Rhodes Ranger- anybody sailed one?

[Kelpie]

I've been offered a Rhodes Ranger 29ft fr a good price, and from what I can tell it seems very similar to an Albin Vega, with a slightly higher bow flare, higher coachroof, and a bit longer. However it seems to be quite a rare boat and I can't get much information about them. This would be my first boat, although I have done quite a lot of sailing and I was looking for something like a 22 footer since I thought that was all I could afford.
Thanks for any info

Rob

 

[Salty John]

Designed by Philip Rhodes it's a little classic. Sister ship to my Adriana, a Pearson Vanguard, which I cruised full time for three years.
It's a very 60's boat; long overhangs, narrow beam and, therefore, a bit cramped compared to the beamy boats of today.
Obviously you need to take a close look at the build quality and condition, but the design is timeless.

 

[Kelpie]

Thanks for the info. Would you say the comparison with a Vega is about right? I've sailed one and thought it had decent cabin space- the Ranger is 2ft longer so it should be even better. The only thing I didn't like was the tiller mounted on the cockpit floor which is a bit awkward with a large crew.
Is there an owner's association where I can find out more?

 

[Bajansailor]

I did a bit of googling (was looking for sister ships for sale in the USA) and found this MSN group :
http://groups.msn.com/RangerbuiltbySeafarerandDesignedbyPhilipRhodes

Looks like lots of good info there.
She is a very pretty design, with a nice sheer line - all of Philip Rhodes designs are pretty gorgeous really!

 

[Salty John]

I'm afraid I don't know the Vega well so I can't make the comparison. If you google Philip Rhodes you'll get quite a lot of info on his various designs. Here's one:http://astro.temple.edu/~bstavis/pr/rhodes.htm

By the way, I said the Ranger was a sister ship of Adriana; what I meant to say, of course, is that she is a relative - Adriana is a Pearson Vanguard not a Ranger.