21EC Trailer

[shackinballard]

We have a 2012 21 we purchased this spring. Unfortunately, it is time to plan on what to do with 'Darby' over the winter. We did not purchase a trailer, but now I am wondering if having her out of the water will be best for the winter. We live on San Juan Island and the options for dry storage exist, but are limited. My question, do I need a trailer specific for the Ranger? I called some marinas around Skagit and they have a couple brands they say will work but I'd like other opinions.

Any thoughts on boat covers for the 21 also appreciated (we have slant back but want to cover all of her).

cheers

 

[Speedbump]

In reguards to the Winter Cover, we have just recieved a cover from Fisher Canvas in NJ.
I am sure there are others available such as King Canvas that are closer to you but check out Fisher's site.
http://www.fishercanvas.com
I liked the design of Fisher and know they are familiar with snow loads and New England winters.
Our R21EC (Tuglet) will winter over in mid New Hampshire.
It has a built in ridge pole pocket (you add your own 2x4), door and ventalation, etc.
We used to use a "Blue Tarp" doubled and it does work ok but I was hoping for more protection.
The Canvas Cover has not yet been installed/used but I am looking forward to giving it a try this winter.
Fisher worked with us and this is his first R21EC (ours is an '09).
I can not yet speak to satisfaction but come spring I will fill everyone in.
It was not cheap but I am hoping to make up the diferance in a longer life and better fit/protection.
In reguards to a trailer, I prefer the freedom it leaves for storage.
I believe you get what you pay for and there are several good makers around.
I am sure any good suplier will have a model appropriate.
Our Float-On aluminum is very nice but it came with the boat and I do not have first hand knowlede of others.
We are interested in what direction you end up going.

 

[mspaugy]

if your cover is very tight you may want to put a small fan inside the boat to move air around when it is covered.....

 

[Kamalani]

Check out the postings under R-21EC Trailer,(currently back on page 10). I posted some detailed info about the trailer from EZ-Loader. I would advise being careful, since not all boat trailers which may handle the weight and length of the R-21EC will have the design components that protect the prop and rudder.
Alex

 

[No Worries]

I had a cover custom made by the canvas shop used by the factory back in 2009. Andrew Custis was able to get me their information. Dave is the contact at King Marine Canvas. His phone number is 206-271-2294. Tell him Andrew referred you and make sure he gives you a good deal! Dave lived up to my long distance expectations back in 2009 and if he is still doing this work in support of the factory he is a great source.

The specs on my cover are as shown;

- Captain Navy for Sunbrella color,

- Zipper midship on Port side (left side looking from 6 o'clock Aft to 12 o'clock forward) for access to boat per your description (as long a zipper as you can make so the flap folds back sufficiently for access.

- 1 year warranty on workmanship

- Sunbrella warrantrs for 10 years on marine canvas per their web site

- Cover will have additional antichaf protection where it meets hard points on the boat

- Cover drops below the gunwale all around approx 8 inches and cinches tight for a custom fit

As for a trailer I have A venture trailer. You can see a pic of it in my album. The dealer I bought the boat from supplied it and it has been awesome to date.

Good luck

Carl

 

[No Worries]

PS.... I'm up in Newport RI and use No Worries year round up here. She stays in the water at the marina. With the tidal change here and the nature of the winters in general, I was told that no ice has formed in this marina in over 30 years. She has been covered by snow and ice but at the water line it has always been warmer than the ambient air temp. I do winterize though, water tanks, head and tank, AC Unit, bilge gets pink antifreeze (always keep a gallon onboard) from West Marine (local to me) and if I am going to be away from her for longer periods of time I do get some antifreeze into the raw water system as well. As a matter of fact she weathers better in my estimate in the water here as she sits low and gets more shelter from the winds that blow cold due to the nature of natural wind breaks at the marina. All should make their own calls on this as most opt for traditional storage on the hard but this works for us. We take winter seal watch trips and with the full enclosure on No Worries we get the benefit of the greenhouse effect in the cockpit which also helps keep the engine section warmer than if exposed to the elements without an enclosure. Purely a matter of choice and lifestyle here. 🙂

 

[shackinballard]

Thanks to everyone for the great info. Right now we are contemplating storage on blocks (with cover) on Lopes Island putting off the trailer decision for the winter. Love the boat but not sure it is a perfect fit so don't want to invest in a trailer until we know we'll keep the boat long term. I do think the cover is a good idea regardless - will pursue your leads. Cheers

 

[Stella Maris]

You have a "Shack" in Ballard???? Cool. We keep Destiny in Shilshole. Would love to get back in Stimsons but, 40' slips are tough to come by. My suggestion is use your boat through the winter. We have had a boat here in the PNW now for three winters. Our first year we headed to the San Juans the week between Christmas and New Years and had a great time. As you know, the waters can be ugly but on the flip side, they can be incredible!

Marina's are empty, anchorages are even emptier......... The small towns love to see you as they have very few visitors.

We plan to use Destiny all winter long, just as we used Karma all winter long.