R21EC speed increase

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Bostontug

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Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
I have been looking for some time at the rangers and would probably pull the trigger on a R21Ec (mainly because that is closest to my price range and since this would be my first boat). The thing that holds me back is the lack of speed. I don't want a fast boat but the realistic speed of this boat at WOT seems to be between 8-10 knots which is very slow. Is there any plan in your future to either increase the size of the engine or turbocharge it to at least get somewhere arouns 15-18 knots?
That would be more than acceptable in my opinion for a speed and I don't believe that I am the only person that is put off/ hedging due to that one issue with your otherwise fine boat. I know that I have seen numerous referrals by other forum members alluding to a wish for increased speed. Please give me your input on this and enlighten me as to any possible position regarding an increase in speed.
Thanks,
Pete Cameron
 
I don't mean to speak for the factory, but here's one owner's comments. You have probably found some similar ones already in your searches. But like my old Physics instructor used to remind us, "There is no free lunch!".

In the first place, just upping the power in the R21 without major changes to the underwater configuration would likely make it an unstable vessel at speeds it could produce. Designs are carefully integrated and major changes in one factor call for major changes in others if risks are to be avoided. For instance, one of the simplest things is to think of rudder effect when the same area of rudder is used at twice the speed. Sure you could build in electronic controls to limit travel based on speed, but then where does cost go? And where does the "pleasure" part of "pleasure boating" go when the compliction adds high maintenance and/or failures on the water. (Read some of the articles about the "new-and-improved" diesel engines on this forum or other boating forums for a taste.)

I also would like to say, not to discourage you but to inform you, that 8 to 10 knots in a R21-EC are probably with a boat essentially without gear, passengers, and with minimal tankage. The R21 does what it is designed to do quite well, but I suspect it is not a match for the way you want to use one. Not a criticism, just a comment..... different strokes, and all that.....

But before giving up, take a demo ride on one, preferably where you plan to use it, and see what you think.
 
I don't mean to speak for the factory either. Here are my thoughts though. With any boat you purchase, there will be some trade-offs (unless you purchase a custom made boat, of course). The R21-EC was designed to be a cruiser and to be economical - and it does both very well. To make it go faster, the hull would have to be completely redesigned, and then where would you put the larger motor. It might as well be an outboard.

I purchased the R21-EC because it had everything I wanted in a boat - inboard diesel, chart plotter, radar, GPS, depth finder, chart plotter, bow thruster, head, stove, refer, good mileage (10 mpg). The trade-off was it would only go 8 to 10 MPH, which just happens to be the same speed as the larger cruisers that are available, but only get 1 to 2 mpg. I can cruise all day long and only burn 5 gallons of diesel. My other "faster" boats would burn 60 or more gallons a day. So my big trade-off is it goes slow, but I can afford to take it out more often than a "faster" boat.

So, you have to determine what trade-offs are acceptable to you.
 
Our favorite speed in Willies Tug is 6.5 to 7 Knots which is only about one knot faster than the previous Willies Tug. It is the journey, not the destination!
 
Folks,
Thanks for the response, but, please understand that I love the boat, I am on Cape Cod. I am on the Bay side and I would love to have the ability to go through the canal and go to Marthas' Vineyard (probably do-able) under perfect conditions and Nantucket (20+ miles) across Nantucket Sound. In fact, I am taking a used one out for a test run tomorrow with Peter Haywood, a great guy, at Winter Island Yacht yard in Salem, MA.
However, I have viable concerns about being able to travel, safely, across the sound and back under unexpectably unpredictable weather. That is my primary concern regarding power/speed in this vessel.
I am currently looking at a ten year old Mitchell 22 Pilot House ( built in England) that is built like a tank and has a Steyr 236/ 212 horsepower diesel engine that cruises at 13Knts and maxes at 18-20 Knts. a big difference!!!
Anyway, I guess that I must be one of those people that wants the best of both worlds, sorry. I still think that adding some more speed would not be a bad thing for that great boat!!
I enjoy the different viewpoints from the group.
Thanks,
Pete
 
Perhaps save a little more money and go for an R-25. The added dollars will give you more speed and a lot more boat. Now that will be the best of three worlds, speed, size and a Ranger owner.
 
One must always consider the sign that use to hang in most print shops (younger folks will ask "What's a print shop?", older ones may say "Print shop? Honey, does 'print shop' sound like something I should remember?")

You can have it perfect.
You can have it fast.
You can have it cheap.

Pick any two.

Applies to most areas of life, including boats. But with so many to choose from, you will be able to find a combination that works for you. Every time I buy something I figure it will just suit me perfectly. Then I find this or that and fix it or sell it and start the process all over again. The first choice is generally the toughest one.
 
Have you looked at Rosborough 246 (wheelhouse or sedan). I used to own one. Great boats and have positive flotation, and are popular in the northeast. Don't forget -- real tugs don't plane 😀
 
Bobcat,
Funny thing is I just looked at one online yesterday. They look like a great boat, although, I have never seen one up close. They claim that they are very economical with the outboards, also. What do you think of the fit and finish on the 246 Wheelhouse?
Pete
 
They are made in Nova Scotia. The workmanship and factory support are superb. There is a user group on Yahoo where you can get lots of info. Meanwhile, I expect to close on a 2009 Ranger 21 EC soon. I will be using it around Galveston bay and the ICW and 8 or 10 knots is fine for me. Good luck...
 
You're either cut out to be a 21 owner or you're not. Awesome boat.
 
I had a R21EC, which for the most part, I loved. 😀 But, I was always bumping my head when entering the cabin and the pilot's seat lacked comfort. It was also difficult to get in or out without lowering the seat. I'm 5'11", 195 lbs. My other compliants were minor. 😉

I now have a Rosborough RF-246 with twin 115 HP Yamahas. It's a much larger, quieter, more comfortable and faster vessel, 25 knots. However, I don't always want to run that fast. :shock: I haven't experienced any problems with running the boat slowly, however I keep hearing it is unwise to do so.

gene
 
Diesel engines have a RPM range that they are designed "to cruise" at and another RPM which is for fast Cruise. It is my understanding, that going faster or slower than those ranges for a prolonged period could cause problems for the motor. Not knowing much about diesel engines, I follow the manufactures recommendations for operation - especially since the motor is under warranty.
 
How's the fuel burn on those twins?...I figure between 8 and 14 gals per hour depending on speed and conditions?
 
SlackwaterJack,

Puttering around at 5 to 7 knots, they burn from 3 to 5 gph, m/b a bit less. I'm told twins use 20% more fuel than a single of the similar HP. :? I'm going by the fuel flow meters, haven't had a chance to work out actual fuel consumption. At 3800 rpm fuel burn is about 7 to 8 gph with speed of 15 to 16 knots. Running at 3300 rpm fuel burn is about 6 to 7 gph with speed of 12 to 13 knots. I'm still feeling my way along with this boat, trying to determine best motor trim, best use of trim tabs, etc. Many variables, m/b, too many. I think I've averaged about 6 or 7 gph for the 30 hours I've put on the boat in the past year. One of the RF-246 owners in the group was saying he is shooting for $12 per hour. At the price of local fuel (he's not local) at $5 per gal, that is really slow, or really great fuel burn. :shock:

I'm rethinking my choice of boats. All I really need is a day boat; the R21EC at 0.67 gph and average of 7 to 8 knots is attractive. M/B I can wear a helmet, or learn to duck. 😉 The only way to beat the seat issue is to stand at tge helm with the seat down. 😉 Being a former sailor, higher speed isn't very high on my list.

When I get more precise fuel burn figures I'll let you know,

gene
 
Gene, it is hard to beat the R21 or R21ec for a day boat puttering around the bay as I am sure you remember. It has not been that long..grins. We mentioned this week that we could have omitted the trailer and the truck keeping or 27 here in Washington. Not selling the first Willie's Tug, leaving it in Texas....$$ ahead. Our 21 has great memories of Dolphin and Ship watching in the Brownsville Ship Channel and ICW.
 
RT11002003,
When I had a Rosborough with twin 90 hp Hondas, I used to do low speed cruising on only one engine. I don't remember how much better the mpg was but you might try it.
 
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