Is upgrading from a R21 to a 21 EC worth it?

[bjp447]

I have a 98 R21, and it does what I want it to do, but I have been thinking of getting a 21 Ec.
My reason is I would like to be able to take it on a few maybe longer than overnight trips,
I was thinking the St Johns River in Florida, and I thought the extra facilities would be an advantage.
Plus I thought the 30 diesel vs the 20 might be worth the extra power in a current.
Has anyone upgraded and was it worth it, or have an opinion on it.

 

[harry ames]

The 20 will get you to hull speed in a current. Speed over ground is another issue. If the current is 6 knots or so, the 20 will still go 6 knots against the current. The 30 on the EC is only of value because with the EC planing semi displacement, you can get 4 or 5 more knots that would allow you to make 5 knots over the ground against a 6 knot current. The creature comfort issue is personal preference. I'm in a 21 classic because I like the looks. It is clean and simple and the systems are clean and simple. I'm a clean and simple guy. If I leave the classic behind I would move to a 23 or 25. I think the creature comforts of the 21 EC are better, but marginally so for the extra 20 grand (used boat) over what you'd spend on a 21 classic. for a good one on the used market. But I haven't been around the tug stable long enough to be expert. I do know that the 21 classic I have has so far been great because of the very low fuel consumption, the large cockpit and the just plain fun of the design. I'm not one who would often find himself in significant current conditions.

 

[rt11002003]

I'm on my third R21EC. 🙂 They have several advantages, as Harry mentioned. I also have experience in several Ranger tugs and other trawler (and trawler like) vessels. Speed and creature comfort are personal choices. I really feel the R21EC is a tad too slow; I favor a vessel with at least 15 knot capability. But, most of my boating is on lakes and rivers where the shore is close for storm shelter;and, the river currents are slow. So, I can live with the R21EC. My R21EC has more on-board systems than my last Albin trawler and my Rosborough RF-246. Yes, it is crowded, both living space and work space. Since I usually boat alone, the living space isn't an issue. Neither, are the crowded work spaces; I've had minimum problems, none serious. Ranger does good work and provides good equipment. Hence, the price. I have a friend with a very expensive 48, or 49 foot trawler. His speed isn't much more than mine; however, maintenance has been a long term problem for him. Almost everyday, he has a system failure.

Would I switch from a R21 to a R21EC? Yes! It's worth the cost to me. However, I'd prefer a R23, or a R25SC. I'd buy either in a heartbeat, if my wife spent any significant time on a boat. It's hard for me to justify spending that money just for me. On the other hand, I've always had an expensive motorcycle (BMW) and sports car habit (Porsche and Audi; mostly used); so I might yet bite the bullet and get a R23, or a R25SC. Especially since I've given up purchasing guns (for now). My wife says she's "cheap"; it's hard for me to buy her things.

I also have 12 years of heavy, high tech maintenance training and experience, plus a life time maintaining cars and motorcycles. So, systems work doesn't bother me. But, one can expect any mechanical device to fail, or falter. Usually at the worst possible time. One should be able to maintain/repair critical items. That speaks favorably for the R21.

 

[bjp447]

I appreciate your inputs. I like my classic because of the lines and the simplicity. I have given some thought to a 25 and maybe in the future if I could put it on the coast and use it. I kinda go with the kiss formula, the more its got, the more to fix. Truth be told I have never been on an EC, so I really need to go find one to sit on and see if it is for me. I know do to hull design the knots are limited on any trawler, I figured (and I could be off base) that with a bigger Diesel pushing a larger prop it wouldn't struggle as much to push the boat, but again I could be wrong, would not be the first time. Thanks again for the input.

 

[LADY JANE]

We love the Extended Cab's roominess and looks with excellent U.S. engineering, workmanship and materials. The ride is smoother with a big wave-cutting hull. The reliable Volvo Penta Diesel-30 is faster & gets unbelievable diesel fuel mileage! The front thruster makes the EC a breeze to dock & launch. All available EC systems were designed with safety in mind. A new R-21 EC basically comes from the factory fully loaded & is the ultimate size for trailering around on busy streets. With more built-in storage space & full accommodations, it's like having a silver-bullet Bambi Airstream Trailer or an RV that floats. That's what it is. The R-21 EC is the perfect R-21 Classic Upgrade.

 

[Two killicks]

My wife and I love the Extended Cab's roominess and looks with excellent U.S. engineering, workmanship and materials. The ride is smoother with a big wave-cutting hull. The reliable Volvo Penta Diesel-30 is faster & gets unbelievable diesel fuel mileage! The front thruster makes the EC a breeze to dock & launch. All available EC systems were designed with safety in mind. A new R-21 EC basically comes from the factory fully loaded for the price of a fully loaded new luxury car (and floats). A 21' EC is the ultimate size for trailering around on busy streets. With more built-in storage space & full accommodations, it's like having a silver-bullet Bambi Airstream Trailer or an RV that floats. That's what it is. The R-21 EC is the perfect R-21 Classic Upgrade.

Nicely said!

 

[rt11002003]

bjp447; I'm on Lake Lanier, in Flowery Branch. If you'd like to check out a 2014 R21EC with Volvo, send me a PM. We'll work out a meeting and a run around the lake.

 

[harry ames]

I appreciate your inputs. I like my classic because of the lines and the simplicity. I have given some thought to a 25 and maybe in the future if I could put it on the coast and use it. I kinda go with the kiss formula, the more its got, the more to fix. Truth be told I have never been on an EC, so I really need to go find one to sit on and see if it is for me. I know do to hull design the knots are limited on any trawler, I figured (and I could be off base) that with a bigger Diesel pushing a larger prop it wouldn't struggle as much to push the boat, but again I could be wrong, would not be the first time. Thanks again for the input.

Hull speed is hull speed. If your boat isn't struggling to get to 6 knots or so, it won't struggle any harder in a current. Wind on the nose is a different thing. The 20 has to work harder to get you to hull speed because of wind. The whole how fast can I go has to deal with two different liquid environments. A displacement hull 21 could use the extra HP only if the wind on the nose is significant. But in the water medium, the boat doesn't know what the water is doing. It only knows that it is going 6 knots relative to the water it is in.

I can maintain 6 knots over the ground in still water. In a 20 to 25 mph headwind and pushing larger waves out of the way, the 30 would be a bonus. Anything stronger than that, I have to plan on going slower. To help solve the occasional stormy trip back to the dock, and insurance against main failure, I've added a 5 hp Honda motor that is offset out of the main prop wash and it does add significant extra push against winds when running with the main engine running. (Lake Powell environment).

 

[bjp447]

To Rt in Flowery Branch, I sent you a PM, I think. (not sure exactly how that works)
That would be great if I could see your 21, I'll buy lunch