New Ranger 29

westward · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 11:52 am Post subject:

Using the Nordic 32 as an example of a purchaser's available choices: Skipper Cress currently has a bristol 2004 Nordic 32 for sale with an asking price of $260K. This is a loaded boat with under 400 engine hours, and 260K is likely negotiable in today's economy. The Nordic 32 is WAY MORE BOAT that the R-29, not even comparable in my opinion. I wish Ranger tugs all the luck with their new flagship but I suspect they're coming on at too high a price point. Too, the various prices illustrate the high price to be paid for the privelege of buying new. Cheers, Mike.

tanker16 · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

Re the Ranger 29...check out Marc's last blog entry on the Wefings page for the latest skinny.
Tim

Dene · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 8:26 pm Post subject:

Wefings · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:15 pm Post subject:

And there is nothing like that "new boat smell"
Marc

SGIRhino · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

The virtues of a new 29 VS a pre-owned 32 can be discussed ad nauseum. There are reasons that franchise auto dealers still sell used vehicles on their lots and reasons that people still go there to purchase new cars.

Having been in the sales business for many years I have learned that it's not PRICE that sells any thing or commodity but VALUE. If a buyer perceives that there is VALUE in having a dealer, a manufacturer and a specific warranty that is included in and stands behind the purchase price of a new vessel then it is not difficult to spend the extra money. If the purchase price exceeds the perceived value by only a dollar then it's usually a used unit that will soon be sitting in their slip.

We happen to believe that when you see the names; Ranger Tugs, Livingston, Messmer, Custis etc. associated with the boat you are considering for purchase that there is a LOT of value there! We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first 29 Ranger Tug...and meeting her new owners!

Charlie

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

And for each buyer, there is the boat that is "just right"... when we bought our 25, we were looking for the boat that would fit our needs and not be any larger than necessary. That size difference between the Ranger 29 and the other larger tugs mentioned may be an important point for some buyers. It looks to me like Ranger has found another niche. We don't have any boat shows on our agenda this season, so I'll look forward to hearing all about this new model when someone gets to see it (and photograph it) in person.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 4:01 pm Post subject:

We'll tell you all about the Ranger 29, with pix, after the Seattle Boat Show, Jim.

With its lineage and customer service, I am pretty sure the Ranger 29 will represent excellent value. Whether it will be "just right" obviously depends on who it is supposed to be "just right" for...

westward · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 10:03 pm Post subject:

If anyone can get a quarter mil for a 29' mini-tug it would most certainly be the folks at Ranger Tugs. I take the points about value being that which exists in the mind of the buyer rather than conventional notions of proportionality, the merits of available alternatives, etc. Ranger Tugs has done an excellent job of producing and marketing niche products that people with money are willing to buy. I looked out my window Thanksgiving day and saw an R-25 making it's way North up the central Sound then back again a bit later. Pointed it out to my wife. She remarked at "how cute" it was. That sort of emotional connection really plants the seeds of most boat purchases. I personally would be inclined to research "value" alternatives before committing that kind of $$ to the purchase of an R-29, but I'm sure these babies will sell. Regards, Mike.

C-Sick · Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2008 11:13 pm Post subject: Lots of Variable To Consider

Steady Eddy - It may well have been Gratitude. We were headed from Des Moines to Elliott Bay. Great way for company to see Seattle Skyline.

I have a friend with a 42 Dever. We are always comparing notes about what is the best boat to own. Believe me he has some real advantages over me in terms of space and weight in the water.

What continues to make me content with our R-25 is

1. Customer Service From Ranger Tugs
2. Fuel Efficientcy
3. Moorage Rates and availability
4. Upkeep costs
5. New smell and everything works

He bought his boat for a lot less than mine but the time he brings it up to date it will be about the same.

The good news is we both love our own boats and really appreciate the benefits of each others.

Captains Cat · Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

Yes, and let him try to put his 42 on a trailer and take it to Lake Powell for a couple of weeks! Shocked

Charlie