R21EC in the open ocean

[Corryvreckan]

I'm kinda thinking SlackwaterJack has a point... That being said, the price jump from the 21' to 25' is quite significant!! So I guess I need to weigh the options: Do I keep saving for a while yet to get the 25' so I'm cruising with reduced risk, longer range, longer duration, and more comfort, or, get the 21' sooner, so at least I'm on the water, in the game and still having fun??

 

[walldog]

I'm kinda thinking SlackwaterJack has a point... That being said, the price jump from the 21' to 25' is quite significant!! So I guess I need to weigh the options: Do I keep saving for a while yet to get the 25' so I'm cruising with reduced risk, longer range, longer duration, and more comfort, or, get the 21' sooner, so at least I'm on the water, in the game and still having fun??

That is what we did. Willie's Tug has been a blast. Lots of fun and experience, now we are ready for Willie's Tug 2.

 

[SlackwaterJack]

I think I got it figured out...

start with a 21....(used = best value in this senario),
Use it near shore around Vancouver (or even Lake Louise? Okanagan?)
Get accustomed to a slower pace.
Get used to being together in a small cabin for a couple of years.
If you want to go to Victoria...use the ferry (it's on a trailer after all)

After a couple of seasons sell the 21( if you kept it in nice shape you should do ok)
Buy a 25 or 27 .... either one will now seem HUGE.
It will seem sooo fast, but you won't mind going slow too.
Use it farther off shore around Vancouver, try the San Juans, etc...for several days or maybe a couple of weeks?
Get used to being together in a larger cabin for a couple of years... 'till it begins to shrink (trust me)
If you want to go to Victoria...go for it, or use the ferry (it's on a trailer after all)

After another couple of seasons sell the 25/27 ( if you kept it in nice shape you should do ok)
Buy a 29.... will now seem HUGE...
Use it farther off shore around Vancouver, try the San Juans...maybe Alaska?...for a couple of months?
Get used to being together in a larger cabin and sometimes cuising with another couple or the kids .
If you want to go to Victoria...go for it! or use the ferry (it's on a trailer after all)...baja for the winter??

Start bugging Ranger for a 32...

 

[rt11002003]

SlackwaterJack's advice makes great sense, especially buying the R21EC used. In fact, I'd suggest one always buy used boats, especially if one is working up, or down in boat size, holding/using a boat for two to five years. Almost without exception, they're a better value. I know. I know. Someone has the buy new so that there are used boats available. My 2009 was bought new in Jan. 2009. It has been in service since May 2009, medical problems on my part. Retail suggested price approximately $70K. Current price for a used 2009 R21EC?????, somewhere in $40Ks?????

Not a problem if one keeps it several years, but a terrible loss/expense if one tries to trade up after using it for 18 months.

They are super little boats. I actually like their handling better than the larger Rangers. And, I doubt one could find an easier boat for most maintenance items, though some things almost require one to disssemble the boat to get to. But, routine maintenance items are right there in the open.

It is NOT an open ocean boat. I still think about 10 miles offshore is the max I'd venture. It's too slow to get away from a sudden storm. A good weather watch would probably give one almost an hour of warning. But, I recently got careless and let a storm catch me a quarter or half mile from my slip. I rode it out in open water, but it wasn't an open ocean.

Gene

 

[RProffer]

Ranger Tugs seem to hold their value better than many other brands. I think their diesel engines help with the value. And, of course, you have to take into consideration the "Cute Factor".