Buying a used Ranger 21

Pokey · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2008 6:10 pm Post subject: Buying a used Ranger 21

I am in the market to buy a used Ranger 21. Right now I am looking at a 2001 Ranger 21 with 27 HP Yanmar diesel. My question to all you Ranger 21 owners out there: Is there anything I should be worried about when buying this type and make of boat? i.e. have there been problems in the area of engine problems or hull design or boat construction in general? I would appreciate some input from experienced Ranger 21 owners.
Regards,
Bob in Ontario.

Texas Steve · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

From what I can tell, The Ranger 21 has been a great, solid performer. I think I'm correct in stating that the '01 models had the old hull design which was strictly displacement while the newer models are semi-displacement offering increased top speed. Also, the cabin is 18" shorter than the current model, but those should be the major differences. Everyone I talk to says the Yanmar will outlast me. I love mine and wouldn't trade for anything else.

Ron Cowan · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 10:05 am Post subject:

Bob,
I have an '06, probably the last one built prior to the change to the EC version which picked up the 18" and the slight hull change to improve speed. We have had no problems and love the boat for cruising on the St. Johns River. You will draw a lot of attention with the boat and if you are in no hurry, it is a great boat. The speed of the EC is not enough difference to make a real difference if trying to beat weather or that type thing. Just enjoy the ride and you can't beat it. There is plenty of cockpit room and you can get out of the weather or stay warm if needed. If you are day cruising and not planning long trips, go for it.
If you have specific questions give me a call on (256) 318-4608.
Ron

Doryman · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject:

Just curious -- how many mpg do the R-21 and R-25, respectively, get?

Thanks.

lloyds · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

While considering the R21 I did some research on the Yanmar 30 hp and there is quite a history on the internet about the first maybe 300 of those engines. They had cooling problems, which are apparently now resolved. So if you are leaning in that direction do some research and see which year and model is the one to watch for. It is pretty easy to find on the net. I don't have much experience with the 3 cylinder engines but the twins are bulletproof. Yanmar, in general, makes a terrific product in my opinion. In Japan you can find engines from 8 hp up to the many thousands in the freighters.

Ron Cowan · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 5:14 pm Post subject:

The question on fuel consumption is an interesting question which I am waiting to read answers on. Being the owner of a 2006 R21, I have found that it uses so little fuel that it is hard to determine the actual mileage. Well it has not been worth the trouble to measure it that close. I cruise the St.Johns river with a lot of manatee speed zones so I am not ripping up the river (can't do that with this boat). I cruise at 2000 rpm with the GPS reading at 6 mph downstream and about 5.4 upstream. Trying to measure fuel added to the tank after several hours on different occasions my consumption has been between 1/3 and 1/2 gal/hr. This would translate to range of 11 to 18 m/gal. Not very accurate but who wants to get any closer at this type of cruising. Some day I may try a long trip and need better info. but for my first 120 hours on the boat I can't even keep up with the times between buying fuel. My concern is fuel going bad not burning it up. (Ha!) Joking aside it is a great little boat for cruising near the home base or short cruising wherever you choose to trailer and cruise.
Ron

lloyds · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

Ron: Curious about the background on that top you have on your 21? Is it commercially available. Seems much better, at least more durable, than the sunbrella tops.

Ron Cowan · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 6:31 pm Post subject:

The top was built at a fiberglass shop in Titusville, Fl. They do a lot of work for boat manufactures in the area and build tops for center console fishing boats. I gave him dimensions that I wanted and he modified a mold he had to get the size. I then purchased stainless bow rail from West Marine and installed the top. I had the mast, boom, and sumbrella top but got tired on putting it up and down. We love the top and a request my wife made was to stop it short of the back seat so she could still sun while cruising.

Tugly · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:03 pm Post subject:

I agree with Ron, our 21 doesn't appear to use any fuel at 1200 RPM. We usually cruise at 2600 RPM and it uses about half a gallon an hour.

Tugly

Texas Steve

I have to chime in and say that, as long as you don't put the R21-EC up on a semi plane (full out) it just doesn't use any fuel. My sweet spot is 2600 rpm and I run the thing weekend after weekend without ever adding fuel. I think the 1/2 gallon per hour is overstated... more like 1/4 gallon per hour, but haven't made a scientific study of it. I've never seen anything like it!

As someone else noted, the real issue really is keeping your diesel fresh... I add a stabilizer, but it just takes a very small amount since it only has an 18 gallon tank.

The darn thing just performs way beyond what I expected when I bought the boat! Beyond just fuel economy, the boat handles well in rough water, is cheap to insure ($292 per year), and it is more sophisticated in many aspects than I expected it to be.

Tad and Toby Jackson · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 12:38 pm Post subject: Heathrow

Ron,

Where is Heathrow located? We live down on Merritt Island and occasionally cruise up the ICW or down river on the St. John's to the Jax area.

Tad

Ron Cowan · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:40 pm Post subject:

Tad, Sorry that I missed the post with the question. Heathrow is basically in Lake Mary (also a hop and skip from Sanford). I was up at Hontoon to see Captd. the day after you left there I believe. Most of my boating is on the St. Johns but have been on the ICW out of Daytona to Pounce Inlet. With the R21 tug the St. Johns is about my speed. Let me know some day when you are over this way and I would like to meet you and see your boat. Ron

IT-SEA-BIT-C · Guest

what is the top speed u guys are gettin with r21-r21ec just currious?..........thanks john

IT-SEA-BIT-C · Guest

what is the top speed u guys are gettin with r21-r21ec just currious?..........thanks john

Ron Cowan · Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 9:01 pm Post subject:

John, In 125 hours of running the boat I have never run at WOT and checked my speed. With cruising at 2000 RPM with the 20 HP engine my GPS shows 6 MPH. At 3000 RPM I have noticed a little over 7 MPH and the stern is digging in so saw no need in trying more and just burning fuel for such a little gain. The original hull is a full displacement hull and is just not made for speed. It is a great little boat and the only thing that tempts me to sell it is the speed. It is what I thought it was and I am not disappointed with what I bought. My location is about to change from the St. Johns river to the Tennessee river and my boating needs will change. It is the perfect boat for the St. Johns but not for the Tennessee. If you are interested in speeds you are talking about, you can get boats with a similar look with those speeds much cheaper that you will spend trying to get out of a ranger. Have you looked at boats manufactured by Eastern or Seaway? They are lobster type boats with traditional looking pilothouses instead of the cute little piloyhouse of the Ranger tug. I have enjoyed this thread but think you will throw a lot money in a hole without getting satisfaction.
Ron