The number one thing to change on the R-27

B

baz

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
6,083
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
For R-27 owners what would be your #1 thing to ask Ranger Tugs to change on the boat that you cannot do yourself ? That is, the #1 thing is something that is best done during the boat's production in the factory.

Thanks. 🙂
 
Perhaps a sliding door at the passanger side flip flop seat to get to the bow without having to walk all the way from the cockpit.
 
That's an interesting thought...

How about a fold up ladder installed in V-berth ceiling that would allow quick exit to the bow via the over head V-berth hatch ? I've tried exiting the V-berth in this manner by standing on the V-berth and pulling myself up through the hatch -- but it takes an awful amount of effort and energy -- plus ones waist line needs to be aligned with the hatch opening dimensions... :lol:
 
I don't know how many people use the cave for sleeping, but I would eliminate the cave and figure a way to make a settee eating area where you could remove the cushions and access storage below all the way across. This would be a big change and I haven't even explored a feasable layout, but I am sure if it can work the Livingstons can figure it out.
 
That's also a GREAT suggestion... thanks. 🙂
 
Improving the access to the forward deck is probably the best improvement that comes to mind. A sliding door, bigger hatch, or ? of course i dont want to give up interior space for these improvements either :lol: I'm not sure how many more years I will be able to pull myself through that hatch and the gunnel is not something one enjoys scooting across any more than necessary. Our daughter uses the cave for her space, but easier access to this area would be welcome.

Ray
 
I have often said that some boat manufacturers could take lessons from RV manufacturers regarding ergonomics. Like our friends, Herb and Wilma (Willie's Tug), we just came off 6 months aboard our boat. While the cockpit is good for some folding chairs, in the cabin, most of us are limited to the dinette for seating. Those dinettes are designed as another "sleeping area," making the dimensions somewhat fixed to be used as a berth. I would suggest that most of us don't have overnight guests... give us a comfortable place to sit in the cabin! Barrel chairs with a small table between them could be an option.

Years ago, Born Free Motorhomes began to offer a Class B model called "Built For Two." They recognized that not everyone wants or needs space to sleep a family of 12 (yes, I'm exaggerating... just a bit). Design an interior for the comfort of a COUPLE.

Ranger Tugs does a better job with this than C-Dory (our boat), but offering something besides a dinette configuration could reward manufacturers as more people retire and start looking for "an adventure." As a couple.

I think the R-27 is an ideal couple's boat, especially if you intend to trailer. It is obviously a sales success for Ranger. I understand the desire to not mess with a formula that works. An interesting design challenge/opportunity for the Ranger design folks.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Jim B: Well said... I think one of the most useful changes would be to the current Dinette design making the overall R-27 more suitable and targeted for a COUPLE. This aspect has to be a difficult design challenge for Ranger Tugs.. how to cater for

1) A family of say 4-5

and

2) For two adults

I suspect Ranger Tugs might accomplish this with two different molds... but I'm no expert in these matters.
 
My thoughts exactly, that is why I suggested the settee type of setup. You can sit and eat on a more comfortable sofa area which has storage under the cushions and you can always convert the sofa to sleeping for that unexpected guest. Like I always say, our tug facilitates cocktails for six, dinner for four and sleeping for two.
 
I added a TV camera in the cockpit area to view fishing poles and downriggers. Ranger installed this for me.
It uses the Garmin factory installed montior.

Dennis
Tug of my Heart 11
R27
 
I would like to have a raw water washdown hose fitting located in the bow area. This would be very useful for washing down the anchor, chain and rode.
 
Installing a raw water wash at the bow can be done after market. I had my dealer install one after delivery and he did a great job and you would never know it was after market. He tapped it right off of the raw water pump for the cockpit.
 
I'd like to see more storage; the mid-berth is our defacto closet area, even though we're working through paring down our "stuff."

And maybe a Thule type stoage locker for the topside rack.

Bill
 
And of course, the loved or maligned (depending) navigator's seat and fold-down desk should be left out completely. This allows you to customize the shelving in the cave without having to rip this stuff out and store it in your garage.

Jeff
 
I would like more 12VDC power jacks. In the V-Berth, Dinette, galley, and even in the overhead storage over the windshield. With iPads, Kindles, GPS, handheld VHF, cell phones, laptop, etc. you can never have enough of these. They are easy to add but it would be nice to have more when built.

Howard
 
Howard: Excellent additions, and I agree absolutely with this. 🙂
 
On our R-25 with 4 adults onboard I find that one adult always seems to stand. It appears that two adults take up the two dinette seats and one the helmsman's seat, leaving the forth standing awkwardly. I'm sure the same thing would be true for me if we had an R-27. So, this got me thinking... (dangerous activity... :lol: )

It would be quite easy to have a seat that straddles the two vertical panels leading into the V-berth area. This could be accomplished by having two sturdy brackets on the vertical panels at the correct seating height and the male bracket counterparts on the edges of the flat seat -- much like is used to attach cross bars on a bed frame to hold the box spring and mattress. Using a cushion to soften the hard seat plank would make it a bit more comfy. This of course would be an easy DIY or the factory could include it as an option much like they do for the cockpit table supported by a strong angled tubular bar from the transom storage box that is attached using a similar bracket assembly as described above.

The only issue I see here is that these two vertical panels in the R-25 extend a lot further down than they do on the R-27. I'm told this R-27 change was done to avoid people whacking their heads on the panel sides when heaving themselves up from the V-berth after a good nights sleep. 😉
 
Improved access to the front of the engine, where the impeller is. The small hatch in the step into the cabin is not adequate. I think the step should be re-designed to be completely removable. The sound insulation should be attached to this removable step and the present panel behind the step should be eliminated.

-- John H
 
John,
This is probably the best utilitarian idea. I have considered cutting out the step and fabricating a nice wood removable step. It is on my "To Do" list, but wanted to check with Andrew to make sure it does not compromise any structural integity.
 
After reading all the posts I guess I am glad I bought the R29. Have all the space and seating I need.

Seems petty, my only complaint is the defroster fans are about useless. They are quite good at turning electricity into noise but I would prefer that they actually moved some air, which I believe is their intended purpose.

They should have fans that move lots of air and with grills that rotate so I can direct that airflow onto myself in the warmer weather when you don't quite need AC but a fan in the face would be nice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top