R27 or R29 for a family of 5? or????

[LostInSeattle]

Hello all!

I am looking to upgrade to a real cruiser. Currently own a 19' bowrider. We are a family of 5 (3 kids, ages 15, 12, 10), however the kids rarely spend time on the boat.

I am considering the R27 or R29 so that I can handle easily by myself, and the wife and I can escape to cruise the Puget Sound up here in Seattle. I have been to the last 3 boat shows and spent time on the Ranger Tug line and know that it would fit that lifestyle quite nicely. However, my REAL question is...will either boat be too cramped if the kids wanted to join us for the weekend, or week?

Even though it would be rare that all 5 of us went for a cruise together for an extended time, just looking for input from owners that have on-water experiences with a similar situation. A real concern for me is that after purchasing, the kids would be more apt to join us and now I bought a boat that is too small for them all!! 🙂

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Troy

 

[pugtug613]

Of course, in this case, bigger is better. The 29 is 10' wide vs. 8'6" for the 27. Either boat could work, just a matter of how much boat you can afford and if you want to trailer it. I would prefer a 27 for trailering, the 29 for room. Just my opinion, it's your call.

 

[SnugTug]

Troy

We have three kids. Former center console and bow rider family in the 21 foot range.

Just bought an R-27 because we have two older kids and one younger and the reality is we will seldom overnight with the whole gang, but plan to do a lot of day cruising and fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Spending the extra money just for larger berths didn't make sense to us when you see how much boat they put into the R-27.

Think about the reality of how you and the family will actually use the boat. Either way, hard to go wrong.

Just my opinion.

John

 

[kskogerson]

I would second pug tugs comments. ..however I pull my 29 with no concerns. ..just make sure you have a big enough truck!
We have had 5 on board for 2 weeks. ..mother in law...daughter...grandson..wife and myself. ..yes after two weeks. ....you are ready for a change. ..but it can be done!
Would see no problem with a weekend.
My 29 is for sale because I don't use it anymore. ..sad but true.

 

[berniefiedler]

We have three grandchildren, close and 13 12 and11, that love staying on our R-27 for birthday nights, two boys and one girl. Traveling for longer then that is possible, but the kids would have to work it out and probably would. I'm not giving up the front berth with Grandma🙂

 

[Crewdog]

Maybe try reading "The Curve of Time" by M. Wylie Blanchet for a bit of inspiration.

We enjoyed thoroughly before doing the Desolation Sound trip, even if our kids are the furry 4-legged kind.

 

[LostInSeattle]

Thank you everyone who have responded!! I have no doubt we will have fun. @kskogerson, wow that a full boat for a LONG time! I am sure it provided great memories though.

I am leaning on the R29 for the wider beam...again, thanks to all for your comments.

Hopefully I can make this a reality soon.

Troy

 

[wthron]

Definitely stick was a 10' wide hull. With 8' 6" width, anybody moves the boat rolls side to side noticeably. Marginal weather days and everybody is inside?.......For how long??

Best, Wayne

 

[knotflying]

R-27 owner here. This is my slogan, "cocktails for six, dinner for four sleeping for two."

 

[Boont Boater]

Wow Bill and Nicole. That's exactly what I was going to suggest. The way they made it work with that narrow beamed boat was pretty amazing - what great adventures.

For teenagers a couple of sleeping bags out in the cockpit might work on either boat. If it was my adult children and significant other, I would probably rent them a hotel room.

 

[Spinner]

As far as having the whole family on a 29 foot boat goes.... I grew up boating in the Pacific NW (mostly in British Columbia) 4 kids plus 2 adults, all on a 29 foot Uniflite for three weeks at a time each summer, plus many shorter trips.

That boat had an 11 foot beam, and we made it work! The kids included my two brothers who were 6 foot tall at the time....

For that many, having full canvas for the cockpit was important.