Ranger moving strong into the outboard market

The price of $109,937 is the base price for the boat. That doesn't include the options I would like to add. After going on the Ranger Tug site and choosing the options, which didn't include a trailer or autopilot, we're looking at an additional $20,000+. Now we're looking at $130,000 and if I were to add $11,000 for a trailer, we're talking about $141,000. Sorry but a little too rich for my blood. That's definitely a case of snooze or lose as it would have been around $120,000 if we purchased a 2016 Boat Show R23 and about the same after the 2017 SBS.

I have to admit the CD-25, although a very nice boat, was definitely very spartan compared to the R23. Obviously YMMV.

Peter
 
Jazzmanic":1vv220yc said:
I have to admit the CD-25, although a very nice boat, was definitely very spartan compared to the R23. Obviously YMMV.

Peter

That's why most people buy C-Dories. Spartan, in a marine environment, lasts longer and is easier to maintain.
 
Christ, for the price of a new 25 or a Ranger, I could buy a nicely equipped, used Taiwan trawler...take all my g-kids and STILL have money left over... :shock:
 
localboy":25yvsyl4 said:
Christ, for the price of a new 25 or a Ranger, I could buy a nicely equipped, used Taiwan trawler...take all my g-kids and STILL have money left over... :shock:

I have even seem some older Grand Banks and Hatteras Motor Yachts down in that price range recently.
 
Some comments:

I did sell my CD 22 and bought a nice 37ft Taiwan Trawler 10 years ago. The trawler was less than a new CD 25 at the time.

We have enjoyed the space, comforts, (two heads and a shower), and range (1000 miles on diesel).

What we have learned is that slip rent is a reality, as are haul outs for bottom paint, a diver to check and replace zincs, and ongoing maintenance. The 40 ft slip rent is now $600/mo for covered moorage. If a trawler can sit out in the rain, outdoor storage on land is available for about $300/mo. Another expense is driving to the marina to check on the boat.

We are now considering going back to a 25 to 30 ft trailer boat that can spend winter parked in our driveway under a tarp. I looked at the Ranger 27 at the boat show, and I liked it. I also liked the CD 255 Tom Cat.

I have noticed that new 25-30 ft boats are outrageously expensive!

I would like to see a R-272 in person, and see some actual fuel burn/speed numbers.
 
This "movin' on up" (or down) discussion was recently on the Tugnuts, and a motorcycle and an RV forum where I participate. My response on the Tugnuts...

----------

Often, "the dream" isn't the same as the reality. The boat brochures don't show wave heights at the top of the cabin, the dog falling between the boat and the dinghy, the first mate puking in the head, or the skipper confused about what that upcoming nav aid means. :D Nor do the high end motor coach ads show the sewer hose popping loose from the connection, I-10 across Louisiana, sitting in a truck repair place while a guy with greasy boots walks through your coach, or the fact that most RV sites can't accommodate a 45' coach AND the converted box van in the next site with 6 kids, 4 dogs, and a rooster.

Of course, those things didn't happen to us... we don't have a dog... and a cat is easier to fish out between the dock and the boat... except for those razor-sharp claws and teeth.

It all depends on how each couple handles the reality. 8-)

Some people need a piece of dirt somewhere with a place to keep their stuff. Some never intended to do extended boat cruising or RV traveling... but, found out they enjoy it so much that they wanted something bigger so they could stay out longer.

The reality is NEVER as carefree as the ads, and those who go into it knowing that have a much better chance of buying the right conveyance. We have had a bunch of boats and RVs... there is something to the saying: buy your third boat first. Meaning: knowing the difference between how you think you will use it and how you will really use it. Many people get a boat with the idea that grandkids, friends, (insert your crowd choice here) will want to cruise with you... that is rarely the case. By the time kids are 12, family (parents and grandparents) are embarrassing and they'd rather be with their friends. Friends and neighbors have other things they want to do with their weekend... and they sure aren't going to be around when it's time to wax the hull or pay for maintenance.

Most boats and RV are best utilized by... a couple. You often need two people to get them parked (docked), and even 40' is too small after a fine Mexican meal.

So, buy the boat that the two of you will use. Make sure it is big enough that you can take care of your daily needs (a real potty, shower, meal prep, comfortable places to sit, a comfortable bed, and storage for your stuff), but small enough that the two of you can handle it. And, understand that as you age, you will get smarter about how to handle it, but there will be some physical things you could do a year or two ago (insert eye roll here) that you can't do now.

And, because of all that, we move up or down... thinking that 3 more feet will be "all we will ever need"... or 3 less feet will be easier to handle. And that is what keeps boat and RV manufacturers busy, and creates a good used market.

-------------

We all look for that ideal size, but that changes as our usage changes. For a couple's extended cruiser that is still trailerable, Ranger has hit a sweet spot with the 27. Or, both the 27s they offer.
 
Thanks James TXSD. I read this on Tugnuts (at least twice), read it here and will keep reading to be sure it sinks in.

Jake
 
Rumor has it that 272's won't be available to dealers until July.
I always thought about waiting a year before buying a new model of anything. We went from a 23' C-Dory to a R-27 Ranger Tug. We have had it a few years it has just over 200 hours. My thought is now to go back to a simple aluminum fishing boat or a Parker 21' center console. I'm leaning toward the aluminum as I'm tired of polishing jel coat all the time. Darker colors which I like can keep you real busy.
D.D.
 
JamesTXSD":1eo9q241 said:
<snip>

Marc Grove from Wefings has made real efforts to get these boats in front of the public.

I can not say enough good about Marc both before and after the sale. :D

I can say that on the sailboat side, Seaward had a dealer that promoted the brand and sold a ton of boats. They decided to have NO dealers. Factory direct. Except the factory provided little support, in particular to older boats. Didn't go over well.

Owners are the best sales persons for any brand. Builders know this and provide support for owners groups (the good ones do). But it seems all of this was lost along the way.

Without this forum, we never would have considered a C-Dory. And we bought one because of the owners we met last year at the Mississippi River gathering.

Our decision to sell had zero to do with this group or the quality of our boat. After discussions, we decide to sell the boat.

Mike, the new owner of Willow, will make a good forum member (if he has not already joined). Willow will be happy to be in Alaskan waters and to be used as it was intended.

Thanks to all of you who made us feel welcome here.
 
Nancy and Bud,

Good to have you here, and the best as you go forward. It is always good to be happy and always best if "Momma" is happy.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

1_10_2012_from_Canon_961.highlight.jpg
 
This thread is getting depressing!! I dont think there's anything wrong with both loving our boats (which most of us do) and also being okay with the fact that
there are always gonna be better boats out there.

For some Brats their C Dory will be their only boat, now and in the future. For others, they are just stepping stones to an eventual substantial upgrade. And then lastly, I'm sure there's a percentage of folks who bought a CD and weren't happy or it didn't live up to their expectations or needs.

For whatever group you claim allegiance to, I think that's fine! IMO itd be crazy to remain brand loyal if you're not 100% satisfied with the product. The MOST important aspect is the Brat extended family. That's why there's so many folks who have moved on to different brands but still remain active on the site . That's awesome!

As for me....Im in the the 2nd group of owners that I described. I love my new (to me) 25 but it will be a stepping stone boat in my journey. I will eventually end up in a 28-35' downeast or trawler style. MORE beam....When will this happen?? Im not sure, at a minimum at least a year or two away. For 2017 I'm gonna enjoy my boat !! Woohoo!

I'm a Brat for life though.
 
Now if you really want that outboard and real glitz: The Formula 430 may be for you. Only 1600 HP, 500 gallons of fuel, Price with options is getting close to 1.25 million dollars.

01-formula43-main-car.jpg

06-430SSCforwardcabin.jpg


I guess these types are becoming "Common" I noticed a 40 foot Yellowfin with 4 350 hp outboards on one of the nearby subdivisions! It was on the street, since too big to get into his yard!
 
Somebody earlier in the thread asked me what I thought . See This.
That was our experience and the brokers that sell the outboards are not Yamaha dealers ,or warranty certified and have no service departments . Its all downhill from there .
Buyer beware.
Marc
 
Marc,
It sounds like the owner had little or no contact with the factory--until the day he wrote the critical post. Then he had several posts from the factory.

I am aware of the dealer (not Marc!)--who does not have any service facility--but apparently relies on sub contractors. (The dealer, who also responded to the post, is only a few miles from my house on Perdido Bay.)

Marc--has it been a dealer or factory lack of response?. Andrew stated they would solve the problems by flying factory people down to Panama city if necessary.

Are there construction flaws, design flaws. or poor quality control. Having carpet on the walls, and overhead, are potential nightmares in Florida--and once mold gets in there it means removal, and redo. Seeing what happens in a C Dory without any covering (Mold grows), always fear what is going on behind the upholstered walls..?
 
Back
Top