Ranger Operating Costs

[Metric Rider]

I am a Ranger owner wannabe! As I approach retirement I want to purchase a boat, I had leaned (no pun intended) towards a 25' to 28' sailboat ,but my wife says she will not go on a boat that leans! So I have been studying my options and have been really interested in the Ranger 21 or 25. I want a boat that I can trailer, for a number of reasons i.e no local marina costs, flexibility to travel to remote boating locations etc.

What I would like input on is what is the cost of operation of the R-21 and R-25, not so much fuel costs, but insurance, average maintenance costs etc.

My other hobby is riding my Honda VTX (my wife doesn't mind leaning into the corners on it), which I enjoy immensley!

My only previous power boat was a 19' bowrider with a 120 HP o/b

Thanks in advance for any input you can pass along re operating costs.

 

[baz]

Maintenance items and approx cost -- your mileage may vary though... 🙂

1. Annual state registration (in WA for new R-25 its around $650, and decreases each year based on market value and/or depreciation)

2. R-25 Zincs (more zincs replaced if in Salt water). DYI annual cost $100 if on trailer; if professionally done double or triple this if boat kept in water.

3. R-25 Insurance obviously will vary depending on coverage and boat's location -- assume a range of $500 to $1000 per year.

4. R-25 engine maintenance; 50 hr service $500 (3 labor hrs required at $110/hr), 250 hr service $700 (4-5 labor hrs required at $110/hr).

5. If you have trailer, then assume a state trailer registration fee -- have no idea about this annual cost

6. R-25 general boat maintenance for keeping boat looking new, polishing, cleaning, new lines, etc assume $300

7. R-25 if in salt water assume new bottom paint at $1200 every 2 to 3 years. If in fresh water this quite likely can be stretched. If boat kept on trailer then it can be stretched even further presumably.

8. Your trailer maintenance cost figure should be added to this list.

This is a start and others can chip in with their estimates as well.

Good luck.

 

[BaseCampAnne]

Great summary for a 25!

My 2012 model had a higher license fee by $120.00.
In addition the boat insurance was @ $1300.00.

The maintenance cost is probably similar, and for me the upkeep is higher in human hours than dollars. Keeping the stainless areas free of rust and the gel coat clean is challenging whether boating daily or much less.

It is tough to put a value on having this boat!

 

[Metric Rider]

Thanks very much, great info!

 

[knotflying]

Just a thought here. I own an R-27, however I would think that the major costs between the R-21 and the R-25 will be a) the initial cost and b) your tow vehicle. The other factors will be fuel cost (although you say that is not a concern) and probably slip fees because of length. Other than that I would say maintenance, registration and those sort of things have minimal cost impact between each other. Also important between the two boat sizes you are considering is speed and living comfort. Choices are never clear cut.

 

[Metric Rider]

Thanks for the points you made. Always a balance between economics and comfort. If I could only get my 3 professional students out of university, the decision would be easier!!

 

[dalee62]

As a R21 owner I would like to add to the discussion.

My other half and I have spent up to 2 weeks at a time on the boat and have had no problem and she is 5'11". You simply learn to adapt. I like the fact that I can get into little anchorages that others can't and there is always room at a marina.

You mentioned leaning, well the 21 does not really lean. I would describe it more as pitching. If you get in the trough it can be very uncomfortable. Anything not tied down will become air born including you. I don't mind it but my other half will rebel before long. It is a very sea worthy little boat and I have enjoyed every minute with it. At the moment I have no desire to have something bigger. In the 2.5 years that I have owned it I have put on almost 600 hours and 2200 kn miles.

I don't know if that helps, it's just my 2 cents worth.

Dave

 

[Crewdog]

Just thought I'd toss in my two cents.

Don't forget to allow enough to acessorize the boat with tools, spares, bedding, galleyware, electronics, binocs, safety items, etc.

Seems like there's always one more thing to get.....

Bill

 

[Metric Rider]

As a R21 owner I would like to add to the discussion.

My other half and I have spent up to 2 weeks at a time on the boat and have had no problem and she is 5'11". You simply learn to adapt. I like the fact that I can get into little anchorages that others can't and there is always room at a marina.

You mentioned leaning, well the 21 does not really lean. I would describe it more as pitching. If you get in the trough it can be very uncomfortable. Anything not tied down will become air born including you. I don't mind it but my other half will rebel before long. It is a very sea worthy little boat and I have enjoyed every minute with it. At the moment I have no desire to have something bigger. In the 2.5 years that I have owned it I have put on almost 600 hours and 2200 kn miles.

I don't know if that helps, it's just my 2 cents worth.

Dave

Apprciate the comments. With the 21 I would be able to tow it my 2009 Santa Fe, (3500 lb towing capacity) which is quite a cost adavantage, in lieu of a new 4 wheel drive truck. I wonder if Ranger ever considered a R 23 version??

Claire

 

[Metric Rider]

Just thought I'd toss in my two cents.

Don't forget to allow enough to acessorize the boat with tools, spares, bedding, galleyware, electronics, binocs, safety items, etc.

Seems like there's always one more thing to get.....

Bill

Sounds like my motorcycle, always one more thing you gotta have! Or as my mother used to say " One luxury leads to a lot of necessities"

Claire