Ranger Tug 23

The hull speed formula you find on the net is a general rule of thumb sort of thing. A lot depends on the shape of the hull. A 22' sailboat will have a different hull speed than a 22' C-Dory.

Almost anything will plane with sufficient HP. You could in theory plane an aircraft carrier (how controllable it would be is a different matter). A rock will not even float, but most people can get one to plane on water.
 
Yes, the Ranger 21 (which has been modified from the original Ranger 21, by flattening out the run aft), will plane with sufficient horsepower--but it would not be a good ride. The boat at displacement speeds is very efficient.

We built a 38 foot boat with an 18 HP Saab Engine--very efficient and would drive the boat up to about 8 knots, which was just a little over the theoretical speed.

However, the true displacement boat--such as a Tahiti Ketch, Westsail 30, a Willard, 30/36,40 etc would not plane. The Bill Garden design 62 foot ketch we sailed from Calif to Europe and back would never plane (basically a double ender under the waterline) --at about 9 knots the boat was digging a huge hole. We had 90 hp, some similar boats had 120 hp--the max speed of both boats was the same. The 120 would drive the boat into chop and wind a little faster.

Our next long distance boat was a Cal 46, and we had seen speeds up to 13 knots under specific wind conditions down wind conditions. The reason is that the boat had a fairly flat run aft.

The general formula is 1.34x sq root water line length gives the approximate max displacement speed in knots, beyond which the boat will require significant increase of hp to go faster, if it will. Again, I recommend "The Nature of Boats" by David Gerr NA. for a very comprehensive discussion of hull design and speed. I have not read the most recent copy of Voyaging under Power, but the earlier editions also had a good discussion of trawler type hull forms and speeds/range.
 
I just had a second close look at the Ranger Tug 23 and I have to say, I'm very intrigued. For some reason, I was never too excited about the bigger Ranger Tugs that have been introduced over the years. Beautiful boats for sure but they didn't speak to me. This boat, however, practically screams to me. It's beautiful both inside and out. Really hard to believe that it's just 8 inches longer than our beloved C-Dancer, it looks huge! Obviously the wider beam also contributes to the size. And the fit, finish, options and to top it off, the Yamaha 200hp make this boat a real winner in both Caryn and my eyes. Very impressive! :thup

To be honest, we're giving this some serious thought. It would take a lot of boat for us to consider any boat other than C-Dancer and this is the one. It's unbelievable that this size boat with all of the amenities, truly turn-key with no foreseeable projects, can be offered at the price point it is at the boat show. Basically the same price as the C-Dory 25' with incredible fit and finish. Honestly, if people are interested in fit, finish and amenities vs. the more spartan C-Dory line, it might be tough for C-Dory to compete. But as all of us know, "to each his own", or "whatever floats your boat", pun fully intended.

As always, the above is truly IMHO.
 
I noticed one downside. The toilet is in its own roomette, BUT it can only be used with the door open, in the V-birth. So to my mind it really is not better than a porta-potty in a 22.
 
We took a look as well but the head was a non starter with no ability to close the door, we would rather stick with a portapottie. The interiors have grown further away from our taste with each passing year and layer of clutter but we do like the outboard power and cockpit arrangement. Shuffle over to the Merry Fisher line of boats made by Jeanneau for a more refreshing take on the same size range of cruising boats. They are not tug style, but the Marlin 855 version had Cindie actually doing math this year.

http://www.jeanneau.com/brochure/2016/MerryFisher/#p=1

There are 5 of these at the show this year and I have to say at least for us, Rangers are a distant second to these models. All the Rangers are holding on to for Cindie and I are the cute tug exteriors but that has slipped away with recent redesigns leaving only the little 21 with its original appeal.

Greg
 
Jazzmanic":sfw83gdj said:
I just had a second close look at the Ranger Tug 23 and I have to say, I'm very intrigued. For some reason, I was never too excited about the bigger Ranger Tugs that have been introduced over the years. Beautiful boats for sure but they didn't speak to me. This boat, however, practically screams to me. It's beautiful both inside and out. Really hard to believe that it's just 8 inches longer than our beloved C-Dancer, it looks huge! Obviously the wider beam also contributes to the size. And the fit, finish, options and to top it off, the Yamaha 200hp make this boat a real winner in both Caryn and my eyes. Very impressive! :thup

To be honest, we're giving this some serious thought. It would take a lot of boat for us to consider any boat other than C-Dancer and this is the one. It's unbelievable that this size boat with all of the amenities, truly turn-key with no foreseeable projects, can be offered at the price point it is at the boat show. Basically the same price as the C-Dory 25' with incredible fit and finish. Honestly, if people are interested in fit, finish and amenities vs. the more spartan C-Dory line, it might be tough for C-Dory to compete. But as all of us know, "to each his own", or "whatever floats your boat", pun fully intended.

As always, the above is truly IMHO.
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So a NEW CD 25 is close to $90k (it looks like a new RangerTug 23 is $94k). I didn't know that. I always assumed a new 25 was like low $70k's or something.
 
I spoke to the rep at the Vancouver Boat Show about the 23 on display.

The boat is a true deep V planing hull. only the sides look the same as the larger Ranger Tugs. Not the hull bottom.

Likes: looks and space inside the boat. The fold up window and reversible rear dinette seat for fishing. The berth under the table. Outboard.

Dislikes: the shower in the passageway (with its assorted curtains) between the for toilet (starboard) and sink (port). Int. fit and finish did not seem up to snuff for ranger (ie drawers ends) Maybe they rushed this one for the boat show. the frameless glazing on the outside at the curved windshield and round portholes looks unfinished, no frame just pushed into black silicone. The finishes inside are varied and very busy.

For me still rather the 25 c-dory with all on one level living.
 
For those who have seen the boat:
What is the head room in the head/shower? Is the shower drain in the middle of the walkway to the V berth? (one of my objections in the Cutwaters I have been in is the lack of head room for me in the head)

How do you get into the "mid berth"? (Looks as if this can be storage for a couple)

Anyone released the performance numbers. Obviously they have had the boat in the water and done some runs, most likely some testing for MPG, as well as speed.

Is there an opening center window? (necessary for ventilation in the South when under way)

How comfortable is the helm seat--vision & ergonomics with hands on the wheel?

Comments: I might like the overhead hatches--but the size could make the cabin hot in some climates.

I like the bracket--keeps the cockpit much less cluttered, and much bigger.

Base looks to be about $95K (was it less at the boat show?)

Trailer is about $10K (not surprising--since I suspect this boat will come in closer to 8 K in trailering mode)

Other options are not too far off what it might cost one to have them done and pay retail prices. Autopilot @ $5K seems a little steep,

I probably would be less reluctant to go stern to the beach at Powell--but with the swim step, maybe it would not be too bad.

Again, I like the utilitarian interior of the C Dory, but this does have nice looking fit and finish, as all of the tugs do!

I suspect I'll get to see one at one of the FL shows when Marc at Wefing's gets one in...

Nope, not going to buy one.
 
Well Susan was ready to sell the 27, the house ( rental ) and me if I was not the Captain. She really loved it. She has always loved The tug line of boats. We have never really considered it because of the lack of speed and cost but this boat solves one of those problems and I can deal with the other. The speed numbers I heard being stated at the show were in the 40 mph range for wot and in the mid 20 to low 30 for cruise. This makes it a boat that I would use and enjoy. I also think that with the outboard there is just enough room under the deck for all my stuff.

We went back on Monday to have a closer look and Susan asked Jeff a thousand questions. In the end we really liked the boat but the head / berth area just did not work well for us. But as for a lot of boat for the price ?? I think its a good deal.
 
Aurelia":1qiyieb8 said:
We took a look as well but the head was a non starter with no ability to close the door, we would rather stick with a portapottie. The interiors have grown further away from our taste with each passing year and layer of clutter but we do like the outboard power and cockpit arrangement. Shuffle over to the Merry Fisher line of boats made by Jeanneau for a more refreshing take on the same size range of cruising boats. They are not tug style, but the Marlin 855 version had Cindie actually doing math this year.
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I have always had the Merry Fisher boats at the top of my list, any idea of their cost?

Jake
 
Kathy and I spent a good deal of time poking in and around the 23 and really liked what we saw. As far as the head/ shower arangement goes I think they did a great job of utilizing the space given. It is only a 23 foot boat after all. The only thing that I was not real fond of was that large lift up back window. I know that a lot of people were commenting on how much they liked it at the show, but it looks like it has the potential of a lot of broken glass in the cockpit, and more than a few stitches in the noggin.
 
Spike":11unt59d said:
Kathy and I spent a good deal of time poking in and around the 23 and really liked what we saw. As far as the head/ shower arangement goes I think they did a great job of utilizing the space given. It is only a 23 foot boat after all. The only thing that I was not real fond of was that large lift up back window. I know that a lot of people were commenting on how much they liked it at the show, but it looks like it has the potential of a lot of broken glass in the cockpit, and more than a few stitches in the noggin.
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Spike, I had a trawler with "patio style" sliding glass doors, and they were made of safety glass. That was a concern until I saw how strong that glass was--close to "bullet proof". I would hope that Ranger would use that glass.

How easy was it to use the head?

Thanks
 
The head did not look all that bad to use. Step down from main cabin to the Vee berth, the toilet to right sink to left. The door that closes off the toilet area is than closed across entrance to the main cabin while using toilet. If using toilet at night while Vee berth is occupied there is a shower curtain that can be drawn across the berth area for privacy.That is also how the hand held shower from the sink area is used. Very innovative use of space IMO.
 
Aurelia":5gsiagxy said:
Shuffle over to the Merry Fisher line of boats made by Jeanneau for a more refreshing take on the same size range of cruising boats.
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Greg, if your looking in that direction check out Beneteau as well. A friend of a friend has one(pic in my album) - I believe it is in the Antares line. Not sure how they stack up side by side to the Jeanneau but similar. Think the Beneteau uses less power. Popular in England.

Regards, Rob
 
Hi Sam. One advantage of this post on this site is my ability to be candid. I think the boat is plain ugly. It looks to me like an 80's GM automobile: a collection of added-on parts rather than a flowing, cohesive unit. Others will have their own opinions of course. Best, Mike.
 
I just got an e-mail from Jeff Messmer. They have presold 13 of the Ranger 23, with one more day to go with the Seattle Boat show. Production slots are filled until late summer, but apparently some dealers still have slots in that time frame.

That is pretty good for a boat which was announced only a short time ago!
 
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