Ranger Tug 21ec options

S

Sideshow

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Apr 11, 2021
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Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Looking to buy a 21ec this year, seen great ranges of prices from 25k-65k which is huge. Now my question is what are the differences by year of the 21ec models, as well as options offered. I'm looking to use it on 1-3 day trips, and to go trolling as well as regular fishing. I can't find any factory brochures of the 21ec.
 
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I had a 2009 R-21 EC. Damn fine little boat. It had the Yanmar 3YM30 Diesel engine. Easy to work on and maintain. The factory switched to Volvo engines in later year models. Options are varied. Mine had factory 12 volt air conditioning which was worthless in Florida. We had a marine head with black tank and macerator. There are easy to tow and launch/recover with just one person. Hope this helps.
Karl
 
HI Sideshow,

If you look in my photo albums I just posted a spec sheet for the R-21EC, I believe it is for 2014, but there didn't seem to be many changes over the years. The R-21ECs are certainly a bit different than the original R-21, but I don't have a spec sheet for the original. Someone at the factory could probably dig one up if you needed it. Also, if you go to the Ranger Tugs site and scroll all the way to the bottom there should be a link for past models where you might find a different spec sheet. Overall there seems to have been two models, the Luxury and the Northwest Editions, pretty similar. As far as options I think the major ones are 12V air conditioning, downrigger plugs and pads, bimini and carpet and trailer. Some common after market additions to the R-21s that may affect price are radar, auto-pilot and cockpit enclosures. The other difference is the motor, it seems most years had Yanmar 30HPs and a few years had the Volvo-Penta 30 HP. I'm not sure why or what years and don't know if it affects price. I have the Volvo-Penta and like it, but those little three cylinders vibrate pretty good at idle..just something to be aware of. Also, keep in mind cruising speed on the R21s is about 6.5 knots and hull speed seems to be about 8ish knots. Cruising speed will give you about .6-.7 gallons/hour while WOT is about 1.3 gallons/hour, double the fuel for about one more knot. The pricing on these seems to be all over the place, when I bought my 2015 last year they ranged from $35K to $60k. It seems that the fresh water boats are more expensive and the overall condition of the boats dictate price. I have seen a number of these tugs that were not well cared for and it showed. However, I have also seen a lot of them in pristine condition and they are a thing of beauty. My 2015 never saw salt water before I bought her, was always stored indoors had 16 hours on the Volvo-Penta (recall) and 35 hours on the boat. She is in showroom shape. If I can answer any questions abut my experience feel free to PM me. Good luck on your boat search. -Sheepdog
 
Good summary by Sheepdog....21EC's used Yanmars until late 2013 ...then switched over to Volvo Penta until 2017....then Fluid Motion finished out the model run with Yanmar 3YM30s again. Other than the engine differences, you will find them similar in basic equipment with the additional owner upgrades being radar, autopilot, canvas and such. Trailers were common and many 21EC's spent the majority of their time on one. This probably explains the pristine condition of some regardless of age. Freshwater history and good maintenance are major factors in desirability and price. The fact that this model is a classic tug and they have been out of production since 2017 gives them a bit of cult camp . They are a great ,simple, little craft.....a good starter trawler.....and a proper downsize for many later in life....easy to maintain and frugal as can be. Where you really fall in love with the 21 is at the fuel dock.. As far as fishability, if your trolling techniques are good at 2.5 to 3 MPH, then the 21EC works.Another poster here, Bob Daily has a lot of success with his. Best of luck in your search....perhaps your Michigan Ranger Tug dealers in Grand Haven or LaSalle can connect you with one....the Tug dealer in Racine,WI is my connection.
 
Catch22,

Just out of curiosity, any idea why FM switched to the Volvo-Penta from Yanmar?

Be well!

-Sheepdog
 
I was told the change to volvo in the R-21 was due to supply and demand, at the time yanmar 3YM30 was slower being delivered and parts were backlogged !
Kinda like toilet paper you want 2-ply but if your out! 1-ply will do! Bob

Did not mean to upset any Volvo owners, they are both great little engines just ment that you work with what is available at the time.
 
I have a 2014 R21EC with a Volvo Penta D30 engine. My Volvo owner's manual does not specify the oil to use in the transmission box. Should I use the same oil specified for the engine in the transmission?
 
Yes,,I have the same year and it says 15W40 for both.
 
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