Comparison
Ranger Tugs replaced the R-25 with the R-25 SC which stands for “Sports Cockpit” in 2009. I could have bought either as they were both made in that year; both have the same hull. While, the SC model was $10,000 cheaper than the Classic, we opted for the Classic as we cruise rather than fish or go day boating.
The SC has an 18” or so longer cockpit for sports, at the expense of cabin space. Check out the space between the sink and range on Alto (left) vs. the SC model in the picture below. Note that Alto also has two extra under counter storage cabinets between the sink and stove (under the blue placemat) as compared to the SC which offers tight quarters for kitchen duties.
Ranger Tugs replaced the R-25 with the R-25 SC which stands for “Sports Cockpit” in 2009. I could have bought either as they were both made in that year; both have the same hull. While, the SC model was $10,000 cheaper than the Classic, we opted for the Classic as we cruise rather than fish or go day boating.
The SC has an 18” or so longer cockpit for sports, at the expense of cabin space. Check out the space between the sink and range on Alto (left) vs. the SC model in the picture below. Note that Alto also has two extra under counter storage cabinets between the sink and stove (under the blue placemat) as compared to the SC which offers tight quarters for kitchen duties.
You also lose the opening portholes (on both sides of the boat) as well as the incredibly handy spice rack
with the SC pictured above, right.
As shown above the R-25 classic (Alto) has more room between the windows, with two opening port lights between the windows on both sides of the main cabin; whereas, the SC has no cabin port holes.
Perhaps, most important is that Alto’s spare berth (sleeps one adult) under the dinette is actually useable. It has a large fold-up chart table over the top and a privacy curtain, with easy access. The SC has a very narrow access door to the spare berth. See below the storage it offers as well.
Not many 25’ boats have separate private sleeping quarters for a guest. Alto meets the old adage that a boat should be big enough to have six for drinks, four for dinner and two to sleep; however, she can sleep 3 with privacy. Note, that Alto has canvas drop curtains that snap on to cover both the front V-berth area and the “Cave” which is what we call the spare berth under the dinette. Access is through the big doorway under the fold-up chart table shown in the picture, above left. You can see the sleeping cushions and size of the Cave in the picture to the right, above. Mostly, it is used for storage.
Finally, the large dining table (below photo) comes down to make a double bed for more guests. There is a large, thick cushion to make the Table a bed that we had a seamstress hinge so it can be stored under the table.
The chart table above the spare berth provides plenty of space for a toaster oven and coffeemaker on Alto, as shown below:
Alto’s cockpit has plenty of room with a built in seat over the bait well/rear lazarette, or with a couple of chairs.
So, since our purpose was to cruise, Alto has been around the Keys and on the St. John River in FL as well as in the Cape Cod sound, we wanted the bigger cabin in the Classic model with room for friends to stay over. If you go out for the day and fish, the larger Sports Cockpit makes sense; however, if you want to go for weekends, or even for weeks at a time, on cruises and drop the anchor and not worry about power, pump outs or having enough water then a R-25 Classic outfitted like Alto is the way to go. Small enough to trailer and big enough to liveaboard.
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