What about a new 21-EC?

B

brookster

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Fluid Motion Model
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have not yet purchased
My first post ever on ANY blog, so please bear with me.

I'm building a new home in Bluffton SC on the May River, about a mile from the Intercoastal. I'm halfway between Hilton Head and Savannah GA.

I'd like to purchase a boat to enjoy after moving, and I'm interested in the Ranger 21-EC. Ive never owned a boat before and I am not mechanically inclined. Would this model be a good choice to cruise around Bluffton with my wife and grandkids?

I like the cabin configuration although I'd have it built without the galley stuff. But it seems the cabin would allow you to go out in just about any weather and stay warm and dry. Don't need A/C, and probably would limit any overnighters to one night.

Also interested in quality of construction. I've looked at Boston Whalers, my second choice, and want a product that is equal in quality to that. Does a Ranger meet that criteria?

I've thought about flying to Washington to see the factory firsthand, and try the boat out. Any comments you have to assist me in this decision are greatly appreciated. This is a very general description of my situation, but I'm happy to respond to any specific questions. I'm thick-skinned, so fire away!

Thanks a lot,

brookster
 
Brookster,
You couldn't make a better choice. I have been boating for 45 years with a variety of craft and have never been happier than owning a Ranger. We first bought a R-25 which we owned for one year then traded it for a R-29 (both great boats). The people we know with an R-21 absolutely love them. I'd advise you to look at the various postings of those folks.
Bob
 
Bob,

Thanks for the reply. That is an encouraging endorsement from someone with your experience.

Thanks,

B
 
We are total boat newbies and started with our new 21EC just last week. She's a great sassy little boat with good moves and tons of useful purpose. We love her and everyone who has had a 21EC has loved theirs. Plus, you just can't go wrong with Ranger as a company.

If you do come out to Washington, you won't regret it, or your Ranger 21EC.
 
My first love for a Ranger Tug was the R-21. First, it's a marvelous looking boat and well constructed for what I've seen both sitting on a trailer and in the factory where it's made. For reasons I'll not get into we actually ended up buying an R-25 and couldn't be more happier. Ranger Tugs makes an affordable boat and builds in quality for the price. I really don't think you can go wrong with buying an R-21EC. It has the nice new modern Volvo Penta 30 HP engine in it today and TugBug can provide you with their opinions as they have just purchased one last week.

If you do have the time I would strongly recommend yo travel to Washington and view the R-21EC being built in the Kent factory just south of Seattle. Ranger Tugs will give you a 'Royal' welcome and if they send you away with a Ranger Tug hat and maybe a jacket to go along with it you will be smitten with Ranger Tug-itise and there will be no looking back.

It will accommodate your overnight requirement and handle a bunch of grandchildren with ease.

Take your time with this and review/research boats that come to mind.... but I'm convinced you will find the R-21EC will be at the top of your 'short-list'.

Good luck with your decision and hopefully you will join the rest of us loving our Ranger Tugs. The community here is simply fantastic, and Ranger Tug's after sales service and attention to their customs is second to none. They are truly Angels in disguise... they simply look after their customers no matter what the issues may be.
 
For what it's worth, I suggest you read the following article. Keep in mind, the cruise took place 10 years ago, and Ranger Tugs is constantly improving their boats.
http://rangertugs.com/RTarticles/Alaska_Article.pdf
Other than that, I can only repeat what the others have written.
Joe
 
brookster":3i2gn5ys said:
Also interested in quality of construction. I've looked at Boston Whalers, my second choice, and want a product that is equal in quality to that. Does a Ranger meet that criteria? brookster
Click to expand...

Interesting choices Brookster. I just swapped a 2008 Boston Whaler Sport for a 2005 R21 Ranger Tug. I've not owned the R21 long enough to make any claims based on personal use, but I don't buy anything of this nature until I've done an obsessive amount of research, and I expect the R21 to be the right boat for our intended usage. Boston Whaler produces a great product which I can validate as a prior owner. I do believe the Ranger is on par with the Whaler in terms of build quality.

Here's the thing: the Whaler & the Ranger are night & day in terms of "on-the-water" performance. The R21 is a slow boat. The Whaler's are fast boats. The dissimalarities don't end there, but that is the most telling of the differences. Though I've owned both makes at different times, I wouldn't be considering both makes for purchase at the same time. To me that would be like trying to decide between a tack hammer and a sledge hammer: while they are both hammers, one is a poor substitute for the other. Make sure you know what you want out of your first boat. It would be a shame to buy any great boat for the wrong reasons.

Just one guy's opinion, Joe

PS: If I could justify maintaining and storing two boats, I'd have kept the Whaler and when we bought the Ranger. After all, I've got both a sledge and a tack hammer in the toolbox!
 
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