R41 - Hull #1 photo's

I watched a 60 footer dock in strong current and wind. the IPS and joystick brought the boat to the dock, almost touching, and the helmsman left the flybridge, climbed down, and tied up the boat. The engines and IPS drives kept the boat exactly in place while the dock lines were attached.

The drives are designed to break away on impact, without sinking the boat. Volvo says that replacing a drive is less expensive than the damage a shaft drive boat would incur from the same log or rock strike.
 
westward":1qd75xj6 said:
In my opinion, just my opinion, the Ranger boats seem to have a "toy-like" quality to them. Feature packed, shiny, and almost should be sold at Costco. Hard to argue with their market success however.
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When I first saw the pictures in July my first thoughts were it’s too busy looking. I didn’t post anything because I was afraid of violating the “just be nice” motto. Well...I actually thought with all of the seating modules, towers and the tubing stantions on the swim deck it looked like a Lego boat. I felt the same way about the interior. I’m definitely not the target buyer for this category of boat so my opinion doesn’t mean squat! I am pleased that I’m not alone in my personal assessment though.
 
Fairbro:

You raise an excellent general issue. Here is my thought process: I initially had the same reservations, that my honest remarks would be offensive to some. I concluded it would be OK since this isn't a Ranger Tugs forum. (I would not have posted the same remarks on TugNuts, where they would have served no useful purpose). People on this site have historically had no problem criticizing Bayliner boats or the ill-fated CD 29 for example, and fairly I believe. Scrutiny, review, and assessment are some of the strengths of the internet, and one needs to consider every source. The people offended appear to mostly be Ranger owners which is understandable given their investment. But if I'm considering buying a boat (or truck, or RV, or TV set) and I'm looking for information, I want to see all opinions and feedback to help me decide. Foggy, for example, posted concerns about windage, which would be very important to know BEFORE making such a big purchase. I do hope the comments remain civil and non-personal, but I guess it's up to every contributor to self-police, and the moderators to "lower the boom" when we go too far.
 
No offense taken Mike. To each his own. I wanted a head, a shower, more room and an outboard. I got all that with our new R23, Island Time. The boat is comfortable and seaworthy. She flies over chop that C-Dancer would have to slow way down for. Barely any pounding like we experienced with the CD. Obviously that's the difference between a deep-v and semi-dory hull.

But as all have stated over the years, there is a compromise. As in much higher fuel burn, lots of systems to pay attention to, handling in tight quarters more challenging, raw water head a bit of a pain. Even with a bigger, roomier cockpit on the R23, I still like fishing off of C-Dancer better. However, we really like the new boat, I really like the smooth, fast ride and the ample headroom in cabin and v-berth; just a very comfortable boat. I still have a lot to learn about lsland Time, not like C-Dancer where I felt like I knew her like the back of my hand after 12 years of ownership. I miss the simplicity of C-Dorys with minimal systems and the nimbleness in handling. As you can tell, I'm torn between the old and the new. Both good boats, just very different.

Peter
 
Peter, It took me 4 years after I bought SleepyC before I could come to grips with selling my sailboat. Just wasn't sure which one I liked best. But now I know and the story is written. Just like with C-Dory back when Andrew and Jeff were there. They had a dream, know-how, and expertise, and C-Dory didn't see it the same way. I'm glad there are still C-Dorys, but every time I see there advertising tag line, "You are not just buying a boat, but joining our family" I get a twinge, because that started with C-Dory.

Andrew, Thanks for popping up here. Great to see you. I was at Roche the morning your Ranger/Cutwater get together started. What a spectacular accomplishment. When talking with boaters along the way, the story of C-Dory often includes the beginning of the Rangers as well.

I have boated much of the PNW waters and have seen Rangers and Cutwaters at near every turn. They are fine, capable vessels, just not my style. I'd rather drive a CJ-5 than a Hummer.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

JC_Lately_SleepyC_Flat_Blue_070.thumb.jpg
 
Peter: I'm glad you guys are enjoying your new vessel. I suspect, in her "heart of hearts", the Admiral to whom I report would much rather have your Ranger than what we currently have, or what I want to buy next. Especially this time of year when the weather turns cold. Every year at the Boat Show I notice that the wives take a shine to the Rangers, and I believe wives, or at least wives' consent, drives the brand selection in most major boat purchases. I also know that Ranger managed to prosper through the Recession when most other manufacturers scaled back, sold out, or went under. Ranger is definitely doing much right from a business and marketing perspective. Just not my style I guess. I am thankful that experienced boaters like yourself are able to offer opinions and insight to help inform our purchase decisions. Not that I'd ever purchase another boat... :wink:
 
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