Should boat builders get into the RV business?

[BobB]

Looking GOOD, Wincrasher!

Galley looks nice. Fridge looks like the Novakool in your K. Nice to have a regular oven with the stovetop, too. Still wonder why they don't offer that (maybe even as option) in Bs; I would use it more than a microwave.

I know there are a number of options on Rangers, such as propane vs electric stovetop, battery bank size, solar, etc. What are you getting on yours?

[wincrasher]

Good eye, Bob!

The NovaKool refrigerator is the exact same model. It just doesn't have the stainless trim panel. Probably because it's in a location that it could be easily dented.

I"m getting a long list of options:

Garmin GPS Chartplotter, 18 mile radar, and autopilot with remote control
Wireless thruster remote control
AIS system
XM weather radio
Reverse cycle heat & air conditioner
RIB Dingy with davits
Solar Panel and upgraded AGM batteries
Diesel generator 2.7 kv
Removeable carpets
Macerator discharge on black tank
Bimini top
Underwater lights
Anchor package
Propane stove (includes swim platform box with twin tanks)
Safety kit (lines, jackets, etc)
Triple axle aluminum trailer with upgraded tires & axles

[BobB]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

Garmin GPS Chartplotter, 18 mile radar, and autopilot with remote control
Wireless thruster remote control
AIS system
XM weather radio
Reverse cycle heat & air conditioner
RIB Dingy with davits
Solar Panel and upgraded AGM batteries
Diesel generator 2.7 kv
Removeable carpets
Macerator discharge on black tank
Bimini top
Underwater lights
Anchor package
Propane stove (includes swim platform box with twin tanks)
Safety kit (lines, jackets, etc)
Triple axle aluminum trailer with upgraded tires & axles

That's right - bow and stern thrusters are standard. Docking on a windy day will be a breeze! (pun intended)

Nice electronic package and you will love AIS, if you have not used it before. Very helpful in shipping lanes and bad weather to avoid the big guys.

So how big an AGM bank will you have? Specs just say (4) with optional AGM upgrade.

[wincrasher]

Yep, it's 2 house batteries, 1 thruster and 1 engine. You have switches to do some combining.

There is no nonsense of running air conditioning on batteries. You run the generator for that. Not a real problem as there are never close by neighbors to disturb and sound drops off fast over water.

The water heater heats by either by engine heat or on 110v.

There is an engine driven cabin heater too to run while underway without running the generaotr and reverse cycle.

The fridge is 110v or 12v. All the lights, entertainment and the electronics are 12v.

The solar should be good for 8 amps. There is a 1000watt inverter that can run the microwave and any 110v appliances. Battery charging is either by solar, engine alternator or charger on shore power or generator.

[ClassB4Me]

I will be at the Seattle Boat Show next week and will take a look at the Ranger Tugs display. They offer good value for the money and they are American made. It looks like it could be a good liveaboard for two.

When I win the lottery maybe an explorer boat will be in my future.
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Hoping to arrange a sea trial while in Seattle.

[wincrasher]

That is an amazing array of letters & numbers....

[eric1514]

How does he keep all those straight in his head.

[ClassB4Me]

Attempt #2

I will be at the Seattle Boat Show next week and will take a look at the Ranger Tugs display. They offer good value for the money and they are American made. It looks like it could be a good liveaboard for two.

When I win the lottery maybe an explorer boat will be in my future.


Under Construction
https://youtu.be/-KtbZCAL2as

Review
https://youtu.be/pORaMoCOePY

[wincrasher]

The boat in the picture is a very nice vessel, but as far as boats go, that is in a size class above the Ranger Tugs. One like in this pic is in the $350-$450k range.

[ClassB4Me]

Originally Posted by wincrasher

The boat in the picture is a very nice vessel, but as far as boats go, that is in a size class above the Ranger Tugs. One like in this pic is in the $350-$450k range.

Ranger offers the best value proposition in recreational tugs. Boat looks great.

Sargo offers the same boat in a 28 foot model. Nicely equipped for about $260K. It is a powerful tough all season boat built for blue water use and commands a price premium.

https://youtu.be/K0AWKzryFb0

We're taking a boat (sail/power) safety course this summer and would suggest it to anyone considering using a boat single-handed. Also would invest in a prop guard whenever possible

[wincrasher]

Yes, I looked at those too. Very nice boats, but they are not very roomy inside and built more for speed.

I was wanting more of a cruiser with a low operating cost and longer range. Basically, a Winnebago for the water.

[ClassB4Me]

I just returned from the Seattle Boat Show and it is amazing how many manufacturers are represented at the show.The boating industry has a product for every demographic and price point. There were very good seminars covering purchasing, chartering, and maintenance.

Deals were being made and discounts were averaging 10% of retail. However, the comissioning of a boat tends to be very ala carte. Expect to add up to 30% of the base price in options and 10% of the final price to deliver the boat to your local dealer from the manufacturing site.

wincrasher: Ranger Tugs brought every model in the line-up and great deals were being offered. There sister company Cutwater offerred package deals on 28ft (Limited Editions) models that included everything from A/C, solar, generator, radar dome, and more) for well under under $190K. There was a lot of interest in both brands.

I guess deals can be had during RV and Boat shows. Deals were being struck on production slots which allowed one to customize and still get a healthy discount.

[wincrasher]

I don't care for the Cutwater. Don't think the styling is anything "special" and don't think it will age well. A tug style has a certain timeless appeal that has a distinct community and following. If I wanted a more modern style trawler, I'd probably look to the Beneteau Swift 30 (it's a new model, reduced in size from their very successful 34).

Alot depends on what size of boat you get as far as the costs go. Electronics is the big ticket item - my radar and autopilot gear was around $15k. A trailer to transport it was $13k. Shipping to the east coast was a reasonable $6500 (considering it's over 3000 miles).

But that's before all the discounting is applied. I think I did pretty well alittle over 10% off. Rangers are pretty rare on the east coast, and looking from used listings, ones in good condition hold their value. Here are some pics I just got they took doing testing. Mine shipped on the 10th, so I should see it down here in a week or so.

[sheral]

Congrats. Hope you enjoy it immensely. We had a few QC issues with ours but hopefully have them straightened out for this coming boating season. Give it a good once over, if you can, before hitting the open seas The trailers are as gorgeous as the Ranger Tugs aren’t they?

[wincrasher]

Well, she showed up at my dealer. Looks pretty good to me. This is a shipping or a yard trailer I suppose, but mine will be a triple, so you get an idea how it will sit on the trailer. They tell me they will leave it covered while they do the bottom painting.

[wincrasher]

[ClassB4Me]

What type of tow vehicle is needed to safely move your boat with decent reserve power? How many crew hands will be needed to launch / retrieve her? Looks massive on that three axle trailer.

[wincrasher]

I have a 3/4 ton truck. You need something that can handle 10,000 lbs. Some 1/2 tons are rated for that, but tongue weight and braking can be an issue with them. My truck has a diesel engine and an exhaust brake - 800 ft lbs of torque.

These are easily single handed. You have bow and stern thrusters that operate on a remote. So I can put her to the dock and hold her there without any crew.

[wincrasher]

Making progress!