Considering the C-Ranger, but....

[D&BP]

New here, but have looked at the Ranger 25 tug. I have a concern with regard to the stability of this boat in heavy weather. We do not plan any ocean excursions, but plan to keep the boat we buy on a fresh water lake.

We have 15 years sailing experience so we know what weather conditions can do.

Does anyone who owns the Ranger tug wish to comment on how the boat behaves in adverse conditions? I ask because we were chatting with a man who owned a 26 tug coming thru the Erie Canal. He commented that when he got back home, his boat was going up for sale because of its performance in rough conditions.

I am also concerned about the gentleman who had problems with his 110hp Yanmar..I read the thread, but didn't see what the outcome was. Does anyone here know? Thanks. Diane & Bob

 

[flagold]

What model 26 and what were his comments? Thanks.

 

[Island Ranger]

We have a Ranger 25, and have spent a bit of time on it. But your question (handling in adverse weather) is not an easy one to answer.

For a 25 ft power boat, with 8.5 beam and only 7000 pounds - I think it does an outstanding job in adverse conditions. We did not have any concerns regarding seaworthiness during our travels.

It rides far better than the C-Dory (we had a 22) - but I thought that was pretty seaworthy as well.

Yes, we have had uncomfortable moments (on all our boats). That occurs when the seas get confused - like when the swell comes from one direction and the wind waves from another. The boat "bobs" - I kinda think it is like a cork - floating on the surface, rocking from side to side. The boat is fine, the occupants get tossed around. Not pleasant, very tiring, but not dangerous.

The worst seas we've encountered so far on the Ranger have been wind waves of maybe 5 or 6 ft. The boat is wonderful going into the waves, but it can get difficult to handle surfing. With only a rudder to steer (instead of being able to turn the thrust of the outboard or stern drive), it can get difficult.

I guess I would have to ask what you want to compare it to? Our Cape Dory 27 sailboat handled a gale in open ocean waters (Atlantic - on the way to Bermuda that dismasted several boats). That was a heavy weather, full keel, heavy displacement boat. I sure wouldn't have wanted to be out there in a Ranger 25.

Mac

 

[D&BP]

What model 26 and what were his comments? Thanks.

He owned a Crosby 26 tug. He had what he claimed to be a very harrowing experience on Lake Erie and told us the boat almost rolled a couple of times during a storm...I do not know how bad the conditions actually were and I don't know how good his seamanship skills were, but he was one unhappy boater.

D.

 

[D&BP]

I guess I would have to ask what you want to compare it to? Our Cape Dory 27 sailboat handled a gale in open ocean waters (Atlantic - on the way to Bermuda that dismasted several boats). That was a heavy weather, full keel, heavy displacement boat. I sure wouldn't have wanted to be out there in a Ranger 25.

Mac

I think I was looking for a generalized opinion from tug owners about how the boat handles in heavy weather. We too sailed in adverse conditions with lake water sliding by our portholes in a blow. I wouldn't have wanted to be out there in a small powerboat at the time, but our choices and circumstances have changed.

We've always wanted a Hinckley Sou'wester 50, but that will be in our next sailing life. :lol:

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Enjoy your tug!

D.

 

[bobsboat]

I worried too about the handling in rough water. My previous boat was a 30000 pound motor-sailor that would go through anything. I have been only in large boat wakes with the Ranger 25 and learned to turn into them to avoid rocking. But while annoying it did not seem dangerous. I just considered it to be expected for a 25 foot boat. We just hold on and stay warm and dry in the nice cabin.

 

[pcator]

Here is another post that looks questionable to me. Where is the town/city "Upstate" New York?

 

[flagold]

What model 26 and what were his comments? Thanks.

He owned a Crosby 26 tug. He had what he claimed to be a very harrowing experience on Lake Erie and told us the boat almost rolled a couple of times during a storm...I do not know how bad the conditions actually were and I don't know how good his seamanship skills were, but he was one unhappy boater.

D.

Appreciate it.

 

[D&BP]

Here is another post that looks questionable to me. Where is the town/city "Upstate" New York?

Kindly explain your comment..the application said City/Region. I chose region.

I am not certain how a legitimate post about a boat we were considering would be "questionable".

I thank the OP's for taking the time to answer.

Diane

 

[Valkyrie]

Having boated on Lake Erie for the last thiry years, it is safe to say that anyone who has spent any time cruising or fishing this smallest of the Great Lakes has had experiences with its legendary storms. In fact, there are more shipwrecks strewn across the bottom of this lake than any one of the other Great Lakes.

Erie covers 10,000 square miles and has an average depth of only 62 feet, and the average depth of the western basin, where most boating takes place, is only 24 feet. As a result of this depth, I have seen it go from flat calm to six-footers in an amazingly short time. Aso, its waves are typically very steep and closely spaced.

Of course, as with any body of water, knowing how to take the waves and wind is crucial, especially on a small powerboat. As a result, I have met plenty of people who are intimidated by Lake Erie and refuse to go there anymore. There are a number of large impoundments in PA and OH that sport an amazing number of large sail and powerboats (very sound and capable vessels) whose owners have convinced themselves that the lake is too mean for them. What a waste of good boats.

After making an extended two year cruise on Spirit, a Jeanneau 23, the single worst day of weather was the last, covering 75 miles on Lake Erie, where I faced three thunder storms with winds to 45 mph and half inch hail.

All that being said, I have never once felt that I was in danger of losing a boat or my life. The only thing that really got my attention was close lightning strikes. In addition, we all know that boaters tend to exaggerate or misinterpret the heights of waves or wind.

I suspect that the tug owner might fall into this or the inexperienced category. To date I have weathered two Lake Erie storms on Valkyrie (six-footers and 25-30 knot winds with gusts to 35) and felt perfectly safe quartering into them. Now if I had taken them on the beam, I would have had a harrowing, near-rolling (or rolling) experience.

I certainly would not write-off an entire category of boats based on one person's subjective experience.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

 

[El and Bill]

Well said, Nick. Good for all of us to pay attention to your words.

 

[D&BP]

I certainly would not write-off an entire category of boats based on one person's subjective experience.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

I appreciate your comments.

We have not by any means written off this category of boat, but being ex-sailors, there was something comforting to us about several tons of lead in keel.

Before we made a move into a small powerboat like the C-Ranger tug, we wanted to know how their owners generally feel about their abilities in unpleasant conditions. We are getting the drift. We appreciate your sharing your Lake Erie experiences with us.

We had a brand new 28' sailboat that we took out on its shakedown cruise; got stuck in a storm with an overheating diesel engine that had eaten the fins from the impeller. That little jaunt was cause for :beer !

Thank you for your insight. Diane & Bob

 

[SHOPGNG]

New here, but have looked at the Ranger 25 tug. I have a concern with regard to the stability of this boat in heavy weather. We do not plan any ocean excursions, but plan to keep the boat we buy on a fresh water lake.

We have 15 years sailing experience so we know what weather conditions can do.

Does anyone who owns the Ranger tug wish to comment on how the boat behaves in adverse conditions? I ask because we were chatting with a man who owned a 26 tug coming thru the Erie Canal. He commented that when he got back home, his boat was going up for sale because of its performance in rough conditions.

I am also concerned about the gentleman who had problems with his 110hp Yanmar..I read the thread, but didn't see what the outcome was. Does anyone here know? Thanks. Diane & Bob

The boat in question is being tested this week. Remember your hearing a one sided story about this engine. The 110 is very reliable as are all Yanmar engines

 

[SEA3PO]

Boy the first thing I would do is talk to Ranger to find out if you have an engine problem are THEY going to stand behind the product !!!!! Read the subject just above yours......40 days to get parts !!! NO WAY ! They are playing with you..... I absolutely would not buy a boat that had such a good engine.....but rotten repair history....

Joel
SEA3PO

 

[Trinity]

We talked to Ranger about this problem before we picked up our tug. We were satisfied with their response and are confident they will stand behind their customers.

I too suggest you talk to Jeff at the factory. That would be the best way to get the answeres you are looking for.

 

[Seaboldski]

B&PB (Diane),

Pcator is thinking ‘troll’, if I’m not mistaken. Here’s what I posted on another thread just a few hours ago.

Legitimate questions for sure, but as others have pointed out, questions that have been discussed at length. When a new member’s (as of September 22nd) first post is something that could be perceived as being a negative comment about the C-Dory line, it will cause some to raise an eyebrow. C-Brats tend to be a straight shooting honest bunch, but not everybody out there in Internet land is. A better approach might be to lurk for a while, use the search feature, and get up to speed on current issues being discussed before posting. IMHO

That being said, welcome to C-Brats, I think you'll like it here.

Steve

 

[pcator]

Kindly explain your comment..the application said City/Region. I chose region.

I am not certain how a legitimate post about a boat we were considering would be "questionable".

I thank the OP's for taking the time to answer.

Diane


As kindly as I can: Troll

An Internet troll, or simply troll in Internet slang, is someone who intentionally posts controversial or contrary messages in an online community such as ...

 

[Captains Cat]

Boy I hate to get into this but can't help it.... :roll:

Don't understand what was "controversial and contrary" about D&B's first post or what was wrong with his region as Upstate and his state as NY?

pcator, please enlighten another former USN member....

We need to help these new folks, not jump on them... :hug

Charlie

 

[D&BP]

We need to help these new folks, not jump on them... :hug

Charlie

Thanks for your support...I feel like someone running for political office not someone looking for assistance in a boat owners group.

We have been on the Ranger tug twice and do like the boat. We have yet to do a sea trial which I'm sure will be on a calm, beautiful fall day. Hence, the reason for my question. Been on the 'net for 10+ years and this is the first time I have been called a troll. Maybe it's best to lurk here.

Charlie, enjoy your boat as we decide what our choice should be

Diane P.

 

[SENSEI]

We need to help these new folks, not jump on them... :hug

Charlie

We have been on the Ranger tug twice and do like the boat. We have yet to do a sea trial which I'm sure will be on a calm, beautiful fall day. Hence, the reason for my question. Been on the 'net for 10+ years and this is the first time I have been called a troll. Maybe it's best to lurk here.

Charlie, enjoy your boat as we decide what our choice should be

Diane P.

Diane P
I feel bad that you got the reactions you did here. I have been a member here from the beginning and ,altho I have mostly become a lurker here myself because I have a hard time holding my tongue ,I hope you will feel free to post any questions you need answers to anytime you want. Don't let a few ruin your visits here.
If you are in a position to come to the Seattle Boat Show in January we have a great time visiting and partying with a lot of like minded people. we almost take over the motel and everyone has a great time.(we also go to the Boat Show)...lol...