Ranger Tug 25 vs. Cutwater 26

[H28]

I need some advice, thoughts, comments.

I am kind of torn between a RT 25sc and CW 26, and I know "depends on what you want" is the stock salesman answer. So maybe I need help with knowing what I want.

Plan would be to keep it on Lake Michigan and cruise/trailer around Great Lakes, maybe do the Great Loop in stages. Eventual retirement plans (7 years) is Pacific Northwest with a lot of coastal cruising in my future (God willing).

I like the lower price of the 25 vs. 26. A lot in fact.

I don't really need the speed of the 26, but speed is always nice to have when you need it. My wife likes the Vberth of the 26 better with the opening portholes.

I like the head down below in the 26 so it doesn't take up salon space, but the 25 seems roomier somehow even with the head in the salon.

I like the "coffin berth" of the 26 a bit better than the 25, but I'll never sleep in it (hopefully) so I'm not sure I care.

I'm more of a "tug" guy than a "powerboat" buy, so I do like the Ranger (my last two boats were an wooden H28 sailboat and a wooden 1964 Chris Craft Cavalier, so I am not about "flash").

I'm looking at some 2014 Cutwater 26's out there that dealers want to move out, so it brings down that price differential a bit.

anyone else wrestled with this decision?

anything I missed?

thank you,
Dave

 

[tlkenyon]

We just moved up to a 25SC from a classic R-21...we made the deal on the display model at the Seattle event.

I asked myself essentially the same questions of 25SC vs C26. As far as speed, I did not consider the difference to be significant. Certainly, the C26 is a little faster, but the speed comes with a price in terms of purchase and fuel consumption.

The interiors of both have essentially the same amenities, mostly just in a different arrangement.

The biggest factor for me was the appearance. Not the disparage the C26, but it is kinda just another cruiser, and somewhat unremarkable in appearance...at least relative to the tug line. The tugs are quite different than pretty much anything else out there, and that notable difference appeals to me.

I think it boils down to intangible factors....do you want to be able to go a little faster? Do you like the look of one over the other? They both appear to be outstanding products, just for different types of folks.

 

[H28]

"different type of folks" I guess that is my problem, I am "bi-boatal" or "pan-boatal".....(wooden sailboat, wooden powerboat, MacGregor 24, and Hobie 14 in my past).

 

[Jake]

I really like the tug look but the 360 degree view of the CW might sway my decision. Sometimes it's the little things. As they say, can't go wrong with either one. 🙂

 

[Aurora_WA]

I echo Jake.

I have a Cutwater 26, and I love it. But I would probably be just as happy with a Ranger of comparable size. The one major difference I have seen (other than the points raised earlier), is that the 25sc has a bigger cockpit. If you plan to spend time fishing/crabbing/lounging in the cockpit, that is important. Otherwise, I think the Cutwater has more room inside the cabin.

At the end of the day, get the boat that you see yourself loving. If you're a "tug guy" at heart, get the 25sc. if you like the downeast/lobster boat style, get the C26. Either way, you can't make a bad decision, they're both great boats, from a great builder, and part of the same great community!

(One other suggestion I would make, is to look at the Ranger 27 and the Cutwater 28 as well, if you can afford it. The $30k increase in MSRP is worth it in my opinion.)

 

[bradcarolR29S]

Seems to me that the most direct comparison to the Cutwater 26 would be the Ranger 27. The Ranger is only 10K more, with only 20 less HP and the same displacement. For the money, you get a bigger cockpit and at least as much interior space as the CW 26. The head behind the 27's helm is a bit of a pain, but nothing that can't be dealt with.
Brad