Hey friends!
We have really nice response rate, over 10% of folks (42 total) who read the post submitted their opinion on how they see prospective FM vessel. For the first ad-hoc run it’s quite awesome, thank you for submitting your opinions!
Many asked to add more questions but it was simply too late, please accept my apologies. Next time we’ll make it more comprehensive and deep and explore more options/features/questions. Also, having a short brainstorming thread before the survey would be great so we can account for all areas of interest before running the survey.
Now the results (disclaimer – please remember ‘there are no facts, only interpretations’ thus my interpretations might be different from yours even with the same set of data). In a nutshell, the future dream boat most likely should be 35ft long, running on diesel , having bigger 2nd stateroom with a separate head/shower, no gyrostabilizer but flexibility to convert to fishing with better ducer positioning (thru hull) and universally a lot of asks for better creature comfort! There is a call to bring the R21 back as well. Anyway, read the results and thank you again for participation!
Participation:
Questions:
1. What new line of boats we’d love to see:
• 58.3% of all respondents to this question want to see new model of Ranger Tugs
• 16.6% want to see new model of Cutwater boat
• 25% want to see Fluid Motion team building both new models of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats
There is nothing wrong with existing line of FM boats (they've been great!), adding new models might bring new customers and expand/excite existing base. Would be great to see new e.g. Ranger Tug or Cutwater model with the features you want and the size that makes you smile! It is obvious 33/37ft OB Cutwater will make many sooo happy!
2. What size of boat we’d love to see:
• 56.4% would love to see new 33/35ft boat. I personally would love to see new Ranger Tug in this size, esp. 35ft!
• 10.25% wish for a new 37/39ft boat. I think this length will allow for a large 2nd stateroom
• 33.3% opted for a different size, this is something to explore in the next survey. I think R21 is a beauty, one of a kind, and many folks indicated in their comments they want it back! For the most of us anything bigger than existing R43 is a tough call but Cutwater owners might want to have something similar to R43 in size. Again, this area can be explored further to better understand our size preferences. Still, 33/35ft boat is a clear winner!
3. What kind of engine we’d love to see in a new boat:
• 75% want to continue the journey with diesel. Simply put, diesel rules! No doubts this is the way to go (sorry OB owners, OBs hold their own place in the word of diesels!)
• 25% want to have an OB version and it makes sense for the fast boaters esp. on the East Coast.
• Sorry did not include any electric/hybrid option, my oversight. Although it would be fun to have such engine, I do not believe there is a viable alternative from electric/hybrid propulsion offerings, if it is it could be prohibitively expensive. But... I’ve been wrong before.
4. Roll prevention/gyrostabilizer:
• Only 10% want to see gyrostabilizer in a new boat. I think it makes sense considering ROI; additionally, in most cases we would like to have it if we spend prolonged periods of time at sea/long passages. For shorter trips e.g. around the Puget Sound it might not be needed as much
• 50% indicated very strong resistance to having gyrostabilizer, it could be the price increase that’s hard to justify. From what I understand, the price tag might go up by at least $30K…
• 40% are OK either way, something along the ‘meh’ lines. Having gyro stabilizer in a new model would not be a huge/deciding factor for at least 40% of the respondents. I think the deciding factor will be the price point… Again, I’ve been wrong before but the data clearly shows no gyrostabilizer wanted in a new boat
5. 25 people provided their opinions on additional features:
Here we go, raw unedited feedback from the comments:
"Cruising speed at least 20kts"
"Second stateroom. Real (separate, enclosed) shower."
"Comfortable seating in a salon - besides the dinette. A couch/sofa or chairs. More in the style of an American Tug or Nordic - With Ranger features......"
"Inboard diesel at 27 Ft with 10’ beam. Full galley with propane stovetop. Full sized head. 60 gallon fresh water tank and 50 gallon black water tank."
"Would love to see the classic styling of the R21 in a larger trailer trawler, Maybe a 23 or 25 ft with 8.5 beam modeled on the Bristol trawler."
"I would hope any future designs would work to increase access to all systems and replace any plywood that is subject to water exposure with something that will last regardless of water exposure.” “Better engine room ventilation would be nice. More ability to customize would be nice. For example, two televisions are not needed in a 29 foot boat, wine coolers that are removed by many should be an option. Generators should be optional even if one has air conditioning for use on shore power. A white hull would be nice option."
"Your first question is strange, why a brand new line? What is wrong with improvements to the current line, especially since they only have so much production capacity and there are numerous other outboard boat builders in the market."
"Trailer towable (8.6 beam). Light enough to be towed by 3/4 ton pickup. Optimized for fishing and water sports. " "Would like two outboards for security past the bar."
"Larger head."
"Factory simple Dinghy crane option for the roof. Factory transom mount genset."
"Better access for repairs."
"Bring back the 21."
"I would like to see the general shape of the EC21 blown up to 25 ft loa and retain a small diesel engine for slow cruising and fuel savings. It could also have the option of a outboard, but it would not be large outboard since this would be a semi or displacement hull."
"Would like to see Ranger Tugs make TUGs again vice the fast boats! Or change their name to Ranger Fast boat Co. I think there is a market for the sports fishermen that is overlooked by FM! Would like to see at least one model in the 25 ft range that is set up for fishing diesel in board with kicker! Large cockpit area, live well with pumps. Just my thoughts! Bob."
"Helm door, more hatch’s for easier service. I.E. battery trays that will completely expose them with cables long enough to allow it. Upgraded sounder’s, thru hulls that doesn’t lose the bottom so often."
"I love the features on the cutwater 32 but the fuel economy is poor and the master stateroom bed is smallish. I'd like a boat with twin outboards (for maneuverability, no need for thruster), 35-37 length, 10-11 beam, better stateroom design, lithium batteries, no wine cooler, replace electric grill with propane so can be used at anchor, replace diesel heater with propane system, keep the outfolding cockpit transom seating"
"id like to see both a 33 and 37 cutwater, I'd like to see some new cockpit layouts with more lounging space."
"Not trailerable. Helm door. Easy engine access. No or smaller exterior stern platform. Top Mount dingy. Maximize living space in 35’ hull without adding another 5’ for now gear and non-integrated stern platform."
"more beam"
"joy stick or at least twin props."
"A generator."
"Side sliding door"
"Fish hold, tackle storage in place of the aft fridge, change the head door to a folding style for easier access"
"Although not vital but something I think would be a good idea. A secure place to put a boat hook. Like something that keeps it secure but easily accessible especially for someone not familiar with boats or docking. They can grab the hook and help grab a line at the dock."
"Larger holding tanks for fuel, water and black water to create larger range. Also add more appointment items like sized sheets, towels and dishes with the RT/C logo and fitted for storage."
"Twin Outboards on a 30+ ft Tug similar to Cutwater 32"
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So here we have it! Please don't kill the messenger!
😀
Hope we will continue exploring this... I will also try to upload raw csv/xls file so any interested party can play with the data.
Kind Regards,
Alex
