Erie Canal - the Western end called ... and we answered!

The boat is so meant for this I thought as we cruised as a nice slow 5 MPH through Western New York on the Erie canal. “It is literally a tiny house on the water” I told everyone who talked to us along the way. The boat is a magnet first of all. It attracts everyone young and old. It opens conversations and stimulates something in so many people. When I explained to the people that the 2 of us were on the canal for 10 days there were the initial questions - Where do you sleep? How fast? How long? Arent you afraid? - but then after some explanation something trips in folks. The idea that 2 people can have an unscripted adventure in this day and age is enlightening. In an age of guided tours and disney the boat - and the Canal - prove that we can still get out and explore a world around us.

We started at the Tugboat Roundup in Waterford for a few days to soak in canal culture. The canal shows its history, past and present all in one event. Large working tugboats that still move cargo up and down the Hudson line up with micro tugs, hippie tugs and retired boats. We met up with folks who are passionate about the canal. Preservationists, environmentalists and boaters are the stakeholders who all meet along this “ditch”. The result is a weekend of fun with beers, music and fireworks. We get a bunch of folks to get on the boat and even bring a few folks who have never been through a lock with us throughout the day. The organizers are rock stars for putting on such a great event and are always so welcoming. The event fittingly is held at the first (technically the second) lock on the canal in Waterford.

After a weekend of beer, music and friends it was time to take a break and head west. We wanted to head west as far as we could go. We had skipped the first stretch for a couple reasons. It’s a long stretch of mostly river type scenery. We had also done the portion of Erie from Oneida Lake to Clyde.

I have to say the western part of the Erie Canal really is the heart and gem of the canal. The cities along away Lockport and Fairport are really nice. Almost every town has a visitor center that include showers and bathrooms for voters. There are places to get dinner, lunch and to restock and do laundry along the way.

Almost every day our itinerary was the same. It was based on the old Canal days when a mule could tow a barge approximately 15 miles. The result is that approximately every 15 miles there is a town along the Erie canal. That being said we would get up in the morning and take a nice couple hour cruise. Lunchtime would find us at a local town where we’d stop and get some supplies and often sit on the dock for an hour or stretch our legs. The afternoon took us further along to our destination in the evening. Almost every night spent at a local restaurant, enjoying some meals and meeting people.

I have to say we were initially reluctant at doing the western part of the Erie canal. We are done some portions of it and found it interesting but not super nice. My mind was completely doing the second part of the canal. This time we really experienced what the Erie canal was all about and the people along it. I have to say it is such a dichotomy as you travel. We went right into downtown Rochester one day and the next day ourselves in a small town of 2000 people. I definitely would return to this area with the boat and take another trip. If you get a chance to do the canal and have an opportunity to do a portion of it I would encourage you to do the Western part. We had a great time. I have some video coming of our adventure .

Going to a wedding

If you seen any of my prior videos, you know that I’m a big fan of Lake Winnipesaukee. I’ve been up there twice before in my boat. This year, I decided to head up there, especially for an event that my friends Kristen and Nick are getting married.

I rented cottage that had a dock which was a little bit difficult to find. The main reason to go up there was to attend a wedding, but we also got to spend some time on the lake, which was pretty neat.

i’m always looking for fun things to do and this was an awesome opportunity to go to a wedding by boat. I hope you enjoy the video.

We’re headed to the local tugboat rendezvous

If you know anything about Ranger tugs, you know about their exceptional follow up from the factory. There is an ardent following of people who own the boats and their relationship with Ranger tugs. Fluid motion, the company that makes ranger tugs, is one of the few companies who are committed to their boat owners long after the sale of the boat. There is an entire forum at Tignuts.com run by the factory where Ranger Tug Marblehead modifications or other issues with the boat. While the factory runs the forum, it is by no means censored. One of the nice things about it is people post their complaints as well as their issues with the boats. The factory is often very quick to respond and there is a section entitled ask the factory. People post questions about their boats and specific issues which are often answered within minutes by another fellow Ranger tug owner. It’s an incredible resource and I’ve been able to connect with a number of owners not only of Ranger Tug 21 but also also other Ranger boats.

Each year the Ranger Tug Marblehead ranger tug rendezvous up in Washington state. They gather there with over 100 ranger tug owners for a three day weekend during which the factory has seminars, Social events and other opportunities for owners to get together.

This year a Ranger on the East Coast has organized an event to be held in Essex Connecticut. If you’ve watched any of my videos, you know, this is one of my favorite places to vote and this weekend we’re headed there to meet up with some other Ranger Tug owners To get together and connect. We are only going for Saturday night but representatives from the factory as well as some of the engine manufacturers will be there to hold seminars. It looks like it’s gonna be a great weekend. We’re gonna shoot a video so stay tuned.

Where are all the videos?

I’ve received a couple emails asking for some more videos about the boat. The reality is that I’ve been away for a good portion of the spring doing a job in merchant marine. Having just bounced back into town recently I’m gathering some video material and should have some videos out soon. Look for a video of us at the winter boat show, a trip to Herriman Reservoir as well as a fall trip I took last spring up the Connecticut river. I promise there videos coming.

This boat is made for day trips.

One of the best things about this boat is the day trips. The fact that you can have a boat on a trailer, tow it to somewhere really neat, spend the day out on the river or lake, and then head home is the best part. I’ve always thought about getting a bigger boat boat the most because it’s so portable and it takes me to so many different places.

When you have a boat in the marina, it’s awesome. You can just get on the boat and head out. The problem with it is that you’re stuck at one place. The Ranger 21 is ideal for day tripping and overnights. Yesterday we went up to Vermont about an hour drive north of me. we took a trip to Dover Vermont and went to Harriman Reservoir. Well, the weather looked unsettled with Chipp, having an inside cabin as well as some protection from the rain makes what could be a miserable day and enjoyable day. We got some torrential downpours, but also when the sun came out, enjoyed some swimming. Overall, really enjoyable day. look for a video about our trip as well as some other videos coming out soon.

A ranger tug 21 manifesto.

I’m gonna throw out a crazy idea that will never be adopted, but I thought it should be out there. I’ve had a Ranger tug 21 for over four years now and found it to be a versatile, fun and exciting boat to have. Sure it has its downsides. It doesn’t go fast. It doesn’t have all the deck space that other boats have. You can’t tow a water skier with it Nor can you take it far off offshore.

What you can do with the Ranger 21 is having an incredible day. Actually, you could have an incredible overnight or an incredible trip. It’s a little tiny house on the water. You can cook a meal. You can rest in air-conditioned comfort. You can sleep two people out of the rain. You can cruise the lake for an overnight. You can do shore waters and take a trip up the coast. You could do the intercoastal waterway. For all the drawbacks that has it certainly is an incredible boat for the right person. That person happens to be me.

Several years ago, Ranger Tug discontinued the manufacturer of the R 21 EC. I understand at the time why this decision was made. They chose to focus on their core group of boats which included the Ranger 23 all the way up to the Ranger 41. The Ranger 21, the initial boat that helped make Ranger famous is no longer part of the Ranger tug lineup. Economics dictate how a company works but certainly this is a boat that I believe is worth considering to be remanufactured.

last week I went to the Boston boat show. Along with visiting the Ranger tug display. I wandered around for several hours and here’s what I found. There’s a huge niche market for people who are spending money but can’t afford boats that are over $150,000. along with that there’s a niche market for boats that are called adventure, sport boats. Certainly people may be looking ideally for a certain boat such as a bow rider or center consul boat and there’s markets and manufacturers for those boats. There’s a whole line of boats that I found out there that are being developed now for people who want to go on adventures, but don’t necessarily want to water ski or go fishing. this whole van life paradigm that is developed over the last couple years on YouTube is now translating into the water. People are looking for boats that they can go on to spend a few days on and have an adventure. Whether it’s on a lake or in shore water. people are using your boats in different ways more like a camper. Some manufacturers have designed boats that are filling this market hole. We looked at a boat called jeanneau 695 Which pretty much has all the amenities, the Ranger Tug Marblehead it is more well built and has an outboard so it goes faster. After wound for a period of time at the boat show, I return to the Ranger tug area and listen to what people had to say who were visiting.

Here’s the thing about Ranger tugs. Not only the people that have them intensely become loyal to the brand, but there’s also an incredible buzz about the boats both within the boning community, and those who would like to have one. They Philly important role in the fact that they are reasonably priced, quality built, and have excellent service support. These are all things that voters are looking for. The problem is that the entry-level Ranger Tug 23 is a steep price point for the new boat owner to enter in. It also can be overwhelming with the number of systems for a new boat. Ranger Tug Has an exceptional lineup except it has no entry-level boat without considering the 23. There are a lot of boat owners who would love to have a Ranger tug, but are either overwhelmed by the complex system and size of a 23 or don’t have the financial access to gain to one. This is why I believe Ranger Tug Should bring back to manufacture the 21 EC.

Consider the following:

  1. This is one of the few boats whose value has stayed stable, and in fact is improving throughout ownership. The Ranger 21 2014 that I have retailed new for approximately $90,000. I bought my boat in 2019 for $41,000 and could easily sell it today for $50,000. There are a few boats on the market whose value is improving. In fact, in general voters will admit that a boat loses significant amount of value the day that you purchase it. The fact that the Ranger 21 continues to hold significant value means that there’s a significant market for it. This brings me to point number two.

  2. I cannot take this boat anywhere without somebody commenting on it. I always allow extra time at the boat ramp because at least one person if not a whole crowd gathers around the boat to discuss the manufacturer in the details of this little tug. I’ve taken it to different events and just traveling around and cannot believe the overwhelming positive response to people in this boat. I honestly believe that I could get 10 people to order this boat if it was for sale still. Every time I go somewhere and run into a couple who are interested in votes they are often telling me that this is exactly the boat they’re looking for. It has a sharp design and as well laid out. It has all the features that people would like on a boat And is also part of the Ranger tug which is important.

  3. Maintenance, Upkeep and trailering of this boat makes it easy for everyone. Certainly younger people may purchase this boat, but the ideal market lies in the 50+ age group. At that point people are looking for a boat, which is easy to maneuver and trailer, as well as easy to maintain. Stepping up to arrange 23 involves a number of larger operational systems, such as air-conditioning and engine maintenance, which the ranger 21 simplifies. the ideal market for this boat would be a couple in their 50s who live on a lake or near inland waterways, who are looking for a fun boat that they can take their grandchildren on, spend an overnight on, trailer to somewhere, as well as maintain with ease. The R 21 fills all these Requirements and more.

  4. The economy is bound to have a downturn in the next 10 years. After visiting the boat show and finding most entry-level boats to be extremely expensive in the 150,000 range it would behoove Ranger tug and fluid motion to have a tug that will cushion this downfall. Certainly people are buying a ranger 31 foot and 41 foot boat when the economy is good. When things settle down and the economy is not quite as good people will still be looking for boats with more value and a smaller size. The economy of this boat, including its incredible low fuel consumption as well as easy and efficient upkeep make this a reasonable choice for somebody who is entering the boat market. The fact that there is a huge demand already for used boats in the Ranger Tug Family shows that there’s an incredible demand for this boat.

  5. Finally, it’s just so much fun. It’s an incredible boat. That’s very versatile. Sure it doesn’t go really fast. But on the other hand, it draws heads wherever it goes and is a great overnight boat for a couple. Who want to get into Boating but don’t want the challenges and expenses that come with a larger boat. Fuel, trailer, Ring, and marina fees are all expenses that come with a larger boat. Wealthy couples who had a house on a lake such as New Hampshire lake Winnipesaukee are the ideal market for this boat. There must be thousands of other lakes across the country, where this boat would fit in perfectly.

That’s it. I’m sure this will fall on deaf years and nothing will come of this but it’s a reality. I wish I had money to start my own company and build Ranger 21 tugs because I know that I could sell 1 million of them. With a couple of tweaks learned from prior owners, this boat is an ideal boat. That will just be perfect for such a niche group, but there’s enough people out there who would purchase one. I understand that this manufactured boat would still probably sit in the $125,000 range but I strongly believe that there is a demand out there for it. If you’re out there and you want to talk to me Ranger Tug folks as soon as this boat comes on the market - I want to be your first sales person for this boat. Bring back the Ranger 21.

An unfortunate passing.

On June 1 of 2011, some 12 years ago an incredible opportunity came into my life. It was the day of a devastating tornado that passed over Western New England and affected the town that I live in in Brimfield. Many people suffered that day. Hundreds lost their homes, many were injured, and some died. The grief and tragedy of the companies, a natural disaster, or any event like this. In one’s life is unfathomable. I was lucky. The material things that I lost that day can be easily replaced. The ones around me that I love survived. What happened that day though is more incredible. Working as a paramedic in the town of Broomfield the day after the tornado, a tree worker brought in a little six day old kitten. Unable to care for him, overwhelmed with the whole situation, and still in shock from a tornado which ravaged our town. The small kitten brought a ray of sunshine to a fire station that was in chaos. Like all the other human survivors, we did the best we could to keep this little fellow alive, and eventually passed him on to a local animal shelter in Boston.

Recovery is often measured in time, but also is measured in how you personally come to grips with the events that have caused you some trauma in your life. Four weeks after the tornado in our town was piecing itself back together, the tiny kitten that had come into our lives briefly at the Fire Station returned to live at my house. Now called Toto, this feisty little cat who had survived a tornado himself would go onto become an emblem of not only our town, but what it means for me to have an opportunity to make a difference in other peoples lives. toto, amazing journey of survival prompted me to write a small children’s book called Toto the tornado kitten. Little did I know over the next 12 years that this amazing cat would take me on a journey that would introduce me to so many people and provide me an opportunity to make myself a better person, and try to change the world around me. Together Toto and I travel to over 500 different schools, libraries, and nursing homes as we shared his story with others. In doing so this amazing cat provided love to all who ran into him and was able to raise over $76,000 for locally animal shelters. But more than that he provided me a tangible way to see the good in something that happens so awful to so many people.

I knew in my heart that the project could never go on forever. With an incredible cat every day, I was amazed by his outgoing nature and loving demeanor. There wasn’t a single day that his incredible courage and kindness radiated from his paws and eyes and shine light on everybody who came in contact with him. Whether it was a trip to the bank or the fire station, or a visit to a local school this amazing cat brought joy to so many people.

Alas, all good things must come to an end. Several weeks ago, his health began to decline, and despite the interventions of our amazing vet team, it was decided that his time would come. I was with them up until the very end. He never gave up. He was a fighter and we gave him the peaceful ending that he would’ve wanted. While my heart is heavy, I am so happy and enjoy the time that we spent together. I could never have asked for more incredible animal to accompany me on a decades worth of adventures. Our time on earth is limited here, both cats and humans - andwe must cherish what we have. My heart is broken, but I will go on and find another adventure.In the meanwhile, I have a boat carries his name on many more adventures for me to go on. I miss you so much buddy.

Where have I been.

It’s been a little while since I’ve posted anything either on YouTube or here on the blog. It’s not that I haven’t been active and out and about on the boat but I’ve just been quite busy. After a successful fall trip on the Trent Severn Canal I did a few more trips up and down to Connecticut river before winterizing the boat. I have some videos coming and looking forward to posting some more stuff. After two drone accidents I have received my third drone in the mail and look forward to editing some more material. I have a blog upcoming on the YouTube channel about the trip to Trent Severn, as well as a small show I wanted to do with some other information about the boat that people have been asking about. Thanks for all the emails from everybody who was wondering if I’ve disappeared but for sure not. Look forward to some coming out in the next week or so.

Trent Severn Days 1-3

Monday morning the Trent Severn opens up at 10 am with the lock staff ready to welcome boaters. We left the Trent Severn Marina a little before 945 in order to start the trip up the canal. The original plan was to make it the entire length of the system ending up in Severn where a ride could be arranged to get up back to the trailer and truck. Unfortunatly, two things put a damper on this plan. First the large lift lock at Kirkfield had a catastrophic failure rendering it out of service for the season. The other issue is that the hours for the canal system are modified in the shoulder seasons running from 10 am to 3:30. This limits the number of locks that can be done in one day and we had not anticipated the number of locks in the first stretch. Regardless we set off into the canal and found it to be everything that it was said to be.

First of all the lockstaff are awesome. They anticipate your arrivals at locks, chat while the locks are filling and provide you information on the upcoming stretch of canal. Helpful advice on fishing and shopping is provided as well as any issues on the next transit. Lock staff are responsible for the upkeep of the lock station and many go above and beyond with the flowers and landscaping. Each lock has clean bathrooms for boaters looking to spend the night and they provide the key code to the restrooms at upcoming locks if you plan on arriving after hours. Once the staff get to know you they let the upcoming lock staff know you are coming and on this trip had the locks open for us to go right in. Unlike the Erie Canal, no radio traffic is used and it is just visual communication to get you passed. We transited the first 5 locks with another boat and then have been up to lock 18 in Peterboro alone.

Day one ended at the bottom of lock 8 where we had a great night stopped. Hot clean showers hit the spot and a boat side meal cooked on a less than effecient boat stove made for a tasty treat. The crusing varies on this stretch between small populated shorelines with cottages and homes, to vast marshes and opens areas.

Fuel use for the Trent Trip

We spent 12 days on the Trent Severn canal and had a blast! Ill be blogging about the trip soon but in the meanshile here are our fuel use for the trip. I get a few emails asking about the fuel economy and have been a little lax about the actual numbers but these shoud be pretty accurate!

TOTAL MILES: 247

AVERAGE MPH: 3.3

RUNNING TIME:

GALLONS PER HOUR:

MILES PER GALLON: 11.12

TOTAL FUEL USED: 22.2 GALLONS (us)

HOURS UNDERWAY: 74.53

Tugboat roundup 2022

It’s a wrap. We had a great opportunity to spend the weekend at the tugboat round up in Waterford New York. We left Friday afternoon and ended up launching across the river from Waterford in Troy. We met up with the boats from the tugboat round up parade that we’re coming up from Albany at Federal lock number one. After a parade up the river we all docked in Waterford for the first night of the round up.

The tugboat round up his put on by a volunteer organization and is a opportunity to showcase primarily the marine transportation tugboats that traverse the Hudson rive as well as the Erie and Champlain canals. There are multiple large working tugboats to come up for the weekend and dock alongside each other. Also included this year was the US Coast Guard cutter Hauser. After all large vessels had been docked for the evening the cruise disembarked and everybody met up.

Day two of the round up consist of everybody opening boats to the public as well as number of food and craft vendors along the walls in the Waterford visitor center. Some boats allow visitors on their boats as we did. There are a number of antique tug boats that give tours throughout the day. There’s also an entire different class of mini tugs which we get grouped into. These tugs are really small. Less than 5 feet with an outboard motor. they tend to be a showstopper and the highlight of the event.

The organizers of the event have gone out of their way to make it very child friendly. Throughout the day there are child activities including children’s activities with the Waterford fire department, Junior line tossing, and several child related craft events.

Throughout the day I got the chance to sit by the boat and interact with all the visitors from the round up. It’s amazing how many people come from a distance to attend the event. Ironically we actually met two other owners of ranger tug 21s and we’re able to connect with them for future opportunities together.

By 4 o’clock official events wind down and the D crowd starts to filter out. An excellent band kicks up which is on top of a boat more than the harbor, and all the boaters captains begin to mingle and talk. at 8 o’clock the worlds best fireworks go off on a barge pushed up by a tug located just several hundred yards off the main Waterford docks. It was an awesome night and a great opportunity to showcase the ranger tug and meet a number of different people.

While we would love to of stayed for the second day of the tugboat round up, the Trent Severn Canal was calling. An early start got us off the water by eight along with a five hour trip up to Trenton Marina in Ontario. After settling in for the night we prepared ourselves for the next journey of the epic trip.

Summer update 2022!

What is there to say. It’s been a busy summer for me but I’ve been able to squeak out a couple times on longer trips with the boat. I’ve had the boat out in Providence Harbour, lake Winnepesaukee, the Connecticut river, and the mouth of the Long Island sound. I had A chance to travel up to Norwalk Connecticut for their Riverfest and fireworks. There’s still plenty of boating season left as I head north to the tugboat round up and then on to Canada to the Trent Severn canal. I have some great videos coming up and I’m excited to share them with you. In the meanwhile here are some teasers about where I’ve been. Look for videos coming out soon.

Gas use updated

I haven’t always been the most particular about fuel use and effcicncy but I have been keeping records in the ships log and have come up with the following overall fuel use now that I have reached 200 hours. The following is a reflection of the hours which are as varied as 10 days on the Erie Canal, trips up and down the Connecticut River and several ocean days with mostly full throttle. I’m super fortunate in the fact that I have a small 30 hp Volvo penta diesel engine that sips gas. I know many of my friends who have larger boats have put off trips just because of the base price of fuel. If I spend more than $150 in diesel this season it would be a miracle. The boat doesn’t go fast of course but isn’t the purpose really just to enjoy the ride? I think that this is like the average EPA fuel economy for a car. These are what i get with my Ranger 21 EC with the Volvo Penta engine. Like the ads say - your mileage may differ!

Total miles: 203.2

Fuel used: 20.2 gallons

Average moving speed: 6.7 MPH

Total moving time: 32.1

Mileage: 10.01 miles per gallon diesel

Average gallons per hour: 0.63

What's up with the videos?

It’s been a very busy summer but that doesn’t mean that little red tug has been out of the water. I’ve had the opportunity to go to plenty of places with the boat and I’ve tried to publish a few videos here and there. I got a lot of feedback from different people who reached out about all the videos that I’ve done. It seems the most popular videos of people continue to ask for are less instructional videos and more videos of the tugboat itself. I decided to do a little hybrid mix. I have plenty of to do videos including how we change the oil and do a tuneup. I’ve also tried to become a little more photogenic. I bought a new drone this spring and combine with some video software editing programs have pushed a few new videos out. Feel free to converse to let me know which kind of videos you like to see the most. I just released a video of lake Winnepesaukee and have a few more videos ready to go soon. Feel free to converse to let me know which kind of videos you like to see the most. I just released a video of lake Winnepesaukee and have a few more videos ready to go soon.

Going back to the Tugboat Roundup!!!

It’s been a year since the tugboat round up. Held every year in Waterford New York, the entrance to the Erie canal, is a collection of working marine vessels, mini tugs, and other assorted work boats. Starting on Friday afternoon with the tugboat parade of the Hudson River and ending at the Waterford visitor center the parade is the beginning of a weekend celebration of all things Maritime on the Hudson and Erie canal‘s. this will be my third visit up to the event. It’s an opportunity for the public to get on board large working vessels and also for smaller tug vote like vessels to be showcased. There are marine talks, line throwing competitions, and best of all fireworks only hundred yards away from where we are docked. The entire event takes a lot of planning but the crew who organizes it are so welcoming. It is a great weekend event that attracts thousands of people who come to the Waterford visitor center to see the boats and enjoy the vendors. I’m excited to be up there for the third time. We have been working on cleaning up the boat and getting everything ready for the weekend. Most importantly we will be leaving from Waterford New York on Sunday to head up to an epic adventure on the Trent Severn waterway. Stay tuned for more updates. If you’re in the Albany area this weekend come on by and visit us. Find out more about the event at tugboatroundup.com. The event is kid friendly and there is even a kayak event where people paddle through the flight of locks. A fun run caps the weekend off on Sunday. See you all in Waterford!