Ranger R23 or aluminum boat

[dehawkins]

I'm looking to get back on a boat, stepping up from center console to cabin based boat. Real question is whether aluminum or fiberglass. We had an aluminum Pacific Boats 23 for 4 years and 400+ hours on the engine before relocating and then returning from Australia after 6 years. We had used it trailering to Baja, spent a lot of time at the Channel Islands off SoCal coast, and done a couple of 3-week trips in the Inside Passage north of Port Hardy. With rain, everyone got wet when underway and overnights we rigged a specialized bimini to keep rainy weather out and allow 3 people and dogs to sleep.

The aluminum boat allowed easy trailering since it was so light so a trip speed was same with or without the trailer. It was solid, no worry about logs or dead heads in the water. Waking up in the morning after anchoring too shallow and slightly to the side was never a worry. Able to sneak into the smallest inlets usually left to dinghy's with its shallow draft. New captains bouncing off dock or another boat was more a risk to the object with barely a scuff mark visible on our boat. Worse case, foam filled hull kept me happy knowing it couldn't sink with a hole (which could be welded) or if swamped somehow the scuppers would quickly drain the water given the deck is welded front-to-back. Any water whether from rain or just washing down the inside of the boat always flowed out. In 4 years, we didn't use the bilge nor need to empty thru the drain plug once. Boat was quick but a little bouncy in chop, but basically dry. Max range at 600 miles allowed us to skip ports and maximize our viewing pleasure and spend more time adventuring. We had few features and kept things extremely utilitarian. At the end of the trip, a simple rinse down and/or a quick soapy scrub seemed to be all that was needed. Annually, the outboard needed its servicing and the water separator needed a look at. After 4 years, there was no noticeable color or wear marks and no rusted bits that needed tending.

I saw hull #1 of the 2019 R23 at the LA boat show this afternoon. Very compelling from point of view of features packed, well designed, and tucked into every crevice. Many feature advantages in terms of staying out of the weather, allowing heaps of ventilation, sleeping plenty, and ok range for our applications. Seems like it would keep 6 people dry in poor weather inside and even offer a way for 5 people to sleep comfortably.

Now comes to questions:
* what kind of maintenance and upkeep is required after each trip and every year (beyond outboard)?
* anything that needs regular replacement?
* compared to our last boat, this one seems to have many 'fiddly bits' that could break or at least fail given the vibration and saltwater environment...(my wife's observation)...assuming from short weekend trip-to-trip perspective not a big deal and from a 'getting home' perspective when far offshore or long way from port in remote areas the fiddly bits are disconnected from major systems and don't compound any risk?
* is this a boat that is maintainable by the owner?
* what's the expected life of the boat?
* what's the real cruising speed and range of the boat?
* what safety features exist in the R23? Is the hull sinkable? How do you think about logs/deadheads prevalent in remoter areas of the PNW? What are the repair options when at sea?
...in other words, why the R23 vs going to aluminum? what is your view of the trade-off and how would you make the decision for your family?

 

[knotflying]

I would say that the aluminum boat is more utilitarian than an R-23. Keep in mind that the more systems on a boat usually more maintenance is required. You mentioned three people and a dog on the aluminum boat. If you are sleeping overnight I can see that being a bit crowded, but people adapt based on their requirements and needs. You did it on the aluminum boat so why not the tug. Every boat is a tradoff. Aluminum has its advantages over fiberglass, but the R-23 definitely has a much nicer interior and creature comforts. Exterior care will obviously be required with fiberglass as well. Longevity of use? I would say maintain it and you could go for MA any, many years. The engine can always be repaired or replaced after years of use.
I am sure 23 owners will chime in with actual speed and distance and their experience along with their pro and con opinions. However, it usually boils down to personal preferences.

 

[Familyguy]

I have the 23 and I would agree with the previouse person. One thing you don’t mention is if you intend on keeping it in the marina or in the driveway.
The range is as advertised @ 200nm per tank when cruising.
They like to cruise at 22-25 but can go all day faster it will tend to drop off plane any slower. In heavier seas I’ll trim everything down and plow comfortably at 13 - 18. As far as reliability, Its to new to tell. I did have to modify the cabinet doors as they used tiny little screws on the hinges that quickly shredded the particle board they were screwed into, problem resolved by drilling right through and using locking nuts. Other than that all is good. As for all the extras, the way I saw it is that by getting it already loaded up with stuff from the factory I am a assured all the wiring and connections are system matched and correctly done thus avoiding either screwing it up myself or buying someone else’s screw ups. For owner maintenance, other than winterizing, there is nothing else to do- Change to oil/filters etc and thats it.