comfortably compact ranger tugs r29

Out Islander 64 • GB Aleutian 59 RP
29
COMFORTABLY COMPACT
RANGER
TUG
ENDLESS BEAUTY:
Along Canada’s Coast
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FALL
ELECTRONICS
PREVIEW
Ranger Tugs’
New R-29 Is A Rugged,
Comfortable Compact Cruiser
Story By John Wooldridge
Photography By Neil Rabinowitz
T
he day had started out sunny and bright as Jeff Messmer,
Ranger Tugs’ vice president of sales, and I cruised the new
R-29 across Puget Sound from Seattle to Roche Harbor in
the San Juan Islands.
As we cleared Admiralty Inlet and entered the larger,
unprotected expanse of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, a cloud
shield moved in overhead, and the wind freshened from
the southeast. By the time we crossed the midway point on
our heading for Haro Strait, the fast-moving storm had
whipped the sound into a washboard of 3- to 4-foot waves.
From my comfortable position in the helm chair to
starboard, I had a fine view all around the compass. Four
windshield wipers kept the front windows clear, working in
concert with visors and drip rails to improve visibility. An
inbound commercial ship in the Strait of Juan de Fuca that
we spotted to port in between downpours also was headed
for Haro Strait, but at 18 knots it didn’t take long to judge
that we would be clear and ahead of her by the time we
reached the southwest coast of San Juan Island. I pulled the
throttle back to 8 knots in the lee of the island and admired
the rough-hewn scenery all along the shore.
Needless to say, I was having a wonderful time on what
was proving to be a very real-world sea trial. The R-29
tracked superbly and required only the smallest amount of
correction on the wheel to take advantage of the surging
power of the waves, surfing ahead with ease. The boat
neither pitched nor rolled to any degree that was
uncomfortable or uncontrollable, and Jeff and I talked at
length about the boat, her mission, and her designers to
pass the time.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
COASTAL
CAPABLE
Ranger Tug R-29
Ranger Tugs’ president, developed
the firm’s first trailerable trawler,
the well-known R-25, to satisfy the
demand for an affordable, compact
pilothouse cruiser. The two longtime
boat enthusiasts and company
owners saw an opportunity to hit a
market that was not being addressed,
and they met with extraordinary
success, selling more than 50 in the
first six months after the model’s
introduction in 2007. The demand
for a smaller, simpler trawler
for those coming into the sport
continues into 2009, and the number
of interesting cruises by Ranger
owners grows every month. Take,
for example, the story of Ed and
Elaine Henn, who traveled from
Annapolis to Bradenton, on Florida’s
southwest coast, and back—a 2,200nautical-mile snowbird cruise. Or
Norb and Ruth Hattendorf, who just
returned from a 3,100-nautical-mile
cruise from Seattle to Southeast
Alaska and back.
The Ranger Tug R-29 made her
debut in January 2009, at the Atlanta
Boat Show; shortly thereafter, she
appeared at PassageMaker’s Stuart
Trawler Fest. Like her smaller
sistership, the R-29 is legally
trailerable, albeit with a proper tow
vehicle and permit (no companion
car required). Comparatively
speaking, the R-29 is just 4 feet
longer overall and 1.5 feet wider
Top left: The R-29’s foredeck is well suited to line- and anchor-handling duties, with a
than the R-25, but differences
stout bow rail, raised bulwarks, a chain locker, a snubbing cleat, and foot controls
in livable volume, storage, and
for the windlass. Top right: A pair of tinted overhead hatches add plenty of light and
amenities—like the pilothouse door
ventilation to the pilothouse. The stainless mast lowers easily for improved clearance.
and forward head—are distinct. Still
Above: Like her smaller sibling, the R-29 is trailerable, extending the range of your
within reach of those looking for an
cruising from hundreds to thousands of miles away.
entry-level trawler, the tug also has
the equipment and accommodations that interest owners
A POPULAR PREDECESSOR
who are downsizing.
The R-29 is the second cruising tug from the board
The R-29 has a profile very similar to that of the
of Ranger Tugs’ chief designer, David Livingston. If
R-25, and a similar on-deck layout. Depending on the
you have ever owned or spent any time on boats from
height of the dock, boarding is accomplished via the
Bayliner, Wellcraft, or Regal, chances are good that you
deep, full-width swim platform through a starboard
have enjoyed the practical mix of workable layouts,
transom gate, or on the wide sides of the aft deck, down
good storage, and excellent performance that are
molded stairs. Whichever path you choose, strong, wellcharacteristic of Livingston’s designs.
placed stainless handrails are within easy reach, and I
David Livingston and his son, John, who serves as
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
Ranger Tug R-29
RANGER TUG R-29
LOA
33' (with swim step)
LWL
29'
BEAM
10'
DRAFT
2' 4"
DISPLACEMENT
9,250 lb. (light load)
BRIDGE CLEARANCE
13' 2" (on trailer)
FUEL
120 U.S. gal.,
plus 30-gal. auxiliary tank
WATER
70 U.S. gal.
HOLDING TANK
40 U.S. gal.
GENERATOR
4kW Mase diesel (optional)
ENGINE
260hp Yanmar 6BY2
inboard diesel (standard)
MAXIMUM SPEED
22 knots
CRUISE SPEED
8–18 knots
RANGE AT CRUISE SPEED
540nm at 8 knots
(with 10% reserve)
DESIGNERS
David & John Livingston
BUILDER
Ranger Tugs
BASE PRICE
$214,937
•
For more information:
Ranger Tugs
25802 Pacific Highway South
Kent, WA 98032
253.839.5213
www.rangertugs.com
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Tu
s
was particularly pleased to see tall rails and integral
fenders along the aft perimeter of the swim platform.
Long handrails on the cabin top are provided for
moving forward along the side decks. The wide
foredeck, with a good skid-resistant pattern, is enclosed
by a bow rail.
On deck, there is a 12VDC Lewmar 1000 SS windlass
with deck and helm controls, an anchor locker, and a
self-launching stainless steel bow roller. A large hatch
(screened inside) on top of the forward cabin portion
of the deckhouse provides additional access to the
foredeck, as well as easy access to the VHF antenna
base and the 4-foot-2-inch-tall stainless steel mast over
the pilothouse, which folds down for improved bridge
clearance and trailering. Spring and aft cleats are canted
outboard and mounted on the deck edges for fairleads
to dock cleats. On the side decks, about midway
between the fore and aft decks, there are single-step
ladders on each side for reaching kayaks or bicycles
stored on stainless sport racks.
The aft deck of the R-29 is large enough to hold a
portable cooler and a couple of folding deck chairs for
relaxing at anchor or in the marina. To make the aft
deck user friendly in more seasons, a bimini top with
boot and side enclosures with Strato-glass are available
as options. A raw-water washdown is standard. A
convenience center molded into the transom features
storage behind louvered teak doors, a pressure
freshwater faucet and sink, as well as a deep, drained
cooler with lid. An optional electric barbecue would
make this unit a convenient outdoor galley. Additional
storage is available underneath the molded steps
on either side, accessed by lifting the steps up and
outward on hull side hinges, like opening a sports
car’s gull-wing doors.
With the step/doors held open by gas-assist struts, the
locker spaces below reveal abundant storage for large
items, as well as outstanding access to the batteries and
charger, the optional 4kW Mase genset or the standard
2,000-watt inverter, and electrical switches. Under a
centerline hatch, the 260hp Yanmar engine is neatly and
cleanly installed, with terrific access to all four sides. The
front half of the engine extends under the main cabin
sole, with a dedicated hatch that allows you to check
fluid levels and strainers without opening the aft deck
hatch—a real plus on rainy days. The standard boat is
configured with six batteries and a 2,000-watt inverter, a
desirable setup for those who overnight on the hook.
The owner of the boat I tested lives in the southeastern
United States and chose the diesel genset and optional
air conditioning (16,000 Btu in the saloon, 10,000 Btu
for the master stateroom) and reverse-cycle heat.
er
ang
of R
Courtesy
GOOD IDEAS GALORE
The entrance to the main cabin is through a full-length
Diamond/Sea-Glaze door that seals tight. Along with
the twin fixed windows on the aft bulkhead, the door
provides a wonderful visual connection to the aft deck
and outstanding views astern. Glancing around, there is
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
Excellent views, an open layout, teak trim, and warm colors are main cabin highlights. The R-29 also has two private staterooms.
no shortage of windows, and you’ll find excellent
sightlines in every direction, whether you’re sitting at
the dinette to port, preparing a meal in the galley to
starboard, or enjoying the waters ahead from the
portside double companion bench seat. For added
natural light and ventilation, there are four opening
hatches in the cabin top—two over the helm and
companion seats, and two serving the galley and
dinette areas. Five additional sliding cabin-side
windows and three opening bronze portlights, all
with screens, help ensure abundant fresh air from
most every quarter.
Excellent thinking went into the galley layout,
starting with a two-burner range with oven (gas or
electric) and including twin stainless sinks that make
food preparation and cleanup far easier than with
a single-sink configuration. A microwave oven is
positioned just beneath the aft dinette seat, and there
are six storage lockers with slatted teak doors beneath
the sinks and countertop forward. The helm seat base
can tilt forward to create additional countertop space.
Headroom in the galley, and in fact throughout the R29 interior, is approximately 6 feet 5 inches. Underfoot,
I appreciated the beauty of a teak-and-holly sole.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
Top: There is ample room on the teak console for a Garmin
5215 touch-screen MFD, autopilot, engine display, and more.
Above: Access to the island double berth is excellent, and
there’s loads of storage beneath the mattress. Left: When
both staterooms are taken, the teak dinette table easily drops
down via a piston to provide another double berth.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
Ranger Tug R-29
Left: Supported by a gas strut, the portside steps open wide for easy access to electrical controls and a bank of six batteries.
Right: Under the starboard steps, there’s plenty of room for the optional Mase generator and storage for bulky items.
On the port side, there is an entrance to a midcabin
double berth that extends under the raised dinette and
includes a folding acrylic door and a sliding overhead
teak hatch. The master stateroom forward also features
a privacy door and overhead teak hatch, meaning two
couples can enjoy the cruise when desired. And if
you’re really pressed, the teak tabletop of the dinette
easily drops down via a piston to form another double
berth with a filler cushion. This convertibility is possible
because of the clever design of the companion seat,
whose backrest moves forward when it’s time to dine
or make up the berth, or aft when you’re ready to keep
the helmsperson on course.
Because there are so many good ideas incorporated
into the helm, operating the R-29 is a true pleasure.
Ample space between the steering wheel and the seat
allows comfort whether seated or standing, and there’s
good access to the pilothouse door to starboard. It’s
possible for the helmsperson to lean out the door and
loop a line around a cleat on a floating dock, or quickly
reach the foredeck when necessary.
Bow and stern thrusters are standard on the R-29,
giving you complete control to pivot or easily move
sideways and simplifying the docking or undocking
process. The thrusters are powerful enough to make
landing in a crosswind a simple task. Interestingly, they
are mounted just aft of the single-lever throttle/shifter
control, on a wood panel to starboard that slides aft for
improved access to the side door and forward into a
locked position for vessel operation.
The teak console had plenty of room for the optional
Garmin 5215 touch-screen multifunction display and
autopilot on our test boat, as well as the standard VHF
radio, system switch panels, remote control for the
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com
Ranger Tug R-29
The best of both worlds: the R-29’s semi-displacement hull can cruise efficiently or achieve planing speeds when desired.
6-inch spotlight, and the Yanmar digital engine monitor.
The wood-and-stainless steering wheel was set at a
comfortable angle for use when sitting or standing, and
there was a footrest beneath for leg relief when sitting
for long stretches. Stainless steel cup holders are
mounted just inboard of the helm seat. Beneath the
companion seat and facing the centerline, I noted a
six-bottle wine captain on the boat I tested, while the
12VDC refrigerator was just opposite.
A NICE RIDE
The master stateroom forward features a pleasant
surprise: an island berth with easy access on either side
and lots of storage beneath the lift-up aft end of the
mattress. Having spent a restful night sleeping on it,
I can attest to its comfortable support and its length—
more than enough for my 6-foot-3-inch frame. A 22inch color TV with CD/DVD player hangs on the
bulkhead. The private head compartment is a fully
molded component, one of several used in the overall
construction of the boat to make it easier to care for,
quieter than individual compartments and cabins, and
precision fabricated for exact fit and finish. The solid
surface countertop is a nice touch, and there is plenty
of room for dressing and showering.
The following day dawned clear and bright, but
advancing clouds to the east announced that our
trip from Roche Harbor to Anacortes would not be
completely dry. I bumped up the throttle to 3100 rpm,
and the R-29 responded with quick acceleration and
a smooth ride. We were making about 15 knots and
burning 7.5gph, according to the Yanmar engine monitor,
and as we began to cross Rosario Strait, a line of squalls
hit us on the nose. The R-29 punched cleanly through
the nasty, wind-whipped chop all the way up Guemes
Channel, quartered the waves nicely as I made the turn
for Cap Sante Marina, and surfed just a little before I
took her down to idle.
In my opinion, the Ranger Tug R-29 is an
outstanding new cruiser. The base price of $214,937
includes a long list of standard equipment, much of
which is typically found on larger vessels. The R-29
seems very capable, not only for weekend gunkholing
but also for extended coastal cruising. Whether you’re
shopping for a trailerable trawler or simply want to
downsize, the Ranger R-29 is worth a closer look.
Reprinted with permission. Copyright © 2009 PassageMaker Magazine (888.487.2953) www.passagemaker.com