How is the 21' for camping on a weekend?

[nesibus]

Is it comfortable to sleep in? Do 2 people bump into each other alot?

The pics just make it look so tiny for the price.

I'm still trying to debate over a c-dory or ranger tug.....the whole diesel motor thing and great fuel economy makes me want the tug, it looks neat to. Plus...the reliability of a diesel makes me feel better to.

Also....anyone got a video showing how loud the motor is while under way?

 

[Sterellie]

As a new owner of a 2009 21EC (one month) I have no remorse. The cuddy is huge, construction and appointments excellent. Although the diesel is a bit loud, it is not a distraction as the Yanmar is a fantastic engine. A great camper for two. As a sailor I find 8 knots cruising just fine (more time on the water and isn't that what its all about?). Go for it, you won't be disappointed.

 

[Higs]

I'm curious about the motor noise too. I went to Catalina Yacht Anchorage in Ventura a couple weekends ago and looked at the 21 ec, it has a lot more room than the online pictures give it credit for, and a good amount of storage (under sink area is large, and storage under the bed). The lazarette (which holds the fuel tank) is large, with room for a few big batteries and life vests.

The one I went and looked at is linked below. Just providing a link, in no way associated with them. Not sure if I am aloud to post the price they offered, PM me if curious.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... achtsales&

 

[ron cowan]

Having just sold a Ranger 21' tug and now owning an '85 Classic 22' C-Dory I can tell you that you can not go wrong with either. As for camping, my wife enjoyed staying on both. The C-Dory has more v-berth room especially where the classic is open opposite the helm side. Both have room for a good's sleep and I do not feel that the sleeping room is the factor to make a decision.
Both boats are great boats but are quite different. The diesel noise was not an issue and I can not say whether the Honda 90 or the diesel was louder. (both put my wife to sleep as we cruise--relaxed she says). The little tug was so unique with it's diesel and look that I just loved it. On the other hand the C-Dory will cruise at displacment speed and only sip fuel also. (not quite as well as the 1/3 gph of the tug. The only reason for selling the tug was the need for slightly more speed in going to see my grandkids on the river. What grandparents will do!
As I said you can not go wrong with either and if at all possible you should find someone with each of these and go for a ride. You may not stay overnight but at least climb around on each. Be honest with yourself on what you plan to use the boat for and what you must have and what would just be nice.
Good luck in your search and enjoy either one you get. I would love to have both but only have one lift in my slip(Ha) and not enough money to be a two boat family.
Ron

 

[Gregg]

I think the R21ec is a great camping boat. My wife and I regularly haul it up to small lakes in Northern Ontario and spend a great deal of time on the boat. In fact, we are planning a 3 or 4 day trip to the Temagami region in Ontario for some fall (boat) camping in September. It has all the amenities for overnighting. It is spacious for two. Throw on a BBQ and your couldn't ask for anything better. I find cruising at a slower speed is the better way to travel. It's strange how large lakes suddenly become smaller when you slow down and spend the time seeing more things.
As far as fit and finish goes, our R21ec is superb.

Gregg

 

[Kamalani]

My wife & I totally love our R-21EC, "Kamalani". That said, this is unlike most other boats, particularly in this size range. We decided on the 21 the first time Sherry saw one in our harbor and commented that she could learn to be a boater on that one. Before this, we've had various larger power & sail boats, and she was content to sit & watch. Not any more! This is truly "her boat" and she loves it.
The trade-off for me is that I'm 6' 5", and while I enjoy full standing headroom in the wheelhouse, the v-berth is really better suited for her. Actually, we have yet to make use of most of the housekeeping systems aboard, and rarely spend the night. She enjoys day cruising and looking good while doing it. I hope that soon we will be able to take a weekend trip out to the local islands, but with any luck, our son will have his 31' sailboat out there too, and he would let me try sleeping there. :lol:
Actually, I know there is much more that we can do with our little tug, but this discussion is all about camping, and as Sherry is quick to remind me, "camping is a 3-star hotel"! So to each his/her own, but the boat itself is certainly up to any adventure. There's really nothing else quite like it, and if we were to hit the lottery, we may get something larger, but we will never sell our "Kamalani"

 

[K7MXE]

I guess I can throw in a note about motor noise.
I thought my boat was a bit noisy and decided to fix that and was easy to do and think anyone can do it. I put one inch thick foam where ever I could. I have it in the bilge, between the motor and the front of the motor box in the storage areas and have it on the cabin sole with rug (in fact several layers of rug) over it. Its both vertical and laying flat. I used what I had laying around but Home depot stores sell it in big sheets and a knife will make it what you need. I used duct tape where I needed to but mostly just fit in places. Boat is quiet now. Maybe two hours of time and buying the materials should cost less than thirty bucks. So noise should not be a issue. The C Dory has more room but the Ranger runs all day long on very little fuel. I have 488 hours on mine and no repairs yet just service work that you have to do anyway.
Both boats are good value I think. Bob Heselberg

 

[Texas Steve]

My wife and I stay aboard two nights nearly every weekend. I am a big guy (6'4") and was lucky enough to get a post from one of our fellow Tugnutters (Tugly) who had designed a footstool for his R21 that doubled as an extension for the bed. Although I didn't follow his design, I simply purchased a plastic tub at IKEA that fit perfectly lengthwise between the end of the berth and the cabinet below the sink. I used a piece of the foam that I trimmed off the 3" mattress, added a second pillow, and VOILA! an extended bunk for less than $10. The extension and the foam made all the difference in the world as to creature comfort when staying aboard. I purchased a stainless kettle grill and mounting bracket that fits into one of the rod holders and we are fairly self sufficient. I carry a chemical toilet as an alternative to using the onboard marine head only because the installed head is not in the handiest position when sleeping. The one addition I am currently contemplating is a bimini top for the cockpit as the Texas sun gets pretty hot. I just hate to mess up the look of the tug with that addition, but feel it is a necessity. We also find that using a large box fan connected to an inverter and spare battery makes a fine substitute for air conditioning when we place it directly in the cabin entryway... it gets so cool by early morning that it generally needs to be shut down or off. I can't speak to the virtues of the C-Dory as I've never been aboard one. For what it's worth...

Texas Steve