Rangertug 21ec capabilities

Y

Yepperq

New member
Joined
Jan 27, 2014
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4
Fluid Motion Model
C-24 C
Hello, New here upon finding this awesome looking boat (21EC). I haven't seen one yet except online.
question I need answered if possible and its probably asked elsewhere but I'm sure I'll be guided there.
I live in Trenton, NJ by Delaware River. so ill be putting her in on the Delaware and also trailering over to Belmar, NJ.

** Can I put her in the Delaware and travel to Atlantic City and then up to NYC Harbor (Statue of liberty area), or should i just go for the rangertug 25. I mean mostly ill be on the Delaware River.
 
Hi Manuel,
Welcome to Tugnuts! I bought my 21ec at G. Winter's Sailing Center on the Delaware and motored through the C & D Canel to the Chesapeake. The boat handled it well. I've cruised to Cape May and the N.J. coast in small sailboats. I think you would be fine as long as you watch the weather. Four to six foot seas on the lower Delaware and Atlantic would be more than the 21 could handle safely in my opinion.
Happy boating!
 
Thanks Ackert, many times i go out with my friend, who has a 21ft bayliner (open top), to Belmar and go out of the bay to open waters. we don't go far, in fact the first time I got sick, but this is the only one that seams financially feasible. and I can keep at home. but would of loved to go cruise around statute of liberty.

Either way I think this is a great buy and Delaware river and C & D Canal and Chesapeake bay would give me plenty of stomping grounds, Looking forward to it.
 
We too are thinking serious R21EC thoughts. So when you want to add an adventure head south on the Delaware and turn to starboard at Lewes into the Lewes/Rehoboth canal to access the Indian River Bay. If the tide is right and the Indian River Inlet flat head offshore a little ways and continue south to Ocean City Inlet and Assawoman Bay -- just a different adventure.

Bill Uffelman
SGT USMC/CPT USA Retired
Ocean View DE
Finally retiring to the beach June 30, 2014
 
Manuel,
I have never had the pleasure of boating in your neighborhood however enjoy year round boating in the Pacific Northwest.
I agree with others statements about watching the weather; however, I have been in 4 ft. seas several times, crossed the Columbia River bar looking for Salmon and been out in small craft advisories.
This boat is awesome!
Rocks pretty strong with big wind waves on the beam, you definitely need to hold on! That said, waves on the bow or stern and it is very stable, just have to drive the boat. Sometimes take the long way home, travelling back and forth to keep the ride and the wife happy.
I have read many posts stating the captain (and admiral) tend to give up way before the boat does, I agree with them.

I have had my R21 for just over a year, about 220 hours on the meter and am still impressed every time I go out.
It is incredibly maneuverable, fuel efficient and confidence inspiring. My old Bayliner was a very fun boat, this is in a different class.

Good Luck with your decision, then don't look back!
 
Manuel,

First off the 21EC will go through more than you would like!! Last Winter I had it in FL (towed from MA) and hit 4 to 5 foot seas in Charlotte Bay directly into them.. We had water coming over the entire boat and it just kept pushing on! Eventually we had to go abeam of the seas but only about 2 foot and it handled well.

The big difference between the 25 and the 21 are the accommodations!

By the way we have sailed (powered) our 34 Foot Sailboat from MA to FL along the ICW.. You would have minimal problems with the 21EC in your area..

If you should wish to talk my cell is: 774-451-1009..

Wilkie
 
I have been boating in New York harbor and the Atlantic for over 35 years in all types of boats and have a Ranger 21EC for the past five years. If you have a choice and can go for the Ranger 25 you will be much more comfortable boating in the areas that you talked about. After 35 years of boating in the north east off of New Jersey and in The New York Harbor the water can change in an instant !!!! The R21EC can handle it but if you have to ask then you should go for the R25 . I am retired now and live in Cooperstown in upstate New York and do all of my boating on lakes so the R21EC is perfect for me. The R21EC is fine for coastal cruising but for comfort you can't beat the R25 , and you can't beat the Ranger Tug Company for Quality and Service !!!!
 
I have had a R21-EC since 2010 and I love it. It is the best handling boat I have ever owned or driven. It is designed to be a day boat and a weekend boat, and it fits those scenarios nicely. It is not a speed boat or water skiing (or other water toys) boat. We use it for cruising, fishing, camping, and taking the grand kids out for the day. The grand kids love it. I can cruise all day and not burn five galleons of diesel. If you plan to do long term cruising/camping, then you need a larger boat.

When docking, if you take it slow and easy, and heed the wind and current, you can dock it perfect every time. If bad weather comes up, she can handle it fine if you nose-in or quarter-in to the waves . Don't take the big stuff on the beam (After the first time, you won't do it again). What is nice is the boat can turn on a dime and leave nine cents change. In bad weather you can go parallel to the waves and turn into them at the last second. I have had six foot waves over the bow. While the boat handled it nicely, it is not something I would want to do all the time. It is nice to know the boat can handle it if necessary.

Of course, before I take my boat out, I check with NOAA for the current and predicted conditions. The following link is for the NOAA website http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/usamz.htm. Just click a color for where you are, or want to go, and zoom in until you get the text version of the forecast. I found the forecasts to be very reliable for the next 12 to 24 hours. Put this link on your smartphone (with internet) so you can get updates.

I hope you enjoy your 21.
 
thanks guys for enforcing what I thought was possible with the 21EC. I am set to get this boat, as it is financially feasible. I do like the 25fter but my finances are tight and as it is I need to upgrade my tow vehicle.

thanks RProffer for the Website. Im really new to this and although I go on the Delaware with Basshunter boat, kayaks and canoes, getting a boat is a major upgrade. I really thank you all and hope to soon be a RangerTug 21EC owner.
 
"NOAA website. Just click a color for where you are, or want to go, and zoom in until you get the text version of the forecast."

msantulli, now this is cool to have!
 
I have a 21 foot boat now (NON RANGER) and I can tell you from personal experience and from the tales of many, many friends that you should go big early. Almost everyone I know wants five foot more boat than they have right now. I originally decided I wanted a R-21 but now want a 27 or 29 just so I have more room and more comforts.
 
The R21-EC is a good place to start. It has everything the big boats have in an economical size. Many people get a large boat with all the intentions of doing a lot of cruising and camping which never materializes for lots of reasons. We had a larger boat and never spent one night on the water. I like the R21-EC because it does have all the things big boats have and I can cruise all day and only burn 5 gal or less of diesel. I can easily afford that now that I am retired, and be able to take the boat out often. My previous 25' boat would burn 30 to 50 gal of fuel a day. I can afford that but not very often, which means the boat would not get used that often.

So, I recommend starting out with a used R21-EC and trade up later for a bigger boat, new or used, when you find you really want bigger, and will use it, and can afford it. Personally, when I hit the lotto I am going to get a really biiiig boat. :lol:
 
What about size capabilities? Three years ago I took a quick look at the 21ec at a boat show. I'm 6'2" and could hardly stuff myself into the helm seat. No leg room at all. Didn't see that the seat was adjustable fore and aft, was I missing something? Really like this model overall but need to be comfy when seated at the helm.

Thanks,
Jake
 
I'm 6'3", 200 lbs and have ample room in the helm seat of my 2010 21ec. I am even able to stretch my legs onto the v-berth cushion when needed. The problem I have is when it is time for bed, I use an extension to fully stretch out in the v-berth.
 
Thanks Pearl. Wondering if you stretch out your legs at an angle to port when seated at the helm. If I recall the steering wheel was too low to have room under it. As I mentioned it was a quick look, wish I had spent more time on the boat.
 
Hi Jake. I'll join in on this, in that I'm also 6'3" and 200 lbs. (maybe we should have a Big Man's Ranger Tug Club....) and haven't had any problems with handling. I sit to port occasionally when my wife is relaxing in the back so I can talk to her, but when I'm out by myself, I'm standing or sitting normally with no problems. We keep her on the Rappahannock here in Va. and enjoy her immensely. Like Rick (who I consider the 21 Master), we've had her going through the mouth of both the Rappahannock and Potomac Rivers (where tides and currents can make things interesting) and into the bay. As long as you keep an eye on the weather, never a problem. The most we have stayed on her is a week, but planning a trip around the NC/VA ICW loop this spring.

What I like about the 21 is the ease of engine maintenance and trailering when needed. For us, it's just a joy to have and use. Best of luck with your search and hope to see you on the water some day.
 
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