South Florida Tug Owners Experience/Advice...

[Salty Dink]

We currently have a 19' Grady White Tournament and a 20' Pacific Seacraft Flicka sailboat and live on the water in Stuart, FL. The sailboat hasn't been used as we had hoped so we are thinking of selling her and getting a Ranger Tug. We'll probably keep the Grady since it's paid for and it's on a lift. We are looking at either the R21 or R25; but leaning towards the R25. The thought of running over to the Bahamas is very appealing.

Can any owners in South Florida offer any suggestions on which model might work best for these waters? Or share any advice on what to look for while shopping, any options to get or avoid? How much are you using your tug? Can you beach the R25 on a sandbar? How does it handle the inlets and Ocean. Any thoughts on either the Yanmar vs. the Volvo engine? We want a functional boat that is easy to operate so it will actually get used; so A/C is a must for us. 😀 The boat will stay in the water at our dock with Shore power available, but still considering the generator option for added convenience underway.

Thanks in Advance for any information!

 

[Crewdog]

We've had the R-27 with the generator and a/c option for almost 2 years now and have absolutely loved it.

While you probably could beach it on a sandbar, it might mess up the bow thruster and I guess that's what the kayak or dinghy is for.

The gnarliest seas we've encountered have been crossing St Andrews Sound between Jekyll Island, GA and Cumberland Island, with 3-5 ft seas and about 20-30 degrees of roll. A few things rolled off the shelves, but I never felt out of control and the boat handled well once we found optimum speed. Still, both of us were holding on to stay in the seats.

On that trip we also weathered a gale tied up in St. Augustine Municipal marina, with the wind about 10 degrees off the bow, and it rode well with an 8 point tie up. 2 sailboats broke loose from mooring balls and ended up sunk under the Bridge of Lions.

the 27 is just right for the 2 of us, and although I've seen a family of 4 on a long trip in one, we're unrepentant packrats and need all the storage space possible. If you plan on regularly having overnight guests, a 29 may be better suited.

The Yanmar has performed well for us, but I do like the instrumentation better on the Volvo-Penta (and the Volvo-Penta folks sure put on a nice BBQ up in Gorge Harbor!)

All in all it's been a lot of fun, and we almost can't wait for the Bahamas trip in July.

Good luck and feel free to PM with any questions.

Bill

 

[Levitation]

We don't live in S. Fla but we do boat there in the winters.
An R25 with a generator and AC will do what you desire.
The comment made, to avoid using the bow thruster when putting the bow up a sand bar or beach is good advice.
While the bow draws roughly 24" of water and you can beach it (gently) it is not as shallow as a flats boat, or dinghy and you need to con the boat appropriately.
I have beached the bow a few times on sand and found no issues from doing so - but I am careful and I only do it on a rising tide. It is heavier than your Grady and you will be aground rather firmly if you delay with a falling tide.

 

[Salty Dink]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate the input.

I was able to talk with a gentlemen today who owns a R27 locally and he had alot of good information too. It seems like the Ranger tug will do everything we want it to. Now it's just a matter of getting the right deal on the right boat. Looks like it's either the R25 or R27.

Anybody looking to buy a Pacific Seacraft Flicka?? Have to make room on the dock for the "new toy."

 

[PHIL RUDIN]

No one commented on the Ranger 21 and I have that boat about a mile from the Palm Beach Inlet. I would not be suggesting this boat for making the crossing even though I am sure it would do the job well give the flat seas. Just don't think it is as comfortable as you would want it to be.

By the way always wanted a Flick is the information on your boat with photos posted anywhere like the Flick site?

Phil Rudin

 

[gerlots]

I would go with lots of HP. I have an early R25 with the 110hp Yanmar. 9 knot cruise. That would make for a long day crossing. 180hp would cut your time by a 1/3.

 

[GA-Midnight Cruise]

Just noticed your Port, Port Salerno. Was just there last week and got back from Bimini last night. Winds out of the NE made for a tough crossing in the Gulfstream. Fortunatly in a 40' Luhrs. But it was running 6-8 all weekend with a couple of 10's. I have a seaman at the Chapman School working on the bow pudding for my R21. There is a R27 on a trailer in a Marina over in Rio. Does not look used much. Forgot the name but PM'd the folks and never got a response.

 

[Dennis7366]

I have a 2013 27' for sale in Daytona Beach. Fully optioned with exception of genset (which can be added) and macerator. 140 hours on 200 hp Volvo. Had big plans, but best laid plans .... Give me a call. Dennis 386-679-6409

 

[Salty Dink]

Phil,

Sent you a PM. I don't have the Flicka posted anywhere for sale yet, but once I do I will post a link here.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Phil,

Sent you a PM. I don't have the Flicka posted anywhere for sale yet, but once I do I will post a link here.

Admin note: We have a Rangers for sale by owner forum, and a Cutwaters for sale by owner forum. These should be used when listing these boats. Other boat sales should be communicated via email or private message.

Thanks,

Bruce