Ranger 26 issue's

[CaptinRedBeard]

I'm a novice sailor looking to purchase my first boat. In 3 days I'm going to look at a Ranger 26 and race it with the owner in a local regatta. I've read a lot about the Ranger 26 (Gary Mull, ect) and it appears to be a great starter boat that I'm hoping to be able to single hand with confidence.

So I know all the good stuff but now I need to know the bad stuff since everything has it's weakness. So far one person told me that replacement parts can be tough to come by so fabrication is usually necessary and can be expensive. Any other common issues anyone can think of?

The boat is a 1973, no major bells or whistles, a 2002 mercery 5hp 2-stroke. All sails and rigging are reported to be in good condition but i currently haven't seen any maintance records and have no clue when the rigging was last replaced, the owner sails the boat regularly (usually 3 times per week). He seems very proud of the boat which I hope is an indicatior that he has taken good care of it. I'm sure the boat has seen some rough sea's because the owner said he has made 6 interisland cruises in the last year (in Hawaii, from Oahu to Maui, Molakai, and Lanikai.) Once again please only post up the things that are known issue's with these boats.

Your Help is much appreaciated.
Also does anyone have any idea what a survey would cost for a boat like this?

everyone has a little captain in them
-Captain Morgan-

[sailingdog]

If the boat's rigging hasn't been replaced, it is likely that you should have it inspected by a rigger. Thirty-seven years is a long time for rigging...

The chainplates and tangs should also be closely inspected.

I'd also recommend you read the Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as it will help you determine whether this boat is worth looking at further.

As for surveys, it depends a lot on where you're located. I am guessing that you're on the Hawaiian islands from your post, but could not tell you what a survey there would cost.

[CaptinRedBeard]

Sailing dog,

thanks for the tip, I've actually already read and printed your tip's post. I'm fairly positive the rigging has been replaced in the last 37 years (LOL). I'm assuming I should go to the local yatch club to find info on surveyers in the area?

[sailingdog]

For a local surveyor, I would go to the boat yard that works on the most expensive and biggest boats in the area and ask the yard manager who he would use. Then ask a few other people, and if that name comes up more than once... use him. Another good source for surveyors are insurance agents...

You could also look to see if anyone has asked about surveyors in your area or post a thread asking for recommendations. If you read the post in my signature, you'll see how you can use google to search the sailinet forums, which generally works a lot better than the sailnet internal search.

[gmbandco]

Let us know if you buy the Ranger. There is a Ranger site (all sizes, not just 26's) and a Facebook page as well.

Ranger-Yachts Home

[CaptinRedBeard]

I did not end up buying the Ranger. The guy had already sold it on my arrival, But I did meet a great sailor who has taught me a lot. The new owner allows the old owner to continue to race the boat. I have established my place as one of the crew members. I will post a link to some of the video's I have taken while sailing on the Ranger 26. We can get this little boat moving pretty quick.

YouTube - The lady hawkeye (ranger 26 sailboat)

YouTube - Cal 20 Stubborn BEAVER!.mov

[sailingdog]

Thanks for the update.