
If you do not want to tackle maintenance items yourself I would call your local boatyard and get prices for oil and fuel filter changes, bottom painting, waxing, hauling/launching, storage etc. That way you will have an idea of annual costs you may expect.
Different factors can affect speed, people on board, current, wind, sea growth on the bottom etc. When the survey is done they should note how close the engine RPM's come to the engine ratings. I wouldn't expect more than the 16 knots the boat obtained when you were on it. These are not fast boats.
You could also contact the Ranger factory with questions, they provide great support.
Good luck with your purchase, they are great boats.

 

[Fly-fish]

Thank you Brian for your thohghtful comments. Will do!