Trailerable Tugs

We are considering the option of a trailerable tug. For those of you who have them, what has been your experience? We like the idea of being able to travel up north and launch when we have extra time, but also the ability to enjoy weekends on the Columbia when life/work doesn't allow us extended time aboard. Also, if we aren't paying moorage, we could invest more in the boat. We have a suitable tow vehicle and experience towing, etc. It would be just the two of us and our labrador most of the time, but want to be comfortable both underway and at anchor. Specifically wondering about the Nordic 26, Ranger 27 and Sundowner 30?

I would also look at Cdory and Rosborough 24's. The Ros is the best in class IMHO.

Unfortunately we are on the west coast and no Rosborough's anywhere near us...

melissar said:

Unfortunately we are on the west coast and no Rosborough's anywhere near us...

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uship.com [grin]

melissar said:

Unfortunately we are on the west coast and no Rosborough's anywhere near us...

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Question this determination, We have a couple of these in our Southeast Alaska area. Assume they were acquired from some point reasonably close. Suggest you widen your area of search. The following address could be a solution as they appear to be involved with the brand.

Seaworthy Yachts-Anacortes, WA. phone: (360) 395-5716

Al-Ketchikan

Obviously not searching in the right place. Did nationwide search on yachtworld and SE Alaska boats didn't come up. With all the boats up and down the west coast, we're not interested in shipping from the east or south at this point.

But really...back to my original question and folk's experience with trailerable trawlers in general???

I have been on several Rangers. Extremely nice, well thought out, and well space engineered SMALL boats. If the internal space works for you, they're great in confined waters (rivers, bays and glassy days near coastal). Other than the Columbia river, what larger bodies of water are you considering?

Ted

Thanks, Ted. Haven't been aboard any of the trailerable boats yet -- a new idea and not sure it's a good fit for us. But not sure it's not, either. We've been concentrating our search on smaller (30' - 36' semi displacement trawlers) but just considering other options also. We are several years away from retirement, hence the thought that a trailerable boat would give us more options with limited time. South Puget Sound would also be an easy weekend jaunt for us, as well as lower Columbia. With a little more time, we could trailer up and spend time in the San Juans. The Swinomish slough provides good access to the islands should the straits look like an uncomfortable crossing. And ultimately with a lot more time, Gulf Islands, Desolation and up to AK. It could be that we get a smaller but still "liveable" boat for now, then move up to something larger and moor it up north (a couple hours' drive away) closer to retirement. We are really just exploring all options for us right now. I have extensive West coast cruising experience many years ago and we have lots of time as a couple with a smaller day cruiser, but this is our first foray together into this type of boating.

I haven't been to the PNW so I can't tell you how much of what you listed is realistic with a trailerable Ranger. Spent time with a couple from Montana (I think) who were doing the Great Loop. They were happy with their Ranger, but obviously had to pick their travel days on the Great Lakes, North Carolina sounds, and likely Chesapeake Bay.

It obviously takes a well organized couple that are good in close quarters, to spend months together on a boat of that size.

Ted

Ranger tugs are a lot more pricey than cdory or the Ros. Difference in price makes shipping a non issue.

Another advantage is, with a trailerable tug, you also have an RV of sorts. Pull into a park, plug up to the power, and there you go! Just have to make sure you have RV-type AC units, not water cooled.

Yes and no on the shipping. We're not interested in buying a boat sight unseen, survey or not. So you've got that when you're buying at a distance. And why eat up extra money shipping across country if you can put that money toward more boat, upgrades or amenities? We live in a very boat friendly part of the country (Pacific NW), so really don't see the reason to buy one 4,000 miles away. Yet. We might change our tune later...

West coast...check out Seapiper 35....Trailerable, and fairly priced..

Genecop said:

West coast...check out Seapiper 35....Trailerable, and fairly priced..

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We cruised the Inside Passage extensively, first in a C Dory 22, then in our diesel powered Bounty 257, 26 feet and trailerable. Some 40K nm over 18 years. Similar to a 26 foot Sea Sport.

Certainly not as roomy as our Nordic Tug, but got the job done, 2 or 3 months per summer, for 1, 2, or 3 folks. We explored most of the territory from Everett to Glacier Bay.

One source of info on such cruising is my book, Cruising in a Big Way.

Happy to discuss further,

Love the Seapiper! Only one that came up on a quick search, however, is a 2018 for 169k. Beyond our budget...but worth digging around to see if there are some older used ones out there. On a quick look, what a wonderful looking boat.

melissar said:

Unfortunately we are on the west coast and no Rosborough's anywhere near us...

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Five days ago we were hauled at LaConner Maritime and there was a Rosborough on the hard. It was a combination flat bottom w small rounded bilges. First time I’ve seen one not in a picture. A bit narrow and tall but appears to be very well built.

I'll look and see if it's still there -- will be going up in about 10 days to look at a couple boats on my way to Whidbey for the 4th. At least I could see one in person.

Nomad Willy said:

Five days ago we were hauled at LaConner Maritime and there was a Rosborough on the hard. It was a combination flat bottom w small rounded bilges. First time I’ve seen one not in a picture. A bit narrow and tall but appears to be very well built.

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Rosboroughs (sp) are small in a big way. They aren't "cute" like the rangers but they are real boats... I don't like the I/O versions though. I think Eastern has the mold these days. Lots of real cruising peeps and stories on the net about the Ros's... People seem to use and cruise them.

melissar said:

Love the Seapiper! Only one that came up on a quick search, however, is a 2018 for 169k. Beyond our budget...but worth digging around to see if there are some older used ones out there. On a quick look, what a wonderful looking boat.

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Seapipers are brand new. One is finished. 2-5 are under construction. 6-10 are ordered. Next order slot is #11 (last time I checked).

So far there are no used ones available.

Maybe someone will luck out, like what happened with the first TT35. Someone bought it and set it up for the Great Loop and then had to sell it before he could use it. Bad luck for the owner, but someone else got a good deal.

Maybe a trailerable older Albin Diesel.

example - https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/19...tates?refSource=standard listing#.WzUTdHtKhsY

IronZebra,
Indeed the best of small trawlers.
And since they don’t look like a Trawler I may be taking liberty calling them thus. But I think to be able to perform 100% as trawlers warrents calling them trawlers. The Rangers and such are best described as tugs and glad to see them called Tugs.

Good luck on your search. My Vashon is trailerable, but I keep her in the water all year. Vashons are always overlooked and seem to be the red-headed step child of trailerable trawlers, but they are the closest thing to a real trawler/troller (full displacement hull and designed for PNW fishing).

Check out the Allweather boats. Not many around but there is the demo boat available from the estate. Has a trailer too. Not a launch ramp type trailer but a transport type. The Albin would be about the same on a trailer. I had an Albin, nice boats, lots of them around. The Vashon looks good too. For easily launch ramp activity, the Cdory or Ros would be easier. The inboard boats need deeper ramps... May be comon on west coast but scarce on east coast

I owned a Ranger 27 for 3 seasons. Great boat. Never trailered her, but had great fun. I know people that do trailer their Ranger Tugs and love it. They use it as an RV on the way to where they are going.


Until I tried to change the impeller on the raw water pump, I loved the boat. That 180 Yanmar is in there by shoehorn! Very tight. With the bow and stern thruster you can maneuver anywhere is most conditions. Burns 6 GPH at 12 knots and can go 16 knts. At 8 knts you can burn 2 - 3 GPH. Good luck.

At the risk of being booted from this forum, may I suggest a, ahem, slight deviation. There are alternatives that are not trawlers which do essentially the same mission: trailerable power boats. Yes they are all gas except for a few fishing boats but the accommodations are nearly the same as a trawler. And if you operate at trawler speed you can do so on one engine at very low rpm even if twins. And there are a bazillion of them all at 8' 6" or if your state allows, 9'6" . They don't have any charisma at all compared to real trawlers but they can take rough water to a point. Or if weather is a serious concern, start the other engine and zoom to a place of safety at 25 knots. Just a thought.

We own a 2012 Ranger Tug R-27 with the Yanmar diesel. First priority for wife was an enclosed head. Forget Rosborough and CDory. As this was our first boat, we wanted something easy to handle. Ranger Tugs come with bow and stern thrusters. We can handle winds to 20kts and seas to 4 feet comfortably. The boat is richly paneled in teak, has a fridge, cooktop/stove, microwave and dinette seating. The Vberth is comfortable with a 3" foam mattress on it. The cockpit is over 6' with room for chairs and a table.
I don't have the skill to trailer the boat so we pay to have it towed to wherever and figure it's part of our vacation cost.
Go to "Tugnuts.com" and see what other owners think.

Piff

Nomad Willy said:

IronZebra,
Indeed the best of small trawlers.
And since they don’t look like a Trawler I may be taking liberty calling them thus. But I think to be able to perform 100% as trawlers warrents calling them trawlers. The Rangers and such are best described as tugs and glad to see them called Tugs.

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I have a Ranger R-27 classic. Texas made me register my boat as a "trawler". "Tug" was not an option, although I may have preferred that. I'm curious as to why you make the distinction between trawler and tug regarding the Rangers. Are you referring to the "classic" inboard diesel versions (which I have) or the newer outboard gas versions? I can see your point of view on the newer full planing hull, faster outboard versions; but then I can't consider them "tugs" either. If regarding the classic versions, other semi-displacement hulls are considered "trawlers" - so what's the difference?

Just interested in your opinion (and a civil discussion). Thanks.

Todd

melissar said:

We are considering the option of a trailerable tug. For those of you who have them, what has been your experience? We like the idea of being able to travel up north and launch when we have extra time, but also the ability to enjoy weekends on the Columbia when life/work doesn't allow us extended time aboard. Also, if we aren't paying moorage, we could invest more in the boat. We have a suitable tow vehicle and experience towing, etc. It would be just the two of us and our labrador most of the time, but want to be comfortable both underway and at anchor. Specifically wondering about the Nordic 26, Ranger 27 and Sundowner 30?

Click to expand...

OK I've attempted to post this two times and failed (screen goes blank) on two different computers (I'm logged in prior to typing my post). Good thing I copied the short version the after the 2nd try so I could try a 3rd time - if it doesn't post this time I'll give up - not worth it.



There are trailerable trawlers and there are "trailerable" trawlers - very different depending on beam.

C-Dory 22 - 7'8" beam: Towable on virtually all roads (as are all 8' wide and under trailers).

Ranger 27 - 8'6" beam: Technically towable only on the federal interstate system (freeways), and connecting side roads (2 to 10 miles) directly to and from certain destinations (gas stations, RV parks, some lakes, etc.). However, this is not often enforced anymore, since the RV industry has made most vehicles and trailers 8'6" wide and they can be found traveling EVERYWHERE today.

Nordic 26 - 9'6" beam: Permit required for all states for trailers over 8'6" to 10' wide. Wide load signs, flags and flashing lights may be required. NO pilot cars normally required.

Ranger 29 - 10' beam: Same as above. If permitting is acceptable to you, then check out this Ranger Tug, also.

Aspen 90 - 10' beam: Same as above. If permitting is acceptable to you, then check out this unusual catamaran design.

Sundowner 30 - 11' beam: Over 10' wide requires a permit, but may also require a pilot car and may add a whole slew of other restrictions (including an escort).

Permitting for over 8'6" - 10' wide loads may, or may not be, an issue for you:
FL: $10 - $20 (I don't remember) for annual permit with no restrictions (enforced).
TX: Couple hundred dollars for annual permit. Wide load signs required, no travel when dark, no travel over holiday weekends, must stop at all truck inspection stations along route - ugh.
Some NE states: Expensive permits for a short time duration only (need another permit for return trip?).
Cross country: Need permit for EVERY state traveled through. 3rd party companies can be employed to obtain all permits required - for a fee.

Over 10' wide may prohibit your desired towing, depending on the states you are towing through.

These are NOT comprehensive guidelines. Your ability to legally tow also depends on length, width, height, weight, which I am not addressing here. Check out each state's regulations you may frequent (NE states to FL along the eastern corridor, for example).

Good luck in your search for the perfect boat for you. Let us know what you ultimately decide.

Todd

When you go to 30 foot in length, the beams for most boat expand. Sure there are some exceptions. But your price surely goes up if you are buying new and the hull is using new age and weight saving materials in particular. So sometimes you can't always have your cake and eat it too.