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Ranger Tugs R-25 (2020-)

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Specifications

Length Overall 28'5"
8.6 m
Beam 8'6"
2.6 m
Dry Weight 5,600 lbs.
2,540 kg
Draft 34"
86 cm
Fuel Capacity 99 gallons
375 L
Water Capacity 34 gallons
129 L

Captain's Report

Editor's Report by Eric Colby

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The newest model in the Ranger Tugs line, the R-25, is also the smallest at 28’5” (8.7 m).

Brief Summary

The R-25 is the newest model in the Ranger Tugs lineup. She’s designed for comfort and ease of use with a versatile cockpit and cozy pilothouse. She can sleep at least four with a private cabin in the bow and a fully-enclosed head compartment.

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With her open cockpit and enclosed pilothouse, the R-25 can cruise virtually year round.

Features Discussion

The Stern. One of the new features on the R-25 is Ranger’s new 20-sq.-ft. (1.86-sq.-m) Clear-Path swim platform. It wraps around the outboard to create a walkway that’s free of engine rigging and other obstructions. It has heavy-duty handrails and lets users safely board a dinghy, net a fish and other adventures. There’s a folding ladder and a shower as well.

On Deck. The R-25’s cockpit has two fold-out benches, one across the stern with a backrest that drops into rod holders in the deck and one to starboard with padding provided by the bolster. Overhead, the Bimini top extends aft from the pilothouse. If the optional Kenyon electric grill is ordered, it installs in the aft port deck.

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Bench seats fold into the cockpit, enhancing the area’s versatility.

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The grill is aft to port, which is smart because it’s in the open and should keep smoke out of the cockpit.

Forward, she comes equipped with a stainless-steel self-launching bow roller and an anchor locker. Upgrade to the Northwest or luxury package and it comes with a 16.5-lb. (7.48-kg) anchor, 50’ (15.24 m) of chain and a 200’ (60.96 m) rode.

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An extendable awning can cover the entire cockpit in shade.

Indoors

A full-height glass door opens into the salon, which has a dinette that seats four or converts to a berth. Overhead, the hardtop has twin opening skylights plus windows. The forward stateroom has a berth, opening hatches, reading lights and a TV with a DVD player. A quarter berth could come in handy for a nap space for the kids or additional storage. The private head has an electric toilet, sink and shower. The galley includes an electric/alcohol cooktop, a refrigerator, a microwave oven and a sink.

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The fiberglass hardtop lets in lots of natural light, and notice the teak rail down the center.

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Beneath the dinette in the salon is a small quarter berth that can be used for a variety of purposes.

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​​Ranger uses lots of windows to keep the galley and other areas from feeling dark.

​​​

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The wet head has an electric flush toilet and standup headroom.

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When filled in, the V-berth should have space for two adults to sleep comfortably.

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For entertainment, the R-25 comes standard with a TV in the private cabin.

To starboard, the helm has a standard Garmin 1242xsv chartplotter with sonar, a VHF radio and Yamaha engine screen. There’s a single duct for ventilation and the trim-tab controls are abaft the shift/throttle lever. The seat is a single with a fold-up bolster.

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The R-25’s helm is logically laid out with the standard chartplotter in a glare-cutting dark panel.

Pricing and Options. 

The R-25 has a special introductory price when powered by a Yamaha F250 outboard. The boat is designed with Ranger Tugs’ Laminar Flow Interrupter that the company says improves handling turns. To make it easy to stay mobile, Ranger Tugs offers the R-25 with an optional custom-matched trailer. Available option packages include the Northwest Edition that comes with a diesel heater, downrigger plugs and pads, LED lights, the aforementioned chartplotter, a 140-watt solar panel and underwater lights. The Luxury Edition includes all these items and adds reverse-cycle air conditioning with heat.

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The company name may imply a slow-going tugboat, but the R-25 gets up and runs.

The Dimensions

The R-25 measures 28’5” (8.7 m) and 29’8” (9 m) with the outboard motor tilted out of the water. Length on the trailer is 36’ (11 m) with the motor tilted up. The beam is 8’6” (2.6 m), which means the boat is trailerable without needing a permit. Her draft is 34” (.9 m) with the motors up. Weight is listed at 5,600 lbs. (2,540 kg). Height on the trailer with the radar is 11’10” (3.6 m) and on the water, bridge clearance is 8’1” (2.5 m). She carries 99 gallons (375 liters) of fuel and 34 gallons (129 liters) of fresh water. Holding tank capacity is 14 gallons (53 liters).   

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With her classic styling, the R-25 will fit in on any coast.

Observations 

Think of the Ranger Tugs R-25 as a mini expedition yacht. Her large swim platform and open cockpit let the owners and guests enjoy the weather while the salon and cabin provide protection from the elements. She has a big, rugged feel and should be popular for getting an earlier start to the season and being the last boat in the marina to be hauled for the winter.