R27 vs R29

[knotflying]

Oh, by the way, when I removed the seat in the cave on the R-27 I also removed the blocking it was mounted to. That gives you 3 inches of room to push back your draws. The block is actually screwed in from behind with very long screws. The best way to get it off is to split it with a chisel until you can just pull it away. The monkey fur is behind it so removal is not unsightly. To remove the screws I notched them with a hacksaw about 1/2 inch before the wall and then snapped them off. Then I took a plier and turned them in as much as I could and then reached behind the cavity wall and was able to remove them by hand.

Mike Rizzo

 

[kjpower]

*** Created New Post with question ***

 

[Toki]

You're replying to a 6.5 year old post here, but I'll go ahead and give you a reply to one aspect of your question:

Most marinas go by actual overall length, rather than the name of the boat. For example, my R27 classic, with swim step and anchor hanging off the roller, comes in right around 30'.

In your case, you're comparing an R27 outboard to an R29 inboard. You might be surprised to find that the actual real length may be quite similar between the two. The R29 will be beamier, but marinas typically don't charge for that. I'm sure someone else will chime in with exact dimensions.

 

[Bruce Moore]

In your case, you're comparing an R27 outboard to an R29 inboard. You might be surprised to find that the actual real length may be quite similar between the two.

I had to check. The R-29 has an LOA of 33' 4" and the R-27 OB has the same LOA with the engine down, and 31" 7" up.

 

[linedoctor]

I believe you’re asking about comparing a used 29 to a brand new R27 ob. I had a 29 classic and now have a 27 ob. If I’m correct about what you’re asking:

27 OB pros:
Fast
New
Updated electronics and systems
Modern high tech reliable outboard propulsion
Nice features like flip up rear window seat vs none on a classic.
Very quiet engine
Storage-no inboard motor means a huge space under the deck..(as long as you don’t mind having to open the hatch often)

27 OB cons:
Narrow-two people are crammed
Cave-fagettaboutit as an extra berth unless your friend (not friends) is very “petite”. It’s ok for storage but if you’re older It’s a squeeze to access it as such.
The boat must to be hauled for routine maintenance to the lower drive.(not a problem if you trailer)
Much hull noise while going fast
V berth only, not a walk around bed
No helm door (if comparing to a classic)

29 pros🙁With classic or new)
Much larger and more comfortable
Extra berth is actually an extra berth or great storage.
Easy to do your own maintenance
Real walk around bed
More stable

29 cons:
Slow
Diesel power is passé, some think. I don’t necessarily agree.

There are more differences but those seem to be the big ones for me.

I really, really like my 27 ob. I really really, liked my 29. I plan on really, really liking another 29 or 31 someday soon.

 

[tugnewbie]

Hi new to Ranger tugs and wanting a pocket cruiser we can tow around country. Like an RV on the water. 2-3 big trips per year not every weekend, so not worried about permits issue for so few trailerings. I have a 1 ton diesel pickup truck so good there too. For example, tow the boat from New England to Florida in December spend a month on it then leave it there on land until the spring. Tow the boat to Washington for a month in June then back to Great Lakes sit for two months before a month in Maine in September. I want a trailerable boat because I do not have time or interest for the long trips in between these dream destinations.

Only two of us but we bring a lot of stuff like ebikes etc. We have a bigger 36’ Grady day boat with a berth now and the lack of storage space for even overnighting drives us crazy. My wife is a bit disabled very sensitive to seaworthiness and we would prefer more room for extended stays so thinking 29. I need to do a lot of the line handling myself so a wider walk around would be safer too.

But I am worried about a diesel boat that will sit for months and won’t get regular use. I have a diesel pickup truck but I’ve never had a diesel boat and I’m worried about the diesel reliability especially if we don’t use it that much and it sits on land between trips. My understanding is that modern diesels need regular use to be reliable. Is that correct?

For 2 to 4 week stays, would the extra room and seaworthiness of the R 29 be worth potential hassles with the diesels vs a smaller, easier R27 with outboards? I noticed the gentleman above had an R 29 went to an R 27 and is hoping to get back to an R 29. ?

Do you think they will come out with an R 29 with outboards like they did with the R 27? Outboards are a big trend so maybe they will but I did some research and I haven’t seen any mention of it. Are there any competitors similar to ranger tug’s with a bigger trailerable outboard cruising boat that are affordable? I know there’s MJM but they look to be 2X the price.

If they are not coming out with an R 29 with outboards, can anyone speak to whether using a diesel boat like we hope to periodically 2-3 months a year makes any sense or whether that is a recipe for problems?

Thanks!

 

[S. Todd]

Most of us on the great lakes do most, if not all, of our cruising in the three months of June, July, and August. We have had our diesel 2015 R25SC for six seasons and not a bit of trouble with the diesel despite it frequently sitting for 9 or 10 months between cruises (which should change now with our retirements). In a few of those years it was not used in the months of June and one year it was used as late as October. There is never a problem with the evil ethanol in the fuel like you have with a gasoline powered boat, which was part of the motivation for switching to diesel after decades of dealing with gasoline. We have been so happy with with the Volvo diesel that we just ordered a R29S. The low center of gravity from the diesel placement makes for a very forgiving boat while cruising and at rest. When the great lakes are not flat and calm, about 25% of the time when you pick your days carefully, they generally require cruising at speeds more typical of a trawler (or a fast trawler with semi displacement hulls like the inboard Ranger Tugs) and at those speeds the diesel inboards shine. The new outboards are far more reliable and fuel efficient than those of old, but we love the safety and strength of the diesel. When I compare prices, I also typically find that diesel fuel at the marina is less expensive than the alcohol free gasoline.