Guest Blog #1 - Tugs Down Under
One of the nice things about the tugnuts website is that you get to see where else in the world Ranger 21 tugs have been. Ian is from Australia and along with his wife own a Ranger 21 called Khunyai which they have made multiple modifications to. I wondered about how a Ranger 21 made it from Washington to down under and asked if he would provide some insight on the modifications he has made to his boat. Here is some of the information Ian shared with me about the boat he is very passionate about! Thanks for sharing all the information with us Ian. If you are on tugnuts.com you will find him under the user name FISHO.
Ian writes……
Regarding the number of Ranger Tugs in Australia, I guess between 50-70. Of those about 40-50 are 21ECs. These were all brought over in the years after the GFC. When the US dollar dropped one Aussie dollar would buy USD1.05. Today back to about USD 0.71. The importer paid for a large number up front and they just kept coming. They were relatively expensive but have a loyal following. There are about 20+ bigger boats in Australia but not as popular since boats have to be 2.5m or less wide to tow and most Ranger Tugs are 2.6m meaning you have to apply for permits, have flashing lights, signs etc and can only tow on certain roads in daylight, especially on the bigger boats. In Australia most boats that are towed are less than 3.5 tonnes and equal to or less than 2.5m wide.
Key reasons for buying boat
Nice looking boat, can sleep on it, use it for entertaining, good for fishing and prawning, and most importantly Munlika likes it! It will be used for relaxing and entertaining in Wonboyn Lake 45%, sleeping in Wonboyn Lake 50% and towing to another location 5%.
Can be easily towed. Less than 2.5m wide! 2.1m wide. Importantly the GTM is less than 2000kgs so only mechanical brakes on one axle!
Can fit in my boat shed behind Isuzu DMax and Pajero
No problem launching and retrieving boat on our boat ramp, especially with the Boat Catch.
Shallow draft of 0.6m to allow cruising around shallow lakes, especially Wonboyn Lake.
Because of large rudder and bow thruster, it is VERY easy to manoeuvre and dock.
Large swim platform (can store inflatable and spare anchor) and ladder for swimming. Fitted an excellent SS railing with supports. Have a life buoy attached.
Easy to tow flat bottom punt to access beaches and Northside.
Can convert rear pilot area to another bed to take a second person other than Munlika. Has a ripstop nylon tarpaulin than covers whole rear (including half cabin and rear swim platform. for rain or heavy dew. Easy to put up and take down.
Bigger boats very impractical. For example a 25 foot Ranger Tug would be over 4 tonnes with trailer so need a much bigger truck. Also much smaller cockpit but still only a V berth. Would not fit in boat shed and would not be as good for entertaining and cruising on Wonboyn Lake.
Excellent chart plotter, sounder and autopilot. Allows boat to follow predetermined tracks.
Use of KHUN YAI with guests
1. Return before dark. 3pm to sunset
2. Pick up and drop off at public jetty
3. Munlika learn to drive boat
4. Rated 8 people. 4-5 ideal, 6 maximum
5. Have six life jackets on V berth
Trailer Dunbier dual axle Model LS6.2T trailer Registration VicRoads Z31365
VIN 6FJDD333B2264454
Built March 2011
Gross Trailer Mass GTM 2000kgs (weight of boat and trailer) on wheels
Aggregate Trailer Mass ATM 2000kgs GTM+TBM=ATM
Tare Mass TM 420kgs (weight of trailer)
Tow Ball Mass TBM (less than 10% of GTM)
Dry weight of boat 1250kgs
Trailer 420kgs
Diesel 65kgs
Water 38 kgs
Two extra batteries 45kgs
Lone Star X3 winch estimate 30kgs
Food, clothes, fishing gear 100kg
Spare water and diesel 20kgs
TOTAL 1968kgs
Ian has been very accurate about the cost of maintaining and modifying the boat and shared some info with me!
New trailer tyre $110
Fibreglass detailing $700
Shortened length of boat on trailer by moving winch bar forward 200mm. Removed bench at end of shed. Boat on ISUZU now fits in boat shed.
Dropped off boat to Fraser Marine to service engine and do lots of things.
Trailer repairs Stewie $576.15
Trailer modifications and rollers Stewie $1092
Lanotec for rust proofing and anti fouling $72
Jockey wheel $121
Teak oil $170
Camping stove, toilet, shower and stuff $150
Paints/sprays $250
Insect screens for three Jim Black hatches $220
Steam clean cushions etc $150
Replace number plate on trailer $35
LED globes $90
Sleeping bags $640 (Kathmandu Pegasus. Semi-rectangular. Three season use in moderate climates. Limit rating -3 degrees Celsius. Down on top and insuLITE on bottom for moisture prevention. Water repellent)
Pickles Eden $550
Fraser Marine initial service and fit out $13,668
New start battery $175
Sikaflex $28
Dry bags $140
Rear movable teak table $520
Fraser Marine fuel gauge $250
Damian rear rail $400
Just Straps $203
AURORA cleaning supplies $335
Fibreglass resin repair Eden Slipway $140
Johnson Bilge pump 1000 gph $59
VHF marine licence exam and licence $195
ASPRE 2.3m inflatable boat $743
Boat hook $106
Sign Khun Yai $100
Fix trailer springs and add extra bilge pump and connect radio and GPS $2380
Spare side lights $157
Whitworths $457
Clarke rubber $252
Spare wing nuts $43
FAB fabric $282
New carpet $265
BCF ICE BOX $169
Spare parts from Ranger Tugs
TOTAL TO DATE $60,100
Swag sleeping bags $399
Speedseal $315
CO alarm $45
Pajero $2,100
Pajero insurance $178
Ranger Tug parts
Canvas and upholstery
Replace springs on trailer Fraser Marine
Fit second bilge pump, connect GARMIN radio to Lowrance GPS and fix power to existing bilge pump Fraser Marine
Main extras on Tug Boat
Bar Catch $1500 Winch $3000 Teak Table $700 Chart plotter and autopilot $4000 Full service plus change everything, filters, anodes, belts, impeller, oils etc $3000 New salt water mixer and pipes $1500 Extra bilge pump $500 LED lights $1500Extra batteries $1500Bluetooth stereo $300Clean fuel tank, new main filter and replace fuel gauge sensor $1000 Bed extension and memory foam $700 Two extra 30amp sockets $400 Renovate trailer. New axle, new hubs, new bearings, new springs, new brake cable, new electrical wiring, spares $3000 About $23,000