Wannabe new Tug owner...

[rocolli01]

...thinking of getting a used R29. What advice or thoughts do you old hands have for me? This will be the first powered boat I own (not operate), so it's a big move for me.

Thoughts?

 

[H28]

Buy, and read

1) Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 68th Edition
2) Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual 4/E Calder
3) How to Read a Nautical Chart, 2nd Edition (Includes ALL of Chart #1): A Complete Guide to Using and Understanding Electronic and Paper Charts calder
4) Voyaging Under Power, 4th Edition

Then buy your R/T 29 after you have it surveyed. never buy a used boat no matter how many hours w/out a survey

 

[FlyMeAway]

Then buy your R/T 29 after you have it surveyed. never buy a used boat no matter how many hours w/out a survey

Never buy a new boat without a survey, either.

 

[rocolli01]

Thank you!

I’m good with charts. I sail. The other references are outstanding and much appreciated. Actually...all the references are appreciated

 

[Midwestboater]

There are several very good charter companies near Seattle that have Rangers. Depending on your experience level you could transition from sail to powerboat by taking private lessons, a weekend course or "Learn and Cruise" this Spring. Then bareboat a Ranger 29 to see exactly what it's like to live aboard and set your own itinerary. We've chartered a R27, 31 and American Tug 365 in the San Juans and B.C. Fantastic boating area that you are fortunate to live near! (He says looking out at the snow of Wisconsin!)

 

[FlyMeAway]

Thank you!

I’m good with charts. I sail. The other references are outstanding and much appreciated. Actually...all the references are appreciated

Have you owned or had a lot of experience with larger, cruising sailboats with systems (shore power, an engine that's more than just a "get home", etc.) or mostly daysailers / smaller boats with outboards? Advice may differ based on your prior experience!

I will say that one of the things that drew me to the Ranger Tugs is that there are lots of ex-sailors (or temporary-non sailors 😉 ) who own them...

 

[ethanbarnett]

Don’t over think this. Find the boat that makes you smile and make the offer. The 29 is a robust vessel that is made “to handle it”. Very comfortable for 2 on longer adventures. And you will not find a more responsive group of folks at the factory or within the tugnuts. Explore this forum. Every possible question you can think up has been addressed. Embrace the hunt.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Ethan is correct. Don't over dwell. As long as you have a learning mentality and are proactive in thinking about conditions and maneuvering and the what if situations, then there is no reason not to jump in with both feet.

 

[H28]

Me again: While I have bought 2 new boats w/out getting a pre-purchase survey, I can't argue with that advice based on what I learned subsequently taking a seminar with Nigel Calder: he showed examples of multi-million $ boats where ABS standards were not followed by a long shot.

I also agree with not being shy about "jumping in" once you have done a bit of research/education. Coming from sailboats, as did I, you will find the RT's pretty simple to operate. I had a dock person know-it-all tell my wife that they thought a 60 mile run thru the Straights of Georgia in a RT-29 (radio, cell phone, chart plotter, auto pilot, auto guidance, iron sail) was "ambitious" when I used to do 100+ mile open water crossings on Lake Michigan in my wooden H-28 sailboat "back in the day" with nothing more than a compass and a VHF radio. You'll be fine

 

[FlyMeAway]

Nigel Calder: he showed examples of multi-million $ boats where ABS standards were not followed by a long shot.

Pretty sure we took the same seminar 😀