New Ranger 29
- Thread starter Minnow
- Start date
I just hope they have a different designer than the one who did the CD-29. :twisted:
Talking with people in the industry, it seems to be the small and mid-size "bubble boats" that are really taking on the chin. The R-25 has been a real sales success story, proving that there are people who will buy a good-looking, well-built, functional boat. There aren't a lot of options in that 29' range for a tug, so I can see that there may be another niche waiting for a small (careful and consciencious) manufacturer to fill it.
The trick is to get more function in those additional feet and not just make everything bigger. The person who can afford an R-29 can also likely afford an American Tug, a Nordic Tug, or similar. The R-25 offers something those others don't: trailerability. It will be interesting to see what the 29 brings to the market to set it apart from the bigger tugs.
With the uncertainty of rising fuel prices (well, it's almost a certainty
), many people are going to be content to go slower and have more comfort while underway. Ranger seemed to cautiously get into the 25 market with the floor mock-up at the 2006 SBS, getting some positive reaction before jumping in with both feet. I'm guessing they will do their homework and have been paying attention to what customers are currently asking for... a smart way to do (and grow) business.
Talking with people in the industry, it seems to be the small and mid-size "bubble boats" that are really taking on the chin. The R-25 has been a real sales success story, proving that there are people who will buy a good-looking, well-built, functional boat. There aren't a lot of options in that 29' range for a tug, so I can see that there may be another niche waiting for a small (careful and consciencious) manufacturer to fill it.
The trick is to get more function in those additional feet and not just make everything bigger. The person who can afford an R-29 can also likely afford an American Tug, a Nordic Tug, or similar. The R-25 offers something those others don't: trailerability. It will be interesting to see what the 29 brings to the market to set it apart from the bigger tugs.
With the uncertainty of rising fuel prices (well, it's almost a certainty
), many people are going to be content to go slower and have more comfort while underway. Ranger seemed to cautiously get into the 25 market with the floor mock-up at the 2006 SBS, getting some positive reaction before jumping in with both feet. I'm guessing they will do their homework and have been paying attention to what customers are currently asking for... a smart way to do (and grow) business.Doryman":sixd17w3 said:
Hi Warren,
I don't believe I've ever seen boats priced on a comparable per-foot basis. The CD-25 is less than 15% longer than the 22, but more than 40% more in cost. The CD-25, the TC255, and the R-25 are all about the same length, but there is a big difference in their respective prices. I doubt that you'll see an R-29 that is less than 20% more than an R-25. All speculation, of course, since we haven't see one, yet. :wink:
My point was: if someone can afford a $200k+ boat, it isn't that much more of a stretch percentage-wise to move up. I.E. lots of people can afford to plunk down $20k on a boat... fewer can do $100k... even fewer $200k... but by the time you get to those numbers, the percentage points are much closer together. I would certainly expect a price difference between the Ranger and the 32' Nordic Tug... but for the person who would buy the Nordic Tug, what could the R-29 offer (besides price) that would sway them that direction?
As a former business owner, I found price is less important to buyers than value, especially regarding higher-end products. This product isn't going to be seriously considered by someone on a constrained budget. Neither of the current Ranger products could be considered inexpensive (especially when compared to other comparable size boats), but they convey value and fill a niche. I wouldn't expect Ranger to stray far from their successful business model.
My 3¢ worth, due to inflation. 8)
Best wishes,
Jim
Jim & Others,
Would it be possible and plausible for the 21 to be widened, say to 8 or 8.5'? That extra girth in the v-berth sure would be nice. Speaking of v-berths, the R-25 seemed very short to me when we were at the '06 show. You remember, where their first model was topless? Have they lengthened the v-berth, especially on the starboard side, or is it still a bit short?
Would it be possible and plausible for the 21 to be widened, say to 8 or 8.5'? That extra girth in the v-berth sure would be nice. Speaking of v-berths, the R-25 seemed very short to me when we were at the '06 show. You remember, where their first model was topless? Have they lengthened the v-berth, especially on the starboard side, or is it still a bit short?
Pat Anderson
New member
The R-29 is more than a rumor...when we had money down on an R-25, I made numerous visits to the Ranger factory following their progress on the boat. On one visit Dave Livingston took me in the office and showed me some preliminary drawings - this was two years ago. This was very much in Dave's and John's plans then. I'm sure we will be hearing from Ranger Jeff when the time is right! Here is a shot I took then called "Dave's Big Secret - a C-Ranger 30 ???"" it was a "C-Ranger" then of course...the joke about "big secret" is that the drawings were taped up on the wall in the office. There are a lot of Ranger factory pictures in the Daydream album here.
Westfield 11
New member
I would hope that a Ranger 29 would still be trailerable and that they still keep it primarily a 2 person boat. The world does not need yet another Nordic type tug that "sleeps" 6 in 30 feet. There are going to be a ton of Boomers retiring in the next few years and a bigger R-25 with more room for two would seem to be a good idea.
Yes it would be heavy, but as someone posted to an earlier thread, "hotshot" truckers are not really expensive for seasonal relocation compared to the cost of buying, insuring and maintaining a big tow vehicle.
Yes it would be heavy, but as someone posted to an earlier thread, "hotshot" truckers are not really expensive for seasonal relocation compared to the cost of buying, insuring and maintaining a big tow vehicle.
For those who haven't seen them yet, Jeff Messmer has posted drawings and specs on The TugNuts: http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=23
Looking at the list, options, drawings etc--the "base price" (introductary) is about $239,000. Add in transportion, minimal extras (although some electronics are included), taxes, etc--you are looking at over $260,000--I would not be surprised to see a fully tricked out boat at close to $275,000, with trailer (needs permit). How times have changed. My first ocean going sailboat about this same size, cost me about $10,000 in 1962. My next boat which was 35 feet--two staterooms, with true stall shower--mail saloon--cost $22,000 in 1971...45 foot full racing boat ready to race to Hawaii cost $45,000 in 1975.
Frankly when I am looking at that type of money, I would be considering a larger used boat--but that is my personal preference.
Frankly when I am looking at that type of money, I would be considering a larger used boat--but that is my personal preference.
Westfield 11
New member
I think for at least 50% of their perspective market this is the competition: a good well found used boat. I still question the wisdom of a second cabin in a boat under 30feet. I would rather see that space devoted to more living space foe a couple. Heck, for that kind of money I could buy any number of 40+ foot boats and have $100k change left over, that would go a long way towards having the boat transported to another cruising ground or towards mooring fees and other associated expensesthataway":33bzcohv said:
flrockytop
New member
I heard a rumor that Wefings will be getting one before long.
We just sold our Sundowner 32 Tug for $85,000. Even though our Tug was a 1990 -- it was loaded (gen set, cummins 210, inverter, vac-u-flush, etc) and in great shape. I think the overall quality was much better than the newer tugs. Comparing the price to the 29' Ranger -- not sure a 29' would make sense -- at least to me.
journey on
New member
If the R-29 is truly trailerable, it's a different ballgame than anything 30' on up. I'd love to see a true weight on the first production R-29. Not that I plan to buy one, but my 3/4 ton truck would haul 9000# of boat + 2000# of trailer.
And Bob, when you bought your first sailboat, cars were $2000. So everything is inflated. My first Catalina (74) was $4000, which included a day of how to sail. And the truck that pulled it was $4000. Both laste 10 years, the boat better than the truck.
And I still say the C-25 is a true bargain.
Boris
And Bob, when you bought your first sailboat, cars were $2000. So everything is inflated. My first Catalina (74) was $4000, which included a day of how to sail. And the truck that pulled it was $4000. Both laste 10 years, the boat better than the truck.
And I still say the C-25 is a true bargain.
Boris
thataway":2fp81ksp said:
Yet the Nordic Tug 32' go for a 100k more. Given this, I think there will be a market for R-29'. It's certainly a comfortable layout for two people who want to cruise 24/7.
I haven't figured out the "aft cabin" layout. If it's similar to my old Carver 3007 aft cabin, this "room" is a nice addition for a cruising couple. Great for guests, storage, even a small office or reading room.
-Greg
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.