R21 versus R21EC

cruz-in

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 19, 2016
Messages
168
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
18 foot cubby cabing Catboat
Vessel Name
Auuumn Wind
Hi All,

New member here. A bit of background. Wife and I grew up in FL powerbaoting with our families. Got married and moved to Solomons Island Maryland. For the last 30 years we have enjoyed sailing our trailerable sailbots around the Chesapeake area. Recently we retired. We would like to travel a bit farther on the water and not be dictated by the wind in terms of how far we get that day..

This led us to our interest in small Tugs/trawlers (must be trailerable) and, in particular, Range Tugs. Perhaps you all could help me with a bit of confusion.

1) What is the difference between the R21 and R21EC?

2) In what year did they change from the R21 to R21EC?

Thanks in advance for your time and answers.

Dan
 
Hi, I believe the EC (extended cockpit) was introduced in 2009. The new cabin design is eighteen inches longer and seven inches wider than the R21. But, check my info. I could be off.
 
OBX":1m8xvk5f said:
Hi, I believe the EC (extended cockpit) was introduced in 2009. The new cabin design is eighteen inches longer and seven inches wider than the R21. But, check my info. I could be off.
Thanks OBX,

My apologies, however I am stilll a bit confused (a state I find my self increasingly in... :lol: )

So the EC stands for Extended Cockpit. So I assume the EC has a larger cockpit?

How is this accomplished if the cabin is 18 inches longer and 7 inches wider? Did they use up side and fore deck space to extend the cabin or did the R21 grow in size over the R21 EC.

Just a bit confused how they gor an extended cockpit, and bigger cabin....

Thanks again for the help,
Dan
 
I thought ‘EC’ stood for extended cabin???

Owners of this popular vessel have always measured fuel use in pints per hour, not gallons. With a refined hull design, the new Ranger R-21EC delivers significantly higher speeds and even better economy, bringing more cruise destinations within easy reach. And with a new cabin design that’s eighteen inches longer and seven inches wider, there’s room inside for pilot and companion seats, head, galley cabinet and a larger berth…greater comfort to make the trip all the more worthwhile.
 
.. the 21EC (extended cabin) has approx. 18" more cabin length .. I think that 2006 was the cross over year and 2006-2007 was the change in hull design at the stern .. the last 3-4 ' of the hull design was flatter in an attempt to gain hull speed ... not sure how they gained cabin width .. others may know more .. Rob
 
nope...beam is exactly the same
 
I own an R-21Classic and have looked closely at the R-21EC owned by a friend with the very idea of making a comparison. The hull, from the rub rail downward is the same except that the EC has a flatter run aft that makes for a little better top-end speed. The Classic is more of a true displacement hull and the EC is more of a semi-planing hull. The Classic "squats" with more speed and is harder to maintain at speed (9.5 mph is about my top speed). The EC does not squat as notably, but still only has a top speed of just shy of 10 mph. We have the same exact engine, the Yanmar 30.

The cockpit of the Classic is very open, with the 12-gal fuel tank and batteries under the engine house. The Classic has a mast and boom, mostly for support of a sun shade, but also for a steadying sail. The EC has a bimini, of which there are lots of pictures in Tugnuts. The 18-gal fuel tank of the EC is under the aft seat, and the batteries are under the somewhat shortened engine house.

The cabin of the EC is not only 18" longer, but is also wider than that of the Classic. The width comes from the elimination of a "step in" on the Classic cabin so that the cabin sides of the EC are pretty much straight up and down. The only adds about 6" or so to the width of the EC cabin, but it seems like a lot more.

The interior of the Classic cabin is very sparse, with the v-berth, portholes and foredeck hatch. The wheel on the Classic is centered. The Classic has a very simple (but highly functional) helm seat that folds out of the way. The EC cabin has lots of amenities...fridge, pottie, stove, etc, etc. The v-berth is also a little longer. The wheel is off-center to the right, with a folding helm seat. The center windshield pane on the Classic opens. I do not think the EC has any opening windshield panes.

The Classic could be characterized as more of a work boat and the EC more of a yacht. I personally like the look o the Classic better, as I think it has more character, but I am quite obviously biased. We live on a 3,000 acre lake and do not use the Classic for overnights.

Hope this admittedly brief overview helps.

TK
 
Thanks TK,

That was an informative well written comparison.

I appreicate you taking the time to write it and post it.

Dan
 
Thanks TK. Nice write up!
 
Glad to be of service. Happy Dad Day!

TK
 
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