An Introduction

[Gin]

Hi all,

I've lurked a bit off and on for the last few years (since C-brats evolved into Tugnuts, I think). And I recently decided it was time to join the forum. Now, after lurking as a member, I've decided it is time for an introduction.

My partner and I are boatless, and have been for the last 8 years or so. But we are beginning to consider having another boat in our lives. From 1994 to about 2006, we had a 20' wooden boat built by Sam Devlin that we moored in Olympia, WA. Most of our boating was in the south sound, with a few trips north. If I knew how to post pics of her I would -- but here's a link to her second resale (the photos and the writeup were ours from the original resale): http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Rang...ectorid=229466&forcev4exp=true#ht_1475wt_1182
She bears a striking resemblance to the smaller Ranger Tugs. It's been a natural instinct to keep my on the Rangers ever since I first saw one.

Right now, life circumstances keep us close to home. But we (or at least, me) are beginning to contemplate getting a Ranger in the foreseeable future, keeping it in or near Portland, Oregon (we are about 50 miles south), and exploring the Columbia and the Willamette for a few years, If we stay small, we could trailer here and there a bit. Within a few years, we may be able to travel farther away, for longer stretches, and get back to the Puget Sound, which is near and dear to our hearts. One of us is recently retired; the other (me) can see retirement down the road -- it just isn't clear how far down the road. But it is not so far away that I can't indulge myself with thoughts of a more spacious time in life when one can mess about in boats with some leisure.

So we could be getting serious. A boat could be in our future this year sometime, maybe even this spring or summer. Hard to say for sure. We hope to make it to the Seattle boat show at the end of February. I am keeping tabs on the used Rangers on the market. We intend to stay as small and simple as makes sense for how we would boat in this area. Most days, a 25' seems to be the best combination of economy and functionality. Some days, I can make a good argument for a 21' for maximum economy, fun and simplicity. Either way, we would hope to go larger later, and love having a smaller boat in our lives for now.

I may start checking in with questions here and there. So far, I've found answers to nearly everything (at least of any real moment) that I might ask. Sometimes it takes a little creative searching or persistent reading through threads, but it is amazing how much ground all you Tugnuts have covered and all the good advice you have to share. I will be leaning on you for more of it, I hope (it will be a good sign if I am). Thanks for being there.

Best to all, and an early Happy 2013.

Gini (nickname for Virginia)

 

[Gin]

Oh, a big oops in my first post -- I linked the wrong page (I had copied the link to post it for someone in the for sale section looking for an eBay posting). That link is NOT to our first boat. This one is:

http://store.devlinboat.com/towanda-rockhopper.aspx

😳

 

[walldog]

Welcome to the group...or at least we are glad to see you posting.

If you are planing to go to the Seattle Boat Show, you need to plan for the end of January, not February. The show is from Jan 24th through Feb 3rd or so.

Good luck on your pending retirement, I heartily recommend it.

 

[Gin]

Right you are, Walldog! I was thinking end of January and first of February, and truncated it in a way that, had I relied on my own post, would have me there a month late. But I actually do have the right set of dates on the calendar. As for the pending retirement, it isn't close enough to call it pending. Still like my work a little to much to stop. But someday . . . Meanwhile, thanks for the welcome!