Mainship 34 Trawler vs. Ranger Tug 29

[BernieG]

Hi folks,

New to the forum and we are looking at a Ranger 29 for local cruising in the PNW. Basically its for my wife and I 90% of the time and occasionally to be joined by our two 19 and 21 yr old daughters. Our short list is down to a used Ranger Tug 29 and a Mainship 34 - both are circa $200K. Quite different boats and both have advantages and disadvantages. My wife likes the Ranger, and I do too, but the Mainship does seem to offer more space/features for the money - but slower and probably quite a bit more expensive to maintain. We also want the capability of 12 knot cruise at times. We would also consider a Nordic Tug but don't really seem to find any less than 12 years old in our price range, and don't really want a boat older than 2002.

We are looking for a good solid cruiser that will be fun and safe to operate in the PNW and wont cost an arm and a leg to run. We don't plan to trailer the boat. Also, we want something that will hold its value reasonably compared to other quality boats, won't feel too small after a week or so cruising, and will be comfortable at anchor.

I welcome your thoughts!

P.S. We are moving out of a Catalina 320 sailboat, so this will be our first power boat.

Cheers
Bernie

 

[Ski in NC]

Boats get small fast. I don't know the Ranger 29, but I would think it would get tight in a week cruise. The MS 34 seems to have lots of room and can run at 12kts, but no boat will be efficient at that speed.

 

[DavidM]

I owned a single engine Mainship 34T several years ago in California and I did a short delivery on a Ranger 29. So I am familiar with both.

We used the Mainship primarily for running over to Catalina Island from Long Beach for the weekend. It was perfect for that mission. Half the time we would go at 1,600 rpm and 7 kts and burn about 3 gph. The other half we would go at 2,900 rpm and 12 kts and burn 11-12 gph. So the Mainship is definitely a 12 kt boat. A knot or two more with a twin.

It was fine offshore in the Pacific up to about 6' seas. After than it got uncomfortable but not unsafe.

The single Yanmar 370 hp engine is solid and easy to work on. The twin with the Yanmar 240s are also solid but a little tighter to work on.

The layout is perfect for a couple: queen island berth forward, huge salon, galley down and an even bigger flybridge area.

The Ranger was much smaller of course. In addition to the dinette which I hate on boats (and RVs) and a tight salon, the engine is the big drawback. They are sold with the Yanmar 6BY which has poor marinization, very high output for its displacement and rumor has it that Yanamar will drop the BY lineup.

BTW you should be able to buy a 2005-7 34T for much less than $200K. Mid $100K probably.

David

 

[Tunajoe]

How about a 2007 Nordic Tug?
I spoke to the gentleman that owns this boat and it's as close to new as you can get.
I'm pretty sure you could buy it in the sub $200,000 range.
It's a one owner boat....
It was my second choice.

2007 Nordic Tugs 32 Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

 

[BernieG]

Nordic tug

How about a 2007 Nordic Tug?
I spoke to the gentleman that owns this boat and it's as close to new as you can get.
I'm pretty sure you could buy it in the sub $200,000 range.
It's a one owner boat....
It was my second choice.

2007 Nordic Tugs 32 Power Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

Yes, saw that one and looks very nice too thanks. I guess I should have noted $200 k CAnadian! We live in BC so:

• $200k USD currently = $$223k Canadian
• Tax on top is another 12% = $27000
• = a total of $250k CAD

Sadly that puts it, and similar boats out our price range, so think we may have to revise plans or look older. Oh for the days of parity of currency Boats south of the border are not that great a buy for us here now.

Also, I just found out there is a new Ranger 29 just out, and so now is probably not a great time to buy that model, as prices are likely to drop.

Thanks for all the great input, and welcome to other ideas!

Bernie

 

[BDofMSP]

Also, I just found out there is a new Ranger 29 just out, and so now is probably not a great time to buy that model, as prices are likely to drop.

Bernie

That's some news to me. Where can I find out more about that?
BD

 

[Boont Boater]

If you go to the Tugnuts site they have been discussing it and have pictures posted. It's kind of a cross between their Ranger and Cutwater line. I wouldn't count on the cost of the old Ranger 29's dropping because of it.

 

[RCook]

There's an NT32 you might consider on this list - a 2001 for sale at $174,900, at Friday Harbor.

Used Nordic Tugs For Sale - Nordic Tugs MLS | Denison Yacht Sales

 

[ranger58sb]

Our short list is down to a used Ranger Tug 29 and a Mainship 34 - both are circa $200K. Quite different boats and both have advantages and disadvantages. My wife likes the Ranger, and I do too, but the Mainship does seem to offer more space/features for the money - but slower and probably quite a bit more expensive to maintain. We also want the capability of 12 knot cruise at times. We would also consider a Nordic Tug but don't really seem to find any less than 12 years old in our price range, and don't really want a boat older than 2002.

Are you looking at early Mainship 34s (late '70s through late '80s) or the newer 34s?

-Chris

 

[ronlord]

I think he is looking at the newer model - he mentions a 200k price, you can buy 4 or 5 of the older ones for that much!

 

[BernieG]

Ranger 32 new model pics

Here are some photos of the new R29 model. Looks spiffy, but more like their Cutwater model than the old 29 to me. Going out for around $250K with standard PNW equipment.

We are looking for a post 2000 boat, so the post 2005 Mainship 34 would seem a good fit. There are a couple of 2008 models currently up here, but both are high-priced, one looks well worn, and the other needed some serious TLC, and it was one of those viewings where you got the sense that the seller was not that serious and selling it to keep his partner happy!

I'll check out that NT 32 though

Cheers
Bernie