Common Outfitting Questions

[M.V. Echo Bob/Gay]

We've had a lot of question from "Tugnuts" to our website (which we made primarily to help sell our R27 - but we also discuss outfitting arrangements and comment about "long trips on small boats"). Up until now, I've been answering these "contact us" queries individually . . . the problem is that I'm not a very good correspondent or blogger. Also, many people are asking the same questions. So for those who are interested, I've made a synopsis of our responses concerning:

Anchor setup
Anti-fouling - Bottom Paint
Bonding System / Sacrificial Anodes (Zincs)
Canvas Enclosures
Electrical System Monitoring and Setup
Thruster Issues
Emergency Propulsion Possibilities
Engine Room Ventilation

Here's the link:

http://www.rangertugr27forsale.com/trai ... ting-notes

I hope folks find the information interesting and useful; if so, the only thing I'd ask in return, is that . . .

Well, I'll put it this way . . . if you come across someone looking for an exceptional, "previously-owned" trailer-trawler, tell them that you know where they can find one (that is . . . unless your boat is for sale too 😉 ).

Bob Lynch
Gay Utter
R27 M.V. Echo

 

[elan]

Good afternoon Bob & Gary,
Good article & information on how you resolved some of the problems on your Ranger, THANKS!
After some 50,000 miles in twenty years; three sail boats, we just sold our American Tug that we put 3500 hrs on the Cummins engine, we have purchased a used Cutwater with the 4YB Yanmar engine.
After four mounts & $15,000 she is almost ready to go cruising, not crossing oceans.
It is interesting that you came up with many of my conclusions consearning changes that needed to be made to make our 2012 Cutwater sutible for extended cruses.
Yes we will send anyone we run across that's looking for a well founded Ranger your way!
Mike & Barbara
M/V Elan

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

Thanks for taking the time to share the benefits of your experience. MV Echo is pretty far from Chesapeake Bay, but I'll be sure to mention her when asked.

 

[M.V. Echo Bob/Gay]

Thanks for the kind words. And as for a purchaser from Chesapeake Bay, ECHO already knows the way and comes with a trailer; No problem! . . . (once the snow melts, that is).

Take care,

Bob & Gay

 

[lornec]

The fasteners you used for your canvas enclosure are carried by sailrite.com .just got their new catalog yesterday and they're on page 158.

 

[M.V. Echo Bob/Gay]

We have had recurring questions about the cost of outfitting our 2011 OEM R27 for the loop cruise, so we’ve decided to post our answer here as well as on our website.

Our “new OEM boat" had virtually all the optional equipment except: air conditioner - not needed in the Pacific NW (and most places, in our opinion, based on our circumnavigation experience); generator, solar panel, AGM batteries - since we felt this an inferior setup when compared to our "Large Battery Bank" installation (discussed at length at our website link above); cockpit curtains - we thought the OEM aft enclosures weren't optimal . . . we had a custom setup made, (AIS was not a 2011 option).

OEM "extras" included: larger QS2500 inverter; larger triple axle trailer; swim-step locker (a newly fabricated option for 2011).

Our outfitting for the Great Loop Cruise included the "systems upgrades" (see link above) and additional equipment (itemized list on website available via the link above). Our "Quicken" tracking of cost shows $13,869.08 spent for the various "parts and pieces" and canvas work required. Installation of small-boat systems and equipment to ABYC standards has been "part of the avocation" for me since the 1980's. I spent 120 hours installing the equipment and systems; I think it is fair to say that "even the most motivated professional" couldn't get all the jobs done in less that 80 hours.

It is interesting to see how my experience compares to that of "Elan" (posted above). The "bottom line" is $13,000 to $15,000 if you are able to do the work yourself, $20,000 to $25,000 if you are paying a yard to do all the work.