Hit of the Interstate Rest Areas

[CaspersCruiser]

I towed my R27 from Florida back to Louisville this week. At just about every rest stop, at least one person (sometimes more) came to say something about the cool looking boat. It got to be almost a pain because I was wanting to get on the road and folks kept asking for details about the boat and what I do with it.

 

[Brian B]

I towed back from FL to RI, just got home today. I pulled into a restaurant parking lot and a truck followed me in. The driver said he just wanted to see the boat close up and asked about it. I passed an R 23 on 95 in SC and a Cutwater passed me on 95 yesterday in NC. No names on either boat.
Wherever you go these boats turn heads.

 

[Dale777]

Several years ago when I was towing my previous R27, I stopped to get diesel for my truck on the Indian Nation Turnpike in Oklahoma on my way back to Texas from Wisconsin. At every stop, I always checked the trailer hubs, tires, and tie downs for the boat.

After getting fuel, I was squatted underneath the stern of the boat checking the stern tie downs when I heard a car squeal up behind me then park perpendicular to the boat. I looked up from my squat to see an Oklahoma High Patrolman. I thought oh crap what did I do wrong? He yelled at me, "What kind of boat is that?" I told him, "Ranger Tug". He said, "Where are they made?" I said, "Seattle". Then he turned away and started checking things on his patrol car computer. After a minute or two he said, "That is a hell of nice boat" As I was standing next to his car, I could see that he had brought up the Ranger Tugs website and was looking at the specs on the boat. Then he squealed out of the truck stop without saying anything else.

 

[johnniethek]

Ever since I got the Red Ranger (R21-EC) in 2009, I have been flooded by people interested in the boat. I keep my boat in a covered carport next to my house, and even had two people come knock on my door asking questions about it. One was the city attorney!!!

I shared that with Jeff Messmer, and he started giving me brochures about their boats to share with those folks interested in the Red Ranger and RT. I have been passing them out for years.

In fact, if you're reading this, Jeff, I've run out and need some more brochures! 🙂

Cheers,

JtheK

 

[Crewdog]

I can't beat the Highway Patrolman, but I did get a big Thumbs Up from a group of Bikers coming back from Sturgis while driving on I-90.

That was pretty cool.

 

[knotflying]

As I was standing next to his car, I could see that he had brought up the Ranger Tugs website and was looking at the specs on the boat. Then he squealed out of the truck stop without saying anything else.

I bet he wanted to check the beam to make sure you were not over 8'-6". 😀

 

[Levitation]

Ah, you just have a suspicious mind, Mike :mrgreen:

But I definitely noticed more interest in the Tug on this run home than the previous couple of years. Maybe the improved economy?
One in particular came up next to me while we were going down the big hill and over the bridge between Florence (Y'all) and Cincinnati, honked, gave me a big thumbs-up then backed off till he was even with the swim platform stayed next to me the whole way down and across even though he could have pulled ahead. He had quite a line up behind him by then. Apparently he 'really' likes Tugs.
At a truck stop for fuel, a trucker came up and said he is a marine hauler out on the West coast and hauls Tugs all the time. Says he does not see many from this side of the Mississippi to the East coast.

It was 18F when I stepped outside this morning - should make you feel better.

 

[Captain Nice]

Numerous times, while trailering our 21EC, we've been asked at stops: "That's a great restoration, what year is it?" Looks of astonishment when told "It's a 2016!" One time I said it was a '58 and got away with it :lol:

CN

 

[S. Todd]

We tow with a 21 year old Ford that has spent most of its life in the garage except for the few weeks every year when it has been out towing the boat or an RV, so it looks almost new. The most common question we get is: Is the Tug new or fifty years old and beautifully restored? I do not recall ever stopping at gas station or store parking lot or restaurant while towing without at least one person stopping and asking about the boat (and sometimes the truck) in the last three years. The strangest question I get is whether they mind if they take a picture of the boat. I never suspected there was a privacy right preventing someone from taking a picture of boats and vehicles out in public, but it is interesting that they ask. At one campground when we were "boaterhomeing" I was asked to pose with the inquiring people in front of the boat. Easy thing to do if it makes them happy! It is nice to know there are still strangers that are polite and friendly out on the highways and byways.

 

[Matty]

No surprise. I knew we picked a real looker. Only had it 5 days and we are turning lots of heads. Recieving waves and thumbs up. We are in FL so folks dont see rangers often.
Absolutely love the vessel. Family gathering for christening saturday
Let the memories begin.