Ranger Tug vs C-Dory

RobLL · Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2019 4:33 pm Post subject:

Please correct this if I remember incorrectly. It was a few years ago, and keep in mind that most boat builders may have 'not so good years'. But I remember some discussions that RTs were having such a year.

Avidmagnum12 · Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2019 6:32 pm Post subject:

Of course one can get more boat for the money but can you trailer it? Went down to St. Petersburg to the boat show yesterday and as there were no C-Dory’s there I went looking at Ranger Tugs. They did not have a 25 but did have a 23 and a 27. The price of the 27 was about $215,000 plus trailer and tax etc. ....so let’s say $250,000. More or less. There was also a used one for $180,000 with out a trailer but it did have a $15,000 generator.

Let’s do the math......I figure our very clean and extremely well equipped CD-25 which was repowered a year and a half ago is worth about $75,000. Yes, the RT 27 is also well equipped and somewhat larger but is it worth the extra $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Not to me but it obviously is to some.

It sure made us appreciate our C-Dory. I’ve done a lot of modifications on the C-Otter and looking at the Ranger Tugs and their refined interiors shudder thinking of running wires.

I guess it comes down to what a person wants........Tom

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Sat Dec 07, 2019 7:33 pm Post subject:

Rob, the bad years were when they started installing the new 150 Cummins in the late 2000s. The engine was a new market for Cummins, many of the engine control computers failed, they were sourced from eastern europe and could be weeks or longer to get replacements, this was a low hour new boat problem and Ranger quickly went over to the 150 Yanmar we had in our 2012 R25.

Tom, as I always do with any new boat I started adding and changing things on the Tug, you're right, very frustrating with everything hidden and trimmed over and I had to hide everything I did also to preserve the "look"
Our CD 25 is easy and nobody notices the extra added wire or two.
They are towable but up one class of truck and our R25 seemed like a much bigger all around tow in every way than our CD 25. They are well suited for PNW cruises from home slips. Any tow is a serious undertaking.
We did tow ours California-Mexico-Lake Powell-California a couple of times with no problems except one trailer tire blowout in Mexico. It was much less stressful after we traded up from a 3/4 to a 1 ton truck.

hardee · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2019 4:07 pm Post subject: Re: Ranger Tug vs C-Dory

ken35216 · Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2019 4:49 pm Post subject:

I just got back from a 18 day cruise of SW Florida and saw several late modlel Rangers. One outboard (300 Yamaha) and two inboards.

No question they are nice pretty boats. They look good at the marina!

I like the utility of C-Dory however and I think they won't age as fast as the Rangers will.

hardee · Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 10:21 pm Post subject:

Just checking back. I sent a PM. Anyone get anything back from John (OP)? Looks like he is local so PM'd but no response . . . yet.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Wed Dec 11, 2019 11:10 pm Post subject:

I hope I didn't scare him off, he did want to hear from former Ranger Tug owners.

chimoii · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 2:30 pm Post subject:

ssobol · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 6:09 pm Post subject:

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2020 8:58 pm Post subject:

Simulate building a 27 Ranger Tug with the options you want including a trailer if you want a shock.

On the other hand a 29 (over 8'6 beam) just pulled in to the dock next to us in La Paz that he bought new in 2010, he loves his boat and tows it down to Mexico from Colorado.

Bobby P. · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 1:49 pm Post subject:

Just getting myself distracted from social isolation and found this website.

I have owned lots of boats... 11 and 13 ft. Whalers, 16 foot Starcraft (an oldie), 17' Thomson bowlder, 30' Alberg sailboat, 28ft Bayliner, 36' Albin trawler and a few others.

I currently own a 2017 31' Ranger Tug Command Bridge. Bought her used with a trailer.

I'm not rich (I'm a teacher who does some construction on the side, my wife is a teacher/social worker). I've never owned a Porsche.

All I can say is "WOW"! I've had the boat for a year now and really like her.

The last boat we had was a 1978 Albin Trawler. We raised our kids on her (not live aboard, but a lot aboard). She was old and leaky and we were ready to get something a little newer. We love the trawler amenities and like bumping around.
Now that the kids are in and out of college, we also wanted to be able to to more exploring in further away places.

About 3 and a half years ago I started looking. What we determined was we wanted the biggest boat we could trailer and have as much trawler in it as possible.

The Ranger 29 and 31 CB (that's an upper bridge), does this perfectly.

As far as loading and launching, it takes may 10-15 minutes either way. It is actually easier than almost any other boat that I have owned, because it has a bow and stern thruster. I can perfectly position her in the water and then just drive up onto the trailer. I can't tell you how many times I've back the trailer in and out of the water trying to get the 13' Whaler positioned perfectly.

We live near the Chesapeake Bay. Last summer we went to the top of the Bay, across the C&D Canal, down the Delaware Bay and up the Atlantic. Circumnavigated Long Island and heading back after anchoring behind lady liberty for a day. What a cruise.

This summer we will tow it to New England, launch her, visit my daughter in Boston, the play around Cape Cod, then throw her back on the trailer and come home. This winter, we will tow to Florida and take a trip to the Bahamas.

To sit out the Corona Virus (we are teaching online now), we were just about to load her up and head to the Keys. However, the governor of Florida just closed all of the boating ramps in the state because people didn't know how to boat, but keep isolated. I think we will still go to the boat and just socially isolate there.

A little bit more about the Ranger 31CB... We have excellent electronics, radar, etc, which save our buts when out in Atlantic we got fogged in for 6 hours.
Also has generator, heat/AC, refrigeration, two heads, one with shower and nice queen bed. Oh, and I read that somebody thought these boats were a bit posh, well you are right, we have a wine cooler as well!

The power plant is excellent. We have the 300hp inboard diesel. It's a great all around engine. We can troll speed at 6 knots, burning under 2 gph. At 16 knots, we burn 10 gph. We like to troll, but if we need to out run or storm or something, we can always jump up and go.

In short, it is hard to "compare". I've piloted Cape Dory's I've owned a Bayliner and even went to the dark side and sailed a few year. I really have enjoyed all of my boats. Right nowI love my Ranger Tug - for lots of reasons.

If anyone would like to know more, don't hesitate to ask.

Best to all. Hope to see you on the water (from a social distance).

Bobby

Knipet · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 5:07 pm Post subject:

Bobby,
Thanks for the write up on your RT CB. I walked through one at the Rendezvous in Roche Harbor last Sept - Very nice!

What sort of town vehicle do you use and how does towing it on the highway go? Any issues getting permits when traveling from state to state?

Micahbigsur@msn.com · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2020 10:44 pm Post subject:

We just cruised up the lower part of the Sea of Cortez with our friend Stuart who has a 2010 RT 29 that he bought new, he tows down to the San Carlos side from Colorado. He has been doing the Sea for years and loves his 29. Other than being dead slow compared to Sierra it is a nice boat! (10 mph slower).
The 29 and 31 need wide load permits one reason we originally bought a R 25 SC. Many don't get them that we have talked to, but if you get in an accident of any kind your insurance won't cover your liability.