Ranger R-21 EC in Florida

[Tug-N-Hug]

Hi All
I am a new member. My wife and I do not own a Ranger Tug yet but are seriously considering buying either a new or used R-21 EC. Most of our use will be, Inter Coastal Waterway, local bays and Gulf of Mexico. Mainly day trips but occasional overnights are possible. We live in SW Florida on the Gulf coast sout of Venice. We would like to chat with Ranger R-21 EC owners in Florida and discuss the pros and cons plus reccomended options for our water and weather...
Please tell me what part of Florida you are from. Any insight for a newbie from other group members is greatly appreciated!
Tug-N-Hug

 

[Tom Ray]

Tug N Hug,

I don't want to put an owner's personal info on the forum, but if you email me I can put you in touch with a guy in our area who recently bought one.

tom@gisails.com

 

[captd]

Bet there are a few on this web site that not only have one but have gotten a lot of use out of them. You will hear from them. Read the story of the three 21's that went up the inside passage to Alaska. There is a link off the Ranger Tug web site. Perfect boat to meet your requirments.
Welcome to the club.
captd

 

[Texas Steve]

Happy to help in anyway possible. We love our boat and love the opportunity to share information (good and bad) with potential Tugnuts! Feel free to ask anything!

Texas Steve

 

[Tug-N-Hug]

Thank you for making me feel so welcome! Much of our bay water here in SW Florida is shallow. One of my concerns is regarding the draft of the R-21 EC. Being inboard powered the R-21 EC user can not just trim the outboard and run out of the shallows (saved me more than once). Is the draft a problem? What happens if you do bump bottom (i.e. damage to prop, shear pin etc.)?

Also which options are: essentional, important or not essential?

Thank you in advance for your help!!!

Tug-N-Hug

 

[Texas Steve]

I have run aground once with my R-21EC. The keel serves to protect the prop and rudder from damage. She will certainly float in 24" of water.

As far as options... we enjoy having the fridge. I think the mast is standard now and a great benefit for mounting equipment. We have overnighted in our tug many nights and have never used the marine head, but I suspect it will be useful when we try our hand at extended cruising. Many of the folks prefer to have a port-a-potty type and, if you think about it, being able to use the head in the cockpit rather than the pilothouse in a remote environment might have some advantages. I wish I had gotten the spotlight, but I think it is standard as well. I couldn't bring myself to spend the bucks for the canvas or side panels, but I'm sure they would be welcome additions. A powered windlass would be handy if you use the boat alone.

Just my TCW... others will have great advice.