R27 Question

P

pugtug613

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
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337
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Vessel Name
Pugs Tug
I took delivery on a 2012 R27 this past week. So far, we love it. Just one complaint. The head is right in the way when you are backing into a slip. I tried sticking my head out the window and standing in the middle. Especially on a windy day, it seems odd that Ranger would place the head right there. I would have moved it forward, like the R29. How do you guys back into a slip with an R27?
Chester
 
I've heard of people putting a mirror on the aft end of the bow railing near the helm. Or, for a few more dollars, people also hook a back-up camera to the chart plotter. I haven't done either...yet.
 
Just out of curiosity why do you back into a slip? I know that a lot of people do but I prefer bow in. With a bow thruster you have lots of control and backing out into the fairway isn't usually a big deal. My personal preference is to have the cockpit facing out for a little more privacy rather then sharing it with all my neighbors strolling by.

Just making conversation. I'm sure you'll sort it out with a little practice. We really liked the look of the R27 but the berth and head placement on the R29 ruled the day.

Have a great time with your boat.

Jeff
 
I also have to back into my slip as the dock fingers are too short for bow in. I insisted on a port side dock at my yacht club as the visibility from the boat is much better on that side. To dock, I go forward, past my slip (on the left), stop the boat with the stern just past the end of the dock finger, and then using the bow thruster and a judicious use of power in reverse, I make a 90 deg backing, left turn into the slip. If I'm alone, and there is an uncooperative wind, I take the thruster remote with me as I leave the helm so that I don't blow away from the dock.

It was a challenge at first...but, I mastered it and now small crowds gather to watch me come in on windy days. Some folks are easily entertained. Practice makes perfect! Good luck!

Phil
 
I forgot to mention....during the docking maneuver, use the thruster and power only, don't touch the wheel. It won't help you.
 
There is a limit to what length and floorplan will allow for efficient use of space. Backing with your 27 will be done like getting to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice. 😉

Best to toss out a flotation cushion to practice backing (a bunch) before you take on a dock. If you have a first mate, good communication between you two will go a long ways when close maneuvering. I drive a commercial boat that has very limited close aft visibility - I depend on a 1st mate (that I've trained) to let me know "how close." No thrusters on that single screw boat, either... fenders are your friends.

With practice, you will find what works best for your situation.

Enjoy the new boat - love those 27s!

Jim B.
 
When backing into a tight spot, I always was standing, not sitting, at the helm and looking out the window. I had a box built to bring the floor level at the helm up enough( I am 5'4" tall) to give me good visibility and control. In order to see how close we were to the dock I had to have my head and sometimes shoulders out the window to see forward or reverse, so the head never was a problem.
 
I just stick my head out the window when I back in.
It is easier to bow in. Backing out of your slip is much
easier.
 
I always stern in. Even with the 3 sailboats I had previously. I don't like climbing over the bow rail to get on and off. I appreciate all the responses. I like the mirror idea and I guess practice, practice and more practice. The guy who said "get a 29" I ONLY HAVE THE BOAT 2 WEEKS! Although, my wife has already said, "After we retire, maybe we should get a 29?" I heard Ranger will discontinue the R29 and only offer the R31 without that fly bridge. So, it will be R21, R25, R27 and R31. So, in 2017, when we "get out of Dodge" we will probably be looking for an R31???!!
Chester
 
pugtug613":jygpui6f said:
I always stern in. Even with the 3 sailboats I had previously. I don't like climbing over the bow rail to get on and off. I appreciate all the responses. I like the mirror idea and I guess practice, practice and more practice. The guy who said "get a 29" I ONLY HAVE THE BOAT 2 WEEKS! Although, my wife has already said, "After we retire, maybe we should get a 29?" I heard Ranger will discontinue the R29 and only offer the R31 without that fly bridge. So, it will be R21, R25, R27 and R31. So, in 2017, when we "get out of Dodge" we will probably be looking for an R31???!!
Chester
Click to expand...

Chester,

See this link where I noted where to buy convex stainless steel mirrors and clamps for the rails. It also includes pictures.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=2508&p=18242&hilit=rear+view+mirrors#p18242

By the way, even though I now have an R31 without the head blocking issue instead of my previous R27, my wife wants me to install mirrors on the R31 since she finds it convenient to check before turning when the bow of the R31 is up in the air thus somewhat blocking rearward visibility.
 
Hi PugTug, Why do you have to climb over the bow rail? As long as the slip is long enough my master docker (guess who) just steps off the swim step, on the starboard side - in our case, with the ropes at hand and ties off the rear cleat and the forward mid cleat. I take it real slow and use the thrusters to keep us in place. Then at my leisure I secure the bow but then even stern-in you probably want to do that.

Just making conversation and trying to learn.

Jeff
 
wireless, waterproof backup camera from bass pro shop. i think it is a stealth and 149.00
 
To Boont Boater..My slip is either bow in or stern in. I can't dock broadside. You have to climb over the bow rail to get on the boat. I just like stern in better, I guess it's a personal choice.
 
Boont Boater":3d9f5zuk said:
Hi PugTug, Why do you have to climb over the bow rail? As long as the slip is long enough my master docker (guess who) just steps off the swim step, on the starboard side - in our case, with the ropes at hand and ties off the rear cleat and the forward mid cleat. I take it real slow and use the thrusters to keep us in place. Then at my leisure I secure the bow but then even stern-in you probably want to do that.

Just making conversation and trying to learn.

Jeff
Click to expand...
We don't all always have the benefit of a finger pier. Bow-in where I am, the closest surface to step onto from the "back porch" is 30 feet away.
 
OK. I get it now. Thanks for the info.

As regards to the big boat-itis that was kind of discussed earlier. We're happy with the R29 but I have to admit that I now see, and think about, lots of things we could of done with our C-Dory that are difficult or impossible with the bigger boat. As so many wiser heads have said on these forums - its all about tradeoffs. Have a great time on your R-27!

Jeff
 
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