Swim platform

[eric]

I have a 2010 EC 21. It came with the full width swim platform. I want to put a motor bracket in the back for a 4 horse Yamaha I have. I will feel better having an additional power source aboard for some extended trips I am planning. Also several of the Pa State Park Lakes do not allow motors over 20 horse power. So with the four horse I can at least launch. I will put the motor in center of stern and a boarding ladder on starboard side as flag pole thing is on port side. Boy was it a bugger to get the platform off. Had to remove filler neck from tank to move tank forward to get to bracket mounting bolts and the bottom support legs.
Biggest part was the hose clamps on the rubber filling hose. Very close quarters. Ranger sure has things down to a system.
Its all doable just tight.
With all that being said, how well does a small outboard move the 21s along. And once underway I presume I can steer from inside using the wheel? I used the Yamaha 4 horse long shaft on a Compac Sun Cat and it moved along very well under power. I have some heavy aluminum plate that I will make a backing plate out of.
Anybody need a swim platform?
Eric Hughes Central Pa

 

[JamesTXSD]

Well, this might be one of those "closing the gate after the horse is gone" replies, but... is there a reason you didn't want to mount the motor on the swim platform? Quite a few boats in the marina where we have spent the last two summers have swim platforms... and small outboards mounted on those platforms for trolling while fishing.

I would suspect that the steering with your rudder will not be as effective with the outboard, since the thrust won't be passing over the rudder, as with your boat's prop. The rudder on the SunCat is a lot bigger than the rudder on your tug. (We used to have a SunCat - great little trailerable sailboats! BTW, the Idasailor rudder is an excellent upgrade for that boat.)

If it were me, I wouldn't sell the swim platform just yet. Good luck with the mod.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[eric]

Thanks . My thoughts the same on using tug rudder. On the SunCat I did in fact get an Ida sailer rudder. And still have one on my Potter 15. They really work well. Recently got a Compac 23 Pilot House. Joel does not make one of his rudders for that boat yet. Extra hardware for the pilot house steering is needed. As far as not putting motor on swim platform......Just was not a fan of the swim platform.
Eric Hughes central Pa

 

[SlackwaterJack]

You may get a better offer for the swim step , but if you're giving it away I'll pay the shipping.

 

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Eric,

Sounds like you enjoy all types of boats! Your boat, your rules, so no issue with my opinion on the swim platform. We have a small swim step on our C-Dory and find it very useful.

I'm sure you will have reasonable steering from the helm with the outboard (just not as precise as with the boat's motor/prop). When we tested our C-Dory with the dinghy motor on back, we could get some steering at the helm just by having the main motor in the water (a bit of a rudder).

On the flip side, turn that outboard sideways and you'll have one heck of a "thruster." 😉

I haven't seen a CP-23 Pilothouse in person, yet, other than the photos on Hutchin's website. Neat looking boat. I'd be interested in your review on the boat.

Happy Holidays,
Jim B.

 

[eric]

Thanks Jim
I do enjoy all kinds of boats. All trailerable and unique. I got the tug in hopes my Wife will go out with me sometimes and it wont take all day to set up etc. She does not enjoy sailing or hot sun. So the tug is fun for awhile then we can hit some antique shops and other things she likes. After getting the tug I had the chance to buy Hutchins Number 1 hull of the new pilot house 23. It is the prototype and really wanted it. For a short time I thought of selling tug but its such a great boat I will keep it. I know I will get a lot of use out of it. And have some ideas for fun cruises that family could join in on with me for short sections. Too many boats out there and not enough time heh heh
Eric Hughes Central Pa

 

[Ana]

Eric,
What ladder are you going to use? I am looking for one for my 1995 Ranger 21 and am not sure what to get.

 

[eric]

Hi Ana

I think with a few spacers about 1/2 inch thick I can use the one that was on swim ladder. Still have to play around with that a it. The spacers are only because of the way the mount is made on this ladder. Tug folks may know of model that fits right on. Would be nice if they did.
Eric EC21 Central pa

 

[eric]

I got the ladder mounted. I made spacer blocks from a cheap nylon type cutting board from Walmart. Works good.
Also got the motor mount on and fuel tank etc back in place. I will feel better now having back up power if needed.
The crab pot rope tangled in prop and shutting down motor made me uncomfortable. Plus with no sails............. :lol:
This Tug is lots of fun to play around with. I expect some fun trips next season. Maybe a late winter trip to Florida is needed.
Eric Hughes EC21 central Pa

 

[RProffer]

Remember to take along some goggles, snorkel, and a sharp knife in case you might have to cut some line from those pesky crab pots, trout lines, etc.

 

[eric]

Yes last time was a tad chilly going under. Where do you keep your boat? Launch from? I launch from Bohemia Vista on the bohemia. Will be using Hacks Point now for most part.
Eric Hughes EC21

 

[RProffer]

Eric, I usually launch my boat in Southern Maryland, but do launch in other places depending upon what we want to do. Here is a handy link that lists all the public boat ramps in Maryland http://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/boatramps.asp. I have cruised the bay some, and plan to cruise the bay more next year. The Chesapeake Bay is a great place to explore - lots to see and do. On my agenda for next summer is the Carolina Loop and cruise to and from the Essex Rendezvous.