Buying a Ranger R21 Classic - what to watch out for

[Alpina]

I’m looking at purchasing a used 2004 R21 classic with 650 hrs on the 3cyl Yanmar. For those with experience with the boat what should I pay attention to in the pre-purchase inspection

1) specifically with the boat
2) specifically with the engine

It’s been a salt water boat since new.

Your guidance is appreciated in advance.
Franco


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[bob daily]

Mr. Alpine, not sure what your asking! It looks to me like you either own or previously own a R-29 or a R-31, the difference between a R-21 and a R-29 cb. Is like comparing a ford 8-n tractor to a BMW car.
If the hull floats and the engine runs you should be able to tell if it's worth the price being asked."
Good luck and enjoy! Bob

 

[Alpina]

Bob,

I do currently own a R29 and plan on keeping it.

I was looking for a smaller Ranger that I can easily tow for short weekend excursions. I hired a surveyor for the R29 purchase and wanted to do the same with this one. I want to give the surveyor and a mechanic any insight on areas that they should pay extra attention to outside of the standard inspection. Maybe there isn’t anything in particular. Hope that clarifies my ask.

Franco


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[tlkenyon]

I have owned a 2005 R21 Classic for 11 years and put lots of hours on it. It is a very simple boat. Pretty much everything is very accessible and observable. The things to look at are pretty much the same as most other boats...cutless bearing, zincs, filters, impellers, steering cables, shifter cable, bilge pump operation, etc. The 12-gal fuel tank is easily removable. Take it out and dump it out to remove all sediment. Put a gallon or so of gasoline in it, slosh it around and dump it out. You will have the cleanest fuel ever.

Check the seals around the forward three windows. They leak after a few years but are easily replaced.

Have the motor evaluated and belts changed. The lower adjustment bolts on the impeller belt are a bit of a challenge. When starting the engine, lift the engine cover and confirm impeller rotation. I have been told by a mechanical engineer that the belt size is marginal for that usage, especially to get the impeller going from a dead start.

Enjoy the solitude of the small cabin. These are pretty rugged boats that will take a lot of punishment. Have had green water over the bow but never into the cockpit.

CHEERS

TK

 

[Alpina]

Thank you.


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[Alpina]

Well, here she is ... a 2004 R21 classic with the 30HP Yanmar. The former owner delivered her to a dock on the Shinnecock canal on Long Island. I like the juxtaposition of the tug next to the massive cruiser. My brother piloted it to his house as I'm in Georgia. Ordered a trailer and hope to be able to pick her up over Thanksgiving. Plan on using it to scope out the lakes around Atlanta and SC, and some gulf coast boating in Florida and short runs on the ICW. Keeping my R29 but Alpina is not so easy for the quick weekend trips especially since you can't trailer on Sundays.