Greetings from Port Severn, Ontario

[RonB]

Hi Folks:

A funny thing happened this summer ... Marian, my wife, has become as enthusiastic about cruising as I am! I've loved boating all my life and always liked the idea of cruising after we retire; Marian loves travelling and seeing new places, but I didn't think she would be interested in a slooow trip of 8 to 10 knots. Well, in July I stumbled upon Jim & Lisa Favor's blogs about cruising the Great Loop, read every word, and shared with Marian many of the wonderful photographs, and that did it! The idea of travelling by cruising as an enjoyable adventure was reinforced and that we could do it ourselves grew, and now Marian is as excited about it as I am. Thank you, Jim & Lisa!

Not only that, but we're also hooked on the concept of trailerable trawlers! After checking out a couple of Ranger Tugs (R-27 and R-29S) at the Canadian dealer here in Ontario, Marian insists our boat has to be a Ranger Tug R-29. Wow! No argument from me! It's the right size for us, and as Marian says, "It's got to be built good; not a clunker!" We're hoping (DV) to buy a Ranger Tug in a few years, cruise in and around the Great Lakes to get to know the boat and learn it's systems, until we are comfortable enough to do the Great Loop.

So, here we are, reading everything we can get our hands on about boat systems, maintenance, repairs, equipment, trip preparations, how to cruise safely, where to cruise, what to see, what to do along the way, etc. This forum (I've read almost every post going back a year and a half) has helped me better understand Ranger Tugs: the company, the service, the quality, the problems, the fixes, and so much useful information in the operation and enjoyment of your boat. The dept of knowledge in this forum is outstanding; keep it coming!

Ron

 

[baz]

We ALL learn from each other, that's for sure. I wish you all the luck in the world for your future boating adventures. When 1st Mate gets onboard with enthusiasm there's simply no turning back.

Jim & Lisa Favors have done and presumably still do an excellent job with their traveling blogs, and after reading them it's hard not to be 'sucked' in to the excitement of their discoveries. I met Jim & Lisa in Roche Harbour a few years ago. Jim was looking for an Allen key to secure his transom mounted flag pole and when passing their red hulled R-27 could see Lisa bent over her laptop which I assume now was for creating their travel blog. I didn't have any Allen keys onboard... but I do now. 😉

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Ron, glad you and Marian are getting closer to your dream of a Ranger Tug, the R29 will make you an excellent boat. Keep us posted and we'll plan on getting together somewhere in the Great Lakes.

Jim F

 

[Irish Mist]

Not to dampen the mood I want to let you know you will need to get you "A" license to pull the boat in Ontario due to the weight of boat and trailer.. If towing is going to be a big part you may want to look at a 27 or we like the Cutwater 28 They are only 8'6 beam and do not require permits .. Slightly smaller yes but very comfortable and easier to tow.. We love our 29 but they do require some planning to tow.. You are in a great spot to start the loop from.. And I have been told the loop is just a whole bunch of day trips 🙂

 

[RonB]

Mark (Irish Mist) makes a good point: Ontario has limits on the weight of a trailer that a "regular" driver can tow. Getting a class A drivers license is one of the things we're thinking about. A Cutwater 28 is another interesting option.

Which brings up a question: What are the specific differences between Ranger Tug and Cutwater boats? Is it just a matter of a different style that appeals to a different market?

Ron

 

[Irish Mist]

Ron
Essentially they both provide excellent accomadation given the size of the boat. The Cut WAter as you can see on line has a bit more of a traditional look on the outside but inside it is very functional. One thing we have found on our 29 is when we have guests the outside cockpit area is a bit tight.. They have changed this on the new 29 but of course the extra room comes at the expense of the cabin area . With just the two of us most times this is not a huge issue.. But we found our friends with a 28 have much more usable room back there as well as the 25 and 29 tugs... Given you are not in a hurry to purchase I would strongly suggest you try to get to a rendezvous and check out as many different boats there as you can.. The nice thing about the rendezvous ( besides the owners ) is the boats are being lived on and not empty like at a show or dealers so you really can see actual space
I have towed south and back twice , stopping at all scales and have never been asked about my license.. The MTO that stopped me coming home said to use the same story ( private boat just like an RV ) and I would probably be ok.. I am doing my driven test in a couple weeks and will hopefully have my restricted A and be legal 🙂