R21EC shopping

[pbjsammich]

Pretty excited about this topic. Had a few questions for those with R-21EC's:

1. I'm tall (6'3"). I've read I shouldn't have too much of an issue standing up at the helm, but sleeping might be a challenge. Saw a few people getting creative with putting some items stern of the v-berth to gain a foot or so. Am I being too ambitious to think I can sleep in this thing? Overnight stays will be few and far between. Likely sharing the v-berth with my kiddos.

2. AC. The boat I'm looking at doesn't have the 12v unit. Has anyone done anything aftermarket? Maybe just one of those portable units and get creative to pipe the hot air hose outside? I assume there are plugs in the cabin that are active while on shore power?

3. Anything specific I need to look for in a 2008 model R-21EC?

4. I assume trailering these are relatively drama free? I mainly ask this question as my last boat was a bit too big to just drag out for a day's outing. My new tow vehicle is a 2018 Raptor which has a slightly modified rear suspension specifically for towing.

I'm looking at the boat early December. Thought I'd ask a few questions up front to the experts/owners and get your take on things. I'm not completely new to boating, but have never stepped foot on a R21EC (I've been on the R25/R27 and assume the quality of workmanship is the same). I appreciate the advice in advance!

 

[Pilotnavigator]

I am 6 foot three and sleep with my wife who is 5 foot 7 on our 21ec for two months each summer for the last three years. We did remove the side cushions. I put my small duffel bag on the cabin floor at the head of my side to help keep the pillow from falling off. Tight but works fine. See pictures of our set up. Summer is in Canada so no need for ac.

 

[captstu]

Look at the underway air conditioning page on Shearwater-sailing.com.


Stuart Bell
Ranger 25: Shearwater
(561) 352-1796

 

[Capt’nKarl]

We’ve got a 2009, 21EC. It had the 12 Volt AC that didn’t work in our Florida heat. I added a 110 Volt AC that works great. I’m 6’1 and my first mate is 5’9” and we stay out 2-4 days at a time with no issues. We’ll go to a marina to get showers and ice but prefer to stay out on the hook. Although the Vee-berth is small we manage to sleep very well. We recently trailered the boat to Key West and go all over the south. It’s a wonderful small boat, not fast but sips fuel. We highly recommend.
Cheers,
Karl and Sara

 

[TugScout]

Congrats (in advance) for joining the RT community.

You can’t go wrong with the 21EC. My wife and I absolutely love ours. We purchased a 2016 last spring with only 12 hours on her. We cruise around Puget Sound and every place we go people stop and ask us about our little “cute” tug.

You should have no problems at all towing the boat with your F150. It will be a piece of cake.

I’m 6’2” and have no problem sleeping comfortably in the v-birth. Regarding the build quality, it is outstanding and is the same quality and craftsmanship used in the larger boats. You won’t regret your decision and it will be a ton of fun. Feel free to PM me directly if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[PetDrs]

As others have said the 21EC is an incredible boat. We got our 2014 this summer with 200 hours on it and couldn't be happier. My son and I are both 6'1" and manage to share the V berth for our weekend outings. A heck of a lot more comfortable than our tent we take backpacking!

We live on Vancouver Island in British Columbia so have no need of AC and therefore can't comment on that part. I highly recommend that you have an experienced marine surveyor go over the boat prior to purchase. They are built very well but the Tug is still 10 years old and a lot can happen in 10 years..... 🙂

I tow ours with a 4Runner and it tows like a dream, you will not have any problems towing it with your Raptor!

 

[SalmonWhisperer]

Sorry to laugh... not at you of course, but at the picture you just placed in my head. A FORD RAPTOR, arguably the fastest most hot-rodded truck on the market... towing one of the slowest most subdued powerboat on the market. You will be living in the extremes my fellow tugnut