Laxey has been sold

[baz]

I posted a farewell here - http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=6134

-Barry

 

[SGIDAVE]

Congratulations Barry! So it sounds like you won't be moving to a larger tug for now?

/dave

 

[baz]

Congratulations Barry! So it sounds like you won't be moving to a larger tug for now?

/dave

My future Ranger Tug options are open at this time. 'Larger', more gangway space, sleep comfort all translates to more comfort for sure. Our circumstances means I'm responsible for 100% of all required tasks when cruising so I struggle at this time wondering if 'larger' does indeed help me in this regard. 🙂

 

[Levitation]

A 29 will meet your requirements and is capable of being single handed with a bit of forethought for docking.
A couple I know with a 29, because of medical issues sleep separately using the vee berth and the dinette berth, respectively. It works well for them and they seem quite content.

 

[baz]

denny-o:

It's not the solo handling of the boat that concerns me. I handled our Laxey this way for several years and became competent in doing so. It's all the other things/tasks that need doing when cruising that require my attention... it's just plain hard work and as much as I like the sea and the boating scene my enjoyment has started to be lacking. On top of this, 1st Mate has lost her lust and interest for boating which seriously affects my attitude. As a 'couple' it's essential IMO that both should be excited about 'life on the boat', as we were 6 years ago. Situations change, plans change, unforeseen circumstances arrive.... so we have to adapt.

The sleeping aspects on the boat is the least of my worries. 😉

Room on the boat is quite likely at the top of my future requirements list.

I also think, shared ownership is a very useful aspect to explore.

[EDIT]
Also, if and when we obtain our next boat we would definitely want to keep her in a covered slip. After having Laxey for close to 6 years in a covered slip it has amazed me how well the boats superstructure, decking and colored fiberglass has maintained its 'new boat' shine and pristine looks. It also has helped minimize the crud build up on the hull portion in the water as that portion of the hull is for much of the time protected from direct sun light. All sorts of things fade when left out in direct daylight/sunlight. Many people have said, "you're kidding.... 6 years and it's still looking new....". The extra expense of a covered slip is well worth it and pays dividends when the time arises for selling the boat.

The best kind of covered slip is the 'garage on the water' that essentially operates just like a house garage does.... has a door that raises at it entrance and can be closed once inside. Keeps the dam bird mess at bay.... 😎 :lol: Being enclosed also keeps things cooler.

 

[baz]

The new owners of Laxey (Gregory & Catherine) have found a covered slip at Pt. Orchard for Laxey's new home. I will be onboard with them from Edmonds to Pt. Orchard tomorrow to help them get used to the R-25's operations and handling and to answer all their questions/concerns they might have along the way. They're new to the R-25 and if they're anything like me when I first set foot on board they WILL have tons of questions etc.

For those Ranger Tug owners at Pt. Orchard please give a friendly welcome to Greg & Catherine when you see them, as I'm sure you will. 🙂

 

[joempo]

Baz, I've been reading this thread, and have found your posts to be quite insightful. Thank you for opening up that window. I will miss seeing you out on the water. My regards to your wife.
As for Gregory and Catherine, anything I can do to assist them I will do. Please give them my contact info in this forum and have them PM me. The SLO Ranger is moored at the Port Orchard Marina, on the east side of the "E Float", across from the transient slips.
Joe

 

[Stella Maris]

Barry,
Sorry to hear that you sold Laxey but, maybe a new door has opened. You have talked many times of getting a R-21EC. Maybe it is time. It is a simple boat to single hand. You could use it for day trips and just to get out on the water. The out of pocket expense is lower so, limited use does not cost as much.

We loved Stella Maris and the great times we had on her. I am sure you too could have some good times on a R-21.

David

 

[baz]

Barry,
Sorry to hear that you sold Laxey but, maybe a new door has opened. You have talked many times of getting a R-21EC. Maybe it is time. It is a simple boat to single hand. You could use it for day trips and just to get out on the water. The out of pocket expense is lower so, limited use does not cost as much.

We loved Stella Maris and the great times we had on her. I am sure you too could have some good times on a R-21.

David

David: You maybe are onto something here with your suggestion. You got me thinking in a new direction and one, as you mentioned, I had been exploring in the past.

....A smaller boat that I can trailer easily with my Volvo XC70 T6, keep it at home rather than paying $s to a Marina, 100% DIY maintenance, minimal chores needed when onboard, sea worthy, easy solo handling, fun/fun/fun, 8 people max, low cost fuel use, no need for a dinghy, no urgent need for fancy Garmin electronics, local RT manufacturer with great after sales service, and its a RANGER TUG. The R-21 was actually the first model I came across when bumping into Jeff Messmer at his and my local gas station in Woodinville where he had one on a trailer.

If I recall, it can cruise easily at 6 to 8 kts which was where I found the R-25 to be most comfortable at.

I kind of like rough waters to be honest, and for some weird reason I like the thrill I get in a rocking & rolling boat that the R-21 would surely exhibit and handle well in IMO, does not concern me too much. The grandkids quite likely would love it also.

I'm sure using the R-21 in good weather and calm sea conditions would certainly appeal to me and extended family members.

I wonder if it comes WITHOUT the swim step as that adds unwanted length to the boat and I can't think how it would be useful to me considering my use of the boat. Apart from swimmers what use does it have ?

The one addition for me would be a full cover for when parked in my house driveway that has tons of trees about that birds collect in and drop things along with leaves, cones and such falling down, many squirrels and critters abound that love to chew things, etc.

I'm sure 1st mate would accompany me on the R-21 for short trips on calm days on the lakes around here and even out on the Puget Sound with flat seas which we have many off.

Being boat-less is not any fun at all.

Shame you've sold yours.... 🙁

 

[Stella Maris]

They are a great little boat and very fun to cruise about in. I would be 98% certain that you could order one without the swim step or, if you were able to buy used, you could easily remove it and simply plug the holes.

Yes, Stella Maris would have been a great boat for you.....

 

[baz]

They are a great little boat and very fun to cruise about in. I would be 98% certain that you could order one without the swim step or, if you were able to buy used, you could easily remove it and simply plug the holes.

Yes, Stella Maris would have been a great boat for you.....

I chatted with Jeff Messmer today and he mentioned there would be a safety issue not having the swim step. If you fall overboard it would be nigh impossible to get back onboard without the use of the ladder/swimstep combo.

He also indicated that Raymarine no longer is selling the Auto Pilot kit that RT uses for the R-21.... they (Raymarine) may have a couple of units left in stock, but that would be it :shock:

RT has a couple of R-21 trade ins arriving soon, and so Andrew will call me with details on these later.

Questions:

1) The Marine Head option - Does this still require pumping to operate or is it electric flush, and presume it's raw water and not fresh water ?

2) The Bow Thruster option states in parenthesis "required for CE mark". What does this mean ? That is, what is "CE mark" ?

3) Weight of R-21 + Trailer is what ? My MY2012 Volvo XC70 T6 + PoleStar has a max towing of around 3500 lbs -- will this be adequate I wonder for relatively short trips ? The R-21 factory specs state R-21 dry weight is 3150 lbs. This makes me believe my Volvo will not be capable for towing the R-21. 🙁 I've discussed this with friends in UK that have the same model Volvo I have and they say the US Standards/Laws etc account for this low max towing of 3,500 ibs. In UK this same Volvo model is rated for a much higher max towing weight. I suspect this is due to the Euro-spec models having a different rear suspension that's not soft coil springs (Nivomat are used for Euro-spec models) as for USA-spec models. Also most Euro-spec Volvo XC70s are manual + diesel engine.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello BArry,

I LOVE my 21EC! I've never weighed it but I'm guessing the loaded weight on the trailer is closer to 4000-4500#.

Regarding the Autopilot (AP)...having bought mine without the AP, then installing it myself later...I feel the AP significantly increases the enjoyment of the boat. The 21EC is narrow and has a large rudder. If you get up from the helm as you cruise along at 5-7 mph, the rocking of the boat from your movement will "steer" it off course in a surprisingly short time. Now, if your TRYING to, you can carefully put all your weight STB and the boat will steer to port; weight to port and she goes STB.

I would consider pulling the mechanical cable steering and replacing with hydraulic steering then adding traditional AP unit of your choosing if the Raymarine Sportpilot is not available for you. I did some remounting of the existing steering gear such that adding the sportdrive behind the wheel caused minimal loss of leg room. I know Andrew Custis has pulled the cable steering on a 21EC and installed the hydraulic steering so that a traditional hydraulic pump-based AP could be used...seems like his post stated it took (HIM) surprisingly few hours.

Anyway, my point is I feel the AP to be useful enough that I would go to the extent of installing hydraulic steering to get it.

Re toilet...mine came with the Porta-poti...I feel this is a good option. The 'marine' head takes up A LOT of storage space under the vberth. That may not matter to you. The second 'issue' with the marine head is trying to use it...i REALLY like that I can MOVE the portapottie so that I can get a little 'elbow' room and get the paper work done without creating 'collateral damage.' Sorry to be so indelicate but sticking a small toilet in close proximity to cloth fabric upholstery is a recipe for a mess. Also, it's FAR easier to empty a portapottie in my opinion...carry the small tank to a toilet and easy peasy. From what i"ve seen, more 21ECs have the marine head than not so you will likely get differing
opinions from mine. I believe the marine head is totally manual using raw water.

Re Bow Thruster...I don't know what CE refers to in a USA sold boat. I would get the thruster for resale value even if you don't think YOU need it. (Really you don't.)

AFTER you get your 21EC, figure out how to reboard the boat...like with a portable ladder...then REMOVE the swim platform. I've seen them with out...i'm talking about 'late' model boats not 21 classics. I use my swim platform for fishing, reboarding after swimming or snorkeling, and for storing stuff like a large cooler. Space is a PRemIUM on the 21EC so i'm grateful for my swim platform.

Go for it - you'll love it Barry! We CANT have you slipping into the BOATLESS DOLDRUMS :cry:

/dave

 

[baz]

Dave:

Yes, Jeff mention that without a swim step they would be obliged to provide some sort of ladder to be used for reboarding. :lol:

Good advice about the Porta-poti. What you described makes sense to me... lowers cost as well. 🙂

I like the bow thruster option and was very used to using thrusters on my R-25. I suspect in close quarter maneuvering the bow thruster would be very useful. I've watched the R-21 videos and the bow thruster is quite powerful for pushing the bow about.

I need to think some more about the AP and do take your opinion about it's usefulness seriously. I suspect with people in the cockpit and moving about from side to side would also cause the helmsman to counteract the steering to accommodate the weight shifting from side to side in the cockpit, right ?

Jeff was telling me the Raymarine AP setup is via gears and mechanical linkage and because of this some noise can be heard as the AP does its work. I was unaware the mechanical gearing/linkage could be modified/converted to be hydraulic... I will enquire about this. On the R-25, the AP was all hydraulic and worked extremely well and was an option I gladly included in my initial R-25 purchase.

I'm struggling at this time about the R-21 towing aspects with my Volvo XC70 T6. Although the Euro-spec XC70 is famed for its towing this isn't the case here in USA. It's a car and not really a towing vehicle. No matter, for the very short distances I would tow the R-21 I think I should be AOK. I'm talking about 3 miles from home to my closest Marina where the R-21 can easily be hoisted and placed into the water. No serious grades to be encountered in this 3 miles. I would not take the risk of towing the R-21 with my Volvo for any extended trips. I may have to chat with my Volvo shop about the rear suspension issue just to be sure about things.

I wonder if there's any postings here discussing the merits of the 30hp Yanmar vs. the 30hp Volvo engine in the R-21 ? Is there any huge difference(s) to be aware of I wonder ?

Question about cockpit Bimini and full enclosure screening. With a fairly brisk side wind with the full enclosure deployed is there any serious affect on the R-21's attitude and steering effort/control ? It would seem to me the deployed enclosure could act like a sail and place quite a side force on the relatively light R-21.

[EDIT]
Just checked the R-21EC dry weight on RT's web site. It sates 2,750 lbs. So assuming a trailer weight of say 500# the total weight comes to 3,250 lbs. So I think I'm in business towing with my Volvo XC70 T6.