New to TF as of yesterday and enjoying it thus far- not as testy as some others! LOL
So, I just turned 60 recently and the wife and I starting to appreciate things at a little slower pace and more in the shade, so I’m thinking of selling my center console and looking at trailerable trawlers. I live in central Florida, about 1 1/2 hours drive to either GOM or Atlantic. We’re looking forward to multi day trips up or down the ICW and staying onboard instead of doing the hotel thing- marina life is much more relaxing.
Two of the boats I’m considering are kinda polar opposites but with enough similarities- Rosborough 246 Yarmouth and Ranger R-25. Not interested in inboards, or any bigger or heavier. Im considering buying fairly low hours if possible, but open to brand new as well. Open to similar brands/models as long as they do the same basic things.
One custom factory order/no distributors or inventory, older school hull that's heavier, not as appointed stock, scarce used and looking like about 25% more expensive but oozes quality from what I can see online. Versus a relatively mass produced, 1000# lighter, newer generation, well packaged up stock and a depth of inventory to choose from. (And I’m trying to ignore that cracked hull R-27 story and chalking it up to being dropped)
I’d love to hear from those with personal experience with either, and especially someone who may have spent time on both and any standout differentiating features I may have missed. I really like the doors on the sides of the 246, and the transom door on the R-25 is better than the optional notch on the RF. I like the simplistic alloy bracket on some 246s, but the R25s seems more user friendly albeit slightly cheesy, to use a term. And then there’s that 1000k of glass I presume in the Rosborough…
.
Oh, and regarding towability. Current tow rig is a 2018 F150 3.5 eco boost with max tow package “rated” for 13k*. It handles my 5k or so CC and trailer very well and accelerates with ease, and stops fine without EOH. But I know I’m looking at 3-4K more and may be pushing the safe limits- might be looking at EOH on the trailer and moving up to a 250 if need be.
Thanks for hanging on there and considering this lengthy first post, and thanks in advance for any insights and input
So, I just turned 60 recently and the wife and I starting to appreciate things at a little slower pace and more in the shade, so I’m thinking of selling my center console and looking at trailerable trawlers. I live in central Florida, about 1 1/2 hours drive to either GOM or Atlantic. We’re looking forward to multi day trips up or down the ICW and staying onboard instead of doing the hotel thing- marina life is much more relaxing.
Two of the boats I’m considering are kinda polar opposites but with enough similarities- Rosborough 246 Yarmouth and Ranger R-25. Not interested in inboards, or any bigger or heavier. Im considering buying fairly low hours if possible, but open to brand new as well. Open to similar brands/models as long as they do the same basic things.
One custom factory order/no distributors or inventory, older school hull that's heavier, not as appointed stock, scarce used and looking like about 25% more expensive but oozes quality from what I can see online. Versus a relatively mass produced, 1000# lighter, newer generation, well packaged up stock and a depth of inventory to choose from. (And I’m trying to ignore that cracked hull R-27 story and chalking it up to being dropped)
I’d love to hear from those with personal experience with either, and especially someone who may have spent time on both and any standout differentiating features I may have missed. I really like the doors on the sides of the 246, and the transom door on the R-25 is better than the optional notch on the RF. I like the simplistic alloy bracket on some 246s, but the R25s seems more user friendly albeit slightly cheesy, to use a term. And then there’s that 1000k of glass I presume in the Rosborough…
.
Oh, and regarding towability. Current tow rig is a 2018 F150 3.5 eco boost with max tow package “rated” for 13k*. It handles my 5k or so CC and trailer very well and accelerates with ease, and stops fine without EOH. But I know I’m looking at 3-4K more and may be pushing the safe limits- might be looking at EOH on the trailer and moving up to a 250 if need be.
Thanks for hanging on there and considering this lengthy first post, and thanks in advance for any insights and input