WTB a Trailerable Trawler/Tug

[Bigpapaporsche]

Alright, here’s my take!

First off, buy the biggest boat you can comfortably handle, both in terms of seamanship and budget, to meet your cruising goals. I recommend the Ranger Tugs R31 CB because it’s the largest trawler that can still be trailered. I’ve personally trailered our all over the East Coast, and it was a great fit for us. We’re based in Maryland, and while we’re not retired, being teachers gives us extended “off time” to cruise. When the pandemic hit, we packed up and spent two months in the Gulfport area, followed by a few more months exploring the Florida Keys—from Key Largo to Key West, teaching virtually from aboard.

Having a boat that’s “big enough” to stay on comfortably—sleep, eat, and cruise in coastal conditions—was essential for us. Even if you are hanging in a marinea, having your own creature comforts can be important. We also prioritized things lie air conditioning, heat, and a generator. Plus, the command bridge adds a lot of extra space, which we really love. We previously had a 36ft Albin with a full bridge, and for us, that’s a must-have feature. Oh, the RT also has bow and stern thrusters.

A decent dinghy and some water toys complete the package—fishing for me, paddle boarding for my wife. We both got exactly what we wanted. Another big plus is the inboard diesel engine. While you can’t hit the same speeds as newer Cutwaters with outboards, the diesel is much more economical at trawler speeds, with a moderate cruising speed around 15-16 knots. Fuel economy was around 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon. It is also diesel, which is much safer than gas.

As for towing, getting permits is a breeze. Some states even offer annual permits, which takes the hassle out of applying each time.

One last thing: I’ve noticed that Ranger Tugs seem to hold their value a bit better than some other brands, at least in the used market. We bought our 2017 R31CB in the spring of 2019 for $252,000, and sold it in fall 2023 for $242,000. Just sharing my experience—no need for a debate on this.

My final point regarding size matters, the R29 is nice, but if you want a flybridge, it is much more cramped and not as good of a space to entertain. Once you drop down to the 27 and below, you do get an 8 foot beam, so no need for permits. The trade off is that now you are entering a class of boats that is much more "tender", which makes challenging weather more uncomfortable cruising and they bop and bounce around like a cork when tryng to sleep at anchor.

I did a lot of homework, pryer to purchase. There's a lot of boats out there and you will find every one has trade-offs.

Happy to keep the conversation going about this topic ON THE FORUM!

Best regards,
Bobby

Thanks for your comments! I agree with most of them. Here are my comments.
1. I've researched the "Tow Permit Question" a little bit and it seems a little intimidating to me. Here is why. I anticipating Towing 10-15 times through out the year, through multiple States. It a little frustrating trying to understand all the different State Towing Regulations/Requirements. There are some limits on Holidays Travel and Night Travel, seems like a hassle to me!
2. Options: A/C & Heater as well as a Generator, and a Dinghy are highly desirable.
3. The Resale Value is high on my list also, hence the Ranger Models.
4. I don't understand the benefits the Pro/Cons of a Flybridge.
5. I am thinking about the possibilities of purchasing Red Diesel Fuel at a local Fuel Supplier, ILO a Gas Station, to save State Tax, 47 cents per gal.

 

[Bigpapaporsche]

Bigpapaporsche:

There are lots of threads on trailerable trawlers on this forum, including one I started a number of years ago that focused on 23-25’ boats. But since you are looking for something bigger, let me address that:

The boats you and Bobby mention will have an all in tow weight of almost 10,000 lbs for a diesel Ranger 25SC to more than 13,000 lbs for the 31CB. There is no way you are going to tow those with anything short of a 40’ diesel pusher or a 1+ ton diesel pickup truck.

So I see three strategies ranging from a minimal trawler towed by a medium size SUV or similar on the low end, a similar trawler towed with Class B, to a big heavy trawler towed with a 1+ ton dually diesel pickup. How much do you want to spend?

At new prices these range from $100,000 for the small trawler/SUV, $200,000+ for the small trawler/Class B to the sky’s the limit for the big pickup/big trawler.

I had the first option, a 23’ Atlas Pompano outboard trawler towed with a Nissan Pathfinder. But I wouldn’t go that small; an outboard powered 25’ Atlas Acadia, C Dory or similar would be a better choice for your cruising style.

David

The Ranger R25SC weight is around 6500-7000 LBS empty.
1. I plan on a used Boat in the $75000-$12000.00 Range.
2. A Tow Vehicle, like a 1500 Chev Suburban 4x4 has the capacity to do the job!
3. I also plan to use a Weight Distribution Hitch! I've seen them used with Boats, but NOT very often. I wonder why!
Correction: I stand corrected, apparently most Boat Trailer Manufactures Do Not recommend a WDH. per Load Rite Trailers.

 

[DavidM]

The Suburban 4x4 is rated to tow up to 8,300 lbs. Add fuel, water, gear and trailer and you are over 10,000 lbs.

David

 

[200sh]

For your type of use an option might be what is called the "SeaArk or Nomad HB". It's an aluminum hull with 25' with a Honda 150 hp OB, some had the 90 hp. Some came with the upper helm and bimini top. The overall weight is around 7,200 lbs. with a steel double axle trailer loaded and ready for adventure, less with aluminum trailer. Many use the Honda EU3000 generator with remote electric start and the boat has 70-100 gal of fuel along with 39 gals. of freshwater, same on black tank. Propane heat, hot water, stove, refrig. , microwave. They also have air conditioning/heat. They have full queen bed above lower helm and some have a sofa that makes into a double bed. They have shower, toilet and sink in the wet head. It's a good setup for a couple or family of 4 to fish and run rivers or lakes allowing you to anchor in shallow protected areas and enjoy the water with the OB motor with electric trim.
I currently own 2 of these Nomad boats after owning a 75' custom built boat we ran on the Tn. River, Kentucky Lake to the Keys and the Bahamas and all along the Gulf and river systems in the midwest. We made the trip down the Tom B. for over 15 yrs. every winter and back in the late spring. I got tired of dealing with marina owners that were constantly raising rates and providing less services along with loud boaters at marinas. We like being on the water, not in a marina. I keep both Nomad boats and trailers in one of my private hangars allowing us to use them when we want vs. feeling obligated to having to fly down to the marina each week or month and take the big boat out, so I sold it. As I get older "Less is More" If you are going to be on the Ohio which is a fantastic river system I would have something that is easy to change a prop after hitting a submerged log or........ I certainly understand the concern of gasoline vs. diesel. I initially felt the same way, however with the way these units are designed I can't see how a prudent boater would have an issue. I love the various uses these lil Nomad boats provide from being able to fish and stay warm in the winter to year round fun. It's not a trawler, it's just a boat with some amenities that serve a purpose. Just a thought.

 

[Bacchus]

Here is one listed on TF by a member I've communicated with have never been aboard, located in wester NY with canal access to get most anywhere.

1987 Maple Bay for sale $42,000. Erie Canal New York State

We are selling our beloved Maple Bay Trawler Patience. It’s time for us to move on to more sedentary pursuits. The trawler comes with a three axel Loadmaster trailer. See this PDF link for complete details https://tinyurl.com/Maple-bay-1987 Or file added below. Boat is located on Western Erie...

www.trawlerforum.com

 

[Bigpapaporsche]

The Suburban 4x4 is rated to tow up to 8,300 lbs. Add fuel, water, gear and trailer and you are over 10,000 lbs.

David

You are correct!
According to what I've seen on the Forums, it looks like the total weight (based on actual scales readings) of the R 25 SC and it's trailer is around the 9500-10,000 Lb range.

 

[Bigpapaporsche]

For your type of use an option might be what is called the "SeaArk or Nomad HB". It's an aluminum hull with 25' with a Honda 150 hp OB, some had the 90 hp. Some came with the upper helm and bimini top. The overall weight is around 7,200 lbs. with a steel double axle trailer loaded and ready for adventure, less with aluminum trailer. Many use the Honda EU3000 generator with remote electric start and the boat has 70-100 gal of fuel along with 39 gals. of freshwater, same on black tank. Propane heat, hot water, stove, refrig. , microwave. They also have air conditioning/heat. They have full queen bed above lower helm and some have a sofa that makes into a double bed. They have shower, toilet and sink in the wet head. It's a good setup for a couple or family of 4 to fish and run rivers or lakes allowing you to anchor in shallow protected areas and enjoy the water with the OB motor with electric trim.
I currently own 2 of these Nomad boats after owning a 75' custom built boat we ran on the Tn. River, Kentucky Lake to the Keys and the Bahamas and all along the Gulf and river systems in the midwest. We made the trip down the Tom B. for over 15 yrs. every winter and back in the late spring. I got tired of dealing with marina owners that were constantly raising rates and providing less services along with loud boaters at marinas. We like being on the water, not in a marina. I keep both Nomad boats and trailers in one of my private hangars allowing us to use them when we want vs. feeling obligated to having to fly down to the marina each week or month and take the big boat out, so I sold it. As I get older "Less is More" If you are going to be on the Ohio which is a fantastic river system I would have something that is easy to change a prop after hitting a submerged log or........ I certainly understand the concern of gasoline vs. diesel. I initially felt the same way, however with the way these units are designed I can't see how a prudent boater would have an issue. I love the various uses these lil Nomad boats provide from being able to fish and stay warm in the winter to year round fun. It's not a trawler, it's just a boat with some amenities that serve a purpose. Just a thought.

1. Please provide more info on the models (i.e. Model Numbers) you mentioned, I don't want to overlook any potential boats.
2. I prefer the Diesel over the Outboard, simply because of the more Nautical Look IMHO. Also I like the Dinghy off the Swim Platform option. The Fuel Mileage isn't a big deal for me.
3. I really like the Resale Value of the Rangers R25 SC and the ease of Selling them!!
4. We feel that it is very important to have a Full Rear Enclosure on a boat, no Insects and you can get out of the weather!
5. What are the Pros/Cons of a portable Generator (Honda 2200) vs a Built-In Gen.
This is a good conversation!

 

[BB-marine]

The Ranger R25SC weight is around 6500-7000 LBS empty.
1. I plan on a used Boat in the $75000-$12000.00 Range.
2. A Tow Vehicle, like a 1500 Chev Suburban 4x4 has the capacity to do the job!
3. I also plan to use a Weight Distribution Hitch! I've seen them used with Boats, but NOT very often. I wonder why!
Correction: I stand corrected, apparently most Boat Trailer Manufactures Do Not recommend a WDH. per Load Rite Trailers.

You may have not read my previous post #26. It talks about this in a real experience not an opinion. I tried to tow with a Tahoe, same rating as a Suburban. I had a custom trailer made to use WD bars. Do not change your mind on the boat you want. I think you made a good choice looking at the ranger R25SC. I know folks that cruised full time for 4 years in one. We cruised 5 years in our C26 Cutwater. It was easy tow with a good trailer and a good tow vehicle. The key component is don't try to find a boat that a half ton will pull. There really are none that are in the comfort zone. Dry weight numbers do not include equipment installed, on out board models the engine is not included with dry weight. Most trailers large enough to handle a 25 to 26' boat weigh 2000lbs + even aluminum.

I am posting because I tried to do what you are trying to do. Tow with a smaller vehicle. I spent a lot of extra money trying but the end result was a 3/4ton truck. I towed the C26 well over 10,000 miles without issue with the right trailer and tow vehicle. You know what you want find a nice R25SC and get a truck to pull it.

Photos below, I tried but it didn't work. Purchased a bigger truck for towing. I also changed the braking from surge to electric over hydraulic. That is a must!
Brian

 

[Bigpapaporsche]

I am not sure how to fine your Post #26, please let me know.
Good for you that you made a Custom Trailer and used a WDH, they greatly improve handling/safety.

 

[Bigpapaporsche]

I Purchased a 26' Cutwater new 2016. It was powered by a 220 Hp Volvo Penta D3. Before purchasing the Cutwater we looked at R25 SC powered by a 150 HP Volvo Penta D3. Our goal was to do the great Loop in segments. Start at point A cruising to point B. Then point C,D,F and always being able to trailer back to point A our home port. We chose the C26 over the R25SC for personal reasons, faster and we liked the interior configuration better. Both the Rangers and Cutwaters would be a good choice for trailerable trawlers. I know we enjoyed ours for 5 years until it was to small. Owning a trailerable trawler like a Cutwater or Ranger or many of the other choices mentioned is a good way to see the country and be able to boat at the same time. The boating part most of us know if we have boated. The trailering part most of us that have boated over the years have pulled smaller boats, fishing and sport boats. When you start looking at larger cruising boats like a Ranger or Cutwater the towing equipment should be well thought out. For example, the trailer. The dry weight of a R25SC is 6200 LBS. The dry weight of my C26 Cutwater was 6700lbs. The manufacture recommended a tandem axel trailer for my C26. A 9600lbs GVW EZ loader trailer. The dry weight is not close to what the boat weighs. The trailer weight is included in the trailers capacity. I did not go with the manufactures recommendation. I had a tri-axel trailer custom made for the boat with a much higher capacity. Why am I bringing this up? You said "I'll probably be using a GM/Ford 1/2 ton Van." There is no way you are towing a Ranger Tug with a 1/2 ton. There are some 3/4 ton pick ups that are not rated to tow that weight unless weight distribution bars are used. There are no production boat trailer manufactures that recommend or will warranty their trailers if weight distribution bars are used. When I purchased the Cutwater I had just purchased a new Tahoe with all the bells and whistles for towing. It had a tow capacity of 8400 lbs. I had air bag suspension added. I had a custom trailer built with three axels, that was designed for weight distribution bars. The trailer had 6 wheels with disc brakes electric over hydraulic. After 100 miles of towing boat/trailer combination that weighed close to 10,000 lbs??? I thought it was 6700lbs!!! My Tahoe was traded in for a new HD2500 Silverado with a 14000lbs tow capacity to be comfortable towing down the highway. Any boat larger ,R29 or R31 don't look at 2500's start looking at 3500's. Don't look at Gas look for Diesels.
Brian

Sorry, I forgot to mention this in a previous Post about Trailers Specs. I had a Custom Trailer made for a 20 Foot Flicka Sailboat (6000LBS) we had it equipped with "Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brakes" also. IMO, the added Performance/Safety was worth the extra price. Another big benefit of the "EOH Brake System" is the Brakes also work while you are going in reverse , i.e at the Launch Ramp!

 

[CreekerMike]

Alright, here’s my take!

First off, buy the biggest boat you can comfortably handle, both in terms of seamanship and budget, to meet your cruising goals. I recommend the Ranger Tugs R31 CB because it’s the largest trawler that can still be trailered. I’ve personally trailered our all over the East Coast, and it was a great fit for us. We’re based in Maryland, and while we’re not retired, being teachers gives us extended “off time” to cruise. When the pandemic hit, we packed up and spent two months in the Gulfport area, followed by a few more months exploring the Florida Keys—from Key Largo to Key West, teaching virtually from aboard.

Having a boat that’s “big enough” to stay on comfortably—sleep, eat, and cruise in coastal conditions—was essential for us. Even if you are hanging in a marinea, having your own creature comforts can be important. We also prioritized things lie air conditioning, heat, and a generator. Plus, the command bridge adds a lot of extra space, which we really love. We previously had a 36ft Albin with a full bridge, and for us, that’s a must-have feature. Oh, the RT also has bow and stern thrusters.

A decent dinghy and some water toys complete the package—fishing for me, paddle boarding for my wife. We both got exactly what we wanted. Another big plus is the inboard diesel engine. While you can’t hit the same speeds as newer Cutwaters with outboards, the diesel is much more economical at trawler speeds, with a moderate cruising speed around 15-16 knots. Fuel economy was around 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon. It is also diesel, which is much safer than gas.

As for towing, getting permits is a breeze. Some states even offer annual permits, which takes the hassle out of applying each time.

One last thing: I’ve noticed that Ranger Tugs seem to hold their value a bit better than some other brands, at least in the used market. We bought our 2017 R31CB in the spring of 2019 for $252,000, and sold it in fall 2023 for $242,000. Just sharing my experience—no need for a debate on this.

My final point regarding size matters, the R29 is nice, but if you want a flybridge, it is much more cramped and not as good of a space to entertain. Once you drop down to the 27 and below, you do get an 8 foot beam, so no need for permits. The trade off is that now you are entering a class of boats that is much more "tender", which makes challenging weather more uncomfortable cruising and they bop and bounce around like a cork when tryng to sleep at anchor.

I did a lot of homework, pryer to purchase. There's a lot of boats out there and you will find every one has trade-offs.

Happy to keep the conversation going about this topic ON THE FORUM!

Best regards,
Bobby

Thank you for every word. We are looking at used 2015 Ranger Tug 31 CB diesel. I have a 2022 GMC 350 long bed with rear bags and heavy duty hitch. The AC was a must so "luxury," no Northwest package. Concerned about sleeping and bouncing so hopefully the 31 will be ok??. Tell my wife I'm not nuts.

We have kids up and down east coast, want to do the loop including Canada. Bring it back to Arizona and lake Powell and maybe the Baha.
Retired in Cave Creek, AZ

 

[rpelton]

Sleeping is ok, but if you have wind and swell you will dance around. I upgraded my anchor to a heavier hook and 100 foot of chain. Not dragging is better piece of mind for sleeping than a little bouncing aorund. Now the upside to these shallow draft boats is that you can get way up into places that bigger boats can't. In other words, you can find peaceful places to sleep.

I wouldn't worry so much about the price of diesel. Because it is an economical boat, you can cruise in a pretty affordable way. Also, on the highway, you can stop at a restaurant and "camp" for the night. We've done this many times. We had propane for cooking, the solar panel can keep up the refrigerations and keep the v-berth open to crash out. Saves down time and money on the road.

Another addition I was making prior to selling the boat was to install a fuel polishing system. Clean fuel is a key to happy diesel engine. I installed the system on a mounting board and then in the engine compartment. I had one leaky fitting, so in stead of messing around, I just pulled it out prior to selling it.

Happy to answer any other questions.
Best,
Bobby

 

[CreekerMike]

Sleeping is ok, but if you have wind and swell you will dance around. I upgraded my anchor to a heavier hook and 100 foot of chain. Not dragging is better piece of mind for sleeping than a little bouncing aorund. Now the upside to these shallow draft boats is that you can get way up into places that bigger boats can't. In other words, you can find peaceful places to sleep.

I wouldn't worry so much about the price of diesel. Because it is an economical boat, you can cruise in a pretty affordable way. Also, on the highway, you can stop at a restaurant and "camp" for the night. We've done this many times. We had propane for cooking, the solar panel can keep up the refrigerations and keep the v-berth open to crash out. Saves down time and money on the road.

Another addition I was making prior to selling the boat was to install a fuel polishing system. Clean fuel is a key to happy diesel engine. I installed the system on a mounting board and then in the engine compartment. I had one leaky fitting, so in stead of messing around, I just pulled it out prior to selling it.

Happy to answer any other questions.
Best,
Bobby

I'm interested in what a fuel polishing system would look like or cost for a RT 31?

 

[CreekerMike]

OK I looked it up. It filters the fuel in the tank so is not inline with fuel to engine it appears.

 

[rpelton]

Here is what I built for the R31, but sold the boat before fully commissioning the system on board. I asked my broker if he thought I should install the system right before listing the boat and he said it might just confuse a buyer as it is not a stock item. So I leave it out of the deal. He was a great broker. He liked to keep things simple and straight forward.

Here are the componenets

RCI fuel/water separator
RCI moisture indicator with alarm
Marco transfer pump
Fuel water separator (Racor 500 10 micron element)
Electric switch, wiring, bypass valves, fuel lines and mounting board.
I think I have between $1500-$1800 into the whole system.

I had the RCI fuel/water separator on a previous boat. It really saves your racor filters as it gets 99 percent of the junk out before it even hits your filters.

Not sure if it is worth dismantling and shipping it with me (to Portugal) to have as a back up fuel polishing system on our new boat, selling it, or keeping it (to me, it's a work of art).

I hope this gives you a sense of what a fuel polishing system might look like.

Best,
Bobby

 

[BB-marine]

I'm interested in what a fuel polishing system would look like or cost for a RT 31?

I installed a fuel polishing system in a Cutwater C26. It was a combination of an extra AUX fuel tank and a polishing system. Parts used, 20 gallon fuel tank, 12V transfer pump, (2) three way fuel valves, 500 series Racor filter housing using 2 micron filters, 3/8" fuel lines, (1) fuel ball valve. The Aux fuel tank could only be filled from the main tank. The fuel was removed from main tank by a fuel pick up that had a tube that pulled fuel 1/2" off the bottom of the tank with screen touching the bottom. (The engine fuel pick up was 1" off the bottom of the tank) The fuel was picked up off the bottom of the tank and filtered thru a 2 micron filter then pumped into the aux fuel tank. The aux fuel tank had a vent hoes on the top of the tank that when full would return the fuel back to the main tank filtering the fuel. Once the aux tank was full and polished fuel the pump was shut down and the Aux tank remained full. The main tank was then filled. Leaving the fuel dock the boat now had maintain and aux tank full. Has fuel was burned from the main tank I would transfer fuel from aux tank to main tank. The 3 way valves were turned to pull fuel from aux tank thru the Racor filter for a second polishing and the returned to main tank.

The system served two purposes. I was able to polish fuel each time I refuel the tank confirming the fuel in the tank was always clean. The second purpose was adding an additional 20 gallon fuel capacity. The C26 only had a 80 gallon fuel tank with 76 gallons usable. Adding the aux tank/fuel polishing system I gained 20 gallons of fuel gaining an additional 60 to 80 mile cruise range. Clean fuel and more fuel capacity. In 650 hours of cruising and 5000 miles + the polishing system worked perfectly and the only filter on board that water and debris was found was the polishing filter. The engines fuel system filter never showed evidence of water or oxidation from diesel fuel.

Photos below show the install.

The last photo is the polishing filter I made for my Mainship Pilot 34. I had an extra fuel port on the bottom of the tank. I installed a 1/2" fuel ball valve and a hose fitting. There is an additional return fuel fitting on the top of the tank. I installed a fuel fitting there ( quick connect. I can put the portable polishing filter online in about 2 minutes. I run it for a couple of hours periodically or if I have doubts of the fuel dock. The pump moves 50 to 60 GPH. It is pulling fuel directly off the bottom of the tank.

The Cutwater install cost was roughly 1500.00. My Labor, The Mainship cost was roughly 600.00 My labor.
Brian

Brian

 

[jagates10]

I am looking for a Trailerable Trawler/Tug, similar to a Ranger R25/R25SC. Please PM with suggestions etc. A Fixer Upper is not out of the question.

I have a 1979 Outer Reef 26 trawler w/aluminum trailer that I'm getting ready to put on the market for $25K. The interior and electric has been totally retrofitted in 2021. Let me know if this is something you might be interested in and I can furnish full details.