Ranger or Cutwater

[Plangstraat]

Good evening TugNuts,
We’re in the process of buying a tug. We previously owned a 32 foot Beneteau sailboat. Hopping around on decks and adjusting sails coupled with unreliable winds in the PNW have us now looking at tugs,
We’ve looked at Rangers and Cutwaters. We’re looking in the 29 foot range.
Any wisdom from the group on the advantages/disadvantages or Ranger vs Cutwater would be much appreciated.
We’ve also looked at Nordic Tugs. Any thoughts on Ranger/Cutwater vs Nordic Tug would also be helpful.
Thank you and let us know if you are thinking of selling!
Piet

 

[Maggie Anne]

We looked at both and ended up with the Ranger 27 OB but the interior of both Ranger and Cutwater seem similar so I don't see major differences between them as product lines. Since you indicated an interest in a tug, I assume you won't be wanting an outboard. The Ranger 29 and the Cutwater 30 then would the ones to compare. The Ranger 29 has a a smaller engine so doesn't have as high a top speed and is less efficient at the higher speeds but more efficient at the lower speeds. Prices are similar for both.

You also mentioned looking at the Nordic Tug line, maybe the 34 would be the most comparable. I think they are considerably more expensive than the Fluid motion boats. Also the top speed for the Nordic 34 would be lower but maybe that's not a consideration.

 

[Emerson]

We looked at both and ended up with the Ranger 27 OB but the interior of both Ranger and Cutwater seem similar so I don't see major differences between them as product lines. Since you indicated an interest in a tug, I assume you won't be wanting an outboard. The Ranger 29 and the Cutwater 30 then would the ones to compare. The Ranger 29 has a a smaller engine so doesn't have as high a top speed and is less efficient at the higher speeds but more efficient at the lower speeds. Prices are similar for both.

You also mentioned looking at the Nordic Tug line, maybe the 34 would be the most comparable. I think they are considerably more expensive than the Fluid motion boats. Also the top speed for the Nordic 34 would be lower but maybe that's not a consideration.

Agreed. Points to consider: An old saying quoted frequently on this forum and others is: every boat is a compromise or a whole bunch of compromises. The NT represents a different set of compromises. For example, if you don’t care about your boat being trailered… ever. You could go with something wider and heavier than an RT 29, such as the NT 34. If you want faster than trawler speed, but don’t care to go fast, the RT will be fine instead of the CW. If a comfortable berth ranks highly, I would argue that RT and CW beat the NT 34. If you want easy access of your “upper deck”, stairs are better than a ladder.

If I were to start over, I would have a very long list of requirements and we would go through a rigorous prioritization. Trouble is that it is difficult to find out what you should consider, but have not considered yet.

Also, NT, a brand I like, went through a couple rounds of bankruptcy. Quality and content during those periods of trouble may be a consideration. Corners were cut and I would certainly not shy away from used boats in general.

Even with something like CT 30 vs. RT 29 (which we have) engines, there are many things to consider. Charging, service interval, dinghy storage and more. You will be glad that you are collecting opinions and feedback.


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