My wife and I have owned a 2006 Venture 23 since when we retired in 2012. According to Andrew, who has been on it, it was one that he built when the molds were still owned by Cape Cruiser. Before we arrived at our decision we spent many (many) months going back and forth about 3 boats: the C22, and Ranger Tugs 25 & 21. We loved the look and interior of the 25 but because our plan was to trailer it to cruise various parts of the US, buying a 25 also meant buying a truck since we didn’t have a tow vehicle for that sort of load. Plus, the 25 was much more to launch and retrieve. So we then focused down to the C22 and 21EC. We loved the look of the 21, and the fuel efficient diesel, but finally decided the interior was just a bit too tight for living on weeks at a time. We don’t fish so our focus was room and comfort, and a head that allowed some sense of privacy and waste storage. We liked the C22 for those reasons. Additionally, while we don’t go fast we do like the ability to zip along at a comfortable speed when we have 50+ miles to cover. So our search focused down to a C22, but then we saw our first Venture model and that was it. Sounds funny to say it’s roomier than a 22, but for us it is. And the hull design is much better when cruising thru slop. We have since cruised much of the East Coast, the PNW, part of the Mississippi, lakes, etc.... spending many weeks at a time living on the boat and encountering all sorts of waves and weather conditions. We love the boat and have full confidence in its build and handling. As fun as the 21 looks, it would not have allowed us the same degree of interior comfort, plus for us it’s lack of cruising speed - such as when heading up the lengthy ICW - would have really slowed our trip. With all that said, we still love seeing the 21, and other RT models, and have a plan for a larger one...
Rob