Thinking of getting my first boat

[carmanchris33]

I attended a boat show today and was introduced to Ranger Tugs! I must say I am very impressed! My wife and I toured and R-27 and R-29 and think the 29 is the way to go. The time frame we have is open... we don't know when the right time will be to get our boat but I must say I have never been excited about boating until now! We live in Jupiter FL and would love opinions on Tugs... What to expect.... should we join a boat club before buying a boat (to test it out).... We can't stop thinking of the idea of hopping in our own boat and heading to the bahamas or the Keys... what are some of the longest trips you have been on in your tug? Thanks for sharing 🙂

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

Hey there,

We are the proud owners of a R-27, and we will tell you, when you buy a tug, you will not be disappointed. When you purchase a tug, not only will you become a boat owner, you will become a member of a family. I can't tell you how many times I've had a question, and received answers from other tug owners or just looked on this forum. The customer support is second to none. ANY issue I've had with my tug, our dealer and/or the factory has ALWAYS been there to support me in getting me a solution to the issue.

Additionally, you don't need to join a club, find a dealer in your area, and ask about a possible "test drive". My wife was really sold on our boat when our dealer took us out on a very ugly, cold, rainy, choppy water, January day in the Chesapeake Bay, and she saw/felt how smooth our ride was in comparison to our previous boat.

I can't speak on long trips, we use ours for weekend getaways, but we do know of folks who have used there's for a trip from Virginia to Florida.

I will warn you, there will be one drawback...but only if you consider yourself an introvert. When you become a tug owner, EVERYONE will want to come by and talk to you about the boat. You WILL become the center of attention, whether you are pulling into the marina's slip, using a boat ramp to launch or recover your tug, or just sitting in your boat. People will stop to stare, wave, ask questions, and comment ("you have such a cute boat") :roll:

I hope this helps, and I hope others will chime in as well.

 

[Crewdog]

Ditto on everything John and Tracey said.

Additionally, I'd suggest looking over some of the Photo Albums on this site and see some of the places folks have been.

Starting on July 13, there's a small group of tugs that are gathering at Old Port Cove Marina in N. Palm Beach to leave on the 15th for a cruise to The Bahamas and Abacos.

Come drop by and see the boats, meet the folks and have a beverage.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

In addition to the good advice you'll get here I'd suggest, if you can wait that long, consider attending the Ranger Tug Rendezvous in Palm Island (West coast Florida) in early February 2014, always a great gathering. At the Rendeavous you'll get to see 15 to 20 Ranger Tugs, learn from fellow owners, see how we've outfitted our Tugs and socialize with like minded Tugnuts. Come to think of it if you get a Ranger Tug before then you should come anyway. Follow posts here on Tugnuts starting some time after Labor Day I'd guess.

Jim

 

[Irish Mist]

I just want to add if you are a first time boater do some boating before you purchase any boat. The rangers are probably the easiest boat to dock and you will not be disappointed about the fit and finish and as others have said the support is far beyond what anyone could expect . But if you have not boated before get out on the water and make sure boating is for you . It is not for everyone but is a great lifestyle if it is a good fit for you. Good luck and keep asking lots of questions as all the answers are here with one of us 🙂

 

[Bruce Moore]

With no prior boating experience we put a down payment on an R-25 (classic) and took 3 month of Power Squadron classes while we waited for her to be built. We spent three years building confidence and competence. Thanks to the capabilities of the boat, the support of the factory, and the mentorship of this community, we became boaters.

We jumped up to an R-29 and had two cruising seasons we had only previously dreamed of. Over 1,000 nautical miles each year, we explored the San Juan and Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and beyond on the B.C. coast. This winter we took deliver of an R-31. We've just returned from Poet's Cove, in the Gulf Islands, where we gathered with nearly 50 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats, and are looking forward to heading north again this summer.

Based on our experience, and the experiences of others in this thread (and throughout the forum), you can look forward to a great boat, built and supported by an outstanding builder, and a huge community of like-minded boaters with all levels of experience in virtually any waters you want to cruise.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[bbrh842]

Be sure your First Mate is as into boating as you are. If your First Mate is not enthusiastic about the idea, you are going to be doing a lot of single handing. Also, if either of you is suceptible to sea sickness, that could be a show stopper.

 

[Levitation]

One thing I learned about boats a long time ago - there is never the 'right time' You will be old and crippled before you get a boat if you wait for that

Go small
Go cheap
Go now

I suggest a used R25 and then in a year or two you will know enough to make the big decision and can trade up the 25
Go to the FORUM index (upper left screen) and check the 'for sale' forum
Also Marc Grove at Appalachicola is honest and a good guy - he'll also give you a ride

good sailing to you
:mrgreen:

 

[Boatdreamer]

Hi Carmanchris, we live just a little north of you in Stuart and we are the proud owners of a Ranger Tug 27. I sent you a PM with my contact info if you would like to talk. We are very lucky to have a Ranger Tug dealer in Stuart that I highly recommend. Tommy at Seagate Marine has been super to deal with and it's great to have a local dealer who cares about his customers. I look forward to talking to you.

Tim
Gratitude R27

 

[Arya II]

Welcome Carmenchris. I agree with everything Tim from Gratitude said. Tommy at Seagate marine is great. We bought a Ranger 21 ec from them and a few months later we traded it in for a new 25 SC. We pulled it out last week and are learning about barnacles 😳 We moved from Albuquerque to Jupiter a year and a half ago and are on a steep learning curve about salt water. We live in Jupiter Plantation off Center ST if you want to take a look at her. Looking forward to seeing another Ranger out here. PM me if you have any questions.
Brian