Bigpapaporsche
Member
Thanks for your comments! I agree with most of them. Here are my comments.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
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.