Outboard Version of 21EC... Wouldn't That Be Cool?

C

cruz-in

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Jun 19, 2016
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C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
18 foot cubby cabing Catboat
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Auuumn Wind
IMHO, an outboard version of the R-21EC (similar to the R23) would be way cool.

I just cleaned the carbs on my 2 cylinder 4 stroke Yamaha outboard and was out in the driveway running it in a tub of water. I was marveling at how quiet it is. At idle, I could hear my neighbor's AC over the outboard. This got me dreaming (again) about how cool a R-21EC Outboard would be.

The outboarrd would free up cockpit space and it could be mounted to the back of the swim platform. Having a new Yamaha 4 stroke way back there, I suspect you could barely hear it from the cabin....and the current generation of 4 stroke outboards are very fuel efficient.

A 25 HP Yamaha costs about $4K....gotta be chaeper than the 30 HP diesel...and no driveshaft thru the hull...gotta save on the cost to build..

If Ranger ever decides to build one., I would put a deposit on Hull #1.

Interested in you all's thoughts.
Dan
 
At least save the 21 and its outstanding character! It's gotta rattle and purr. You want quiet? Get a rowboat!
 
"You want quiet? Get a rowboat!" Not sure what I did to deserve that sarcasm.

Not saying get rid of the R-21EC Diesel.Heavens no. As you say (ignoring the less-than-polite sarcasm) , it has character with it's classic lines and diesel. Many folks want that. However in my brief (6 month) search for a R-21EC, I have read many posts where folks, even soem owners, were concerned about the diesel noise.

I am just proposing augmenting the line with a R-21 1EC Outboard. Similar to the way the R23 comes with several power options (diesel, inboard and outboard). In particular, I think a High Thrust 4 stroke option would do well.
 
Methinks a suitable emoticon was needed after "...rowboat!" Maybe 😀
 
I'll chime in here. The 21 EC lines are classic, elegant and give this boat the charm everyone is always commenting on. That's exactly what I find wrong with the 23. The 23 just doesn't look right. No character, no charm. To me the shape is kinda awkward in appearance. Do I like the separate space for the head? Yes. The extra space? Yes. The extra speed? But it's not enough to even consider for a second to trade my "cute" 21 EC in for a boat that has some features I like but an appearance I don't. The concept of a 21 EC with an outboard or better yet a 23 with the same lines, character and design of the 21EC? I'll place an order tomorrow.

Wait'n for the day to get me pay.
Karl
 
To muddy the waters....I would like to see a Classic R21 (or an EC) with an outboard mounted in a well or some kind of enclosure where the stern locker is presently located. This would open up the cockpit a great deal but not change the overall lines of the boat.

I agree that the OB hanging off the stern of the 23 is somewhat of an eyesore and really looks to be more of a Cutwater than a Tug. I get it that styles change...I used to have a Nehru jacket and platform shoes. My pet rock was named "Bob"...

TK
 
Different strokes for different folks, as I personally love the lines on the R23, even with the 200 h.p. outboard hanging off the bracket! 😀 If I were to buy a new boat today, this is the boat I would buy.

While hanging an outboard on the back of the R-21 would open a large amount of room, and allow one to outrun an incoming storm, I think what you are proposing would be seen as heresy by many R-21 owners! 😉 I think that going slow with the chug chug on the little diesel (while sipping fuel) is a large part of the charm of the current boat.

If I was to hunger for a boat similar to the R-21, but with an outboard, I would consider the C-Dory 22' Angler.

Jim
 
I just got my new R23 with the 200 Yammy. It replaced a 2015 R25. I really like the new 23. It is quiet, fast ,fuel efficient and comfortable......Not to mention easy to work on. It is not as "stout" or robust as the 25 but lighter and my F150 handles it easily. Both boats do different things better.....really depends on what your needs are
 
tlkenyon":3qcgp1h4 said:
To muddy the waters....I would like to see a Classic R21 (or an EC) with an outboard mounted in a well or some kind of enclosure where the stern locker is presently located. This would open up the cockpit a great deal but not change the overall lines of the boat.

I agree that the OB hanging off the stern of the 23 is somewhat of an eyesore and really looks to be more of a Cutwater than a Tug. I get it that styles change...I used to have a Nehru jacket and platform shoes. My pet rock was named "Bob"...

TK
Click to expand...
great thought...the outboard in a well sso the classic lines are not affected....
 
I am still for the go slow of the R21. I was just suggest going slow with a 30 HP efficeint, quiet, 4 Stroke outboard.
 
If noise is the only major complaint about the excellent R-21EC-3-cylinder engine, then a good solution for that would be to cover-up half of each oversized chrome air outlet plate with fireproof duct tape on the inner sides of the box. The engine noise coming out of the hood will be cut in half while still allowing circulating air to ventilate. The inboard engine is the ultimate powerplant for this configuration.
B.B.
 
I could live with an O/B R21EC, if the engine was in a well where the lines of the tug would remain the same. It would likely be quieter, but maybe not. A lot of the noise resonates thru the hull, so it would likely be louder than an O/B in the open air, hung off the stern.

Those expecting more speed might be disappointed. Ranger had at least one 40 HP R21EC. My understanding is there wasn't any appreciable increase in speed. The hull form of the little tug is what it is: semi displacement. One could likely get more than the nominal 8 knots with significantly more HP. But, that extra HP comes with more weight, noise, fuel consumption and cost.
 
.. I'm not sure blocking the air inlets (not outlets) on the engine box is a good idea .. they are there more to provide air for combustion, not to cool the engine .. that's what your water (pump) is for ... Rob
 
My 21 Classic has an outboard. It is a 5 hp honda that pushes he boat at 5 MPH. It is there for emergencies and slow trolling. Yep, it messes with the lines of the boat, but the boat still draws a crowd everywhere I go on land or water.
 
harry ames":28r01ix8 said:
My 21 Classic has an outboard. It is a 5 hp honda that pushes he boat at 5 MPH. It is there for emergencies and slow trolling. Yep, it messes with the lines of the boat, but the boat still draws a crowd everywhere I go on land or water.
Click to expand...


..at 5mph, is the is the 5HP Honda quieter than the diesel at same speed? Although may not be a fair comparison as the Honda is probably running flat out vice what the Diesel is running at that speed...
 
Ah, the dilemma of the manufacturer of "a classic": make changes to the style (lines, powerplant, etc, etc) to improve the product or keep it the same so not to "mess it up"? 😉

Without improvements and updates, the manufacturer eventually winds up competing with themselves with new sales vs used. I have no dog in this fight - I think the R-21 is a great looking boat. The EC version looks even better to my eye. If Ranger were to offer an outboard option, and give owners a flat-floor cockpit, I don't see how that could be anything but smart. Their goal is to make boats that make people want to get their wallets out.

The R-23 is a VERY smart boat, with options... from reading posts here, I would guess the outboard is out-selling the diesel. Our home is in an area with lots of shallow water and high salinity - sure is nice to be able to pull up an outboard. Modern outboards are quiet, efficient, reliable, and relatively easy to work on.

I drive commercial boats, I understand all the good things a diesel brings to the table. I also appreciate options... and the right tool for the job.

Good discussion on this topic.
 
Although some boaters prefer outboard engines over inboards, and like to play with the idea of a R-21EC engine being an outboard, it needs to be mentioned that the existing R-21EC I/B D1-30F Volvo Penta diesel engine is already the "Coolest".
-B.B. And L.J.
 
check out my album under "possibilities ?"

The hypothetical R-22 would adapt quite well to an outboard.
 
Yes, it is much quieter, but then it is on the tail of the boat. It is also a one lunger, but I think a 9 hp two lunger would be even quieter and my mount would be solid enough for it. But, I already owned my 5hp honda. I'm pretty sure that a 9 kicker with the power prop that is more and more common would beat the 18 hp for quiet and would get the 21 to hull speed at other than wot.

I compromised the lines of the boat for the security of the backup engine. I like the putt putt of the two lung diesel though and the third to half gallon per hour at 6mph is really nice.

A person needs to get what suits them. Fast? Don't buy any of the Ranger line. Plenty of nice roomy and fast milk-bottle boats out there for fast. But, if you like relaxed, kick-back BOATING, the tugs are the ticket.
 
The more I think about it, the more I like the option of having an outboard on the R-21! 😉

The purist, of course, will want the R-21, with the inboard diesel. There is nothing wrong with this, as this is the boat that many of them have come to love. 😀

However, having an outboard on a bracket, with both the options of going faster AND opening up space in the cockpit, might increase sale orders for others who might see the little diesel as a limiting factor of the boat.

While it is true that folks don't buy tugs because they want a fast boat, they don't always necessarily want to go slow either. Most tugs, I think, are bought for cruising. While for the R-21, this probably means 5 knots, for other models, folks seem to often cruise at 10+ knots. I think that many boaters, also like the ability to run faster when the need arises.

Given the apparent success of the outboard option on the new R-23, it will be interesting to see if, in the future, this also becomes an option on the R-21 someday.

Jim
 
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