New boat

[Glenn]

I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice on this forum. Ranger put out a webinar on close quarters maneuvering that you might want to check out

Live Webinar | Ranger Tugs

“As the Prop Turns” is a live webinar series hosted by Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats. In each episode our customer service team broadcasts live to address a variety of topics focused on maintenance and cruising in your Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat.

www.rangertugs.com

Ya thanks. I will probably watch those videos!!!

 

[Glenn]

We had a command bridge on our previous boat and really enjoyed it for all the reasons folks have already mentioned. Regarding outboard vs inboard. We have an outboard on our current R27 and really like the storage available in the cock pit as well as the range of speeds you can do. On our inside passage trip last summer we did a majority of slow boating on the first 2,000 miles at 8 - 10mph with an occassional run of 30+mph. On our way back from Wrangell to Anacortes, we were doing 30+mph most of the way. Our longest run between fuel stops was 247 miles between Sitka and Petersburg over a 4 day period. The last 50 miles were at 33mph to avoid weather moving in. We arrived in Petersburg with 40 gallons left in the tank. We also have a 9.9hp kicker motor that gives us 6mph as a backup motor. The one draw back to the outboards is the replacement of the impeller and lower unit oil can be very diffult while the boat is in the water.

Sounds nice, thanks for sharing!

 

[AGLyme]

A nearby fuel dock in Old Saybrook CT experienced a boat explosion last week… 30’+ boat with 3 gas outboards.
Thankfully the gas dock folks were in the building printing out the receipt.
Boat owner was thrown into the water and survived.
Boat burned for a half hour melting the lines… a stiff wind blew the boat away from the slips - thank God.
Point is, the gas boat venting protocols are a “thing” and not to be ignored.
This item is one notch in the diesel column.

 

[Glenn]

A nearby fuel dock in Old Saybrook CT experienced a boat explosion last week… 30’+ boat with 3 gas outboards.
Thankfully the gas dock folks were in the building printing out the receipt.
Boat owner was thrown into the water and survived.
Boat burned for a half hour melting the lines… a stiff wind blew the boat away from the slips - thank God.
Point is, the gas boat venting protocols are a “thing” and not to be ignored.
This item is one notch in the diesel column.

Ah ya too bad for that person. Good point though. I think I will strive for an electric motor to go with a dinghy, then no gas on board needed and less maintenance. I have noticed many for sale already come with an electric motor. Those small kickers can have carb issues with lack of use and bad gas as well.

 

[Blue Soul]

I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice on this forum. Ranger put out a webinar on close quarters maneuvering that you might want to check out

Live Webinar | Ranger Tugs

“As the Prop Turns” is a live webinar series hosted by Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats. In each episode our customer service team broadcasts live to address a variety of topics focused on maintenance and cruising in your Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat.

www.rangertugs.com

I will check it out. Thanks!

 

[Rocky Lou]

CB and diesel wouldn't really be an option for me with Cutwater since I fish offshore and run long distances. For the former, having dual helm, allows me to fish solo and steer the boat or with a load of kids on board who aren't able to handle most of the chores. The cockpit steering helm is a real plus since it does not require use of the power steering system, another backup.

The diesel options for Cutwater are all single engines and do not have enough power to cruise at 30 kn. Being offshore, I need at least two engines and have lost one in past only to motor in nicely on one remaining. You can have all the service done in the water, I don't trailer ever, with the exception of the impeller and lower unit. I usually have those done biannually when I'm hauled out for bottom paint.