What would you like to see on the new C-Ranger R25 tug?

Weight / balance issues trump certain possibilities.

How about a TV / VCR that drops down through a hatch in the top of the cabin roof?

For drier climates, an evaporative cooler would work. The full blown AC unit would probably weigh a bit much and be a bit too bulky.

A solar / electric water heater might just find a home in there, and make use of the up top position to take advantage of the sun. Heating coils could be concealed just inside the stack's outer skin, with a holding tank in the center. Passive convective circulation could be used until hot water was needed below. The path to the shower below is very short, with minimal heat loss. The tank would also increase the overall water storage capacity of the boat. Hmmmmmm.............???

Joe.
 
Hey Joe... Help me with some math here. Water weighs about 8 pounds a gallon...give or take a pound or two...so, 6 gallon water heater would weigh in at around 48 pounds..? Then, one of the newer, lighter, faster, quiter, mermaid AC units would weigh very close to that?? Cant find the link right now, but was looking for it. An AC up there for those of us who do have humidity about 90% of the time would be great with the duct vents blowing down from the roof. My "proto-type" worked great from its' "proto-type" stand last summer, from one of the aft windows just blowing into the cabin. Just a peak at the "smoke stack" looks to be plenty large enough to hide the little marine AC unit. Going to go poke around and see if I can find that link again.
 
Patrick-

You're right about the water heater weight! 6 x 8 = 48 lbs, probably = 60 lbs with the tank, coils, and heating element. But possibly not too much for a 7,000-9000 lb boat!

The standard RV AC units weigh from 90 lbs for a small unit to about 110 lbs for the larger ones, = pretty heavy. They'd be ideal (being self contained and having no water exchange requirements) for a simple roof mount for a larger boat like the tug, but hiding the tell-tale RV AC shape would be desirable, and their shape not compatible with the rest of the roof line.

The water exchange forced air and ducted units like we saw installed recently in the CD-22 from the Cayman Islands might fit in the stack, but we don't know the dimensions well enough to tell. Those units are small, dimension wise, and weigh about the same as the water tank set-up (memory says about 60 lbs). However, they require water, a pump, and through hulls to exchange heat. One might well be able to fit one into the stack if it's big enough, but the overall question would be why put it up there if there's no real advantage to just having it down below the galley cabinet or some other near floor position? Routing all the hoses, ducts, and wires would be a bear!

The thought with the water heater was to take advantage of the unique positioning of the stack for solar heating and at the same time having it close to the shower outlet.

I know this AC incorporation project is a very important one for folks like you that live in warm and humid climates, indeed making the boat usable in conditions that would otherwise make it impossible to use. There will be several eventual solutions, and in time we'll be able to judge their effectiveness and practicality.

At the present time, I'd personally go with the totally portable solution Don (Sneaks) suggested for a 16 x 16 x 30 inch unit with a ducted heated air exhaust vent. All for about $ 300! Plus you can take it out of the cabin for the winter. Hard to argue with the Kiss Principle!

Link to unit: http://epcmarket.com/spt-wa7500m.html

Keep up your good thinking!

Joe.
 
Joe hit the nail on the head, Pat.

A naval architect has spent untold hours to keep the weight low and balanced fore and aft -- all liquid loads low and baffled, engine low -- topside weight absolutely minimum.

No place for the math here, but Charlie can figure it out in his Cray-computer mind -- 60# or so that high will really impact stabililty in a small boat. On Ozark-American lakes - not a problem. 30 miles off Neah Bay is a different game.

Dusty -- basking in the beautiful sunshine!!
 
Yes, Dusty is right about that.... once things get going like a pendulum, it does not take much weight up high to start things working against you big time.

I lost a halyard to the top of the mast in a storm in the gulf years ago and felt first hand the incredible lever-type amplification of lateral forces the higher you go... 80lbs on the ground could go over ten times that on the stack top in a rough sea.

Some what related.... Boating magazine, Feb '06, had a series of tips... To determine a boat's maximum stability, loosen dock lines and get some big guys to start rocking as much as possible, then time the roll from Starboard to Port. "If what you get in seconds is 1 to 1.1 times the beam in meters (feet divided by 3.28) you're good. More means less stability, more discomfort. Less means it's too stable to be comfortable." - Dave Gerr
 
Oops,,,, Feet divided by 3.28 equals meters...

Another possible thought.... although I don't know exactly how near or below the waterline the A/C Heat Pump or Water Heater, or Generator would be installed...

Could adding those heavy accessories at or near the waterline actually increase the stability of this somewhat high profile design?

John
 
Just like most of you, I'm impressed by the new C-Ranger 25 and the expectations it it generating.

But when I look at some of the alternatives available in this price range, particularly if one is willing to take on a used boat, it would seem that you could own a much larger 32-38 foot trawler for aboout the same or even less money that's four times as large inside and has many more creature comforts.

Of course, you loose your trailerability and moorage fees go up proportionately, but there can be a huge difference in what you get in overall features.

You'd also walk right into some continuing maintainence issues, but we all love to work on boats, and even a new one isn't without considerable work to get it adjusted once in the water.

Mayabe I'm naieve (sp?) in asking this question, but it sure is something I'd consider if I lived near the water in the PNW. If one's mate were susitably inclined, a boat in the larger end of this range could become a liveaboard, a great way to spend those retirement years.

Here's an example of 1000's of boats that exemplify what I'm talking about:

http://www.thishouseforyou.com/boats.htm

Joe.
 
Well, Joe, you are right to a great degree.... That is a neat Trawler,,, but now 26 years old! No intercooled, high efficiency.... and hull speed? I love to look at those big old boats... and used to dream of living on one... BUT what I like to do now is to move my boat several times each year, to a lake with good fishing/recreation action, or scenery, or a place to set up for a month or so to meet my boys for fun, hunting, fishing, exploring, or the Gulf of Mexico for some good deep sea fishing not far offshore. I crewed with friends' trawlers from Salisaw, OK on the way to New Orleans and they even made it up to Boston, NY, Canada... but it took years of arrangements and flying and dropping off, cause those big old trawlers love 7mph -9 mph.

The small trailerable tug/trawler would allow me to set up in a weekend anywhere from Panama City, FL to the Texas Coast. Within a few hours of Wichita are the only inland lakes with huge striper populations... Beaver Lake, Wilson Lake, Cheney Lake, Lake Texoma. I have 3 day weekends ususally, so could be fly fishing for stripers on the lake ice edge in Oct thru Mar by Thurs nite. Or setting up off the Coast of Corpus Christi within about 9-10 hours with my son down there...

An old guy at Pappys Marina Bar in Panama City told me years ago about that adage, " The bigger the boat, the closer to the marina it stays..." and it is for sure true. I met ppl down there with 50 foot boats who had not left the bay in over 5 years! All that while those of us in 26- 21 foot boats were running all over up and down the coast.

I have a nice motorhome, and can just drive it down to whereever the boat is if I need land like luxury, but the ability to just pick up your boat and go wherever you want on a whim is why that C-Ranger R 25 will be a hit...

John
 
Yep, Don and others are on target with the portability and economy of the Sunpentown WA-7500M Portable Air Conditioner (Manual Control). I was danger close and had one in the buggy at Home Depot, when I started reading a bit and found out that I had to take that basically 3" dryer duct and route it some how out of the boat.... Which, with my TC24 I had in mind placing the unit either under the table (had not actually measured) or forward on the big square storage area on the forward port side of the table area. BUT.... where to run the hose without drilling holes...and, without loosing the use of the side windows which are a must here due to my TC24 not having the opening front center window. So.... a bit more thinking... and knowing I was going to the lake on that hot humid day...and seeing a 5,000 BTU mounted on a display stand I had a brain....burp. :idea :idea Just build a proto-type stand, bungee cord it using the rope hooks that are on the starboard side cockpit wall, run some of that foam insulation around the frame of the window as to keep the unit from actually hitting the bulkhead wall/window... lower the window, plug her in behind the helm seat.... and BINGO! All for less than $110 and no holes drilled in my boat. It was but ugly....but man did it work and feel good. Felt so good another boating/dock friend of mine celebrated by traveling about 5 miles to a local marina food joint for some nice large fried shrimp....and as I went to back down and into the slip... WOW... I can not see "shino-la" looking backwards..... from about mid-ship aft starboard... which meant I had to make a perfect docking looking only at the port motor and corner of the boat and the dock... Kinda just backing in blind... I got lucky.... and, if I went to mount the rig this summer, it would be in the port window, as I can see both motors and corners thru the open door and aft starboard window. But it did cool great!!

Dusty Man: You gave me a flash back from my college days talking about the top weight... Pontoon boats with hard tops could be rented on Center Hill Lake, about an hour off campus. 6 of us rented one with a hardtop we could get on. Now, 6 red necks about my size, a 60 quart cooler of beverages on that top.... was great sitting back in that cove...watching the water fall, listening to some great 70's southern rock bands.... Till of course one of the many working barges comes strolling buy..... rolling a nice and gentle triple wave set towards the banks...... and you guest it.... caught us beam true.....and wave #2 puts 6 red necks and the cooler spilling off the roof.... :thdown :thdown :smileo
We were far enough along into the cooler, and young and dumb enough we that it was cool and a blast....and the boat righted itself...Thankfully.
But in my head as I was climbing back on board.... the reality of just took place sent chills up and down my spine... and suddenly, sitting down in the shade of the top was much better...and, you did not spill your drink. I am glad the un-opened ones float. :smiled

I know the barge crew had to get a laugh...and more than likely knew what was about to happen and grabbed the bino's as to get a better view. Too much weight up top is bad. :beer
 
John-

Sounds like the much more portable CR-25 is much more down your planned use road than any large boat, such as the one used as an example.

I also like the easy mobility of smaller boats, including especially the CD-22, which is extremely trailerable, and not just transportable.

After racing sailboats from dinghies to keelboats for over 30 years, I'm keenly aware of the relationship between the size of a boat and how much it gets used. Most of the bigger boats in the Bay Area are indeed only floating condos, used opccasionally for a cocktail party and usually written off as a business expense.

Still and all, faced with the kind of decision I'm thinking of, I'd be much more inclined to get into the bigger boat with all it's pos and cons. As a supplementary housing and hobby project, I'd choose it, and keep the CD-22 and my motorhome for going places inland.

Better yet, sell the house and take well over a half a million dollars and get into a nice retirement package that is bigger, newer, more accomodating, and cruise capable.

Never mind the appreciation/depreciation differences, etc. You only live once and sooner or later it's time to enjoy everything before one gets too old, too confined, and too burdened with the medical expenses which will take everything away, anyway.

My recent hospital stay cost about $32,000 per day. A month would be $960,000. A half million dollar boat is only equivlanet to two weeks in the hospital!

So pay up the medical insurance and buy the boat. Might as well enjoy life rather than let the end come to you while you're hiding in the corner wondering if you have the guts to come out and take on the final chapter and write it out with your own hand.

Where's my land-lubbing wife to discuss this with???

Joe.
 
Joe,

John is SO right. I covet that new 25 - just don't tell Diane. She's big enough to live aboard and cruise all summer in the WA/Canada/AK area and trailer her on down to warm climates in the winter. Fast enough for most any situation, but economical. We lived aboard a big OLD boat for a couple of years, and ain't gonna do that no mo. All work and little play unless you have a big crew... remember taking on 2000 gallons of diesel for a trip to Alaska. Don't want that now!!

I've been aboard the boat you show - she's a real beauty. She is also like 95 percent of the boats in my marina -- in her slip most of the time.

Different strokes, eh?

Dusty
 
You know, Joe, there is something in those old huge, wooden boats that calls to one's soul.... I do love those... But, gosh, I have spent many hours working on those dry-docked old carcasses with friends' boats and I just have better things to do with my time now... I guess you could just hire that done...

Re: the 22.... I have always felt the last boat I own will end up being a C-dory 22... light, single-handed capable, efficient, shallow draft for exploring, beaching... I see how you could choose that. If I lived in a place that we could keep in the water all year and go far, I could see that, but I don't want to be stuck in a small lake in Kansas with a huge boat and no way to boat elsehwere...

John
 
Guys-

Much to mull over............I'm going up to the lake to sit in the warm sun in the C-Dory and let it all soak in..........????????

Joe.
 
Joe, now that sounds like a plan... I may just go up and spend a couple of nights on FreeByrd sort of as a last dance. I thought folks said you were suppose to feel joyful when you sell a boat... I feel a bit of depresion.. I still love this boat...but, for the long haul.... I know my sights are on the new TC255. Might as well cut bait and fish!


Going to the lake....but it is in the rain and fog today...but still will on the water!

Byrdman
 
Pat,

I have the same feeling -- absolutely loved cat C-Salt, just the way you love Freebyrd. Hate to see her sail away.

Give Les a call - he'll tell you about the 21EC. If I say anything I'd be accused of being in a sell mode - or is that buy mood!!!! A whole lot of boat for her size, and according to Les we could take her outside and head for Bamfield in anything but a major storm!!

Dusty
 
What I would most like to see on the R25:

Pat, Patty and Oscar!

Seriously, I have made two trips to the factory now while Dave has been working on the plug for the cabin. Spent maybe an hour each time chatting with Dave and John. There may be a few things you can customize in the finishing - but I doubt there is a single thing in the fiberglass that is going to be able to be changed...
 
I don't know how Radar Reflectors work, but I wonder if the material that makes them work so well could be laminated into the smoke stack ....
I think Jim (Pounder) has a flag that is made with somthing sewn inside to make it reflectable..... I don't have a stack on the tug that I own up north...
but I use it on a inland lake so radar is really not any problem....

My 21' Tug has a Yanmar QM30 (30 hp.) Diesel....at 2000rpm I am doing 9 knots..... at 3600rpm (wide open) I am still doing 9 knots...and smoking...
My fuel milage is 1 qt. per hour...at 2000rpm.
It was built in the early 80's by Greer & Springer (Costa Mesa) and was called a Sea Horse 21 has a 7' 10" beam and a draft of 1' 10"
 
I will have to look for some...... The tug (KEA) is in our boathouse for the winter up north...(in Chester)... the boathouse is really a extension that is built onto our backyard shop ....but for winter up north I have to keep it inside.... I usually keep it in the water at Lake Almanor during the summer...somewhere I know I must have pictures...
The company that built the tug I am told built about 9 tugs...I have seen two others like it...one smaller and one the same as mine.... really a good dive platform for my diving business...slow but really strong...and tough...I can pull one ton off the beach fairly easy.... I use it to move heavy anchors and log booms... great for that. (also fun)

Joel Rapose CEO
Rapose Diving and Salvage

aka

SEA3PO
 
Back
Top