Hello From Vancouver

[Knot Finishe]

A cheery hello from another potential Ranger owner. We're in North Vancouver and have our present boat moored at Reed Point in Port Moody. We sort of inherited the boat last spring and had to make fast decisions as to what we wanted to do with it. We learned all that we could about powerboating (sailed for years back in the 70s and 80s)and had a fairly enjoyable summer burning ridiculous amounts of fuel. I say fairly enjoyable because the summer taught us a number of hard truths about planing hull boats. The most obvious was that my darling wife is not a fan of fast travel on the water and was only truly at peace while moored or when puttering along. We also hated the noise that the giant V8 engine put out. We also realized that we likely don't want to own someone else's boat, and would much prefer starting and learning from scratch. The boat is for sale and will almost certainly be gone in a few months.
At the Boat Show we fell hard for the Ranger line, leaning towards the R-27, but keeping an open eye on the R-25 and the R-29. Although the Port Alberni dealer was anxious for us to sea-trial one of the tugs, we have decided to lurk and research, possibly right through the summer. Thinking that we were done with boating we have booked (and paid for) fairly extensive European travel this summer, so that is the main reason for not jumping into tug ownership this year.

Questions, if I may, with a PNW slant: assuming that no one around here gets AC on their boat, do you regret the decision? Does that cabin get crazy hot sometimes? Is that diesel heater efficient enough to keep toasty warm through the winter? I will likely moor year-round in North Van and would hope to get out occasionally in the winter, and I'd also like to be able to just chill out on the moored boat in the winter without freezing. I wonder too about seaworthiness in heavy weather - I've read through the threads and folks seem generally happy with the way their tugs handle unhappy seas. Are there any horror stories or issues peculiar to these boats that I should know about?
At the risk of being a bit forward (oh look - a ship, sailing away) is there anyone local who has their Ranger in the water and wouldn't mind me just setting foot on it? I've only been aboard these boats when they're all blocked up on land, and I would like to see how they feel when in the water. Not looking to go anywhere - just a foot on the gunwale and a bit of a chat. I would be happy to spring for a waterside lunch if someone was willing to let me admire their boat from the dock.

Sorry for the ramble, and apologies in advance for any questions to come,

John and Anne

 

[Nellie Too]

John and Anne,
You guys let us know when you want to come down to Anacortes, we would love to show you our boat and with time and weather permitting take you for a ride. These are the greatest boats in the world. We would either have lunch at our house or go Dutch treat at a local restaurant. Our phone number is (360) 293-0003.
Bob and Nita

 

[Dog Islander]

And after you see Nellie Too, come by and see what Nudibranch the R-27 is like.

Ray

 

[Knot Finishe]

Thanks very much folks! I have to say that I very much like the cheery love-of-tug feel to this group.
I'm still a workin' man, though with the luxury of Sundays and Mondays off. Are you Anacortes folks slaves to the grind, or do you do as I did and avoid the weekend and head out on Monday? I hate that border now, at least by car - I hear that boat crossing's a breeze and I've never really ventured out of local waters, so there's all sorts of possibilities in our future.
Thanks very much for your replies (and pms)

John

 

[Randy & Ida]

Hello John,
After you get done with Bob & Nita looking at their 29' "Nellie Too", Ida and I would be glad to take you aboard the "Adventurer", an R-25, that is moored at the Anacortes Marina. She is listed on the Bananabelt Boats websight.
Randy & Ida

 

[Knot Finishe]

My goodness - Anancortes is obviously where Rangers go to play. A 25, a 27 and a 29 all more or less together - like a floating boat show.
Thanks for the thoughts/advice/offers - I'll give plenty of notice if a visit to Anancortes is in the offing (and I hope it is).

John

 

[BCsailor]

Hello,

I just purchased a ranger 25sc and will be taking delivery within a month. When it comes in, you're welcome to come down and take a look at it.

Chris

 

[BCsailor]

Sorry, should have mentioned, I'm in North Vancouver. The boat will be at Lions Gate marina.

 

[Knot Finishe]

Thanks very much Chris. I would be pleased to take you up on that offer. I'm amused to think that my daily commute will take me right near your boat (2nd Narrows).
I don't believe that Lions Gate Marina has in-water berths - does that mean that you would keep it there on the hard and either self-launch with trailer or use their lift every time?
I'm excited for your coming delivery - if I can do anything to help (or just admire) please let me know.

John

 

[BCsailor]

You're correct John, no in-water births yet but top quality ramps and what looked like at least 150' of dock space. They are planning to expand, including dock space. At present, their indoor dry storage is about 80% full and tons of outdoor space.

I bought mine with the trailer so will just hook it up to launch....or if I feel lazy, call them 15 minutes ahead and they'll put it in the water and take it out for a grand total of $25. If you don't have a trailer, it costs a little more to launch as they need to use the lift.

Chris

 

[walldog]

My goodness - Anancortes is obviously where Rangers go to play. A 25, a 27 and a 29 all more or less together - like a floating boat show.
Thanks for the thoughts/advice/offers - I'll give plenty of notice if a visit to Anancortes is in the offing (and I hope it is).

John

There will be a couple of more tugs in the Anacortes area. Willie's Tug is making plans to return in May, and we all are looking forward to Anne Cox's new 29 which I assume will be there also. I hear that Circle T will return. Plenty of notice is in order as we do cruise quite a bit. 😀 Someone will usually be around though to offer hospitality.

 

[Bruce Moore]

If, for some reason, Seattle is a convenient destination (any day of the week), we keep our R-29 in the water and we would be pleased to welcome you aboard.

In answer to your questions, yes, the diesel heater will keep you very comfortable while barely sipping fuel; yes, the boat will handle water you probably wouldn't choose to cruise but may occasionally be stuck in; and no, any horror stories we've heard (or shared) are peculiar to engines, impellers, and other realities of dealing with a challenging environment - but not to these boats, by any means.

In fact, the support of the factory (and its dealers), and the Ranger Tug community, makes dealing with these possibilities much less challenging.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Knot Finishe]

What a fine community of owners this is! Thanks to everyone for the kind offers and for the great advice - I'm wishing now that we hadn't booked all this Euro stuff for the year, but a promise is a promise and a certain someone is very much looking forward to her first time in Paris.
We'll keep Anacortes, and now Seattle in mind - I have a suspicion we will meet eventually.

Thanks again,

John and Anne

 

[Jim Callard]

John and Anne,

There are at least two Ranger Tug 29s for sale in Anacortes. Ours is a 2010 Newport model--Carpe Diem. We keep it in the water at Anacortes Marina year around. We are in Baja right now, but Jim Rovang (http://www.rovangmarine.com/), who takes care of our boat when we are gone, just took our boat up to the San Juan Islands last weekend. It has the air conditioning/reverse cycle heat option with a generator. We have used both the air and heat, and it works great. But we also use a space heater when parked at the dock in the winter. Call or e-mail anytime and I can arrange for Jim to show you the boat. 970-946-5428.

Jim and Elizabeth Callard

 

[Knot Finishe]

Thanks Jim and Elizabeth. Interesting to hear of gen/AC use on this coast, though I suppose that when a boat's trailerable it makes sense to prepare for boating anywhere. The Baja sounds good right about now as a cold rain drums down.
Thanks for the further Anacortes Ranger update - maybe there's something in the water that makes these tugs accumulate there.

John and Anne

 

[Newtugnut]

Hello John and Anne: We sense your excitment and interest having taken delivery of a R31"Blue Horizons"
last August .

Lots to share/say please feel free to call as we are in the Vancouver area (moored Burrard Yacht Club) North Vancouver. We were ex sailors after about 30 years in the rain cold and wind - so this is an exciting time for us to switch to power.

Diesel heat at New Years for two nights with another couple at the head of Indian Arm was totally adequate. Had 8 people over for Christams Eve Dinner at the dock, with four people seating in the enclosed cockpit and four inside. Because it was so cold, augmented the cockpit with a small portable electric heater.

IMHO Air Conditioning not needed on the Pacifc North West, lots of overhead opening hatches on the Ranger. Cabin heat is the most important item

Boat Handling - here is an interesting story.

Came back from Thunderbird Marina last Saturday after getting some minor warrantee work done. You will recall how windy it was that day. We had taken the bus out to Thunderbird so we were a little stuck plus apprehensive about moving the boat. Winds were gusting 31 knots at Pt Atkinson. We saw a lull in the weather, talked to several boaters coming in and decide to head out (Our backup plan was Snug Cove/return to to Thunderbird). The boat managed fine in the westerly blowing into English Bay. With constant throttle, our boat speed was between 10 and 15 knots probably due to surfing down the waves. At one point our boat pitched poled a bit and we took green water over the bow. Never lost steerage the whole time.

Please feel free to talk/discuss further Frank & Dawn Marie 604 980 1534

PS The Ranger Tug group is terrific - you wil be in good hands plus factory support has been excellent.

 

[Knot Finishe]

Thanks very much. It's like North Anacortes here on the North Shore. That short voyage sounded quite thrilling - glad to tuck in under the bridge I'll bet. It's funny how sailing is all about heavy weather, and with power boats, only reluctantly. Speaking of which, I watched a boat much like yours well off Lonsdale Quay yesterday, in the strong wind and heavy harbour chop - they must have been testing the boat (or themselves) as they were in no rush to tuck in behind freighters, and it was pretty darned unpleasant slowly bobbing around. We pulled the car over, thinking they might have been in trouble, but they turned and headed out farther. Lots of room at the docks yesterday!
I'm glad to hear that you love your boat, and I'll bet it's quite a change from sailing. I didn't even look at the R31 at the Boat Show - that flybridge will probably call to me in a few years, but we'll stay smaller for now.
Again, thanks for your thoughts and numbers.

John and Anne

 

[The Bud's Tug]

Hi John & Anne
We are in South Surrey and you are welcome aboard our 29 anytime. Would be pleased to give you the "cooks tour"!! They are truly wonderful seaworthy boats.
Cheers!

 

[Knot Finishe]

Why, thank you very much. I am curious about the R29, as it's a logical contender for anyone thinking of the 27 - the extra beam is as attractive as the extra length. May I ask, do you keep yours moored rather than trailered?
Thanks again - I appreciate the offer.

John and Anne

 

[The Bud's Tug]

She's in the water year round. We try to be on it during the winter...even if it's just overnight at the marina.