New Owner - old R-21

[cracker39]

After hovering in the background for the past 10 years or so, a 1992 R-21 suddenly appeared for sale and, after one quick look, I was hooked. It's been stored in a garage since 2010, and the 2nd Owner bought it in 1995. It has been lovingly cared for and health issues were the only reason it went on the market. It has a new plastic fuel tank and, as recently as 2013, the Owner dumped the old fuel and refilled the tank with fresh stabilized fuel. I'm debating whether to once again dump the old fuel - or trust that the stabilizer is still effective? The 18 hp Yanmar only has 700 hrs on the meter. It runs well and, in appearance, it looks to be only two or three years old - although it is the original plant. It has a Raytheon radar (old) that supposingly works well - and it would be nice to have here in Maine - but if or when it fails I'll probably commit it to the deep in favor of a new GPS. The shoreland trailer is original, only needing new lights and tires to make it 100% roadworthy. We need to get a surry type top for it right away - as both my wife and I need to limited our UV exposure. We're both in our late 70's and I really don't expect to see many Ranger Tug owners in Maine - but we'll keep hovering and enjoying the antics of the younger crowd!

 

[ixlr8]

Congratulations on your 'new' boat. Hope you enjoy it for years. Not much water in Pittsfield, where are you going to keep it, or are you going to trailer it everywhere? I think there are about 5 other Tug owners in Maine, I am hoping to make it 6 soon. 🙂

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Welcome to the Ranger Tug community of boaters Cracker39.

Jim F

 

[cracker39]

Congratulations on your 'new' boat. Hope you enjoy it for years. Not much water in Pittsfield, where are you going to keep it, or are you going to trailer it everywhere? I think there are about 5 other Tug owners in Maine, I am hoping to make it 6 soon. 🙂

I've looked at, and thought about, getting a Pulsifer, many times. Definitely in the same league as the 21' Rangers - but being wood, and having to keep it on a trailer, always made be a bit hesitant.

 

[cracker39]

Welcome to the Ranger Tug community of boaters Cracker39.

Jim F

Thanks! I lived in Muskegon, Mi. for about three years and we often visited Traverse City.

 

[baz]

Cracker39: CONGRATULATIONS.

If you have any questions about your R-21 be sure to visit here for advice. There are many R-21 owners here that can always chip in with good advice for helping others.

Take care in your late 70's and enjoy the R-21. 🙂

 

[ixlr8]

Congratulations on your 'new' boat. Hope you enjoy it for years. Not much water in Pittsfield, where are you going to keep it, or are you going to trailer it everywhere? I think there are about 5 other Tug owners in Maine, I am hoping to make it 6 soon. 🙂

I've looked at, and thought about, getting a Pulsifer, many times. Definitely in the same league as the 21' Rangers - but being wood, and having to keep it on a trailer, always made be a bit hesitant.

We kept the Pulsifer in the water, it was a major pain to put it on/take it off the trailer. You had to unhitch the trailer from the tow vehicle and send them both into the water and let them float apart. The trailer also floated so that added to the fun of putting the boat back on the trailer. Then with tow strap you pulled boat/trailer out of the water until you were on level ground... then put trailer back on tow vehicle. We had no issues with the Pulsifer being wood, it was heavy and gave a smooth ride, but from a maintenance point of view... it was a non issue. I think you will be much happier with the RT 21 than you would have been with the Pulsifer. We sold the Pulsifer, we needed something faster and 1st mate wanted more sun protection, she has fair skin and one of her meds makes her more susceptible to the sun. The RT 21 is also too slow for us which is why we are looking at either the 23 or the 27, leaning towards the 27 due to our long term plans.
I suspect you know there is a Tug dealer in Naples, with a sister dealership in Yarmouth.

 

[RonGinger]

I am a Ranger 21 owner in Maine- I had a 2001 for 4 years, then sold it to a fellow in Castine and bought a 2008 in FL and towed it back to Boothbay. I absolutely love the 21EC. I've already done 40 hours on it since the middle of May.

I am now working up to doing a cruise out toward Vinal Haven, maybe even on to Mt dessert.

The 21EC is a totally different boat than the 21. Even the handling is different- it is more stable, quicker to settle out after taking a wake, its just all around better. But of course its more money, so like just about everything in life, more money gets it better.

If you ever get to Boothbay Harbor look me up- Im in the Carousel Marina.

 

[cracker39]

I would love to have an EC 21 but the price point on the older R 21 is what made the deal work. We're sunny days and calm weather senior citizen sailors. We'll more than likely be found cruising up a small river or on a nice freshwater lake than attempting any open water passages. Been there, done that, in my younger days. My biggest concern right now is the ease of launching the R 21 at the boat ramps. My vehicle is more than capable - but the boat does sit high on the trailer?

 

[JonL]

Congratulations on your R-21 purchase. You are not alone in Maine. I have an EC-21 on the Sheepscot River. Been there for 1 year but haven't ventured into the big water.

 

[cracker39]

Congratulations on your R-21 purchase. You are not alone in Maine. I have an EC-21 on the Sheepscot River. Been there for 1 year but haven't ventured into the big water.

Well, I'm not feeling so lonely anymore! It looks like there are a few EC or R 21's in the area. We'll have to keep in touch.

 

[cracker39]

I have a new 50 lb thrust trolling motor that I bought for a previous boat before switching to a small outboard. My thinking is that this would make a good "no row," auxilliary but I would like to know what others think? I also like the appeal of silent running for nature watching, and the like. The "canoe-like hull of the R21 should push easily - and with the boat's barn door rudder it should steer well while the trolling motor is locked straight ahead - but it is a far reach from the wheelhouse to the stern for throttle control and reversing. That said, is it possible to simply wire a remote switch to reverse polarity on the trolling motor at the batteries, thereby putting it in reverse? I'm thinking two 6 volt golf cart batteries in series.

 

[cracker39]

If the rains don't stop me I should have the Trolling motor set up and ready to go later this afternoon. I'm using a fixed mount with stainless steel brackets and a phenolic-like motor mount - so no maintenance issues. The location of the mount will be just to the starboard side of the stern, opposite the exhaust and immediately below the molded-in rubrail. The power head depth will easily match the height of the prop shaft, thereby maintaining the protection afforded by the keel while being deep enough to avoid cavitation. The tiller for the trolling motor is at a comfortable height to be controlled from the stern seat.

 

[ixlr8]

If the rains don't stop me I should have the Trolling motor set up and ready to go later this afternoon.

It will be interesting to hear how this works out, good luck.

 

[cracker39]

I got the mount installed and I'm pleased with how everything fits - but I probably won't splash the boat before this weekend. Note that I have a photo album now.

 

[baz]

I got the mount installed and I'm pleased with how everything fits - but I probably won't splash the boat before this weekend. Note that I have a photo album now.

I looked at your photo album. Your 21 is a beauty and the trolling motor install looks very professional. Well done. 🙂

 

[ixlr8]

I got the mount installed and I'm pleased with how everything fits - but I probably won't splash the boat before this weekend. Note that I have a photo album now.

I took a look at your album, nice boat and interesting mount. Looks like the mount will work well. A quiet electric motor will be a nice addition to the boat. Be sure to let us know how well it works.

 

[cracker39]

The trolling motor works great! It easily provides about 2 kts - which is all the "get home"speed I'll need in most cases - but it's also great to be able to run along dead quiet. The tugs rudder is effective enough to provide streerage with the trolling motor locked dead ahead. This evening was our shakedown cruise after the tug being in storage for seven years. The little 18 hp Yanmar fired up like it had just been used yesterday - and never missed a beat.

 

[sheral]

Nice work. I have an electric on the tender and have often wondered how it would do on the R21. Thanks for posting this.