Pilothouse Ranger

[HarborMasteRob]

Hello, I am a loyal reader of many magazines including Passagemaker, Motorboating, Boating, and more. Ranger Tugs have always been my favorite to read about in test reports. I also like the videos that Ranger produces with the walk-thru's.

The styling and layout on Ranger tugs is the best out there. One styling feature that I see in many other tugs and trawlers revolves around the pilothouse and helmstation. Some offer side exits for the captain and crew to easily access the sidedecks while docking. Some have access only along the starboard side. If Ranger decides to expand its line to include a larger LOA, perhaps a pilothouse with side exits could be included???

When comparing the layouts of a Ranger 25/27 to a Nordic 26, the Ranger layout offers more room and openness given that the Nordic layout has to completely isolate the rear galley/dinette from the pilothouse. Engine access is another major advantage with the Ranger, especially with the 25SC or 27. In the Nordic, a floor panel in the pilothouse has to be uplifted for maintenance checks. Finally, the head. Ranger places it toward the rear of the cabin versus the Nordic's being up at the bow near the v-berth. So overall, access to the side decks in a 25-26' hull comes at a price. Which again, is why a future Ranger of longer LOA may be the right time and place to include it.

I can't wait to see a Ranger up close and in person. I plan to search out many local marinas until I see one!!

Thanks,

Bob

 

[doke01]

Bob,

Check out the Ranger Tugs map. There is probably one, or several, near you...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...160317,-89.560547&spn=75.943704,77.431641&z=4

By the way, the Ranger 29 has side access on the starboard side (helm).

Doug

 

[JerryE]

Rob,

At the risk of stating the obvious. If you're are looking for a Ranger with a longer LOA than a 25/27, with a side entrance at the helm, maintaining the engine compartment NOT under the a floor panel and with the head in the bow like a Nordic...I would suggest you look at the Ranger Tug 29. And, you are right that getting access to the side decks will come at a price. But "a future Ranger of longer LOA..." exists right now.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Bob: We'll be on the Tennessee River going to an AGLCA Rendezvous at Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama in late October. If you'd like to look at a 27' Ranger Tug we'll have our Kismet their. Take note of our email address below and or send us a PM to arrange a date to look at our Ranger Tug. Hope to see you in October.

 

[ron cowan]

Rob, There is a 21' on a lift on the Elk river about 1/2 mile up the river as you exit the Tennessee river at mile 285. Then there is a 25' in a covered slip at Wheeler State Park. It is a nice boat from Ditto Landing to each of these.
Ron

 

[wefings]

Although Huntsville is an 8 hour drive [I know as my son and grandson live there ] Wefing's Marine in Eastpoint/Apalachicola has every model of Ranger Tug available to see . We will also be at the Tampa Boat Show 9/9-9/11 with a R 25 and/or 27 and a brand new R 29 with some very cool options .
I am available at marcatwefingsdotcom. [punctuation changed to protect the innocent]
Or by PM.
Marc Grove