Hmmmm.... The Northwest Editions for the R-27 (Classic 😱 ) and the new modern 2018 R-27/OB are priced identically. 😉
IMO, the new 2018 R-27/OB is internally & externally stylistically similar to the new R-29 S model with the exception of the R-27's OB motor hanging off the back. Another comparison would be that the new R-27/OB is a larger version of the R-23/OB.
Comparing the R-23 with the new 2018 R-27/OB
I've done a fairly extensive price comparison between the Northwest Editions for the R-23/OB and the new 2018 R-27/OB models as they're offered on RT's web site.
If you load up the R-23 with options that are standard on the new 2018 R-27/OB and then subtract estimated costs off the new 2018 R-27's total price tab for all the other things the new 2018 R-27 offers that are simply not available for the R-23 I came up with a cost difference of around $41,000. This to me says the effective/real/value cost difference between the loaded R-23 and the new 2018 R-27 is around $41,000. Of course, in this case this really is only meaningful if you load up the R-23 with options that are same as standard for the R-27. The R-23 has the advantage of keeping the entry price much lower by not selecting the optional equipment for it.
Comparing cabin living space (the area between the aft cabin door and the helm bulkhead less the head enclosure) between the R27 (Classic) and the new 2018 R-27/OB is an interesting exercise and can only really be comprehended by comparing the planform of each.
The planform shows the new 2018 R-27/OB has less cabin length than for the R-27 (Classic), but has about the same overall living space square footage. This is because the head enclosure is moved from the cabin into the V-Berth area for the 2018 R-27/OB. Thus the head enclosure is more convenient to the V-Berth area than on the R-27 (Classic), and in addition provides the new 2018 R-27/OB's V-Berth with greater space; especially on the port side. As I said above, this is not immediately noticeable until you examine and compare the two planforms.
Some may argue the new 2018 R-27/OB is not a real Tug because of its outboard motor. Thus the R-27 (Classic) wins out on this aspect for some people.
Comparison of the R-27 (Classic) with the new 2018 R-27/OB - major items
If you see/know more then add them in follow up postings. Thanks... 🙂
Engines:
R-27 (Classic) 200HP inboard Volvo diesel
R-27/OB 300HP Yamaha outboard
Fuel tank capacity:
R-27 (Classic) 100 gallons
R-27/OB 150 gallons
Fresh water capacity:
R-27 (Classic) 50 gallons
R-27/OB 40 gallons
Head/shower enclosure
R-27 (Classic) Aft cabin, starboard side
R-27/OB Forward of Helm on Starboard side. Given its position compared to the R-27 (Classic) it provides superior rear view.
WOT (my estimates for flat seas)
R-27 (Classic) 18-23 Kts
R-27/OB 36 Kts
Cabin Glass
R-27 (Classic) Standard
R-27/OB Modern & Curved windshield with overhead skylights, plus cockpit raising window on starboard side
Hull
R-27 (Classic) Semi displacement and likely to handle rough water conditions better than for the R-27/OB.
R-27/OB Planing V-shaped with laminar flow interruptors
Cockpit seating
R-27 (Classic) transom fold down for two people
R-27/OB transom fold down and port side fold down for seating four people
R-27/OB optional refrigerator
R-27-/OB Has the cabin starboard side rear window that flips up and opens to cockpit with the port side aft dinette seat flipped providing more seating facing the cockpit.
Cockpit storage + facilities differences
The R-27/OB has a huge center locker assisted with opening via a piston. Mind you, opening this hatch requires nobody seating on the transom flip down seat. :lol:
The R-27/OB has a removal Kenyon electric grill (shore or Genset power required)
Cabin cave
R-27 (Classic) Standard with nav seat/desk
R-27/OB Standard without seat/desk plus it has two port lights as a bonus
V-Berth area
R-27 (Classic) Standard
R-27/OB Fixed piston up/down table allowing dining/conversational seating as required plus a nice clothing hanging compartment.
Helm
R-27 (Classic) Single person helm seat; folds up to improve galley counter space
R-27/OB Double person helm seat; flips to provide seating at dinette table
Foredeck
R-27 (Classic)
R-27/OB Double person lounge folding seat (for the sun lovers presumably) :lol:
TV/DVD
R-27 (Classic) in aft cabin facing forward
R-27/OB in V-Berth
Thrusters
R-27 (Classic) Bow and Stern
R-27/OB Bow only
I will update this comparison as best I can after looking at the R-23 and new 2018 R-27 next week at the Bremerton Trawlerfest.