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Ranger 85
Designer: Scott Kaufman / Carl Schumacher  ·  Builder: Ranger Fiberglass Boats (Usa)  ·  First built: 1980
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About the Ranger 85

Built during an era when American sailboat manufacturing was reaching new heights of craftsmanship, this impressive vessel represents the larger end of the Ranger sailing yacht lineup. With her substantial dimensions, she stands as a testament to the builder's commitment to creating serious cruising sailboats capable of handling extended passages. The design philosophy behind this model emphasizes seaworthiness and comfort for long-distance cruising, making her well-suited for coastal exploration and offshore voyaging. Her generous proportions provide the interior volume necessary for extended living aboard, while her construction reflects the robust building standards that characterized quality American boatbuilding of the period. Notable for her traditional sailing yacht aesthetics combined with practical cruising features, she offers the kind of stability and space that appeals to sailors planning serious coastal and offshore adventures. The design strikes a balance between performance and comfort, though her size and displacement characteristics clearly favor cruising over racing applications. For sailors seeking a substantial cruising platform with proven seaworthiness, this model represents an opportunity to own a well-built vessel from a respected manufacturer, ideal for those planning extended cruising adventures or requiring generous onboard accommodations.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
Beam 9.50 ft / 2.90 m
Max Draft 5.10 ft / 1.55 m
Displacement 5,000.00 lb / 2,268 kg
Ballast 2,100.00 lb / 953 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Scott Kaufman / Carl Schumacher
Builder Ranger Fiberglass Boats (USA)
First Built 1980
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
42.0
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
183.46
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 4.68 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 20.09
J (Foretriangle Base) 10.50 ft / 3.20 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 366.00 ft² / 34.00 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 183.46
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