SeaSport to Tug

[Aquanut]

I am considering upgrading from a Sea Sport to a 27’ or 29’ Ranger. Currently, I own a 24’ Sea Sport that I primarily use for fishing year around in the San Juan’s. Does anyone have any experience fishing using a 27’ or 29’ Ranger for Salmon, Halibut, Cod, Shrimp, Crab, etc. Is it a luxury boat that can be fished occasionally, and/or can one fish aggressively year around?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Ernie]

I fish on my R23, quite similar to a 27
It’s a great platform , handles 2 rods easily.
I think the added speed with a 27 ( vs 29 )
Would be better for getting on the fish
The cockpit washes down pretty easily and can accommodate a pretty big Yeti comfortably.

 

[baz]

The R29 S or CB is no slouch. During my sea trial on a 2019 R29 CB with wind and current in my favor I clocked 27.4 mph. In still waters I suspect a top speed would be around 24 mph. The R29 S/CB boat will accelerate very quickly but of course not like the R27/OB will nor reached the unbelievable top speeds of around 40 mph of the R23 and R27/OB models.... but those speeds are only possible if the waters are relatively calm.

As far as fishing is concerned the R29 has a much large cockpit area - especially its width so this is a bonus over the smaller cockpits of the R23 and R27/OB models which have a narrower beam.

The R29 will also have the full stretch of the swim step to use whereas on the R23/R27 models the motor obstructs the full use of the swim step.

All three boats come stock (maybe an option for the R23) with the Downrigger pads and electrical plug connections.

I've crabbed successfully on the R27/OB and see no reason I cannot do the same on the R29 S/CB models.

 

[Aquanut]

Thank you. I haven't driven it. How does it handle in rougher water? Do you think it would be equal to the Sea-Sport?

 

[zekeandboone]

We traded in a SeaSport 22 for an RT 25SC 2 years ago.. Best decision ever! Last month we traded in the 25 for a 27,, Better decision! We LOVED our SeaSport.. The Tugs are amazing! Looking forward to fishing and diving in a bit more comfort!

 

[Aquanut]

Thank you everyone.

 

[Scuba Too]

On my 2017 R29 CB I had a WOT speed of 22 knots going up the Saratoga passage in good conditions. When I got my boat down to southern California, had her bottom painted and of course more stuff on board it dropped to 18/19 knots. Of course the seascape down here is good but not normally flat, which of course also affects speed.

 

[baz]

That confirms or at least supports my 27.4 mph with wind and current in my favor during a sea trial of a R29 CB with two people, no gear and partially filled fuel tank. Your 22 kts is around 25.4 mph.

Scuba Too: Did you have a dinghy on swim step when observing the 18/19 kts (21/22 mph) speed ? Thanks. 🙂

 

[Scuba Too]

Good question Baz - my speed in Washington was with the dinghy and in socal without the dinghy.