Section for boats for sale, but I want to buy

[harry ames]

Located in northern Utah, but would like to find a nice 21 or ec within a thousand miles. I've wanted a 21 for a long time, but being retired, have to watch the dollars. I've seen a 2004 which was earlier than the major changes a couple years later. Unfortunately, the 2004 is in my price range, but is smaller than the later models and only 18 hp.

I'd appreciate comments on the 21 versus the newer EC. Mostly going to cruise Lake Powell and similar lakes. Nothing on open ocean, but San Diego bay and the like.

Things to watch out for with the earlier 21's?

Will need trailer of course, but I will come and pick up a boat within a thousand miles. Budget would top out at around 26 grand, though less is of course better. I have the skills to do significant fix up of aesthetics or even to remove and repair/ replace an engine.

Let me know what you have. I'm a prior 22 C-dory owner and have lots of experience with that class of boat. You can feel free to PM me or e-mail me.

Sorry if I've violated any rules, but this is a boat search and information search post.

 

[REO6205]

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/5406444837.html


This is my boat. It's also listed in the For Sale section on TugNuts. I'm home most evenings after 6 Pacific time if you have any questions.

 

[SlackwaterJack]

Maybe I'm confused...
If someone wanted to BUY a boat wouldn't the natural place to look for one be in a section called "Boats For Sale"?

 

[harry ames]

You are right. I have been looking at the boats for sale, but in 50 years of buying and selling my boats, it is often the case that people are considering selling but haven't posted "for sale" or are advertising in other places. My best buys have been people who see I'm looking for a specific boat and they have one or they know someone who has one, etc.

 

[jld]

Harry,

Here are a few suggestions:

- make a "R21 Wanted" post in the 'Rangers for Sale by Owner' sub-forum. Maybe someone is thinking about selling their boat, but hasn't yet listed it.

- check Craigslist. You can search Craigslist anywhere in the country

- search "ranger tugs 21 for sale" on google, bing, or other search engines. Single source of most listings seem to be yachtworld.com where there are currently 2 California and 1 Washington R21 boats for sale at $26,500 or less.

Good luck with your search.

Jim

 

[harry ames]

Struggling a little between with the older R21 or a newer R21EC. I understand that the EC has improved creature comforts, is wider and 18 inches longer? I think that is what I've read.

Is there any reason to ignore an older 21 even if it only has 18 hp?

Bearing in mind that I'm going to be a protected bay, lake boater, but one who will encounter rough lake water that can be typical of afternoon storms on Lake Powell for example.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Struggling a little between with the older R21 or a newer R21EC. I understand that the EC has improved creature comforts, is wider and 18 inches longer? I think that is what I've read.

Is there any reason to ignore an older 21 even if it only has 18 hp?

Bearing in mind that I'm going to be a protected bay, lake boater, but one who will encounter rough lake water that can be typical of afternoon storms on Lake Powell for example.

Hello Harry,

To clarify, the "18 inches longer" is only in the pilot house length. The LOA is no different between 21 Classic and 21EC. So, in the case of the 21 Classic, the pilot house is shorter whilst the cockpit is longer (compared to the 21EC). Note also, that the 21EC has an enclosed aft bench seating area which also houses the fuel tank. The 21 Classic houses the fuel tank inside the engine box, thus the engine box is considerably longer in order to accommodate it. My guess is the engine box is 18"+/- SHORTER with the 21EC.

I am not aware of any width difference between the two hulls.

Regarding engine power...both versions of the 21 are displacement hulls. Therefore, the difference in supplied power, whether 18 or 30 HP is likely inconsequential in terms of capability of the boat to 'cruise' at normal speeds. I define 'normal' speeds as 5-7 mph. Yes, the boat will go a little faster, but there's no joy in running at WOT except to "exercise" the engine periodically.

/dave

 

[rt11002003]

Hi Harry,

I'm on my third R21EC, but have examined a couple of the R21's. I'm 5' 11"; 189 lbs; don't get around on boats as well as I once did. That's the main reason I own the little tug; it has lots of things to hold on to while providing fun on the water.

I didn't find the R21 to be as easy to move around in the cabin as in the R21EC. On the other hand, it's easier to maintain balance; the bulkheads (walls) are close to you. The R21 isn't as well appointed as the R21EC, but in a basic boat that may not make a difference to a lot of people. I like the aft seating and storage area (R21EC) with the 18 gallon fuel tank. It provides room for an extra supply of diesel fuel and assorted items.

As to performance, Ranger once advertised their modifications to the older R21 added some speed to the R21EC. Either model is a slow boat. As a long time sailor, the little tug is faster than the sailboats I'm used to sailing (40 feet and below); suits me fine.

I think you might find an earlier model R21EC at an affordable price, if you look around.

 

[harry ames]

I'm coming down from having owned a 22 C-Dory cruiser. It had twin 50's and all of the goodies that the 22 could come equipped with. But I was diagnosed with a cancer recurrence that put me into the mindset to sell my toys so my wife wouldn't be stuck with the job should I become bed ridden or gone. I wish I hadn't now as the doc's tell me now that I've responded very well to "delaying" treatments and to go have fun for a few years yet. I'm thinking something a little simpler system wise and smaller might be better this time around, that is why I'm looking at the go slow tugs. I usually only ran the Dory at 8 or so miles per hour because my view of boating is that you've arrived at your destination when you set foot on the boat. Where you go from there is sort of irrelevant. I like the diesel engine. I had a diesel in my 32 foot Gulf Motor sailer and loved the sound and reliability and lack of worry about gas fumes and leaks.

Thanks all for the information. Gotta get the boat bought as I feel naked without one.