What can you bring?

[RicM]

We are downsizing from a larger boat and am uncertain about what will fit on the R31CB we have ordered (we have yet to be aboard one and the closest dealer is 8,000 miles from here). It is hard to see how much storage space is on the boat from the 3D walkthrough. If you had two couples onboard, how much clothing could each bring along? I can't see any stowage for gear or bags in the little stateroom. Are there lockers under berths and seats everywhere that don't show up on the drawings and walkthrough? Is there a need for extra storage on the upper deck for fishing gear, stern-tie line, dock lines, fenders, and so forth, or are there hiding places available?
Thanks, Ric

 

[Robvic]

The stowage for gear/ bags in the forward berth is somewhat limited. For us, we stored most of our bags under the berth. There is a small closet on the starboard side under the electronics access and a small storage area (12" x 12"?) on the port side. There is plenty of storage space for for fenders, lines, rods, down riggers in the two lazarettes to either side of the engine bay. There is also a large shelf where the generator would otherwise go (assuming you ordered the NW edition).

We spent a week with 5 of us on board- that was tight. A roof top box would have been nice to have mounted on the roof rails, but we had two large kayaks instead. We've also done a few weekend trips with two couples and that is no problem.
Rob

 

[dbsea]

We have the Cutwater version of the 30(ish) CB. Space is at a premium. The storage under the forward berth is quite cavernous, but not easy to get at (have to lift the entire mattress up and it's somewhat heavy). There is a decent amount of hanging storage and shelfing in the port side uppper / lower lockers in the forward berth as well. We have to do a lot of moving things on/off the boat when we have guests that will use the quarter-berth. Otherwise, when it is just the two of us, the quarter-berth is our primary storage area and the dog sleeping quarters. 🙂 The lazarettes in the cockpit each hold 3 good size plastic bins, I got waterproof ones that add a significant amount of storage for things we don't use all the time, tools, lines, power cables, hoses, etc. It is a constant game of space optimizing.

 

[dgiles]

You bought a 31CB having never even been on one before??

 

[RicM]

We did the Great Loop 6 years ago and saw many Rangers but didn't go aboard them. We have a friend here who has an R27 and adores it, and we've gone fishing with her on occasion. So we have seen enough to trust the quality, and the reputation is stellar. Because we would only cruise for 3-6wk/yr, smaller is better for berthage longterm. The R31CB seemed like the smallest capable cruiser that could take 2 couples cruising.

 

[SJI Sailor]

I'd say it depends on how long the second couple is aboard. In my opinion, R31 or C30 is really only suitable for one couple for any substantial length of time (more than a weekend, or maybe a week). The quarter berth is very tight for two adults, and it may be more comfortable to put one on the galley conversion bed or sleeping bag in the cockpit.

However, that all depends on the details, how much folks mind being very close, how the weather turns out, whether you have a cockpit enclosure or conditions are suitable to hang out on the flybridge, etc.

As for storage there is very little for guests, and I would recommend packing lightly and planning to keep clothes etc in package luggage cubes or the like, that are easy to move and stow. For example they might go in the cave during the day and then tuck under the helm at night.