R-MATEY's Maiden Voyage

[R-Matey]

Our new 2010 Ranger 25SC was delivered to Bellingham by Andrew on May 17th. However, since then the only destinations have been out into Bellingham Bay to become familiar with the handling and operation of the mechanical and electronics systems. So....not wanting to miss out on a C-Brat CBGT in Langley on June 12th, we left Bellingham that morning @ 6:30. Smooth water conditions southbound from B'Ham to Langley with passage through the Swinnomish Channel into Saratoga Passage.

Arrived at Langley before 1pm. Escorted by a flotilla of C-Dorys as we made our way into the Langley Marina. Thanks to Robbin (ANITA MARIE) our arrival can be viewed at this thread: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLFNQ9Mzt8s We had a wonderful visit with our many C-Brat friends. Stayed the night and left early Sunday morning.

Our trip north through Saratoga Passage was quite different from the day before...three footers which R-MATEY handled with ease (we heard from other C-Brats that it became much worse later in the day). Deception Pass into Rosario Strait was a piece of cake as we arrived at slack. The remainder of the journey to Bellingham was as flat as a table top---my kind of boating! Arrived back at Squalicum Marina about 1:30pm. We had a wonderful weekend.

Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY

 

[sportner]

Ruth & Joe,
Great first trip and nice of Robin to capture it for you. We are looking at 6/30 for delivery of Traveler. We look forward to seeing you again, probably at the Bellingham CBGT.

 

[Bruce Moore]

Outstanding. You look so fine on the water. Thanks for sharing your trip.

Cheers

 

[baz]

R-Matey: A great video and that R25SC looked fabulous on the water. Congratulations.

BTW -- I gave up my R-MATEY license plate the other day so it's available if you want it. I opted for it not for the Ranger Tug experience but for my Volvo S60 R 360 hp auto -- as I'm a Volvo enthusiast. However, I traded this car last year when we decided to purchase a more family-oriented Ranger Tug R25.

So, if you act quickly you may be able to get my old WA state R-MATEY license plate designation. Good luck and let me know if you are able to secure it. It would definitely go with your boat name.

 

[Nellie Too]

I just used an adjustable wrench to loosen mine but, I am not sure how much room you have. If need be, you might go to McLendons and find a long verticle handle wrench with a cross bar on top. Also don't forget to loosen the top then let is sit a while to allow most of the oil to drain into the crank case.
Bob

 

[Nellie Too]

Sorry, I responded to the wrong subject.
Bob

 

[bluebayou]

Ruth and Joe,
It was a joy to watch the youtube video of the new R-Matey. I remember a year ago, in Squalicum, when you were aboard my R-25 in its berth, and carefully examining everything, with an eye to your own future Ranger Tug.
I heard a comment "he must have a supercharger on that thing." Indeed, they are very fast tugboats.
Congratulations,
Charles, formerly of Blue Bayou
now in Bend, Oregon

 

[JamesTXSD]

Well, that is just SO cool! Glad to hear your maiden voyage was "smooth sailing", even if the sea state wasn't. Congrats again on the new addition to the family, and we'll be looking forward to many more cruise reports.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan

 

[Trinity]

Ruth and Joe
Glad you had a great trip. Really enjoyed the video. Hope to see you out on the water this summer!
Nancy and Kerry