So here's a story. Back in January 2009 I saw a 21 Ranger Tug for sale at Westport marina here on Vancouver Island. I asked here on this site and on TugNuts for some input on this tug and got some some really great comments. In the end I decided that the R21 was not quite what we wanted, the dream being an R25, but the quest lead us to Port Boathouse, the dealer. They were also the C-Dory dealer at the time and, to shorten the story, we finally bought a 2008 Venture 23.
Fast forward to this fall and there was interest on the C-Brats site for someone looking for a boat like ours. a case of "2 ft'itis" set in and we started looking around. That deal didn't materialize but we had the itch. The Venture had been an absolutely spectacular boat with no issues. It was (is) well finished yet simple. It rides perfectly in snotty waters and is comfortable on the hook, though a little like camping. What to buy?
After lots of great input from TugNuts we decided on an R25. Several people suggested the R27 while others pointed us to Cutwater. We thought about a Venture 26 but finally we settled on an R25SC. It gave us the real enclosed head and shower and still fitted in the boathouse. There was a used R25SC available at Port Boathouse and we were sorely tempted. A really lovely boat at a great price. In the end, however, insanity took charge and recognizing that at 67 (nearly 68) and mostly single handing, this is going to be our last boat, we splurged for new. The latest incarnation of "Chimo", a grey hull 2017 R25SC, is due to become ours tomorrow. I recognize that I am trading storage and speed for a lot more systems and maintenance but also comfort and thrusters. I'm sure it's going to be a good decision.
Now I have only one big decision left, "Do I leave my C-Brats pennant on the Venture or take it with me? My thinking is that I should leave it. Hopefully Chimo (with a new name) will stay at home in the C-Brats family and the new owner will benefit from the great information, exchange of views and camaraderie that I have enjoyed over the last years.
Thanks everyone
Fast forward to this fall and there was interest on the C-Brats site for someone looking for a boat like ours. a case of "2 ft'itis" set in and we started looking around. That deal didn't materialize but we had the itch. The Venture had been an absolutely spectacular boat with no issues. It was (is) well finished yet simple. It rides perfectly in snotty waters and is comfortable on the hook, though a little like camping. What to buy?
After lots of great input from TugNuts we decided on an R25. Several people suggested the R27 while others pointed us to Cutwater. We thought about a Venture 26 but finally we settled on an R25SC. It gave us the real enclosed head and shower and still fitted in the boathouse. There was a used R25SC available at Port Boathouse and we were sorely tempted. A really lovely boat at a great price. In the end, however, insanity took charge and recognizing that at 67 (nearly 68) and mostly single handing, this is going to be our last boat, we splurged for new. The latest incarnation of "Chimo", a grey hull 2017 R25SC, is due to become ours tomorrow. I recognize that I am trading storage and speed for a lot more systems and maintenance but also comfort and thrusters. I'm sure it's going to be a good decision.
Now I have only one big decision left, "Do I leave my C-Brats pennant on the Venture or take it with me? My thinking is that I should leave it. Hopefully Chimo (with a new name) will stay at home in the C-Brats family and the new owner will benefit from the great information, exchange of views and camaraderie that I have enjoyed over the last years.
Thanks everyone
).