Sponson issues?

[Savage]

Hey guys! New to tugs. Strongly considering moving from a fastboat to a tug for family fun. In doing research, i think the Cutwater 28 or Ranger 27 would fit my needs best; however, I read about issues for leaks at the sponson/transom routing for outboards. Anyone aware of this? Hoping to go outboard but will go direct (diesel) if there are design issues with the sponson. Would also like to hear about any other concerns others have. I very much appreciate any responses!

 

[Karll]

I am also a present owner of a Ranger 29, haven’t had any issues with leaks. My journey mirrors yours, as I still have my 24’ SeaSport Explorer that I will try to sell after the Covid-19 relief. I loved my old boat and did a lot of fishing but now my wife and I are looking for more creature comforts and doing more cruising.

 

[Maggie Anne]

We have 233 hours on our R27OB and never had any issues with leaks.

 

[Mike and Sarah]

We have had our 2020 R 27 outboard for about a month and no leaks for us. It’s in the water all the time. When you say moving from fast boat to a ranger tug I’m confused. I would say it’s still a fast boat as we can do 40 mph with full fuel and water and a couple people. That’s plenty fast for the NW. Cruises great from 27 on up.

 

[Savage]

As to the leak, I had read that there is a routing port through the transom that may be to close to the water line, and with the swim platform compressing water, and waves from astern, it can leak. Anyway, thats what i read. I havent personally seen this up close so I cant confirm the way its routed. But very glad to hear it does not seem to be pervasive. I prefer the OB only because I like the capability of outrunning a storm if needed etc..

Mike, my Baja will cruise at 44 and WOT @65+. It’s not a “real” fastboat (i.e. 75+) but it has more family amenities (cabin/ac/galley etc..). However, 40 WOT is plenty fast for most of what we do (wife wont let me go much faster in the Baja anyway!!). We like the much shallower draft on these tugs (28” versus 40” on the Baja), and there is soooooo much more room on these trailerable tugs. The draft issue and the length of the Baja are a pain because it really limits where we can launch.

I really do appreciate these responses! After we get past this coronavirus crisis, we will be looking a lot closer.

Thanks so much!