WWYD What would you do?

I bought a 2025 and had (have) plenty of issues to keep me busy. Even a "brand new" boat will need some things addressed.
 
I did buy a new one last year. Still trying to get its problems fixed.
At least with a used boat you expect items and equipment will need to be fixed and repaired/replaced. Hopefully the money that is saved will offset this loss!
The depreciation on a new boat is more than enough to offset a lot of repairs.
The average sales price of a 10 year old boat is around 50% of the cost of a new one.
Just my opinion, Bob
 
Really! What problems did you have on a new tug?
Well, the chain locker was not draining for one...I made a entire post on it and the fix. It was quite surprising. The compass on the flybridge needed to be calibrated, I made a change for the better on our propane system and other small little odds and ends that needed to be touched up, re glued, realigned, tightened etc. I will relocate the fresh water pump soon to make access to the strainer possible, plus one of the hose clamps is actually obstructing the discharge from the pump, resulting in low flow. This is off the top of my head, I am on my boat a lot and am constantly tinkering, it's an aspect of the hobby that I really enjoy.
 
Currently refitting a 2008 R25... 100hours on original Cummins 150.
Doc's list seems spot on. I am also replacing the Hot water tank, and freshwater tubing. I am comfortable doing these things. I did offer a lower offer. I am adding the navigation features that I desire for Great Lakes, and the Loop.
Best of luck with your journey!
Mike
2908 R-25 Sweet Pea
 
Oh, and I just replaced the solenoid fill valve for the Tecma toilet. It has only been in use since June. When I pulled it apart, it looks like the diagram somehow came loose.
 

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I will relocate the fresh water pump soon to make access to the strainer possible, plus one of the hose clamps is actually obstructing the discharge from the pump, resulting in low flow.
UPDATE: The suction line was completely fouled with plastic shavings (I guessing it's from the drilling/tapping of the tank) There was even some past the strainer and into the pump. I cleaned out everything and rearranged the entire thing putting in a 4.5 gpm super quite pump. Everything is better than new now! P.S. The holding tank level gage isn't working on my "brand new boat" HeHe.
 
We Purchased an 2015 R29 a year ago. It also had a "few problems," and the problems were all with ancellary systems (windshield wipers etc...). 600+ hours on the engine. My advice: Walk away. I wish we did. I really like the boat itself. Handles well, the right size for us. The thrusters are a real plus. We do have heat and airconditions. Yet, we have not been able to take the boat out on anything but a short cruise in a year. And it looks like the boat will be stuck in the doc for a good part of this summer (steering and engine hatch issues that were not with us last summer).

The issues is with support, or more precisely the lack of it. We are in the chesapeake bay, with a LOT of boats. There is even a repair facility that is associated the a ranger tug dealer. We thought this was an advantage of the Ranger Tug in this location. Think again. We have been unable to get them to look at the boat.

The only reason we didn't get it from the local dealership was we wanted an R29 and they "couldn't find one." The only Ranger tug 29s that was available was in NJ. On the trip from the dealer to our Marina (6 hours or so). The engine had an issue with the fuel line and we limped to our dock. Getting that dealt with was a multi month affair. Most of the "minor items" remain unfixed to this day. We actually have a local Shop that works for a Ranger Tug dealer. The earliest they would see the boat was at the end of the boating season. Bad weather prevented that, so we both agreed to get it into the shop at the start of the boating season. Just learned that they do not want to service a boat that 10 years old, and wasn't purchased from their dealership. So plan on doing the repairs yourself or looking for a meachanic who probably doesn't know the boat to do the repairs..

Tug nuts has been a help, but there is only so much you can do in this format.

Example: Our Hydraulic Engine Hatch goes up great, down is an issue. ... Lots of suggestions, no cures. Local Ranger tub people are not helpful.

Look at the Manuals, they are helpful, but woefully incomplete. So if you are handy (I am) plan on tracing out systems and figuring out how to get to parts, etc. on your own. Ranger Tugs pack a lot into a small boat. Often that means working in tight areas.

If you really want the boat, line up people who are willing to work on the boat before you purcahse it.

Good luck.
 
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