Considering the C-Ranger, but....

[D&BP]

New here, but have looked at the Ranger 25 tug. I have a concern with regard to the stability of this boat in heavy weather. We do not plan any ocean excursions, but plan to keep the boat we buy on a fresh water lake.

We have 15 years sailing experience so we know what weather conditions can do.

Does anyone who owns the Ranger tug wish to comment on how the boat behaves in adverse conditions? I ask because we were chatting with a man who owned a 26 tug coming thru the Erie Canal. He commented that when he got back home, his boat was going up for sale because of its performance in rough conditions.

I am also concerned about the gentleman who had problems with his 110hp Yanmar..I read the thread, but didn't see what the outcome was. Does anyone here know? Thanks. Diane & Bob

[flagold]

What model 26 and what were his comments? Thanks.

[Island Ranger]

We have a Ranger 25, and have spent a bit of time on it. But your question (handling in adverse weather) is not an easy one to answer.

For a 25 ft power boat, with 8.5 beam and only 7000 pounds - I think it does an outstanding job in adverse conditions. We did not have any concerns regarding seaworthiness during our travels.

It rides far better than the C-Dory (we had a 22) - but I thought that was pretty seaworthy as well.

Yes, we have had uncomfortable moments (on all our boats). That occurs when the seas get confused - like when the swell comes from one direction and the wind waves from another. The boat "bobs" - I kinda think it is like a cork - floating on the surface, rocking from side to side. The boat is fine, the occupants get tossed around. Not pleasant, very tiring, but not dangerous.

The worst seas we've encountered so far on the Ranger have been wind waves of maybe 5 or 6 ft. The boat is wonderful going into the waves, but it can get difficult to handle surfing. With only a rudder to steer (instead of being able to turn the thrust of the outboard or stern drive), it can get difficult.

I guess I would have to ask what you want to compare it to? Our Cape Dory 27 sailboat handled a gale in open ocean waters (Atlantic - on the way to Bermuda that dismasted several boats). That was a heavy weather, full keel, heavy displacement boat. I sure wouldn't have wanted to be out there in a Ranger 25.

Mac

[D&BP]

[D&BP]

[bobsboat]

I worried too about the handling in rough water. My previous boat was a 30000 pound motor-sailor that would go through anything. I have been only in large boat wakes with the Ranger 25 and learned to turn into them to avoid rocking. But while annoying it did not seem dangerous. I just considered it to be expected for a 25 foot boat. We just hold on and stay warm and dry in the nice cabin.

[pcator]

Here is another post that looks questionable to me. Where is the town/city "Upstate" New York?

[flagold]

[D&BP]

[Valkyrie]

Having boated on Lake Erie for the last thiry years, it is safe to say that anyone who has spent any time cruising or fishing this smallest of the Great Lakes has had experiences with its legendary storms. In fact, there are more shipwrecks strewn across the bottom of this lake than any one of the other Great Lakes.

Erie covers 10,000 square miles and has an average depth of only 62 feet, and the average depth of the western basin, where most boating takes place, is only 24 feet. As a result of this depth, I have seen it go from flat calm to six-footers in an amazingly short time. Aso, its waves are typically very steep and closely spaced.

Of course, as with any body of water, knowing how to take the waves and wind is crucial, especially on a small powerboat. As a result, I have met plenty of people who are intimidated by Lake Erie and refuse to go there anymore. There are a number of large impoundments in PA and OH that sport an amazing number of large sail and powerboats (very sound and capable vessels) whose owners have convinced themselves that the lake is too mean for them. What a waste of good boats.

After making an extended two year cruise on Spirit, a Jeanneau 23, the single worst day of weather was the last, covering 75 miles on Lake Erie, where I faced three thunder storms with winds to 45 mph and half inch hail.

All that being said, I have never once felt that I was in danger of losing a boat or my life. The only thing that really got my attention was close lightning strikes. In addition, we all know that boaters tend to exaggerate or misinterpret the heights of waves or wind.

I suspect that the tug owner might fall into this or the inexperienced category. To date I have weathered two Lake Erie storms on Valkyrie (six-footers and 25-30 knot winds with gusts to 35) and felt perfectly safe quartering into them. Now if I had taken them on the beam, I would have had a harrowing, near-rolling (or rolling) experience.

I certainly would not write-off an entire category of boats based on one person's subjective experience.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

[El and Bill]

Well said, Nick. Good for all of us to pay attention to your words.

[D&BP]

[SHOPGNG]

[SEA3PO]

Boy the first thing I would do is talk to Ranger to find out if you have an engine problem are THEY going to stand behind the product !!!!! Read the subject just above yours......40 days to get parts !!! NO WAY ! They are playing with you..... I absolutely would not buy a boat that had such a good engine.....but rotten repair history....

Joel
SEA3PO

[Trinity]

We talked to Ranger about this problem before we picked up our tug. We were satisfied with their response and are confident they will stand behind their customers.

I too suggest you talk to Jeff at the factory. That would be the best way to get the answeres you are looking for.