Ranger 29/31 S or CB

[osikowim7]

Hello,

I am very interested in buying a Tug 29 or 31. I plan on primarily living aboard full time, while also using it for fishing in the PNW.

1) I would like a diesel just for fuel efficiency and engine life, but am not totally opposed to the outboard options. Am I correct in assuming that the outboard versions will have more storage space under the deck since there is no diesel? Am I missing other benefits of a diesel over an outboard (generator/heating/beaching boat/etc.)

2) In deciding between the S or CB version, I was leaning towards Sedan because of the additional storage space up top for kayaks/paddleboards/kiteboarding equipment/fishing/crab pots. I am not sure the utility of the CB version would be worth a sacrifice to storage space. Thoughts?

3) With my price range, I think I am limited to a used Ranger in the 2015 - 2018 range. Any differences in the models from this time that I should be aware of?

4) For fishing, I know I would need a trolling valve if I went diesel. Any other upgrades I would need to make it fish ready?

Appreciate any feedback, thanks!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[FreeSoup]

Sure you'll get lots of solid info from more seasoned folks than a ~newbie, but we are enjoying our co-owned '13 31CB. If the weather is nice, almost always driving from up top. Still has room for (2) paddle-boards above the solar panel/rack, and we rolled down to Astoria we put the (4) crab pots on the bow. Haven't been seriously fishing with it yet but downriggers and a crab-puller are on the list. I could see where the aft steering station would be nice, but wasn't on the boat we wound up with. Good luck!

 

[Dubs]

We started with the R27 Classic and graduated to the R31, for more space, better ride, quieter operation and more comfort. There are significant space improvements going from the 27 to a 31. Both our Tugs were powered by inboard Volvo diesel engines. The inboards offer some nice advantages, such as less LOA not having engines hanging off the back, which might be a factor where you moor the boat, and engine-cabin heat while motoring. The R29 has had three different designs: The 2015 era R29 changed to the current model at some point – you should check the specs and pictures. The R31 has remained the same overall configuration all along. Comparing the newest R29 to the R31, there seems to be more cabin room in the 31, specifically in the dinette setup, and a much larger cockpit, especially with the bump-out seats on the R31. One feature the R29 owners may not see as a must-have is the starboard captain's door, which I find to be a deal-breaker in favor of the R31. I use the slow-troll valve option whenever we troll for salmon. The R31 fishes well, using the factory installed Scotty pads/plugs, which also, obviously, support a pot puller for crab & shrimp pots. Given our climate (and I have no need to be in the sun like when I was younger), I prefer the Sedan. The roof is easily accessible and provides space for kayak and bike storage.

 

[aculverwell]

A few additions:

-2014 (I think) is the last year that the R29 was made in the classic style & with the side door. The newer modern R29 doesn't have the side door.
-2016 is the first year that the R31CB has the hard top & extra seating/table on the command bridge.
-I much prefer the R31CB over the R31S-- really love the extra space on the command bridge, not to mention the great view & outdoor boating experience. There is still lot of room for gear up top even with the command bridge.

 

[osikowim7]

Thanks for the replies. Do you think the 31CB with the hardtop over the cockpit would cause a problem with fishing? I'm thinking it may limit the height with fishing pole maneuverability.

 

[Dubs]

RE fishing: No issues with the hardtop which is the same in the S and CB. Down riggers point off each side. We reel in from the side the fish hits and do the net off the transom.
Dubs

 

[Chimo]

No personal experience of either boats so please take my comments in that light.

On any boat, Ranger or otherwise, when you add weight like a CB, people or stored items higher you move the cog of the vessel. Unless you increase corresponding weight below the cog you increase metacentric height. That will make the vessel more tender (it will have a higher tendency to roll). I have no idea how RT offset weight shift. You could ask them for the calculation but I suspect that info would be proprietary. Only you can determine how much your personally notice this and if it concerns you. Sea trial both versions in a real beam sea to decide.

 

[H28]

We have a 29S, and my wife and I really think it is a sweet spot. I'd rather have the storage space on the cabin top for my kayak and/or Yakima then have the command bridge.

As for the 31, I think the second head in the quarter berth is a bit silly in a boat that size, and anyway the 29S fits us just fine. I can dock quite well without the side door. I reach out the side window on the 29S and cleat off to the dock with the cleat just under the window. If with my wife, she ties up the stern, then we do the bow. If single handling, the remote control thruster helps after I do that first tie if there is wind, but otherwise once you get that first amidship tie, you are set up to do the rest.

 

[osikowim7]

That's great info, thanks!

I think I've decided on the 31S, I'd rather have the storage space ontop and not sure how much use I would get with the bridge, although it does look very nice for the summers. It rains most of the year in Seattle, so I think the Sedan version makes more sense for me.

I'm choosing the 31 over the 29 because I plan to live aboard, and the extra space will go a long way. It seems the 29 appears more "open" on the inside and I like the window and natural light arrangement, but the 31 extra space/cabinets/storage wins me over.

 

[H28]

Congrats, you can't go wrong with either choice. And at the end of the day, it is your mission profile that counts.

 

[Beardco]

I personally went with the 31CB over the sedan. I like the seating and table up top, along with the helm.

I'm not interested in the sun but, for early morning and evening, sitting at the table up top is what interests me. A cool, calm evening on the ocean, sitting of top seems very relaxing. Using the CB helm for greater visibility of the water and all-round scenic view are big pluses. I plan to navigate the islands and take the passage to Alaska. Keep in mind that the navy finds flybridges to be indispensable, and Hemmingway cobbled together his own flybridge because it was so useful.

The sedan has nicer, cleaner lines but, Ranger sells about 70% CB's. Your resell value will be much greater in the CB.

I thought about a boat one day, called Ranger the next day, made a deposit two days later, and take delivery in about three weeks. I was fortunate that they were starting a build and another person was on the fence about purchasing.

Ahh, those impulse purchases. Don't own a boat, haven't been on one in 30 years.