Ranger 33s' anyone?

[bob and sharon]

Well, looks like we've found a buyer for our 41' Morgan OutIsland. Now comes the fun part - LOOKING AT BOATS TO BUY!!! We are downsizing into a boat that we can sail more often, and more affordably. While our original thought was to go around 35', a couple of Ranger 33' boats have caught my eye. I plugged the boats' numbers in and came up with what seems to be a stable little boat that we could live with, including some ocean cruising. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have firsthand experience with these boats.
Thanks!!! Bob

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Bob,
I've not owned one personally but friends of mine sailed one around the islands here for years and were very pleased. Good luck with your boat search.
JohnL

[Drumroll30]

Was in a quickie around the cans race against one in a 15 or so boat fleet last summer. The Ranger 33 took line honors as well as first on corrected time....and with old bagged out sails but an expirienced captain. Surprised many in the fleet!

[RaptorDance]

I sailed on a Ranger 33 for 10 years ('80 to '85 and '87 to '92).

They're fantastic boats. Sail well, can race competitively with appropriate handicap and pretty comfortable for the size.

OK in my book for Coastal or short ocean passages. They have gone blue water, but I'd want something a bit more robust.

That said, there is a Ranger 33 anchored right now not that far from us in the Lagoon in Barra de Navidad, Colima, Mexico (near Manzanillo) that came all the way down from the Pacific Northwest. You can go long distance and long time cruising - but you're camping ;-}

Check to see if any 33s you're considering have been repowered. If not, the state of the original engine, gasoline powered Atomic 4. I'd be much happier with a Diesel boat than the original gas.

Cheers,
Bill

[AnchorageGuy]

we raced a 33 for a few years on the Chesapeake and really liked the boat. As with any boat be sure to get a survey and have a mechanic check the engine. But don't think you will be disappointed with boat. Especially since you are used to the Morgan.