Ranger 29 vs Mainship 34 Question!

[BernieG]

Hi folks,

New to the forum and we are looking at a Ranger 29 for local cruising in the PNW. Basically its for my wife and I 90% of the time and occasionally to be joined by our two 19 and 21 yr old daughters. Our short list is down to a used Ranger Tug 29 and a Mainship 34 - both are circa $200K. Quite different boats and both have advantages and disadvantages. My wife likes the Ranger, and I do too, but the Mainship does seem to offer more space/features for the money - but slower and probably quite a bit more expensive to maintain.

We are looking for a good solid cruiser that will be fun and safe to operate in the PNW and wont cost an arm and a leg to run. We don't plan to trailer the boat. Also, we want something that will hold its value reasonably compared to other quality boats, won't feel too small after 4 days cruising, and will be comfortable at anchor.

I welcome your thoughts!

P.S. We are moving out of a Catalina 320 sailboat, so this will be our first power boat.

Cheers
Bernie

 

[knotflying]

I think you may be comparing apples and oranges. The difference in space between a 29 foot boat and a 34 are quite different. Mainship is pretty popular and I have not heard too many complaints about them. Once you get past the size difference, you can't beat Ranger. Besides the support you receive from the factory there is the community environment you will experience with Ranger. We have a 27 and for my wife and I it has worked out great. We would have gone with the 29, but did not want to deal with wide load permits and went with the 27. So if you are not going to trailer the boat and a used 29 fits your finances you can't go wrong. I am sure those who own 29's will chime in regarding sleep over guests.

 

[pugtug613]

Coming from a 38 ft. sailboat myself, you will never have the same room as a C320. I went with an R27 and I'm already looking for more room. (I took delivery March '14) I am looking at the R29 a few other boats. The Mainship has a more roomy settee area. But, I like the sleeping arrangements better on the R29. IMO, I think where you sleep is more important than where you hang out. I don't know a lot about the Mainship, but it is a popular boat. The R29 is a solid and safe vessel. Check the fuel economy, THAT'S IMPORTANT!!

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Bernie

I'm curious, which mainship 34 model are you talking about?

I looked online. There's a mainship trawler 34 I, II, and III which are older models. There are current 34s which are called "pilot" model or "rum runner." And there is also a 34 Trawler model.

I had no idea there were so many KINDS of Mainship.

Good luck with your search,

David

 

[BernieG]

Hello Bernie

I'm curious, which mainship 34 model are you talking about?

I looked online. There's a mainship trawler 34 I, II, and III which are older models. There are current 34s which are called "pilot" model or "rum runner." And there is also a 34 Trawler model.

I had no idea there were so many KINDS of Mainship.

Good luck with your search,

David

Thanks, for the responses! Interesting point about sailboat size vs power size.
I am looking at a 2008 Mainship Trawler 34, and a 2010 R29.

Cheers
Bernie

 

[timberlock]

I had a Mainship 40 trawler before downsizing to our Ranger 29. And also had a little experience with the MS 34. I can say that there is a great deal of difference in construction integrity between the Ranger and the Mainship. The Ranger is much stiffer in a seaway and much easier to handle and there are reasons. I strongly suggest you have the Mainship surveyed by a competent surveyor. Pay particular attention to the placement and fabrication of the below deck bulkheads. Look for cracks both there and on the deck. If you do find cracks in the gelcoat (other than normal spider type), then try to determine the reason for the cracking because most cracks of this nature come from the flexing of the hull, which you don't want. But a surveyor should help you with this. Check the steering. How responsive is it to the helm particularly in a following sea. Try backing it up. I guess I should say that if you only use the Mainship in well protected waters then these concerns may not be a problem for you.

The Ranger is smaller but it is extremely well built and engineered. And it is still in production with outstanding factory support. As any Ranger owner knows, you can call the factory during working hours and get immediate help.

Mainship is no longer in production/

Dick