Space for a Family of Four

[uppy22]

Hi all,

I’m looking for input from families that cruise together on 29’s or 31’s. We are a family of four, with a 1yo and 4yo daughter. We hail from Gig Harbor, WA and spend nearly every summer weekend (and quite a few winter ones) somewhere in the Sound on the boat. We currently have a 27’ (29’10” LOA) Sea Ray Sundancer with 9’2” beam. Now that there are four of us we want more space. I’ve looked at everything from Meridian 411’s, to Sundancer 420’s, to Nordic Tugs, but I seem to always gravitate back to Ranger. I’ve loved them for years.

My biggest concern is that moving to a 29 or 31 wouldn’t satisfy the want for more space with a family of 4. We currently have to convert the v-berth into a bed every night for the girls, can’t all sit at the dinette together and have to do the shimmy just to get past each other if someone is standing at the sink in the galley. So I know there are gains made with the Ranger, but real world experience, how it is cruising with a family of four for up to a week at a time? Where do folks sit while cruising? Do you feel like you’re on top of each other when moving around the cabin? Is the mid-ship stateroom sufficiently comfortable for kids to sleep in? Knowing the second berth will be used as intended, to sleep, is there enough storage space on board?

I’m really trying to talk myself into the Ranger. I just don’t want to achieve that and then kick myself a year down the road for having anything less than a 12’ beam. Buy the smallest boat you that meets your needs...right? So convince me the R-29 or R-31 can do it!

Thanks for the insights, I know they’ll be valuable.

 

[Levitation]

The girls will love, love, love the cave
Beyond that it is a boat
Not sure that another 2 feet of beam in a boat of similar length from another maker is a magic solution.
Probably 45 or 50 feet will make it comfortable for two adults and two active urchins :mrgreen:

 

[Irish Mist]

No kids just us two but I think while the kids are kids you will be fine.. I'm sure some familes will reply with real word experiance... Unless you go to a 12 foot beam you are going to have a tight fit passing in the hall in any boat.. But I find having my two grand kids on board is easy room wise.. They love the mid cabin to sleep and play in.. The Rangers are much more suited for living aboard then other boats.. We would like a bigger cockpit to entertain in which the new 29 and the 31 have. My suggestions would be to get to a boat show with your family .. Or a dealer and try it on for size . You will know quickly if it's a good fit once everyone is aboard and moving around
Good luck

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello James,

Let's see...you presently own a nearly 28' LOA x 9' beam boat. You are considering an R29 or R31. The cave berth will be an improvement over your Sundancer. Overall SPACE on the Rangers will not be that substantially more than what you have now. Going to a 32-36' LOA x 11-12' beam boat will give you the space you need and allow the boat to work for your family for a longer time. Soon your girls will be old enough to want to bring a friend/s and the R29/31 gets tight and your back to the problem you have with your Sundancer.

Let us know what you decide,

dave

 

[uppy22]

Thanks for the responses thus far, good input and points to ponder.

I’ve thought many times that the girls would LOVE the cave. What kid wouldn’t…it’s a fort on a boat. Heck, they might have to fight me for it on occasion! So I’m confident the sleeping arrangements will improve, and not having to convert a v-berth every morning and night will be a huge step in the right direction.

I do plan on getting to the Seattle Boat Show in January, and that will be of great help. But I don’t want to base a decision on a few hours of time aboard, at a boat show, while under the infatuating spell of a new Ranger. They’re amazing boats and easy to fall in love with, over and over again. Which is why I’m hoping to hear some real world stories of life aboard with 4 people, be it families, grandkids, friends, etc. I may also charter an R-29 for a long weekend out of Anacortes to give myself some real world experience. Just hard to pay $1500 for three days on a boat when you already own one.

I agree with Dave that the Ranger will not be a substantial increase in space, but I already know that the space is utilized far more effectively on a Ranger than on my Sundancer. We can hardly sit up in bed, and crawling over my wife’s face to get out of the mid-berth is getting old, probably more so for her! Passing each other in the galley is prohibitively tight. Moving around the cockpit while we’re cruising at 26 knots is nerve-racking with young girls.

Being in the Northwest I’m really looking to gain the protection of the cabin, while still being able to drink in the beautiful outdoors, something that no express or sport cruiser is going to give us. Being cozy and dry in the cabin while still getting full exposure to your surroundings requires a Ranger or motoryacht. My wife doesn’t want a “big” boat, so most of the motoryachts we’ve looked at have been met with less enthusiasm due to their commanding size with a FB. Which leaves me looking for something in the 30-36’ range, and probably not a flybridge. Otherwise something like a Meridian 341 would be intriguing, albeit thirsty. And I’m not overly excited about the idea of a larger cruiser, although they do provide the added beam.

Excited to hear other thoughts on the matter. Maybe my ramblings will spur some additional input from the ‘nuts.

 

[BradOwens]

I say, seriously consider the R-29 or R-31! The extra beam over the R-25 & R-27 makes a big difference in interior space. The angled galley counter means two people can squeeze past each other if needed (tight, but possible). The island berth in the master means no crawling over each other to use the head in the middle of the night. The girls will definately love the cave for many years to come, and when they get older and have freinds aboard, two can sleep in the cave and two on pads in the cockpit if you get the full bimini enclosure. You'd have to go quite a bit larger to gain more usable space over a Ranger Tug, and the added moorage costs and upkeep would be for minimal gain in my opinion. That's why we chose an R-29. Stay in touch, our boat (a 2012) should be in the water soon and maybe we can work out a time for you to get on board with us.

Brad Owens

 

[aginglawyer]

We've had our grandchildren out on our 29 and they loved the cave and loved the dining table for crafts and coloring and just looking out the windows. They have used the main bedroom while under way for naps and pillow fights and we even had our small dog aboard at the same time. These were boys and rambunctious. Short trips and lots of shore time make a difference but the cave is their favorite spot. We are selling ours now, a 2012, so we can go on longer trips of two months or more. If you are interested, please private email me since we are making a great deal for any buyer. You can see details on the forum Ranger Tugs for Sale by Owner here on TugNuts.

Allan

 

[uppy22]

You'd have to go quite a bit larger to gain more usable space over a Ranger Tug, and the added moorage costs and upkeep would be for minimal gain in my opinion. That's why we chose an R-29. Stay in touch, our boat (a 2012) should be in the water soon and maybe we can work out a time for you to get on board with us.

That's my feeling. I think that in order to really gain substantial space would require a step up to 40'+ and with that comes a slew of added cost and maintenance. Back to my theory about buying the smallest boat that meets all your needs. And I don't think I'd every turn down an opportunity to enjoy time on a Ranger, let me know!

They have used the main bedroom while under way for naps and pillow fights and we even had our small dog aboard at the same time.

I see that as a huge benefit of having the dedicated master, let the girls play up there or watch a show while cruising. Seems like the perfect hang out while under way for energetic little ones.

I'm certainly getting the quality info and opinions I was looking for. Thanks to all for your thoughtful responses.