Ard
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2013
- Messages
- 54
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C (Sterndrive)
- Hull Identification Number
- FLMR2101A202
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- WetTruck 26 (whitewater motor rig)
- Vessel Name
- Chilidog
- MMSI Number
- 338165568
Hello TugNuts. I’ve been lurking here for about a month and have finally joined your ranks. I’m the proud new owner of a 2002 R-21. She’s a freshwater boat with low hours and has spent her entire life stored indoors. As I’m a simple guy, this boat seems to be a perfect fit for my needs and my budget. I had to put a new axle on the King trailer as well as new tires and a spare before bringing her home from the midwest to Colorado.
While I was there I put here in the Missouri River for a few days and was successful in traveling 45 miles upstream against the current averaging 3.5 mph and 92 miles downstream averaging 10 mph, both directions at around 2400 rpm.
A little about me… I enjoy destination cruising and have been exploring western rivers for the past decade by whitewater raft/cataraft. Most of these trips require 1-5 government permits that allow access on specific days. I’ve enjoyed designing and building my boats which have evolved into whitewater motor rigs. Motor assist allows me to stay on schedules imposed by the permits on trips measured in hundreds of miles and several weeks. I’ve never been a thrill seeker however running rapids is necessary to being able to do these trips and to explore the archeology and early American history abundant in these remote canyons.
Being a seasoned “leave no trace” camper, the lack of creature comforts on the R-21 present no real challenges for me. In fact the simplicity of the design and the lack of “systems” I see as a benefit.
As I age, I’m ready to be relieved of the stress associated with running some of the huge whitewater I’ve become accustomed to. A year ago September I launched one of my whitewater rigs in SE South Dakota on the Missouri and cruised its entire navigable length into the Mississippi ending in Alton, Illinois. Despite the lack of rapids, I found the trip thoroughly enjoyable, with the exception of being constantly exposed to the wind and occasional rain. Hence, the Tug. And living in Colorado, we have but a few “puddles” to launch her in so having a boat that is easily trailerable was high on my list of priorities.
I became aware of the Great Loop about a 18 months ago and this adventure is now on my bucket list. Like some of you, I have the illness that requires I buy as many boats as I can afford. Since learning of the “Great Loop” I’ve purchased and sold a MacGregor 25, C&C 26, West Wight Potter 15, and still have a brand new Sanibel 18 (now for sale). Although I’ve enjoyed immersing myself into learning sailing, those boats do not provide for me the elegant solution of the Ranger Tugs for mainly river cruising.
I’m very excited about my purchase and I’m grateful for the body of knowledge found here. For example, the subject of servicing the stuffing box has been well covered and will be first on my to-do list. I hope I’ll have something to contribute at some point in the future.
While I was there I put here in the Missouri River for a few days and was successful in traveling 45 miles upstream against the current averaging 3.5 mph and 92 miles downstream averaging 10 mph, both directions at around 2400 rpm.
A little about me… I enjoy destination cruising and have been exploring western rivers for the past decade by whitewater raft/cataraft. Most of these trips require 1-5 government permits that allow access on specific days. I’ve enjoyed designing and building my boats which have evolved into whitewater motor rigs. Motor assist allows me to stay on schedules imposed by the permits on trips measured in hundreds of miles and several weeks. I’ve never been a thrill seeker however running rapids is necessary to being able to do these trips and to explore the archeology and early American history abundant in these remote canyons.
Being a seasoned “leave no trace” camper, the lack of creature comforts on the R-21 present no real challenges for me. In fact the simplicity of the design and the lack of “systems” I see as a benefit.
As I age, I’m ready to be relieved of the stress associated with running some of the huge whitewater I’ve become accustomed to. A year ago September I launched one of my whitewater rigs in SE South Dakota on the Missouri and cruised its entire navigable length into the Mississippi ending in Alton, Illinois. Despite the lack of rapids, I found the trip thoroughly enjoyable, with the exception of being constantly exposed to the wind and occasional rain. Hence, the Tug. And living in Colorado, we have but a few “puddles” to launch her in so having a boat that is easily trailerable was high on my list of priorities.
I became aware of the Great Loop about a 18 months ago and this adventure is now on my bucket list. Like some of you, I have the illness that requires I buy as many boats as I can afford. Since learning of the “Great Loop” I’ve purchased and sold a MacGregor 25, C&C 26, West Wight Potter 15, and still have a brand new Sanibel 18 (now for sale). Although I’ve enjoyed immersing myself into learning sailing, those boats do not provide for me the elegant solution of the Ranger Tugs for mainly river cruising.
I’m very excited about my purchase and I’m grateful for the body of knowledge found here. For example, the subject of servicing the stuffing box has been well covered and will be first on my to-do list. I hope I’ll have something to contribute at some point in the future.