Boat in Lakebay, WA

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I’m looking at a craigslist.org boat listing in Lakebay, WA, is anyone near there and be willing to look over this boat for me (I’m willing to pay for your time, whatever is fair).

Also does anyone know about shipping boats on trailers from the PNW this way east to Iowa.

Let me know.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
I could probably get by in the next day or two to give it a look-see and take some photos for you. I don't see it currently on Craig's list. Is it still available?
 
Hello Dave,

The boat I'm interested in is a 1981 Ranger Tug at;

http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/2577653727.html

I'm trying to contact these people but have not had a reply yet.

This looks like a great project, never seen one before.

When I get a reply or make contact I'll get back to you and go from there.

Does this look like a tiller for steering?

Anyone know about this boat?

Any and all comments welcome.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
ron@ronfisher.com
 
Wow, what a cute boat! Might be a mistake to send me out to look at it! (not really - still happy with my 22 Angler.)
One caveat - please understand I'm not nearly as experienced as some of the members of this site, but I will try to give you good photo documentation and highlight any obvious problems - maybe enough info to let you know if it's worth investing in a closer, more professional inspection.
 
Hello Dave,

Something about this seems a little bit "to good to be true" but it's worth a follow up.

I did not know that Ranger Tugs even existed in 1981.

We will see, I'll keep trying to make contact.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
From the photos this is a very old version--double ender. It is powered by a low hp outboard (which may or may to run)--and it is tiller steered. With the outboard in a well, and offset, it requires a lot of attention to the helm. It will also not back well--but that is not a major problem.

I assume that the hull is fiberglass. I would be looking at stringers and keelson which are wood and perhaps rotten--same for any deck or cockpit floors.

I would not attempt to trailer that boat across the country just form the photos of the trailer--if you put it on a tandem axel flat bed that would be the way to go.

I probably would offer less than the asking price--but depends on condition.
 
Leo Smith



Joined: 02 Nov 2003
Posts: 112
City/Region: West Seattle
State or Province: WA
Photos: Leo
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:46 pm Post subject:

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Back in the late 70's/early 80's Ranger was known mostly for building sailboats. They had a 21 foot trailerable sailboat and a 26 foot sailboat. I believe the naval architect was Ray Richards out of southern California. The Gary Mull designs were built by a different company. Locally, when an ad appears for a ranger sailboat, it is usually noted as a Mull Ranger or a Kent Ranger. The Kent Ranger boats were built on Pacific Highway South in Kent, Just south of the old C-Dory plant. This is the same location where the Ranger Tugs are being built today.

The Ranger Tug originally was introduced a a scaled-down double-ended traditional Bristol Bay hull with an overall length of 18'. It was offered in three versions. The first version was a sailboat with an open hull (daysailer). As I recall, the sailing models were offered with both a gaff rig and a sloop rig. The second version, also a sailboat, had a trunk cabin with a vee-berth. The third version was a power boat that featured a "wedding cake" pilothouse/ trunk cabin similar to the traditional Columbia River gillnetters. Power for all three versions was supplied by a small outboard motor in a offset stern well. (You don't want to wreck the sweet lines of a traditional double ender by hanging an outboard bracket on the stern)

A few years later, this boat grew 3' with the addition of a "horseshoe stern" similar to the traditional SE Alaska trollers. The additional length of the hull and width of the stern allowed for the installation of an inboard engine.

I recall about 10 years ago at the Seattle Boat Show both the double-ended hull and the horseshoe stern hulls were offered as an open "cocktail" launches, similar to the Duffy Boats found around Newport Beach, California. By this time, the sailboats built by Ranger were no longer on display at the Boat Show.

Perhaps the Livingston family can join in this discussion and fill in some of the blanks on the history of these boats.

Best Regards,
Leo
 
Wow, I think that boat would be a real fun classic to rebuild! Glad it's not closer and I'm not 10 years younger!! :wink:

Go for it Ron!! Would make a great flagship for your gathering (next year!!)

Charlie
 
This is about the third time that this boat has been for sale during the last few years. I went out to look at it a year or so ago. I think I have some pictures. I will look and see.
There is a picture of a sister ship that Ranger Tug had at the boat show a few years ago. It was just for display, but it is a real neat boat. I think there is a picture here, I will try and find it also.

Robbi
 
I found two pictures of different 21 foot Ranger Tug double enders, both really nicely restored. I just can't seem to download them on my new computer. Will try again tomorrow.
The pictures that I took of the tug in Lakebay I have lost. I assume that it is the same boat, but not sure. I too could drive out and take pictures for you. It is about an hour from here, but is on the way to some good beach fishing. If it is the same boat, it has a sail rig included. The boat looked in good condition, but not finished inside to any extent. If you were not in a big hurry to get anywhere fast, it would be a fun boat to do a custom finish job. The ones that I have seen that have been restored are beautiful.
I will work on the pictures tomorrow.

Robbi
 
I did make contact with a relative and the communication was sketchy at best.

Even though this could/would be a very interesting renovation project, the one factor that I did not consider is/was the current speed on the Mississippi.

The speed is estimated here at somewhere around 2/3 MPH.

High water, which we have had for over a year now at various levels, obviously can and will produce fast and strong currents (plus debris, full size trees, parts of buildings, docks etc.).

This Tug certainly looks cool and got my creative juices boiling, however I’m wondering if there would be enough "raw power" when needed, to actually consider “safe” operation on the Mississippi River.

I will continue to see this through, however if someone there is interested, I will share whatever information I have received with them.

Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
DSCF6879.sized.jpg

Here is a picture of a Ranger Tug like the one that is for sale. I took this photo some where in southern Puget Sound, I can't remember where.

This is what the Lakebay boat would look like with a bit of work. Bill's posting by Leo Smith is right on. A good history of the original Ranger Boat Company.

Robbi
 
IMGP2338.sized.jpg

This is a picture of the same style boat that the now Ranger Tug Company had restored and was displayed at the 2009 Seattle Boat Show.
As I remember this boat may have had an inboard engine. Anyone remember? It is a beauty.

(thanks Patti and Barry!)

Jeff at Ranger knows the history of this particular boat.

Robbi
 
DSCF6879.sized.jpg

One of the first things I'd do with one of these (particularly in the rainy PNW), would be to add a remote steering and engine control station inside the wheelhouse.

I'd think a High-Thrust type 8 hp motor would get about 6 mph, which ought to be OK as long as you stay out of strong tidal current locations, using a little forethought and planning, of course.

And add that working sail to the mix for a little variety in the boating experience!

How many crab or shrimp pots would one of these hold? Enough to make short trips worthwhile?

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Connie Fisher":2pulsz1i said:
I did make contact with a relative and the communication was sketchy at best.

Even though this could/would be a very interesting renovation project, the one factor that I did not consider is/was the current speed on the Mississippi.

The speed is estimated here at somewhere around 2/3 MPH.

This Tug certainly looks cool and got my creative juices boiling, however I’m wondering if there would be enough "raw power" when needed, to actually consider “safe” operation on the Mississippi River.

Ron Fisher
Click to expand...

Hey Ron, no sweat! Just enlarge the outboard well and drop in a 90 4 Stroke Suzuki or Yami! :disgust

Just sayin' :mrgreen: I know Starcraft Tom could do it!!

Charlie
 
Having spent a number of years in several sailboats with the same outboard configuration; the 6 MPH is about all you would get out of this boat--no matter what size engine. It is a true displacement hull, and at a certain point you start digging a "Hole".
 
This is getting really interesting, appreciate the comments.

I'm up for the challenge and will see how this works out.

This is a fiberglass hull correct?

Since this is a tiller, is the pilot house just for entry into the berth etc. (no steering from inside)?

Any ideas what was/is the max motor size for this baby?


Regards,

Ron Fisher
 
Ron - I'm glad Robbi offered to take a look, because I think I need to withdraw my offer. My father has been hospitalized in the Houston area, and the news is not sounding good. I'm on my way down Friday morning.
 
I wish that I could remember more about the boat set up. I know I came very close to buying it. It would make a great south sound putter. It almost seems that he had a inside steering station rigged up to the rudder. The cabin was pretty bare, but there is room for a v-berth I think.
Since my memory is so poor, I would be happy to go take some photos for you if the seller won't. And yes, it is a fiberglass hull, deck and cabin.

Robbi
 
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