R21EC question on overall performance and choice.

C

Creektime

New member
Joined
May 21, 2020
Messages
2
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
I’d like to know if you were happy with your decision to buy a R 21EC. I’m looking at one right now and always wanted one. The only thing of concern is the speed 6-7 knots cruising. I have a Tri-toon and go faster then 7 knots. I looking for feedback on others that have “slowed done. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I am looking things to lookout for when taking her out to test drive. Only been in fresh water. Thanks Mark
 
Hey Mark. I think your question answers itself. If you’re in the market for 21 you certainly are not looking for speed. You’re looking for a boat, but it’s fun, economical, and it’s the journey not the destination. I’ve had a 21 now for over six years. It’s perfect for the Erie Canal, lakes, rivers, ponds another near shore adventures. It certainly doesn’t go fast. It makes navigation and planning an adventure. on the other hand, the boat is terrific. Not only does it turn heads a boat ramps, but it works perfectly for what I am looking for a slow fun adventure, along rivers and canals. The trade-off from speed is convenience, economics as well as the fun of getting somewhere. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Jonathan.
Littleredtug.com
 
Creektime said:
I’d like to know if you were happy with your decision to buy a R 21EC. I’m looking at one right now and always wanted one. The only thing of concern is the speed 6-7 knots cruising. I have a Tri-toon and go faster then 7 knots. I looking for feedback on others that have “slowed done. Any feedback would be much appreciated. I am looking things to lookout for when taking her out to test drive. Only been in fresh water. Thanks Mark
Click to expand...
Mark, If you are looking for a fun boat in that size range, then the R21EC would be my choice. We owned one for about 5 years and loved it. Easy to trailer, launch and retrieve. Engine has the best access and everything is relatively easy to maintain. Just a couple of observations from our first hand experience. At some point the factory made a slight modification to the mold for the cabin. They changed the rain gutters on top so they drain over the side rather than directly into the cockpit. Some who have the older style have made modifications to rectify this. One of the best modifications I made was to replace the center cabin window with one that swings up to open. The additional ventilation made a big difference. The older R21's (not the EC) had this but it was dropped when the R21EC came out. I purchased the window directly from the window manufacturer in Canada, can't recall the company but the name can be found on the window of your boat. I also modified the side stays for the mast to. make it quicker and easier to reploy and take down. And finally the R21EC's came with either a Yanmar or a Volvo Penta engine. Some people have preferences. I would encourage you to get an R21EC, they are in demand so if you decide later to sell it is not difficult to find a buyer.
 
I have a 2014 with the Volvo Penta. You didn’t mention what engine is in the one you are looking at . As already noted they are easily to launch and retrieve solo and general maintenance is a breeze as everything is out in the open.

Also as you stated they are slow. IMO opinion they are also noisy but not much you can do to change that with a 3 cyl diesel.

A couple of things I would look at if I were checking out a new to me used 21EC.
- if it’s on a trailer I would look at the cutlass bearing. Grab the prop and give it a shake up and down side to side. There should be little to no movement.
-At the coupling area try and turn the shaft by hand. It would indicate that the drivetrain to shaft alignment is at least close if it rotates easily. I check mine regularly and can rotate with just a thumb and two fingers.
-if taking it out for run I would run it up to temperature at cruising speed and then run it at WOT for 5 to 10 min. There should be no white steam coming out of the exhaust discharge. If there is then it would indicate issues in the raw water cooling system,,,,impeller, exhaust elbow or the heat exchanger itself.
-Take a look at the engine mounts to see if they look OK

I’m sure there are other things but those are a couple of important ones with regards to the engine.

I use mine mainly for ocean fishing and love it. You won’t win any races but you won’t break the bank when fueling up next to those bigger boats. I have around 3400hrs and no major issues so far.

Finally if you do decide to purchase this boat you will find no better source of helpful information and advice than what you will get from the kind folks on this forum.
 
Thanks for all your support / insight. I will take the advice and review the boat.
Thx
 
Newf said:
I have a 2014 with the Volvo Penta. You didn’t mention what engine is in the one you are looking at . As already noted they are easily to launch and retrieve solo and general maintenance is a breeze as everything is out in the open.

Also as you stated they are slow. IMO opinion they are also noisy but not much you can do to change that with a 3 cyl diesel.

A couple of things I would look at if I were checking out a new to me used 21EC.
- if it’s on a trailer I would look at the cutlass bearing. Grab the prop and give it a shake up and down side to side. There should be little to no movement.
-At the coupling area try and turn the shaft by hand. It would indicate that the drivetrain to shaft alignment is at least close if it rotates easily. I check mine regularly and can rotate with just a thumb and two fingers.
-if taking it out for run I would run it up to temperature at cruising speed and then run it at WOT for 5 to 10 min. There should be no white steam coming out of the exhaust discharge. If there is then it would indicate issues in the raw water cooling system,,,,impeller, exhaust elbow or the heat exchanger itself.
-Take a look at the engine mounts to see if they look OK

I’m sure there are other things but those are a couple of important ones with regards to the engine.

I use mine mainly for ocean fishing and love it. You won’t win any races but you won’t break the bank when fueling up next to those bigger boats. I have around 3400hrs and no major issues so far.

Finally if you do decide to purchase this boat you will find no better source of helpful information and advice than what you will get from the kind folks on this forum.
Click to expand...
 
Small, cute, low maintenance, and fuel efficiency, is the trade off for speed.
I’ve been in some pretty rough seas with my boat and she has taken it better than a lot of the bigger boats!
Best of luck on your purchase
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top