Almost every boat review on RUclips praise the hell out of their boat, it's like every boat is perfect! Good to see some honest review. Keep it coming!
Thank you, that is a really nice run down of the boat. Another thing I will bring up is reaction to heavy wind; I was just telling someone about my old Whaler. Sure, she was very limited, but wind wise, she sat so low in the water and not much protruding above the water line, that even extreme wind coming from the side could not really effect her much--if any. But all boats with considerable structure above the water line do pay a price on occasion as regards wind action. Thanks again
You have me sold. I currently have a bayliner 265 and am not happy with it. I live on a lake that can get quite rough often. 3-4' swells. I need a boat that can cut through the water and track in a straight line. I had to cruise at about 7mph yesterday due to the rough water and it took me a few hours to get back to the marina and I was exhausted. Constantly turning the steering left and right as single engine planing hulls tend to wander at slow speeds. Someone below commented about wind. I ended up dragging anchor the other day due to high winds and so much boat above the water line. This tug looks like it would give me confidence in high winds that the anchor will hold. Also, the thought of 14 mpg gets me excited. I have a diesel smart car as my running errands vehicle so sounds like it would be a great boat for me. Thanks for your review.
This is one of the best boat reviews I have seen. What a great job you did illustrating and explaining everything you talked about. No short cuts. Well done indeed.
That hole in the rudder sounds like a good idea. My boat (Finn 8) has a similar rudder set-up, and when the prop shaft had to come out we had to disconnect the rudder from the skeg and it still wasn't easy.
My mums neighbour had a ranger 25 until it burnt to the ground last week while on the handstand. He loved it so much he was on the internet the day after trying to find another 1 in Australia.
3 cylinder ~ 30 hp. diesel Yanmar. My neighbor just had a 21 footer, in blue, delivered to his driveway in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Very nicely appointed. They purchased this boat after sailing it in Annapolis, Maryland. The previous owner motored to Key West, FL from MD.
When I cut grass at the aeroport my lawn mower had the same engine but with a radiator and not a water cooled heat exchanger and muffler. I like the quality of this Ranger boat. I use to work at Palmer Johnson yachts and we built our boats beyond perfection in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Thats a beautiful little boat. Not sure i'd trust it around here in anything but fair weather... lake Ontario and lake Erie can be a little... hard... on boats.
2 years ago there was an article in Pacific Yachting magazine, a Washington State group of Ranger owners did the inside passage all the way to Alaska. I think the smallest on the trip was a Ranger 25, only a few feet longer than the 21. One photo included was a shot of the R25 behind a swell, you could barely see the top of her Pilothouse. They are designed as coastal cruisers and would be perfectly fine even on the Lakes as long as you remember they are intended for use near the shore.
How is it in a following sea? I had a boat with a non planing hull and I had my hands full in a following sea. The nose would dig and the boat would want to pitchpole.
Hmmmm, are you talking about a sail or power boat? With this tug, following seas have always resulted in an increase of speed-over-ground . . . which is to say, I have somewhat surfed the waves. (I am also a sailor, and I understand that sailing directly down-wind and down-seas can be like holding a tiger-by-the-tail. But in the Ranger Tug R21-EC, big following seas are most welcome, and will likely set a new speed record for the boat . . . heck, maybe even 12 kts. Chuckle.
Oh, I'll also say, the waterline on my boat is 21' . . . . I do not go offshore in her! Yeah, in 6' seas, she'd be a mess. So I never per her (me) in that position.
Great video especially that lovely lady. We have just purchased a 2010 Ranger Tug R21 EC which we are going to use to cruise the many wonderful waterways around Australia. Unfortunately the bow thruster is not currently working. I am wondering if you happen to know the make and model to assist me in seeking parts? Thank you.
Mine is a "Side Power" # SM30S21 Only maintenance I have needed to do so far is replace the shear pin after a twig was sucked into the tube. Ordered the part online, and replaced it in about 15 minutes. www.imtra.com/products/side-power/side-power-thrusters
Where in Oz are you jasper? My mums neighbour burnt his ranger 25 to the ground last week in Perth. He is a 50 year army veteran who was nearly crying when he told me. Cool boats
I do not know that one. However, I am taking her to have my seal replaced and shaft aligned at the end of next week. I'll be sure to find out and let you know!
I could tow this boat easily with my 2007 Jeep Commander with a 4.7 liter. I have a Com Pac 19 foot at 2,300 lb and tow with zero problems. The Ranger is considerible heavier.
Do you teach for someone to get their license? Or even teaching them to navigate, or both? From what you have explain, seems easy, but then it takes practice.
There are strict and detailed rules for licensing. In fact, as of today, I have passed the USCG course to be a Master Captain, 100 tons. I am currently moving to being a career - captain for a local passenger carrier. In the future, I might take on one-on-one instruction, but for those looking to secure their credentials, I recommend www.edumaritime.net/florida/maritime-training-center-mtc-tampa
Hi…I’m building a poor man’s version of a “ranger tug “ I will be installing a Yanmar and I’m concerned about the prop shaft angle . Can you tell me the angle your prop shaft is at ; and is it a direct coupling ? I’m concerned about too much angle ( in my boat ) starving the “ uphill “ end of lubricant oil …thanks for your help .. enjoy your videos! Good information….cheers
It is a direct coupling. Not sure of the angle, but it is very slight. I'll get some measurements for you the next time I am out. Good luck with the project!
I COMPLETELY appreciate your concern about cavitation! And I was really worried that cavitation was what I was experiencing. When I acquired the boat, I was very worried about cavitation, but determined that was not happening. It is aeration. Subsequent to the publication of this video, I removed the bottom paint from the prop (previous owner), replaced the motor mounts, replaced the shaft anode, and had the prop shaft laser-aligned. The noise that troubled me is mostly gone. But every now and then, some bubbles get chopped by the prop, and make a noise that makes my ears perk. I have really sensitive ears. Chuckle. However, it is important to note that after 800 hours on the prop it is still pristine. There are no indications of cavitation pitting on the prop.
I believe this particular model was discontinued in 2018. (Mine is a 2015) I expect these boats fetch $30K - $50K depending on location, features, and maintenance history.
They don’t manufacture these 21EC’s any more. What a shame. They could have sold many during Covid. I’ve been looking and looking for one. They are usually gone within days before you can even get a chance to look at one. Ranger Tugs! Get back to building these.
A late reply, but my goodness, this boat was my refuge during the COVID isolation. I could not do my job, work evaporated, I got spooked about being out in public. The boat and I spent many hours being socially distant. Silver linings.
@@RedirectedontheRiver Thanks for the reply. Great video! And, I’m still looking for a Ranger EC21. I have a Steigercraft 21 Miami. It’s a nice fishing boat but I’m looking for something for inshore travel and the Ranger 21EC is ideal for that purpose.
Air bubbles getting cut by the propeller mostly harmless? Sorry, that is technically what they call cavitation and can actually damage your propeller. The sound is the bubbles collapsing against the propeller giving a water-hammer impact at that spot. It is caused by to high revolutions of the propeller and should actually be avoided as much as possible. The occasional time shouldn't be to bad but not regularly.
Respectfully, I disagree. Sort of. Yes, cavitation is caused by the low pressure of the prop causing the water to vaporize - essentially boil, and that harsh vacuum will cause pitting in the prop. However, that is not what is going on in this case. The prop is not creating the bubbles, but instead is working through turbulent water created by the flow under the hull.
The splashing scene looks like a great start to an infomercial
Almost every boat review on RUclips praise the hell out of their boat, it's like every boat is perfect! Good to see some honest review. Keep it coming!
Geez your missus is a good sport, mate.
That last bit was gold
Thanks, and yes, she is a trooper!
Thank you, that is a really nice run down of the boat. Another thing I will bring up is reaction to heavy wind; I was just telling someone about my old Whaler. Sure, she was very limited, but wind wise, she sat so low in the water and not much protruding above the water line, that even extreme wind coming from the side could not really effect her much--if any. But all boats with considerable structure above the water line do pay a price on occasion as regards wind action. Thanks again
Wow! this was a fun, informative and well developed video! Thank you!
You have me sold. I currently have a bayliner 265 and am not happy with it. I live on a lake that can get quite rough often. 3-4' swells. I need a boat that can cut through the water and track in a straight line. I had to cruise at about 7mph yesterday due to the rough water and it took me a few hours to get back to the marina and I was exhausted. Constantly turning the steering left and right as single engine planing hulls tend to wander at slow speeds. Someone below commented about wind. I ended up dragging anchor the other day due to high winds and so much boat above the water line. This tug looks like it would give me confidence in high winds that the anchor will hold. Also, the thought of 14 mpg gets me excited. I have a diesel smart car as my running errands vehicle so sounds like it would be a great boat for me. Thanks for your review.
This is one of the best boat reviews I have seen.
What a great job you did illustrating and explaining everything you talked about.
No short cuts.
Well done indeed.
Thank you for your kind words!
Thank you for the introduction, have a nice weekend!
Great review and description, thank you!
Great video!!
What a wonderful vessel.
Great job !
Well presented!
I wish they still made this boat. I finally reached a point in my life where I could fully enjoy it just to find out it was discontinued!
That hole in the rudder sounds like a good idea. My boat (Finn 8) has a similar rudder set-up, and when the prop shaft had to come out we had to disconnect the rudder from the skeg and it still wasn't easy.
Planning to get a ranger r21. Really excited for it!
Loved this video and your style
Thank you!
My mums neighbour had a ranger 25 until it burnt to the ground last week while on the handstand. He loved it so much he was on the internet the day after trying to find another 1 in Australia.
3 cylinder ~ 30 hp. diesel Yanmar. My neighbor just had a 21 footer, in blue, delivered to his driveway in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Very nicely appointed. They purchased this boat after sailing it in Annapolis, Maryland. The previous owner motored to Key West, FL from MD.
When I cut grass at the aeroport my lawn mower had the same engine but with a radiator and not a water cooled heat exchanger and muffler.
I like the quality of this Ranger boat. I use to work at Palmer Johnson yachts and we built our boats beyond perfection in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.
Thats a beautiful little boat. Not sure i'd trust it around here in anything but fair weather... lake Ontario and lake Erie can be a little... hard... on boats.
2 years ago there was an article in Pacific Yachting magazine, a Washington State group of Ranger owners did the inside passage all the way to Alaska. I think the smallest on the trip was a Ranger 25, only a few feet longer than the 21. One photo included was a shot of the R25 behind a swell, you could barely see the top of her Pilothouse. They are designed as coastal cruisers and would be perfectly fine even on the Lakes as long as you remember they are intended for use near the shore.
You have a nice boat, and you have guts, lmao...
“...have a very different opinion.” LOL 😂!!!
She is a good sport, no?
@@RedirectedontheRiver you’re lucky to have her, especially when I watched to the end... with the bucket(s). Smh.
If I wanted the maintenance catalogue for the Ranger 21, where could I find one. I've had no luck online.
How is it in a following sea? I had a boat with a non planing hull and I had my hands full in a following sea. The nose would dig and the boat would want to pitchpole.
Hmmmm, are you talking about a sail or power boat? With this tug, following seas have always resulted in an increase of speed-over-ground . . . which is to say, I have somewhat surfed the waves. (I am also a sailor, and I understand that sailing directly down-wind and down-seas can be like holding a tiger-by-the-tail. But in the Ranger Tug R21-EC, big following seas are most welcome, and will likely set a new speed record for the boat . . . heck, maybe even 12 kts. Chuckle.
Oh, I'll also say, the waterline on my boat is 21' . . . . I do not go offshore in her! Yeah, in 6' seas, she'd be a mess. So I never per her (me) in that position.
Could you tell us where the seal line sensors are on the EC21 ?
Seems pretty fast in the video. Looks very nice for a weekend/fishing boat.
Shot horizontally:)
A boat that big and heavy seems it should have higher walls on the aft. 8-12 inches should do it
Great video especially that lovely lady. We have just purchased a 2010 Ranger Tug R21 EC which we are going to use to cruise the many wonderful waterways around Australia. Unfortunately the bow thruster is not currently working. I am wondering if you happen to know the make and model to assist me in seeking parts? Thank you.
Mine is a "Side Power" # SM30S21 Only maintenance I have needed to do so far is replace the shear pin after a twig was sucked into the tube. Ordered the part online, and replaced it in about 15 minutes. www.imtra.com/products/side-power/side-power-thrusters
Where in Oz are you jasper? My mums neighbour burnt his ranger 25 to the ground last week in Perth. He is a 50 year army veteran who was nearly crying when he told me. Cool boats
I'm thinking of buying something like that to do the loop in can you please show the inside
Check out this video for an inside tour: ruclips.net/video/eabEUDsvMNM/видео.html
@@RedirectedontheRiver found it thanks
How about prop shaft seal, my boat in the water, need to replace it in the water, asked around I hear two different sizes, 3/16 or 1/4. Can you help
I do not know that one. However, I am taking her to have my seal replaced and shaft aligned at the end of next week. I'll be sure to find out and let you know!
Really love these boats! what size vehicle do you tow this with ?
I could tow this boat easily with my 2007 Jeep Commander with a 4.7 liter. I have a Com Pac 19 foot at 2,300 lb and tow with zero problems. The Ranger is considerible heavier.
Do you teach for someone to get their license? Or even teaching them to navigate, or both? From what you have explain, seems easy, but then it takes practice.
There are strict and detailed rules for licensing. In fact, as of today, I have passed the USCG course to be a Master Captain, 100 tons. I am currently moving to being a career - captain for a local passenger carrier. In the future, I might take on one-on-one instruction, but for those looking to secure their credentials, I recommend www.edumaritime.net/florida/maritime-training-center-mtc-tampa
Hi…I’m building a poor man’s version of a “ranger tug “ I will be installing a Yanmar and I’m concerned about the prop shaft angle . Can you tell me the angle your prop shaft is at ; and is it a direct coupling ? I’m concerned about too much angle ( in my boat ) starving the “ uphill “ end of lubricant oil …thanks for your help .. enjoy your videos! Good information….cheers
It is a direct coupling. Not sure of the angle, but it is very slight. I'll get some measurements for you the next time I am out. Good luck with the project!
You have a wrong idea about cavitation . It's low pressure zones that makes noise
I COMPLETELY appreciate your concern about cavitation! And I was really worried that cavitation was what I was experiencing. When I acquired the boat, I was very worried about cavitation, but determined that was not happening. It is aeration. Subsequent to the publication of this video, I removed the bottom paint from the prop (previous owner), replaced the motor mounts, replaced the shaft anode, and had the prop shaft laser-aligned. The noise that troubled me is mostly gone. But every now and then, some bubbles get chopped by the prop, and make a noise that makes my ears perk. I have really sensitive ears. Chuckle. However, it is important to note that after 800 hours on the prop it is still pristine. There are no indications of cavitation pitting on the prop.
What does it cost
I believe this particular model was discontinued in 2018. (Mine is a 2015) I expect these boats fetch $30K - $50K depending on location, features, and maintenance history.
They don’t manufacture these 21EC’s any more. What a shame. They could have sold many during Covid. I’ve been looking and looking for one. They are usually gone within days before you can even get a chance to look at one. Ranger Tugs! Get back to building these.
A late reply, but my goodness, this boat was my refuge during the COVID isolation. I could not do my job, work evaporated, I got spooked about being out in public. The boat and I spent many hours being socially distant. Silver linings.
@@RedirectedontheRiver Thanks for the reply. Great video! And, I’m still looking for a Ranger EC21. I have a Steigercraft 21 Miami. It’s a nice fishing boat but I’m looking for something for inshore travel and the Ranger 21EC is ideal for that purpose.
@@williamwest5827 i have one that i will sell 2004 year model yanmar live in Georgia Atlanta area.
Air bubbles getting cut by the propeller mostly harmless? Sorry, that is technically what they call cavitation and can actually damage your propeller. The sound is the bubbles collapsing against the propeller giving a water-hammer impact at that spot. It is caused by to high revolutions of the propeller and should actually be avoided as much as possible.
The occasional time shouldn't be to bad but not regularly.
Respectfully, I disagree. Sort of. Yes, cavitation is caused by the low pressure of the prop causing the water to vaporize - essentially boil, and that harsh vacuum will cause pitting in the prop. However, that is not what is going on in this case. The prop is not creating the bubbles, but instead is working through turbulent water created by the flow under the hull.
what a wife you have, mine would not react well to the water in the face
Follow-up to this video: if you want to see this boat in the chop, check this out: ruclips.net/video/hA4vZqhqQKA/видео.html
this boat makes no sense
How so?