IN WUV WITH R21

[canvasback]

Could you guys please provide more pertinant info on the 21....Strengths/weakness etc. Seems to me that a self-bailing cockpit would be a great addition to the boat. How are they in the rough stuff ? The one I am interested in is new, is the wireing better ? the stove ? Battery wireing ? these are some of the problems I have seen here so far. One bloke mentioned low freeboard concerns ? Anyone though of adding a high capacity bilge pump to the cockpit ? What are some bad conditions (weather) experienced ? Seems with the continued high fuel prices this baby is a natural !!!

[Texas Steve]

Just picked my 21 up recently so don't have a lot of experience with her as yet, but there is a bilge for the cockpit that seems to do a great job. The fuel economy issue should not be overlooked... runs and runs and runs on 18 gallons of fuel (like 240 miles at cruising speed!)

I thought I was having trouble with my charging system, but it looks like it might be my error as therocker switches are tricky to leave just right. The one issue I've had and seems to be an issue generally is leaking hatches in the pilothouse, which is a fairly simple fix.

Have not had Slow 'n Easy out in rough water so can't attest to that personally, but corresponded with one fellow who claims to have had his out of Miami in six foot seas. Check out the following article... it sold me on the seaworthiness of these little tugs... http://www.rangertugs.com/r/images/articles/Alaska_Article.pdf

I'm sure there will be others with more experience that will respond to you, but this is my two cent's worth. I suspect you will love yours!

[K7MXE]

All in all the little tug is a good product. Not huge in size but can also be
towed easily that bigger boats have problems doing. Fuel use is real good
and is not a concern. Factory listens to feedback and makes corrections.
I have a early boat and had a few leaks in the skylights and a poor stove.
All have been corrected. A change that is simple that will have to be done
is a lock for the cabin door to keep it closed from inside the boat. You
can lock it open but with the seas a flowing it would be nice to keep it
closed and when the boat is in the weather it will open and close on its
own. The storage locker aft will fit perfect four fuel cans for a extra 20
gallons if needed. I have the cover that covers the aft area and it keeps
rain and sun off from directly above and water from leaky locks from
landing on my bald head. For a fat boy of my size it is a balance act
going forward around the cabin house and I need to add some stick on
non skid. Cabin house has grab holds at the right spots. Under the
bunk storage is good for things you never use but need on board anyway.
Not that its hard but you have to move the bunk bottoms and stored
junk to get in the lockers. Windows are huge and you have good view
of the water. I have a simple rear view mirror near the windshield.
Optional trailer from EZ Loader is a winner also. Fits the boat well
but will hang up in the back as its low to the ground. I like the led lights
and disc brakes. I saved a buck and did not order the trailer with a
spare and got a new spare at the swap meet.
Factory has good people ready to show off the building process if your
in the Seattle area and its not far from the C Dory factory so you can
do both in one day.
I have just myself in the boat but think two would be the limit as you
run out of room. Back area has a lot of room and will seat three on
the back seat plus the top of the motor. Lot of room back there for
fishing and I use a stern anchor and its real easy to launch and haul in
over the side so bringing in a huge fish would be no problem. The side
rails in the back can be removed as can the rear sun cover.
Hope this has helped in the decision process, I can say I would do it over
again no problem. Bob Heselberg Eatonville Wa

[drjohn71a]

Canvasback,

I, too, love the look of that little Ranger 21 EC, but the slow cruise speed would eliminate many of our cruising grounds. I guess, if you are prepared to take shifts at the helm and sleeping longer trips are possible.

So, I am mainly mentioning that, while the seaworthiness of the R21 has a good reputation, it does demand the attention of a knowledgeable and patient pilot to get very far.

I think Dusty up in Deception Pass tried one out a bit and was impressed with the sea handling abiity of the craft.

Good luck,

John

[Sawdust]

Very subjective! Yep, I've run the 21EC quite a bit and it is a sweet boat. Seaworthy? Have not been able to run in BAD stuff, but in our normal 25-40 knot weather with 4-5 ft. and blowing caps, not a problem. The liquid weight and engine are located low in the hull giving her a very nice roll recovery rate.

My initial impression - I'd be happy to take her where I'd take my 22 C-Dory Angler. There should be other skippers on here with more experience than I have in this little fuell-sipping jewel.

Dusty

[tuggin']

To Canvas Back:
Texas Steve mentioned a fellow (me) that has taken his R-21 out of Miami (Boca Raton, actually) in 6 ' seas.
The Boca Raton inlet can be a scarry place and I took our boat in and out of the cut several time in conditions that had some center console outboard boats holding offshore to wait out the tide run. The little tug will handle it fine as long as it's captain takes his / her time.
We now have the R-25 and will tell you that the my confidence in the R-21 is just as strong and well founded.
Take test rides with the factory guys or with willing owners and you will not be disappointed.
Bob
Tuggin' Aweigh