R21 Size and sea trial, Florida

[TheFloridian]

I'm considering an R21 for cruising the Saint Johns and Indian Rivers of Central Florida. It has a lot of attractive features. I've been aboard one at the Miami Boat Show. I've never been aboard on the water or owned a boat with an enclosed cockpit/helm.

Do you feel cramped/confined while cruising hot climates in your R21? Any Florida owners care to share your opinion on the temperature while at the helm or in the cabin in the summer?

I'm fishing for a boat ride here, but would love to see one in action. If you are in Florida and would be open to a short demonstration I would be very interested. I'm a former and future sailor (sold my Watkins 27) and own a 1979 Sea Lark 24 now. It's a great boat, but too heavy to easily tow and launch for last minute excursions.

Cheers,

Ryan

 

[RSC]

I use my 21 on the Indian River all the time and find it an ideal boat for those waters. I don't have air-conditioning but with a cabin fan, the windows open, roof hatches open and the front hatch open there is plenty of air circulation in the warmer seasons. My most enjoyable and favorite time of the year to use it and cruise is from late September through early May as the weather is cooler and boat traffic much more limited. In the mid Florida winter ( a typical New England Summer day) the cabin is great for keeping warmer. I also installed an auto pilot system that really makes life easier and not a slave to the helm.I too was a sailor and now love my 21 with the push the button and cruise at sailboat speed.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Ryan,
We have a 2009 ranger 21EC and live in the Florida panhandle. We've towed our boat down your way to enjoy the waters and it's a great boat to have. We do have 110 volt A/C we use during the hot days when we stay in a marina. Cruising during the day with the windows open keeps you comfortable. We were recently in Duneden. That's another wonderful feature of this trailerable boat. You take it wherever you want to go. You won't be disappointed.
Cheers!
Karl and Sara
Maneo

 

[TheFloridian]

How above the size? Any of you captains over 6'3"? I am.

I nearly fit in the v birth without bending my knees, when I looked at one at the boat show. my hair touches the pilot house ceiling but I didn't have to bend lower.

Are you comfortable enough while cruising all day?

Thanks for the feedback,

Ryan

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I am 6' 1" my wife is 5'9 and we fit very comfortably in the v-berth. Mind you its snug but it's about the same size a double bed at the top. We customized and reapolstered our berth with a memory foam mattress and we sleep very good. You do have to duck your head coming into the cabin. The door height there is about 5'11. I busted my head more than once initially but have learned to bend down coming in.
Karl