Year Model Engine Breakdown?

S

sierracierra

Active member
Joined
Jul 25, 2017
Messages
40
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2839C313
Vessel Name
Artemis
MMSI Number
316037857
I'm new to Tugnuts, so I haven't had a chance to look everywhere, but I haven't found a table or chart that provides clarity on what Ranger Tug models were made in a given year, what engine options were available, etc. Is anything like that available?

My hope is to purchase a Ranger Tug 25. New is way beyond my means, but I'm optimistic I can fare quite well with an older "pre-loved" model.

So my research is mostly between the 25 Classic and the 25SC. Moorage here in the Lower Mainland is also beyond my price range, but I have a suitable tow vehicle and having the boat secure in my driveway is appealing.

Obviously older is likely less expensive, none of what I've seen are "cheap", but I'm trying to see if a specific model year/engine is best for me. I was hoping to stumble upon a breakdown that made that information a little easier to digest.

Any information or guidance is appreciated.

Safe Boating!
 
The earlier 25 classics came with a Yanmar 110 or a cummins diesel and then there is the Yanmar 150. If you go with a classic 25 I would go with the higher HP. The 25SC had the Yanmar 4by2 150 and later years the Volvo. If you go with a Yanmar 4by2 make sure the service bulletins have been taken care of. They are - Replacement of heater water lines from engine to heater hose connection, replacement of oil line from sensor unit to lower banjo fitting, re-grounding of oil sensor unit and software update.
 
Thanks for the info.

Pacific Yachting June 2008 "The Ranger 25's standard engine is a 75-horsepower Yanmar diesel, but the one we tested was equipped an optional 110-hp Yanmar."

I guess not many were sold with the 75 HP model.

I take it older 25SCs only had the one engine option, the Yanmar 4BY2 - 150 HP? Currently replaced by the Volvo D3-150? Any idea which year the change was made?

Thanks for the tips on the Yanmar 4BY2. It appears Yanmar has replaced it with the 4BY3. Any ideas on where I can get more information on the 4BY2? Most downloads are for the newer model.

Thanks Again,
Safe Boating!
 
The switch to Volvo was made at least by the 2014 model year, but may have been earlier. We are very happy with the Volvo in our 2015, no issues once you change the factory installed fuel filter the first time, which they put on way too tight.
 
The switch to Volvo was made at least by the 2014 model year, but may have been earlier
Click to expand...

The switch was made in 2013.
 
I have a 2008 R25 Classic. It has a Cummins 150 hp diesel. I definitely think a 75 HP engine would be underpowered for this boat. Speeds over 7 knots require getting up onto the partial plane of the semi-planning hull and I wonder how much success you would have with a 75. I don't get there till I'm over 45% load on my 150.
 
The earlier R25 Classic came with a 75HP, 110 HP and 125HP Yanmar diesels. I believe there were very few of the 75 HP boats sold (as in one or two). Most were 110 hp and 125 hp. All three engines are basically the same. The 75 HP does not have an intercooler, The 125HP has slightly larger injector nozzles. There are slight descripencies in rated horsepowers for these engines between the various Yanmar service manuals.
One needs to decide what type of cruising you plan to do before assuming more hp is always better. Diesels like to run near maximum torque output. A lot of low speed cruising is not ideal for these engines. We come from the sailing side of boating and for us getting to the destination is the fun part. Cruising at 7 knots and being able to go in any direction at any time (as compared to sailing) is just fantastic for us. Burning less than 2 GPH makes fuel a minor cost of the overall trip cost. The argument of having lots of HP to outrun weather has never been a factor for our cruising, but may be a factor for you to consider. So, consider what type of cruising you will enjoy; that will help determine what speeds you will want to be capable of, before automatically rejecting the lower horsepower engines.
 
That 2010 R25 Classic at Port Boat House sounds like it has all the best "Classic" stuff! Just needs a trailer. If I were looking I'd be giving it a look! No, I don't get a commission from them.
 
rick&sue":2us1xmu3 said:
... Diesels like to run near maximum torque output. A lot of low speed cruising is not ideal for these engines...
Click to expand...
I frequently see/hear similar comments. But to date I've yet to see any documented support for same. Plenty of anecdotal "according to my mechanic" but nothing "official". Anyone have any supporting references?
 
Last week when we were limited to about 8 kts in slack water was a revelation. No longer felt comfortable running "narrows" where we could encounter 2-3 knots of opposing current. Really missed the ability to run up to 3400 rpm and get up to 14 knot out of the engine to maneuver through the tight spots. Low hp ok for lakes I guess but not ideal for places like Dodds Narrows when you are a bit off slack and still need to get through strong currents in control...
 
scross":phcs6l9q said:
...Low hp ok for lakes I guess but not ideal for places like Dodds Narrows when you are a bit off slack and still need to get through strong currents in control...
Click to expand...
Different strokes I suppose. We fairly routinely go in/out of narrow entrances at just above hull speed (6 kts or so through the water not GPS). That equates to about 1600 rpm with our 150hp Cummins. I find at that RPM the rudder gets a good bite and the boat responds well to the helm. With less water moving by the rudder she will get a bit squirrely when there are whirlpools etc.
 
We just purchased a 2013 R25sc and it has the Yanmar 4BY2 180 hp engine. I had thought that Ranger Tugs went from the Yanmar 150hp to the Volvo as the next step up, but apparently there was a Yanmar 180hp available too. I double checked the serial number plate and it clearly says Yanmar 4BY2-180. Was this a less common option?
 
I believe there was at least one of these. It was in Alaska. A Yanmar 150 hp engine want bad under warranty and the only quick replacement was a 180 hp which the owner agreed to accept.
 
To the OP. On an R25xx with the exception of the 75hp (under powered) it matters not a whit what engine you have. They are all reliable. They all will run happily at 6 knots or at 3/4+ throttle all day long and not care either way - no matter what folks read on the internet.
Ignore the make and model of the power plant and look at the condition of the engine, and the condition of the boat inside and out and the electronics and the accessories.
Engine should start immediately, idle smoothly, and take throttle with no smoking. If so the odds are good that you are good to go.
Do the thrusters work.
Inspect the inside of the bilges and down under the vee berth with a light and mirror or a scope and look for signs she was sunk at some point. Not a lot of that happened on Tugs but it would raise questions on reliability. (pertains to all boats, not just tugs)
One issue for the 25's has been upholstery. Ranger had a supplier put the screws to them with substandard cloth and vinyl that was not discovered until the boats had been in service for a significant period.
If the boat has heat, one brand of heater has been an issue for needing frequent maintenance (not Ranger's fault)

If you find a boat and have specific questions ask them here. Three of us will give you 4 opinions
(I always change mine after reading the other 3 :mrgreen: )
 
Again, Thanks for all the great info.

The picture is slowly getting clearer. Before 2010 there were no 25SC models, after 2011 there were no 25 classic models. It appears both were available for 2010 only.

SO it appears the 25 Classic had the Yanmar 110, Yanmar 125, Cummings 150 and Yanmar 150 as engine possibilities. Very few (if any) had the Yanmar 75.

A little unclear if there were any 25SCs with the Cummings motor, doesn't look like it. The more common motor in the early 25SCs is the Yanmar 150, but I was wondering if the Yanmar 110 or 125 was also a possibility. And from above, it looks like in 2013, Volvo D3-150 replaced the Yanmar 150, but it is still possible to have a Yanmar 180!

Dave at Port Boathouse indicated that 2010 R25 Classic is sold. I didn't get a chance to see the boat but it looked to be very well equipped.

I appreciate all the input. More opinions the better ; )

I'll have time to change my mind later!

Safe Boating,
Glenn
 
Levitation":14aerasa said:
To the OP. On an R25xx with the exception of the 75hp (under powered) it matters not a whit what engine you have. They are all reliable. They all will run happily at 6 knots or at 3/4+ throttle all day long and not care either way - no matter what folks read on the internet.
Ignore the make and model of the power plant and look at the condition of the engine, and the condition of the boat inside and out and the electronics and the accessories.
Engine should start immediately, idle smoothly, and take throttle with no smoking. If so the odds are good that you are good to go.
Do the thrusters work.
Inspect the inside of the bilges and down under the vee berth with a light and mirror or a scope and look for signs she was sunk at some point. Not a lot of that happened on Tugs but it would raise questions on reliability. (pertains to all boats, not just tugs)
One issue for the 25's has been upholstery. Ranger had a supplier put the screws to them with substandard cloth and vinyl that was not discovered until the boats had been in service for a significant period.
If the boat has heat, one brand of heater has been an issue for needing frequent maintenance (not Ranger's fault)

If you find a boat and have specific questions ask them here. Three of us will give you 4 opinions
(I always change mine after reading the other 3 :mrgreen: )
Click to expand...
That pretty well sums it up.
 
scross: Our R25sc didn't come from Alaska. The previous owner bought it new and sold it through Port Boat House and it lived at Cortez Island off Vancouver Island. So I guess there were at least 2 of the 180hpYanmar R25's.
 
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