Ranger R23

[Nmontagno]

We are in the process of purchasing our first Ranger Tug. Since this will be our first boat of this type, I am wondering what everyone (with more experience than I do) has to say about the R23 or their tug in general. Pros? Cons? Lessons learned. Advice? Thanks you.

 

[bergroup]

We've got a 2018 R-23 and couldn't be happier. No regrets whatsoever. Your question is quite loaded because your experience with the boat will greatly depend on what your expectations are as well as your use purpose. We've got about 130 hours on the engine and mostly use our Ranger on day trips. It's fast (40 MPH) when you want to get somewhere fast or you can slow it down to about 10 MPH if you just feel like puttering around.

For overnight trips let's just say it gets "cozy" real fast. There really isn't a ton of space on a 23-foot boat even though Ranger engineers have maximized every inch possible. The head being right next to the sleeping quarters was a concern prior to purchasing our tug. Hasn't been an issue because we've used the marina facilities when in port.

Reliability has been fantastic. We have one speaker that doesn't work but other than that everything on the boat has worked flawlessly.

 

[Nmontagno]

Thanks for your input. I don't have any high expectations. Our use will be mostly pleasure cruising, day use or the occasional over night trip (for now). I totally understand how "close quarters" it will get after just a short period. I guess I am really wanting to know what other owners think of how it rides, handles, how is the easy of use and operation, reliability, common things to expect, etc. Whatever input I can get to better educate and prepare myself for ownership.

Thanks.

 

[northvanner]

We have had our R23 for just under a year and have put a little over 100 hours on it out of North Vancouver. So far so good. I find the sweet spots for operating are around 25/26 mph or 7/8 mph. She handles chop nicely and I’ve run her across Georgia Strait a few times with no worries. She is great for a couple for longer trips but works well for up to six people on day trips. Docking is easy with the bow thruster and outboard. I have the Yamaha 200 which has been reliable. Heater makes winter trips enjoyable. All season boat for us. Roof racks are great for kayaks and paddle boards. Dinghy is an issue and we keep ours (small) inflated in the cockpit. Saw a dinghy frame for the R27 at the Vancouver Boat Show. Would like to see one for the R23 too.

 

[Brian98133]

We got our R23 just 2 months ago and have been ecstatic with our decision!

I don't know what your experience has been as far as piloting a boat, but I came from a larger boat with twin 350 Mag Horizon Merc inboards. My 'stumbling blocks' are truly just little learning curves:
1) Not only getting used to just having a single drive (Yamaha 200 outboard), but having 'directional thrust' available to me for the first time in 25 years.
2) Having a bow-thruster (first time). And getting over the feeling that I'm 'cheating' by using it :mrgreen:
3) Piloting (esp docking) a MUCH lighter and smaller boat.

#3 has been my biggest challenge - which also incorporates #'s 1 and 2, of course - in that I now pilot a boat with a beam that is 2.5' narrower as well as a boat that is 1/3 the weight of my previous boats (5K lbs vs 15ishK lbs). Underway at speed, she is a dream! I especially love that she only 'sips' fuel, as opposed to burning 25+ GPH, which has been my life for the last 25+ years 😱
Docking is truly easy... but this old dog with his old tricks has been looking like a newbie out there! Putting a 'suicide knob' on the wheel has been a lifesaver because I can easily spin the thrust as I need... and I am getting used to the bow thruster now, so that has helped quite a bit. Simply put, I just had to find a marina that was sparsely populated (an easy feat in Dec/Jan) and just spend some time practicing my docking skills. Getting used to how different the R23 reacts to wind and current was a challenge... but again it's because I had SO much experience with a different kind of boat that was heavy enough that wind and current barely moved her (comparatively).

I have mostly mastered the process of docking now, but there's always room for improvement 😀 I am my worst critic, after all. My wife says I look like an expert. I wouldn't go THAT far :mrgreen:

Not sure if this is the input for which you were looking... but I find I like to get all different angles. My overall impression of the R23 is only positive! I love the quality, the fit and finish, and just how beautiful she is overall!

 

[Nmontagno]

Thank you all. The responses have been very helpful. I know my post was very general and vague, but that was intentional. I didn't want to be specific and steer any responses in one particular direction. For those wondering why Ijust didn't read the forums or search Google...i have...immensely. Now I'm looking for information that comes directly from those with the hands on experience. Thank you all again.

 

[SgtAlf]

We have a 2018 R23. I concur with all the before mentioned comments. As for "Tight Quarters" We are adding a full cockpit enclosure to add some more usable room while overnighting. Will be very helpful should the weather take a turn.

 

[Nmontagno]

We are considering doing the same thing. We need to find someone closer to us that can do the work at a reasonable price.

 

[BradOwens]

You may want to look at the new Ranger Tug R25. It's just a little bigger than the 23, but seems like it would feel bigger to me.

I've only been on either of them at the boat show, since I own a 29, but I really liked the new 25.

 

[Nmontagno]

We did look at the R25. We saw them side by side at the Seattle boat show. The R25 was a little bigger, but you really didn't notice it too much compared to the R23. Unless you you were comparing the price, then I noticed the difference right away. :lol: 😱

 

[Ernie]

Good for you
You will have lots of fun with R-23
In my third year with mine, and it has operated flawlessly. She stays in salt water and with regular freshwater flush on the motor, I feel better with the outboard than any inboard I’ve owned
R-23 is dependable and fun
Two of us travel on her a lot and she works for us as a long distance cruiser. The biggest surprise is the pretty big maintenance costs to keep her running
Like new. Very surprised how fast 100 hrs ticks off on my Yamaha
She likes fast, even though I intend to slow down... it’s hard to do that because of the cost and extra hours on the motor.
Plus fast is fun
E

 

[Nmontagno]

Ernie,

What big maintenance costs are you referring to?

Thanks.

 

[Ernie]

The big maintenance cost is the 100 hour service for the F200. I don’t have a trailer, so I have to haul out and usually spend $700 to $900 every 100 hours.

 

[Kevinandcarol]

Congratulations on your selection, We have had our R23 since January 2017, couldn't be happier with it. We have had it all over the San Juan islands and took it to Tofino on Vancouver Island, west side fishing and crabbing. Have a little over 200 hours on it. I ceramic coated it so it still looks better than new. If you have any interest in that P M me and ill give you the details. Kevin

 

[Brian98133]

The big maintenance cost is the 100 hour service for the F200. I don’t have a trailer, so I have to haul out and usually spend $700 to $900 every 100 hours.

Compared to my previous twin inboards, $700-$900 seems like a dream! :mrgreen:

It does seem a tad on the higher side for basic maintenance on an F200 tho. Wondering how much of that total is the actual haul-out? And does that amount include maintenance on a kicker - if you have one?

Does that include all zincs too? Since you're in-water (salt, or fresh?), maybe your maintenance includes zincs - whereas I am stored on the hard where zincs last much longer. 😀

Sorry for the list of questions... as I am just getting to my first 20hr checkup, I was hoping to be prepared to sit down when given the bill :shock:

 

[tjiann]

My wife and I are about to head into our 3rd season with our R23. Just love it. We cruise the Chesapeake Bay, mostly doing overnight or weekend trips (planning longer soon). Everything works great. They really did engineer it to use every inch of space efficiently. We have a local mechanic come to our dock and do the 100 hour service on our lift for ~450. Given the mild temps this winter so far, I am about ready to have the shrink wrap removed so I can get out on the water. 🙂

 

[Nmontagno]

I checked with my marine dealer for Yamaha motors and the 20 hour is just an oil and gear lube change. Going rate is about $125 an hour here. I figure if I have them do it, it will cost me about $200 parts and labor for both the F200 and the 9.9

 

[Ernie]

Re: questions about maintenance costs
Yes the numbers I posted included the haul out and wash down as well as new zincs.
E.