Potential owner R21, checking intended usage.

[Surfcaster]

Greetings from SE Florida. I've been a long time boater, (50+ yrs.) and currently own an Edgewater CC, 16'. I've always been a small boat owner and have had a ton of fun on both power and sail up to 28'.

With the increase in frequency of chunks of me getting cut off, cut out, frozen off as a result of my misspent youth, I now need to seek more sun protection than a cc provides. Here's pretty much what I use a boat for:

1. Fishing, in great weather, inshore and nearshore out to about 8nm. I don't mind trolling, or drifting, but enjoy chasing birds and casting to breaking fish. I understand that chasing in a R21 is a slow process. That doesn't bother me, I enjoy a slow chase, watching the flying fish, turtles, and other cool stuff in the Ocean.

2. Enjoy going for a ride with my lovely wife, and seeing the sights, stopping for a meal, going for a picnic and going to wf restaurants.

3. I have 3 great dogs, that enjoy just about anything for a few hours.

4. I like to do light diving and snorkeling. 20-30 ft. depths, clear, calm water.

5. I like to putter around a nice boat, doing some light maintenance and some easy installs of electronics, high quality gadgets, and comfort accessories.

I just got back from looking at a 2015 R21CE at the dealer. It looked like a high quality boat, with pretty straightforward access to almost all mechanical/electrical components. High enough gunnels for the infrequent dog trips, nice potty for you know who, and plenty of shade, with great airflow, and super appeal. It even had a couple of rod holders.

I own a Honda Pilot, 4WD, but would plan on trailer use only in the event of impending named storms.

Prior boats I've owned include Mako, Pursuit, Boston Whaler, and currently also own a Catalina 14.2 Expo sailboat. So, are my activities compatible with what appears to be an all around great boat? Your time and input is really appreciated, as I am traveling in uncharted waters. Thanks, jim

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Jim,

I am a relatively new 21EC owner...I've had mine 2 years this summer. Others on the board have owned much longer.

My opinion is that if you are OK with giving up, TOTALLY giving up, planing speeds, then the 21EC will be fine for your purposes. If you have been on one, you know the space limitations (i.e., it's a SMALL boat); but that is a virtue when single handing, cleaning, maintaining, etc.

"Must have" options include an autopilot. The boat is narrow and has a nice, large rudder. As you move along at 6-8 mph, you might want to multi-task or MOVE AROUND the boat. Since the boat is narrow, you can 'steer' by rocking the boat one way or the other...the net effect is that the boat will not go in a straight line if you leave the helm hence the need for an AP.

The 21EC has been a great platform for various modifications. The general high quality of workmanship means that projects are 'improvements' often using the existing factory installed components (just in a different configuration, like moving the power switches, for example) as opposed to reworking and 'overhauling' various systems.

The engine (mine has the Yanmar 3YM-30, the 2015 MY boats will have the Volvo D1-30) is EASY to service and work on. Impeller changes are a breeze compared to the bigger tugs where access to the forward part of the engine is limited. These engines are naturally aspirated and mechanically controlled which makes them much simpler than the larger turbocharged, electronically controlled diesels on the bigger tugs.

The large swim platform is nice for diving.

I would guess that the 21EC could be towed in Florida's flatlands with your HOnda Pilot.

Check my photo album for some of the mods I've done to my boat.

Let us know what you decide.

Fair Winds,

dave

 

[Surfcaster]

Dave

Thanks very much for the input. I anticipate that the slower pace of a non-planning boat would be the toughest difference for me to be confident about prior to purchase. I am a long time sailor, and never wished I was in a power boat because sailing is so slow. That having been said, there have been times in my Edgewater when I am skimming across the water and I've been surprised by the grin on my face. I suspect that the R21 has it's share of grin times while underway, so I don't think that would scare me off.

You have done a fantastic job with your additions to your R21. I must admit that the aluminum roof is my favorite. That really would be a terrific addition to my effort to avoid searing sunshine.

I do have a question; is the R21 available in light hull colors? Like white, cream, etc? Dark blue in So. Fla. is good for about 2 years before it starts to chalk. After it starts to go, it doesn't seem to really ever come back. Maybe Ranger has discovered a secret to maintaining their hulls in Bristol condition.

Again, I really enjoyed your photo album, you have really improved a really nice boat. Thanks, jim

 

[Tugalong]

Our R21 EC is now 4 1/2 years old and the blue hasn't chalked at all. We are in Sydney Australia and have conditions that are as harsh if not greater than in South Florida. The only part that is showing any sort of aging is the brow across the top of the cabin. It has dulled somewhat, we have tried a few things to bring back it's lustre but nothing has worked. Our boat is outdoors 24/7.
We have been very happy with the leisurely pace that we putt around our waterways. It is very economical to run, the only real complaint I have is there is insufficient "house" battery capacity. We find that if we anchor for the night around 3-4 pm the house battery is flat around 4 am. The main drag is the refrigerator and we would use lights and radio until 11 pm, then it is just the refrigerator and the mast head light.
I have purchased 2 10 watt solar panels which fit perfectly on the cabin roof, I hope these may just give enough boost to take the house battery through the night.
Geoff