3 for 3

[Matty]

First I am not sure why someone not owning a Ranger tug or cutwater would even be commenting but apparently there are no restrictions. while the list is long all the resolutions sound great. If you break the list down to issues that should have not happened (quality control) and those that are more related to the third party manufacturer is looks like the list of quality control would be about 5 items long (like sealant, clogged pipes etc). Scratches and things like that are going to happen and they were taken care of prior to delivery. Happens with cars as well.
From what I can see the company is growing and learning as they go. So did Ford & GM. Feedback is good but better to keep it positive. We all know the limitations of the dealer network prior to buying. The company will work with you on that as well. Since so many of the components are not made by the company you should be able to find a non-ranger tug dealership to work on it. Of course if it is under warranty you need to get approval first. But RT does not make air conditioners, stoves or GPS units. Installation issues are the responsibility of RT. And they are very happy to take responsibility. Better than the alternative.

 

[Crewdog]

My 2 cents is that I think it's imperative that a boat buyer check, operate or test EVERY mechanical, electric or electronic system on the purchase inspection; new or used.

RT has given us good customer service and Tugnuts forum combines lifetimes of knowledge and experience to help solve issues.

If we were to purchase a new vessel now, (mega-million lotto tonight!!!), RT or other, I think the pre-purchase inspection and shakedown would be a LOT more thorough and time consuming than allowed for in a 2 day orientation.

Y'all enjoy the summer,

 

[BB marine]

Hey Captain (or Admiral) Chris............
Go buy a Bayliner.....

You have to be careful with your analogies ! Dave Livingston was the president of Bayliner in the late 80's designing the entry level Capri Runabout and I believe had designed the 32' 38 'and 45' Motor Yacht Line. I have never owned a Bayliner.I know many Bayliner owners that do and have had many years of use for a fraction of the cost. I don't think Captain Chris is looking to purchase an inexpensive boat. I think he is questioning the the quality of an expensive line of boats and does the quality match the cost. I would encourage him to Go to the facility see how Rangers are constructed. Ask about their Quality control and witness it. Compare how the assembly line in Ranger compares to other manufactures. Ask about delivery options. Its a large purchase. You can't always see from the outside whats inside. While I probably will not purchase another Fluid Motion Product. If I had it to do over again this is the approach I would have taken. I do believe I would have still purchased the boat and taken delivery in PNW. I also think my expectations would have been less. I was expecting semi custom quality not assembly line quality. I still believe Fluid motion is above average quality. I also believe the cost reflects high Quality. I believe this is Fluid Motions Goal.

 

[tugnnaweigh]

In 50 years of boating and camping, 44 years of driving and 30 years of home ownership it’s been thoroughly thoroughly beaten into me things break. The break early, they break often, they break!

And over the many many years and many many breakdowns I’ve learned this is not unacceptable or shouldn't ever of happened, or I should lose faith, or I should be pissed and by avoiding that mindset I’ve gone through life accepting and dealing with the inevitable, not faithless and pissed.

I have learned, as posters have said, to be handy with a wrench and as another poster said, if you have to bring in support folks for every breakage there’s payment and delays inherent in that.

If you’re going to boat, camp, drive or own a home how you react to the realities inherent there can overshadow and erase the pleasures they represent which are the reason we do these things in the first place.

Now for me, what does bring out emotions in these areas is how I’m treated by support organizations I have to deal with relative to these repair issues; there’s often disappointment there.

Regarding Ranger, they voluntarily put over 10K of repairs into the used R25 I purchased at their Kent location. Then they more than addressed my every concern as things broke over the next five years.

Now I’m working on my new to me R29 and among other things, Parts Richard provided an introduction to Yanmar and Bennett resulting in me getting parts both cheap and free!

I’m convinced the Ranger Guys, when they dial up their boating industry contacts wiggle their fingers at the phone and say: “You have no interest in your company's usual policies, you will provide these good people with parts free or very reasonably and no sales tax and free shipping, now, go on about your business.”

I actually think because how well known Ranger is for doing the support thing others are drawn to supporting Ranger, often outside their usual policies.

I hear this time and again: “Ah, normally we don’t do this, but OK we’ll do it for Ranger.

 

[Swansboro Dave]

With regard to lack of tell tale stream.....

Probably just a minor blockage...which happens from time to time.

Just take a piece of small diameter stiff wire (fishing wire works well) and stick into tell tale orifice to dislodge blockage.

If that does not solve....on inside of motor housing, disconnect tubing from the tell tale assembly....start motor.....and see if you have flow from tube. If so, it is simply a blockage in the tell tale assembly itself.

99 time out of 100.....particularly on a new motor....if you have flow from the flushing attachment connection.....you have flow to the tell tale.

 

[Matty]

Sorry but if you were expecting custom quality than you have not researched boat prices lately or in the past for that matter. Fluid motion builds a good boat at a reasonable price. if you want custom quality then be ready to shell out $150K more. Fluid motion comes well equipped but not a lot of options or custom work. And that is why the price is reasonable. Good price point for the right person. Others should probably shell out the extra money so they dont spend there time on this very good and helpful site.