Pre Purchase Questions?

Pat Anderson

Oh, Lordy! Here we go again! Maybe somebody can search out the prior threads and just post links! But clearly the CD25 is the best combination of boat and value (ducking, as I say this!) Laughing

matt_unique · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 10:24 am Post subject: Differences

Ha ha - yeah - there are lot's of discussions from prospective owners about the differences between the various vessels. Mine were among the many as I signed papers on my Tomcat a little over a month ago (take delivery in March).

Soooo....to summarize my impression....(never cruised on the Ranger...have only seen them. I have test driven a C-25 and a Tomcat).

In terms of any diesel powered boat...most reliable engine period...slower...better on fuel consumption...offers heat via engine...with age worst fumes...most expensive to purchase...inboard will likely have deepest draft. From my quick observation, the Rangers have the best finish/trim of the lot.

Gas twin engine Tomcat...fastest ride of the lot (high 40's)...biggest berth...highest fuel consumption...best ride due to catamaran hull/air cushion...most difficult to trailer...close to 7000lbs with engines...requires larger tow vehicle...most expensive trailer...more expensive boat and engines than C25...largest cockpit (45 sq feet)...coolest name...only boat suitable for fire graphic down the side. Not possible to own the Cat with a single engine of course.

C25...can own with single or twin...easiest to trailer...best on fuel...flat monohull combined with lightest weight means the worst pounding in seas of the lot above...smaller forward berth (compared to Tomcat)...easier to trailer...cheaper trailer/engines....requires less of a tow vehicle...most inexpensive of the lot...I believe more cockpit space than R25 but I'm not certain of that.

That's the quick summary off the top of my head...trying to be as objective as possible.

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

I agree with Matt's comments for the most part re the CD25. My usable or standing area cockpit space is only 36 sq ft (7' 9"W x 4' 8"L), but ample for 4 fisherman or 2-3 scuba divers. I have slept 3 adults in the V-berth (they knew each other...) and 2 children/1 adult on the dinnette, 1 on the floor.

As for pounding, why? If the wave height/conditions get me airborne and I pound ONCE, I either a) Drop the speed a knot or two, b) Drop the bow a bit with the trim tabs, or c) Change directions slightly to not be directly into the waves. I won't put up with pounding, too hard on the passengers and boat! My sweet spot speed is 15-18 knots on average, although last weekend I went 22 knots for hours coming back from the Santa Barbara Festival.

Never been on a Ranger 25 so can't comment, the Tom Cat 25 is nice, all of what Matt said, more of choice of speed while maintaining comfort -- but you do pay a price...

forrest · Posted: Sat Oct 20, 2007 11:48 am Post subject:

If you are not in a hurry you might want to wait until the factory makes the 26 out of the CC molds. You would be surprized and impressed.
Forrest

Doryman

matt_unique

[quote="Lori Ann"]

thataway · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:16 pm Post subject:

Speed is a real difference between the Tom Cat and CD 25. Our CD 25 with a single 130 will make 18 to 19 knots--top. The Tom Cat--light will hit 49 knots. Today, loaded with full cruising gear--we cruised at 35 knots. A speed which even the higherst powered powered CD 25 cannot sustain. This 35 knots was an a bay with 2 foot steep chop--and the CD 25 would be pounding on this.

If you don't know the difference between diesel and outboards--then I would suggest that you start reading a number of forums--including all of the posts in the last year on this forum--also read Boat Fix, and The Hull Truth. There is no book which will give you the information which you can obtain from these forums.

drjohn71a · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 5:01 pm Post subject:

Sailed Away.... I did not mean to hihack your thread, but I typed a very long bunch of words in answer to your query, but had clicked on "New topic" instead of "Reply". I could not "copy" that much to your thread, so had to let it go as a new thread....

John

acustis · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 11:38 pm Post subject: Water Tank location

Just to a remark regarding Old dog's comments. The water tank can be accessed. We have done it. We had added a monitoring system to the tank. I tow these boats everyday with a F250 with a big gasoline engine. Doesn't do well on fuel but it tows it fine. Any other questions please feel free to shoot me an email and I can help.

Old Dog · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:35 pm Post subject:

Andrew,

This is a different answer than I got when I asked about accessing the water tank and installing a sensor and gauge.

Easy enough to do during the build process but are you saying you found a way to retrofit a sensor? If so, what kind and how did you do it?

I'm asking this via the forum rather than email because others might be interested.

El and Bill · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 5:38 pm Post subject:

We were also former sailors - 20' Flicka - and now stepped up in size to a 22 C-Dory cruiser. This is all you need, if size, price and economy are a consideration. We obviously believe in simplicity and the smallest boat on which to be comfortable. Check out our website, below, if you don't think it's possiblde to live aboard and cruise extensively on a CD-22 -- and we're still a loving and happy couple. Get the smallest boat on which you can be comfortable.

PenguinPA · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Pre Purchase Questions?

[quote="sailedaway"]I am considering buying a Ranger 25 tug - Any views on stability in 4-6 ft seas? Is it a problem?

Sailed Away-
Evening, I just purchased the R-25 and brought her home from Anacortes to Tacoma last weekend. Late saturday we had a "small craft advisory" with a north wind and an outgoing tide. This created 3-5' wind waves. We were going about 12.5kts at 3000rpm prior, but when it got bad, we slowed down to about 9kts and had no problem.
Heading into the swell the stability was great and even with a quartering sea there was no problem at all....However, coming into Elliott Bay in Seattle with a following sea was a little ugly Shocked

and I would prefer not to do that again for a long while!

So from a relative novices' prospective (1st time out with this hull) she will handle seas like a dream, just don't turn your back on them!

Good Luck!

denny48

Unless you just must have a go-fast boat, don't forget about the demure but impressive Ranger 21.

Like Bill and El, we believe smaller doesn't necessarily mean lesser. I think we're able to do most things our big engined cousins can do except go fast. We may see less scenery, but we think we may enjoy it even more going slower.

With combined personal body weights of over 400 lbs., (I won't get into specifics for fear of broken bones), we've slept snugly, but comfortably, fished, cooked, partied, etc. We've even entertained as many as 6 aboard at one time without feeling cramped.

With the little 30hp Yanmar, it sips fuel at about 1/2 gallon per hour with speeds at around 7 knots. At our chronoligically advantaged ages, our goal was to spend more time than money while cruising. And we love the HUGE walk-around engine room!