R27 vs R29

G

gusweber

Active member
Joined
Mar 4, 2014
Messages
26
Fluid Motion Model
C-288 C
Vessel Name
Epiphany II
Hi All!

We're currently searay 280 owners, and run out of Narragansett bay. We're pretty hooked on the Ranger tugs and are currently debating the R27 (brand new) versus a 2010 R29 (lightly used). Curious for R27 owners if you looked at the 29, and why you went with the 27? 27 seems to lack storage space, and the aft berth is pretty small. Some concerns with the 8'6 beam in heavier weather, curious as to how folks feel in 4-6' seas and on a mooring at night...

Appreciate any insight and help, looking forward to joining the club 🙂
 
Hi
I went from Sea Ray 290 to Ranger 29.. Two totally different styles of boating .. I have way more comfort now and lots more room.... inside... less outside room ..my boating companion finially came around and really appreciates the tug.. However I see her looking hard and long at the Sea Rays speeding past..🙂 I would say hands down if you are thinking on towing a lot look at the 27 no hassles .. Having said that the closed off bedroom on the 29 and the extra room is pretty nice.The bathroom beside the bedroom is nice for us as well... I hate the instant depreciation on a new boat so I am always buying used..Good luck I'm sure either boat will serve you well.
 
Well put . If your going to tow other than the seasonal in and out , the 27 is a lot easier and is less needful of bigger truck .
While I haven't been in rough seas in a 29 , my 25 has done very well in 4 to 6 foot seas , so it's reasonable to project that the 29 would be that much better . On the hook , the only issue is boat wake for the more narrow 27 and 25 . Otherwise , it points into the wind and waves like any other boat and is very stable . Like all ranger tugs , they have the stability of much larger boats while under way .
So ......... Unless you plan on towing a lot ............ Get the big one !!!
FYI ..... you can't launch into the wachuset res :lol:
 
Thanks guys, appreciate the advice.

No need to tow -- we keep her in a slip on the Bay. Agree with the sentiment on the depreciation, but I think we're at a pretty good price point (close to what I've seen some used 27's going for).
 
We looked at both and chose the R-29 because it stays in the water most of the time. We do have the trailer and a friend of mine has a Ram Diesel that pulls it easily. In Florida, towing the R-29 requires a wide load permit though that requirement is lifted when there are hurricane warnings. So, if you don't need to tow it much, get the R-29. We have been in some really rough squalls and had no problem riding them out. If you get in the "trough" the roll is quite pronounced and things need to be tied down. She does quarter well and feels quite sturdy at the helm. When we overnight along the ICW in Grand Lagoon (Pensacola, FL area) we use a stern anchor to keep us nose on to the ICW. Catch a big wake abeam and it will toss you around. Both the 27 and the 29 are great boats and you won't be disappointed.

Pat & Carolyn, Ladybug, Too
 
Hi, we have had the opportunity to own both the 27 and currently the 29. Course Andrew and crew think the 31 would look better in our slip. We loved the 27. It handled very well in 6 ft waves and was a very comfortable ride unless getting hit abeam. We always keep our boat in the water so don't have experience with towing but it doesn't look like that is an issue for you. We went to the 29 primarily because my body is no longer twenty something (although the mind, nevermind). I really enjoy going out the starboard door to secure the anchor. The gunnels are a couple of inches wider and I feel more secure when it is wet and blowing when securing the kayak on top of the boat. We love the size of the master berth and the occasional friend sleeps well in the quarter berth. Hope that helps. Mike
 
Let me first say I own a 2013 R27 and am extremely happy with my choice, the wife would like more room no doubt, but here is my advice.

a piece of paper, 4 columns pro/cons R27 and pro/cons R29, the tally should give you some guidance.

as a starting point here is my R27 likes and dislikes.

Like: maneuverability easy to single-hand, power to weight ratio with the Volvo D3-200 is nice, fuel burn, cockpit size with integrated seating, plenty of storage (for us, 2 adults and one child on multi week trips) noise level moderate with engine out of cabin

dislike: (or wish I had) wider beam, island berth, head located in master berth for better visibility, bigger mid-ship berth

To me the extra cost of the boat, higher fuel burn, higher moorage cost, engine position half way in the cabin and small cockpit does not make the R-29 viable for us right now.
 
I must add after reading the posts I use the side door a lot on mine. If you are not towing I would say go bigger.
 
When I bought my 27', I considered the 29', but did not like the engine partially under the cabin, nor did I like the boarding steps using so much of the cockpit space. When I next hit the lottery, I will buy the perfect boat....a 31' sedan.

Phil
 
FYI w have never had a noise issue on a R 29 we couldn't solve if there was one at all, and the stairs shrunk a couple years ago. For a lot of our customers , its the perfect boat !
Marc
 
I think each model has great features and selecting any boat is a matter of compromise. What is good for one individual may not be so for another and vice versa. Most important is the service one receives after delivery and Ranger can't be beat! We own an R-27 and couldn't be more happy. Would I like the better rear view you get from a 29, yes. Having a bit more room in the state room would be nice also. However, easier trailering, more economical performance and docking fees and a generally comfortable living space make the R-27 work for us.

Mike Rizzo
 
Thanks for the responses everyone! Super helpful!

Biggest concern on the 27 at the moment is the lack of storage space...curious where folks are storing clothes, etc?

Does anyone actually use the aft berth under the dinette?
 
I would spend some time on the boats. It seems like there is always a tugnut who will take you out. Better yet charter one. We got to know the R29 by doing that. I know there are several here on the left coast available 😀 My wife and I really value the master berth. We normally keep our boat in the Bay Area and use it like a motel since all our family is down there. I don't think any of our relatives' guest beds can compare to our berth with the memory foam. I will admit that the R27 is awfully cute (sorry about that) and rumor has it that it scoots along quite nicely.
 
For our 27, here's what we did. We don't have any children, so we took out the "mattress" in the aft berth. We then purchased some plastic drawer bins, and stacked them where the mattress was. The height and width of three stacked, by three wide bins was just shy of the height and width of the berth entrance, so the bins won't topple over. Additionally, I took out the navigator's chair, and custom made some shelves that would fit under the "desk" of the "cave". The only issue now is that we have so much storage space with the bins and shelves that our boat lists to port when we load our personal items on board. 😱 Not to mention having four batteries and a generator on the port side. When spring comes around...IF spring comes around (we live in the DC area and got blasted with 6" of snow this past weekend) :shock: I'm thinking about moving some heavier items to the starboard side to balance us out some. I'm thinking about a spare anchor, my tool bag, the spare tire from my F-250... :lol:
 
gusweber":1zczzcok said:
Thanks for the responses everyone! Super helpful!

Biggest concern on the 27 at the moment is the lack of storage space...curious where folks are storing clothes, etc?

Does anyone actually use the aft berth under the dinette?
Click to expand...
We do not use the cave as a sleep area. I removed the fold up chair. In the cave we have four Rubbermaid boxes that go under a bed and they measure about 16 inches wide, 6 inches high and 4 feet deep. We have a number on the front of each and have a list with what is in each box. When I need a box I pull it out and just slide it back on top. We put items in these boxes that are not used often. In front of where the seat was we have a three draw plastic stackable draw for dry foods and cans. We also use the Clothes rod for hanging shirts, pants, jackets and our inflatable PFD's. We also fit the parts kit box, barbeque and two folding bikes. We have everything setup for easy access. Believe me you can fit more in the boat than you need. Go to a rendezvous boat crawl and you will have plenty of storage ideas. My favorite phase for the boat is, "Cocktails for six, dinner for four and sleeping for two"
 
We also removed the seat, placed a cheap Target set of drawers under the seat, that gave us 3 drawers for cloths and food. We also placed a 12v freezer in the space for long trips. If you have doors placed under the dinette that will open up those voids and give you lots of space for totes.
 
Whichever model you decide on it will be great to have another Ranger Tug cruising Narragansett Bay with us. 😀
 
We looked at the 27 and decided on a very lightly used 29. Down sides for us on the 27 was the head being up, did not like the blind spot and lack of privacy it had no door at the helm. I can come and go single handed quite easily with the 29 and the beam. We travel a lot in crappy sea conditions and love that when the other guys are staying in, we are heading out
 
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