Great review Martin. For the stock boat, the Kisae DMT1250 is a good choice but it has a max of 35 V PV input which could limit a solar upgrade for panels in series. That and the 1 of 2 charging sources makes a separate solar charge controller the way to go. The Victron battery monitor is an excellent addition. 👍🏼😎
I wouldn't connect any panels in series on the DMT1250. You can hook up 2 panels in parallel, and the DMT1250 supports up to around 700 watts. Adding a dedicated solar controller, at least the Victron 150/35 and going to 400 watts of solar can be a real game changer.
Love your videos, am a current boat owner but not a Ranger owner YET. Once retired is a few years and relocate back to the PNW will seriously start looking. Would love to look you up and have coffee with you Cheers Tony
You can't comfortably cruise on a center console. Obviously you have never cruised on a boat for more than a few days. Ranger Tugs and especially the R-27 is a very popular boat for those that do the Great Loop trip.
The T9.9 kicker is an hour eater. Can be used for slow boating, as it pushes the boat about 5 knots. Most of the time it's used for trolling for fishing or as backup engine should engine trouble occur.
Yes you could. Odds are though, if you have an LE with AGM batteries, it most likely has the electrical system off a NW edition. The LE with LFP has a different electrical system. An LE with AGM batteries (from the factory) most likely has a PWM Morning Duo controller that could be upgraded to an MPPT controller. (You'd replace the solar controller you already have). The DMT1250 is only needed with LFP on the boat.
Martin, great video. I’m looking at this boat right now. Could you use a portable generator to shore power to recharge the Li batteries? If yes, how long roughly would that take. We will be in Florida where the Ac is needed all night. And the no-serums can be rough. Thank you
You can absolutely use a portable generator to recharge the house bank. The boat comes with a 60amp battery charger which is what would be powered by a portable generator. With 560amp-hours total, lets say you were at 20% SOC (450 amp-hours consumed), it'd take about 8 hours to fully recharge (assuming no solar to help out). If you run a portable generator be cautious of the CO poisoning (fumes), as CO is heavier than air. I recommend running the portable generator out on the transom and not in the cockpit.
I know of 3 RT27-OB's that were converted to twin F150's. The boat was designed for twin engines, but most customers prefer a single engine. Duel engines doubles maintenance cost.
@Letsgochannelsurfing I have talked to a couple of people about the future of the 27 ft. 2026 may offer twins. I understand about the maintenance, but twins would open up more possibilities. I do enjoy your videos!
Hey thank you for the fantastic review. one thing I do want to point out is that your assumption is not quite correct, when you are charging from the engine and from solar. Because it goes to the same bank of batteries, the solar charge controller will detect current from the alternator and will not charge, because it is based on voltage, so if the alternator is pushing 13.8 v to the battery the solar charge controller detects this voltage and considers the battery is full. And the same way in reverse on my smart Balmer alternator controller if I am starting the engine during the day, it senses solar charge controller voltage and should not kick in. I have 500 Watt of solar through an 80amp MPPT controller into an4x220 aphr lead single battery bank. If you know something different, I would be glad to hear.
I have no idea either. I'm a cold weather boater. I will, however, look into the Mabru 12volt DC air conditioner as I talk to a lot of boaters back east in the hot climate.
In this video I go over the differences between an LE and a NW edition. The diesel heater or the air conditioner fit under the helm seat. Not both. You also need a spot to put the 3000 watt inverter (NW edition comes with a 2000 watt). The 3000 watt inverter would normally go under the stove, o the bulkhead. However in a NW edition this space is filled with the 5 gallon diesel tank. ua-cam.com/video/vcdYPw0JPrc/v-deo.html
@@Letsgochannelsurfing Thanks for the info. I enjoy watching your channel and have fallen in love with the 27 outboard. I’ll start looking for a good used one. Safe travels to you.
My problem with ranger tugs is they feel like RV’s that float. I’ve also read about hull lamination schedules that are too thin. And I’m sure the depreciation is up there with Tesla’s.
Channel Surfing is 4 years old and based on what '21 R27-OB's sell for used today, I actually have equity in my boat. Strange times we live in for sure. The boats do hold their value. They are very much like a motorcoach on the water. I've got a microwave on a 27' boat, for example. I haven't had any hull lamination issues. Boats got 865 hours on it, 12,000 miles traveled and has been in rough seas many times. Thanks for watching!!
@@Letsgochannelsurfing glad you’ve had a good experience. Covid certainly did some strange things to valuations of cars, boats, homes. Hopefully your positive equity continues.
Yamaha 300 is a good motor idk why they wouldn’t use twin 150s I’m sure there is an option. my complaint is there isn’t a kicker that is tied to steering for extended range that’s a cheap addon . Along with extended hard deck to add solar. . At the price point it’s to high
First, thank you. Classic Ranger Tug porthole needs classic brass. Shiny and new is not always better. A newer battery I think you will find of interesting. 1. UA-cam - The RV Battery Has Evolved: Stop Wasting Money on Battle Born Lithium 2. UA-cam - Epoch 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 Battery for RV, Boats and Vans!
Regarding the brass ring around the porthole. Do you know how much the stainless steel one cost? Where to get it and the part number? How difficult it is to remove the brass one? If you change yours I would really want to see a video on that. Keep the videos coming. They are great!
The porthole comes off with 6 screws. It's just decoration, as it's not a real working port hole. The stainless steel ones holes are slightly different from the brass rings. I don't have part numbers (yet), but it's on my list. :) If you watch this video, start at timestamp 1:59 and you'll see me take the port hole apart. ua-cam.com/video/7F1ms1FXdd8/v-deo.html
"Feuture rich" definitely needs to be cleaned up big time for the price #too_busy should go all in with lithium ion stem to stern excepting the power unit(s) with vastly simplified wiring and single display solutions #tesla
Some folks who need air conditioning for long periods of time will pick up a portable 2kw generator. The LFP batteries will yield about 4-6 hours of air conditioning.
Great review Martin. For the stock boat, the Kisae DMT1250 is a good choice but it has a max of 35 V PV input which could limit a solar upgrade for panels in series. That and the 1 of 2 charging sources makes a separate solar charge controller the way to go. The Victron battery monitor is an excellent addition. 👍🏼😎
I wouldn't connect any panels in series on the DMT1250. You can hook up 2 panels in parallel, and the DMT1250 supports up to around 700 watts. Adding a dedicated solar controller, at least the Victron 150/35 and going to 400 watts of solar can be a real game changer.
Love your videos, am a current boat owner but not a Ranger owner YET. Once retired is a few years and relocate back to the PNW will seriously start looking. Would love to look you up and have coffee with you
Cheers
Tony
Thanks for watching! Shoot us an email if you're in the area. We're always up for coffee or happy hour.
As usual Martin, a very informative review of the ‘24. You are a walking wealth of knowledge, and very smart as are most Navy Submariners!
Thank you! Run silent, run deep... :)
You can get a center counsel with twin 300 Yamahas for that price and 28ft
I wouldn't take a center console with twin engines to Glacier Bay, Alaska though.. Thanks for watching!
You can't comfortably cruise on a center console. Obviously you have never cruised on a boat for more than a few days. Ranger Tugs and especially the R-27 is a very popular boat for those that do the Great Loop trip.
I see some of your pictures shows boats with kicker outboards, are they using them for just cruising?
The T9.9 kicker is an hour eater. Can be used for slow boating, as it pushes the boat about 5 knots. Most of the time it's used for trolling for fishing or as backup engine should engine trouble occur.
Fantastic review!
That said, I’m not in the market for a quarter-million dollar 27 footer 🥶
Fair enough!
could you do a video on 'factory delivery experience'?
We have this one, it's a short. ua-cam.com/video/MoDghGZyBgc/v-deo.html
Would you be able to add a second solar controller to an LE that has AGM batteries?
Yes you could. Odds are though, if you have an LE with AGM batteries, it most likely has the electrical system off a NW edition. The LE with LFP has a different electrical system. An LE with AGM batteries (from the factory) most likely has a PWM Morning Duo controller that could be upgraded to an MPPT controller. (You'd replace the solar controller you already have). The DMT1250 is only needed with LFP on the boat.
Martin, great video. I’m looking at this boat right now. Could you use a portable generator to shore power to recharge the Li batteries? If yes, how long roughly would that take. We will be in Florida where the Ac is needed all night. And the no-serums can be rough. Thank you
You can absolutely use a portable generator to recharge the house bank. The boat comes with a 60amp battery charger which is what would be powered by a portable generator. With 560amp-hours total, lets say you were at 20% SOC (450 amp-hours consumed), it'd take about 8 hours to fully recharge (assuming no solar to help out). If you run a portable generator be cautious of the CO poisoning (fumes), as CO is heavier than air. I recommend running the portable generator out on the transom and not in the cockpit.
Quarter of a million dollar boat AND it comes with a coffee maker.....Holy crap how luxurious......lol
Great info on the charging
Thanks for watching! I'm glad you found the information useful.
Love your videos. I have been looking a the Ranger Tug. My only problem with th 27 ft....one engine. Why do you think they do not put twin 150s?
I know of 3 RT27-OB's that were converted to twin F150's. The boat was designed for twin engines, but most customers prefer a single engine. Duel engines doubles maintenance cost.
@Letsgochannelsurfing I have talked to a couple of people about the future of the 27 ft. 2026 may offer twins. I understand about the maintenance, but twins would open up more possibilities. I do enjoy your videos!
@@LetsgochannelsurfingMartin, would twin 150s increase engine charging capacity over a single 300?
Hey thank you for the fantastic review. one thing I do want to point out is that your assumption is not quite correct, when you are charging from the engine and from solar. Because it goes to the same bank of batteries, the solar charge controller will detect current from the alternator and will not charge, because it is based on voltage, so if the alternator is pushing 13.8 v to the battery the solar charge controller detects this voltage and considers the battery is full. And the same way in reverse on my smart Balmer alternator controller if I am starting the engine during the day, it senses solar charge controller voltage and should not kick in. I have 500 Watt of solar through an 80amp MPPT controller into an4x220 aphr lead single battery bank. If you know something different, I would be glad to hear.
Thanks for the info!
I love your dead pan delivery. Lol so funny
Lol. Thanks for watching!
Just FYI Mabru 12VDC air conditioner consumes 20-30 Amp. I clearly do not understand why boat builders still installing thirsty 110V HVAC
I have no idea either. I'm a cold weather boater. I will, however, look into the Mabru 12volt DC air conditioner as I talk to a lot of boaters back east in the hot climate.
What's a DVD? :)
Lol... They're $4-$6/each at that record/dvd store on Broadway in Everett. :)
What would it take to install A/C on a Northwest Edition? Is there a suitable spot to fit it in without having to remove the diesel heater?
In this video I go over the differences between an LE and a NW edition. The diesel heater or the air conditioner fit under the helm seat. Not both. You also need a spot to put the 3000 watt inverter (NW edition comes with a 2000 watt). The 3000 watt inverter would normally go under the stove, o the bulkhead. However in a NW edition this space is filled with the 5 gallon diesel tank. ua-cam.com/video/vcdYPw0JPrc/v-deo.html
I like the dinghy motor storage bracket , How long have they been doing that ? Great Video .👍
They started in the middle of 2020 when they went with the dinghy lift.
It's dreamy
Thanks for watching!
How long have they made the 27’ outboard?
@@bill29456 first year release was the fall of 2017, which was the 2018 model.
Any r27 that’s a 2017 or older is the classic with an Inboard engine.
@@Letsgochannelsurfing Thanks for the info. I enjoy watching your channel and have fallen in love with the 27 outboard. I’ll start looking for a good used one.
Safe travels to you.
Get it!
My problem with ranger tugs is they feel like RV’s that float. I’ve also read about hull lamination schedules that are too thin. And I’m sure the depreciation is up there with Tesla’s.
Channel Surfing is 4 years old and based on what '21 R27-OB's sell for used today, I actually have equity in my boat. Strange times we live in for sure. The boats do hold their value. They are very much like a motorcoach on the water. I've got a microwave on a 27' boat, for example. I haven't had any hull lamination issues. Boats got 865 hours on it, 12,000 miles traveled and has been in rough seas many times. Thanks for watching!!
@@Letsgochannelsurfing glad you’ve had a good experience. Covid certainly did some strange things to valuations of cars, boats, homes. Hopefully your positive equity continues.
No way would I pay 270k for a boat with a single motor. That’s crazy
Yamaha 300 is a good motor idk why they wouldn’t use twin 150s I’m sure there is an option. my complaint is there isn’t a kicker that is tied to steering for extended range that’s a cheap addon . Along with extended hard deck to add solar. . At the price point it’s to high
Has anyone installed a Gas portable generator in their O/B Ranger? Todays genie's are so portable and quit. Seems like a viable option
Many folks use portable generators on their boat. Just be careful with CO poisoning and run the generator on the transom, not in the cockpit.
First, thank you.
Classic Ranger Tug porthole needs classic brass. Shiny and new is not always better.
A newer battery I think you will find of interesting.
1. UA-cam - The RV Battery Has Evolved: Stop Wasting Money on Battle Born Lithium
2. UA-cam - Epoch 12V 460Ah LiFePO4 Battery for RV, Boats and Vans!
Regarding the brass ring around the porthole. Do you know how much the stainless steel one cost? Where to get it and the part number? How difficult it is to remove the brass one? If you change yours I would really want to see a video on that. Keep the videos coming. They are great!
The porthole comes off with 6 screws. It's just decoration, as it's not a real working port hole. The stainless steel ones holes are slightly different from the brass rings. I don't have part numbers (yet), but it's on my list. :) If you watch this video, start at timestamp 1:59 and you'll see me take the port hole apart. ua-cam.com/video/7F1ms1FXdd8/v-deo.html
"Feuture rich" definitely needs to be cleaned up big time for the price #too_busy should go all in with lithium ion stem to stern excepting the power unit(s) with vastly simplified wiring and single display solutions #tesla
The 2025 models are all Luxury Editions, which only come with LFP.
No Generator is a deal breaker if the A/C is not a 12 volt system that can run 10 hours!
Some folks who need air conditioning for long periods of time will pick up a portable 2kw generator. The LFP batteries will yield about 4-6 hours of air conditioning.
@@Letsgochannelsurfing Cutwater seems have it covered
The placement of the battery monitor, or for that matter any electronics right behind the sink is stupid as F!
It hasn't presented an issue of any kind. Thanks for watching!