Refresher orientation

[rappja]

I just bought a 2019 Ranger 31-CB. While I am a seasoned rag sailor, this is my first power boat.
I was just watching a few of the "As the Prop Turns" webinars, and someone mentioned that Ranger provides a refresher orientation to owners who have gone through the initial orientation.
Is Ranger still doing that, and if so, are they available to second owners? I live in the SF Bay area, and would be happy to travel to the factory.
Thanks

 

[JeffreyAC77]

I asked about that very thing with their manager 4 years ago. At that time they did not offer what you are asking about, much to my dismay. Check with the factory as maybe things have changed since then.

 

[AGLyme]

I would be interested as well.
It is a very smart customer loyalty strategy. As with most industries & businesses that boomed during and post COVID (boating, RV, general aviation, etc) Ranger is probably capacity-strained like everyone else. Thank goodness they did the As the Prop turns series when they did… at least we newbies have a general idea on how to absorb the basics of all the systems on board.
What I don’t understand is the $$$ business Ranger gives up to others… for ex my seats are toast, I’d happily buy new ones from Ranger… their supplier makes them, Ranger gets a 35-50% markup + shipping profit and their invested time is tiny.

I love the 31cb, and as I build confidence as it is my first boat, I may step up to a new big Ranger direct from the factory.

 

[eriknelson3]

We are also 31CB owners (we are the 2nd owners) and we had the same question. We pinged Ranger directly on this same issue this past winter and were told they do not do this as the can barely support the orientations needed for new boat owners. Hopefully this might change as we are happy to pay them for this service but it doesn't appear like they are doing it currently.

Erik Nelson
Owner - Invictus

 

[it4llc]

FWIW, we got out first boat from Pocket Yachts, which is our local dealer in the Mid-Atlantic area. They did our 2 day orientation cruise, or more accurately, they hired a local captain who also had a Cutwater to do it as they didn't have anyone available the weekend we really wanted to do our orientation. All of which is to say you may be able to go through a local dealer to get an orientation cruise as well.

 

[Brian John]

I did a quick Google search and found a few Captains in our area (Chesapeake Bay) that offer lessons. I am sure any area with a large marinas have captains that teach.

 

[rappja]

I never heard from Ranger, so I wrote to my local dealer on their website. A gentleman answered explaining that they didn't do it either, but that he would do it as a private person. He's a licensed captain. It's expensive, but may be worth it.
BTW, I needed a part, so I called the manufacturer and was told that they no longer are supplying parts, at least for the time being. They will tell you where to get them if they are third party. My local dealer knew that, but said that dealers have a special arrangement that they can get parts from the manufacturer. Weird!