Messing about in boats….
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
If you haven’t read The Wind in the Willows for a while then perhaps it would be fun for you to return to this book merely for the fact that children’s books these days aren’t as quirky. The story of mole, badger, toad and rat make for some interesting reading and provide some fun escape from the daily routine. I remember reading a book when I was a child several times as my grandfather shared it with me at bedtime. Today, with kids attached to iPads and the Internet, it seems we’ve wandered away from books like this. The best part about it though is the fact that rat, one of the main characters is obsessed with boats and boating. Not only is he obsessed with it, but he shares his experiences with boats with his best friend mole. Together they while away the day at a row boat on the river idling the time and enjoying the day.
What could be a better metaphor than the time that I spent with my boat. Although I didn’t get out as much this summer as I could, the time that I did spend on the boat was awesome. In September I spent 10 days on the Champlain canal with one of my best friends simply messing about with boats. We started by going to the tugboat round up in Waterford New York and from there headed out on an adventure with no predetermined expectations or destination.
if you live in the Northeast and you haven’t heard of the Erie canal system and had an opportunity to visit either by foot, car, bike or boat you’re missing out on a gem of an area. I’ve blogged about it before but again I can’t say enough about it. Started as one of the countries greatest infrastructure projects, today it is simply maintained for recreational boaters primarily. While there is very little commercial traffic on the canal, the State of New York has done an excellent job about maintaining the canal as a recreational and tourist area. Not just the waterway itself but in general the whole corridor that stretches from Albany all the way to Buffalo is maintained as a site for people to visit and experience both the present in the past. You can go back in time and be in the present at the same time and it provides an opportunity to see things from the water and land.
We started our journey in Waterford New York where we were hosted at the tugboat round up for the weekend. This annual event is put on by the city of Waterford, the state of New York tourism board, public and private interest as well as a group of dedicated volunteers Who use the festival to attract people and highlight both the past history of the canal and the current workings of the barge and tug industry. Over the three day weekend visitors are afforded the opportunity to see boats of all sizes including working togs and small recreational tugboats like mine. There are even mini tugs! The community comes together to host the event including the local fire departments as well as a farmers market and many vendors. We often live in such a hectic time today tied up with our so many first world problems that we can forget that there is a small-town America that still exists today. I can’t say enough about the people who put so much effort into hosting events like this that make our communities better places and provide an experience for people to escape from the daily grind. Activities for children and adults were plentiful and the opportunity on a gorgeous weekend to stroll down the Waterford visitor center and enjoy a day free of the hassles of daily living were appreciated by many. Over the weekend we had an opportunity to interact and meet so many different people from the Maritime industry as well as regular recreational boaters. Each of them had a story and an ear to hear ours. It is a great event and if you have an opportunity to visit be sure to do so.
After a weekend of the events we used the Waterford visitor center as a launching point for the next week to head north along the Champlain canal and see parts of New York state along with the residence there and hear a bunch of stories. There’s something special about traveling by canal on a boat. The views are different. Time slows down. An opportunity to see you around you the things that you often miss while traveling by an enclosed car are unique. We traveled through 27 locks, over 250 miles and although we stayed in one time zone it off and felt like we were back 50 years. Just like the Erie Canal, the Champlain canal is part of the New York State canal system. It links to Hudson River and it’s one of the most historical waterways in the United States and provides a conduit for people to travel both back in history and into the present. Along the way one can pass through the Saratoga battlefield, the site of American revolutionary war battles, and through a more recent history of industry in decline.
Multiple small towns located along the waterway provide an insight and opportunity of the history of America from the early 1700s through today. Each town was unique and although there was a current that ran through each of them we shared, each had a unique story. Some towns relied on the lumber industry while others relied on water power and factories associated with it. Some town saw their Peak in the 1800s while others prospered well into the 1900s. Today some towns have revitalized themselves and our hubs of tourism and local economy. Other towns along the way have not fared so well. The nice thing about the Champlain canal is there every few miles there’s a different town to stop in with each of them adopting and encouraging boater to visit. Almost every town along the canal has public docs, restrooms for boaters, and a small downtown with varying levels of commerce. We traveled along at a 5 mile hour less really pace and took advantage of almost every town along the way to stop, stretch our legs and see something new.
Some towns are clearly in decline which is sad. Many towns along the way actually have began to re-imagine themselves as they come to grip The changing demographics of America. Almost every town has a small central downtown Square with shops along the way. Some towns have full storefronts while others have empty ones. What are the things that I most appreciated was that when we travel through the small towns by car you often get no flavor for the community than what you see through a window traveling 30 miles an hour. Traveling is a pedestrian through these towns gives you an opportunity to meet people, see behind the scenes, and get a feel for what small towns in America are gripping with every day. Along the way we found an 80 year old who owns one of the nicest laundromats in America and told us a joke , a story, and an oral history of the area. In one town we found a new brewery recently open by a younger couple who had moved to the area. They talked about a resurgence of the school system with younger couples moving into the area with children looking for a quieter way of life that was more community-based. We heard stories from like tenders about individual towns and not once were we ever met with anything but friendly and warm attitudes. Although like many communities each of these areas Heather challenges, there was an underlying resilience that we noted in all of them with an attitude that things will always get better.
The one thing I will tell you is that this trip reminded me to take Opportunities as they are presented in your life every day. We live in a world that is often hectic, busy, and sometimes can be overwhelming. The time I spent on the Champlain canal provided me an opportunity to slow down and really get behind the scenes of the towns that have made our history and will continue to do so for many years. If you have a chance I would highly encourage you to visit this area either by boat, foot or however. Take a chance to slow down and do the things they provide you an opportunity to see a community from a different side.
We are headed to the Tugboat Roundup!!
Two years ago when my boat was new, I headed to Waterford NY where the Erie Canal starts/ends. Each year the Town hosts an array of tug boats - mostly working boats - which are docked along the pier at the Waterford Visitor Centre. The weekend includes tours of the boats, rides on tugs, fireworks, vendors and kids events. The last time I visited I had a blast and this year my buddy J.P. is coming along too. We are going to spend the weekend at the even and then head out on the Canal. Keep an eye out for blog updates and find out more about the roundup here! Plenty to do and see - great for kids - and fireworks literally launched right overhead!
I told you I was going places!
It has been a busy spring and start to the summer but I decided it was time to start on my 2021 bucket list. I headed out to Boston Harbor a few weeks ago and then a few days off found me in Maine on Sebago Lake. Both were excellent trips and reminded me how this boat is so versatile.
In Boston I launched at a State boat ramp on the Charles River and traveled the heart of the city passing by Harvard and along the Esplanade. Better views of the city skyline can’t be bought and it was an awesome trip though Boston. Passing the iconic Citgo sign and the John Hancock building I passed through the locks and into the Harbor itself. Its a busy working place with large ships, ferries, and all sorts of boat traffic but the tug did fine and cruised all the way out to Quincy. Touring the back side of the airport was a treat with planes flying just overhead. The day ended with a sunset trip back up the Charles for a great day.
Sebago Lake is a day cruisers dream. Crystal clear water, huge homes, beaches, locks, quiet river and open water abound. It is a great place for the tug and was a great day. Launching on the East side a few days of exploring the lake was a treat. There are tons of places to poke around in and a trip up the Songo River brings you to more open water, dockside dining, and lots to see. I explored the lake over three days this time staying at an AirBnB that was rented lakeside with a mooring. Boaters headed to the Sebago should know that the public access sites are limited mostly to boat ramps and that there aren’t a lot of shore places to get off since most of the shoreline is privately owned. If you have a boat with a head and can stay on the hook there are ample placed that are sheltered to stay on the hook. Overall a great lake to explore with something for everyone!
I've been on a boat - just not my Ranger Tug!
It has been a slow spring for the blog and I apologize for not posting more. I actually haven’t had the boat in the water except for once on a spring shakedown cruise because I’ve been out of town. One of my other jobs is working in the merchant marine as a medical officer on ships. For the month of June I was actually working on a merchant vessel based out of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The T.S. Kennedy is a re-purposed bulk carrier that is now used to train college-age cadets at Academy for careers in the merchant marine. The vessel carries approximately 500 students and 100 faculty and crew. My role is to work along with a physician as a medical officer on the ship providing care for the crew and cadets. This is the 10th time that I’ve been able to work on the ship and it’s always a pleasure to be part of the merchant marine training program.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy is one of the five merchant marine academies located in the United States. These are college programs which train mariners for the future roles as tech officers and engineer officers on all sorts of ships to keep our industry across America going. They truly are amazing programs and after being involved for several years with the college I’ve come to have a healthy respect for our shipping industry in general.
In addition to regular college campus classes, cadets are required to participate in a number of Sea days onboard vessels. One of the ways they achieve this is by training vessels that are run by the colleges in several week deployment called ‘sea term”. Traditionally the 6 to 8 week cruises involves several ports of call as well as undergoing rigorous training while underway. While I say that this is called a cruise it hardly really is anything like a cruise ship. Cadets live in large converted holds in small racks below deck‘s. The ship runs on a 24 hour schedule and cadets learn to stand watches as well as participate in classroom activities while underway. It essentially is a large college campus at sea and provides cadets real world experience in preparing them for the shipping industry and other maritime jobs. It really is a unique program that changes 18-year-olds who know little or nothing about the Maritime industry into competent well trained trained Mariners.
Life aboard the ship even for medical officers like myself is not very luxurious. Although I am fortunate as a medical officer to have a cabin of my own, most crewmembers have roommates and sheer heads. Since the operates 24 hours a day with both classroom opportunities and watch standing for cadets. It is a busy operation. Well there is a gym in the large dining Mess deck, they really are no other luxury‘s on board. In prior years on board the ship there are 2 to 3 calls of port allowing students to get off and explore the areas. Traditionally Massachusetts Maritime heads to the Caribbean in the winter time although due to Covid this year it was titled the cruise to nowhere. The ship left Buzzards Bay Massachusetts at the end of May and returned at the end of June. With no port stops and an accelerated training regiment the cruise went by relatively quickly this year.
My job on board as a paramedic is to work with another medical provider who is a physician and provide emergency and routine health care for crew and cadets on board. Healthcare at sea is much different than the regular kind of medicine they provide working on an ambulance normally as a paramedic. To begin with a lot of what I do is just routine medical care that you might go to an urgent care for. Cadets and crew come in for things such as colds, infections and other routine medical issues. The one thing I can say is that we are well prepared for emergencies at sea.The sick bay - which is what a hospital is called on the ship- is well-stocked and prepared for both routine and life-threatening injuries. The one thing you have to know is that on a ship when you were 100 miles from shore we are the only medical care available. It’s a large burden to carry but I feel when I travel with Massachusetts Maritime Academy on board the Kennedy we are one of the most well prepared ships at sea.
While this trip aboard the ship was different in the fact that we had no ports, My prior trips and involvement with the Academy have taken me to all sorts of different Caribbean islands. I’ve also had an opportunity to interact with hundreds of different people in the merchant Marine and hear many stories about the shipping industry in general. While most of us are small boat owners and recreational boaters, we forget that there is a whole different world out there of large commercial vessels that move much of the products around the world that we forget about often. Merchant Mariners of all nationalities work on all sorts of different ships to keep products going across the oceans including fuel, food, and all sorts of other items to keep our economies moving. Next time you order something from Amazon chances are at some point it was on a container ship that traveled the Pacific Ocean. Much of the fuel that we get in the United States comes from overseas and is moved on oil tankers crewed by merchant mariner’s. After spending weeks at sea I’m always left with an appreciation for the women and men who work in our shipping industry and in the Maritime business. Their dedication and many hours away from their families and homes help keep bringing us the things to keep our economy moving, our homes heated, and even the Christmas gifts we get under our tree. I’ve been fortunate through my job in a merchant marine to travel in and out of large ports, see places I never would’ve seen, and meet a whole group of people who hold an incredible knowledge set who keep large ships afloat safely.
Spring has sprung ... so where am I going?
Winter snows have started to recede from the boat and I am coming out of hibernating for the cold months. Time to start planning for next season and where I want to go. I have always had a fascination with maps and now there is not much else to do outside I find myself pouring over blogs and maps with dreams of being back on the water. While the Great Loop will have to wait a few years, here are some of my trips planned for next year with the tug…..
Portland Maine
Great food, terrific views and islands abound here. I have kayaked here several times and I am looking forward to putting the boat back in Maine waters. I bought the boat in Yarmouth and had a chance to go out in the area on a test run but didn’t get much further than the outer harbor. There are a number of public access points to jump off and start exploring. There are dockside dining options and plenty of places to explore. Headed north from Portland I plan on spending a few days in and out of the various bays. Weather here is a big consideration and may limit how far I explore.
Boston Harbor/Charles River
I can’t believe that I did not get to do the place that I have wanted to go for so long. Schedules and timing prevented me from dropping the boat in to see one of Americas oldest cities from the water. There are several islands in the harbor most of which have either public parks or boating access. There are campgrounds on several where you can spend the night only a mile from downtown Boston. Traveling through the city you can pass the USS Constitution and then into the historic Charles River.
Newport, RI
I have done the upper Narragansett bay and had a great time exploring the area. Leaving from Providence I went down to Fall River and spent the day on the water. I think the next trip will be an overnight with the destination of Newport with its bustling harbor and waterfront. There is plenty to see along the way and small places to anchor for the night. the busy harbor and expensive yachts make a mooring (and a marina for sure) out of the question but a trip through the harbor is awesome. I have paddled here for many years and have spent lots of time in the harbor by paddle - now time to see it by tug! A good weather window will be required as the fetch up the bay can be rather unpleasant.
Champlain - Canal and Lake
Western Erie canal gave me a taste of the canal life and its time to couple it with a trip up lake Champlain. Leaving Albany one can take the Champlain Canal up north to the southern end of Lake Champlain and all the way to Burlington and Canada. Part of the “Triangle Loop” its a future goal. There are plenty of bays to hunker down in between stretches. I have kayaked out of Camp Kill Kare and visited several of the State Park Islands in the middle of the lake. Woods Island has a State park and marina which is only water accessible. Its a great place to stop and spend the night. Weather is always an issue on Champlain and the thunderstorms can be vicious. Planning will be key for this trip!
TUGBOAT ROUNDUP 2021 - for sure!
Here we go again - delayed by COVID for 2020 it is scheduled for September 10-12th. The Tugboat Roundup is a gathering of tugboats, workboats and barges to celebrate the maritime heritage of the Northeast Inland Waterways. The festival features a tug parade, tug tours, boat rides, tug talks, competitions, fireworks, children's activities, vendors, food, and more. I went in 2019 and wrote a long blog about it. It was so much fun and the organizers were great. I can’t wait to go back and hope to start a trip on the Canal System after the event. Last time I got to dock between all the big boats and was literally under the fireworks. Cant wait to go back!
Alleghany reservoir
Up on the Pennsylvania/ Western New York border this is a National Park with boaters and adventurers in mind. Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest; and in New York State by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation. There are several campgrounds run by the forest service as well as several boat ramps.
Open to suggestions…….
Always looking for new places to go. I heard that Lake Winnipesauke is nice in the shoulder seasons and Long Island sound is great in good weather. Always looking for advice ! Email me or leave a comment!
Wrapped up the season .. and the boat!
December 21st brings the winter solstice and a chance to look back at my first full year with my Ranger 21. The days darken, the snow piles up and I can see the boat out my window as I sit at my desk and write this. Since first dunking the boat in April until Halloween night I put over 200 hours on my boat. She traveled West to the Erie canal, North to Maine and south to the Connecticut shore. I had it out in the sun, the frost and some storms. I traveled the Erie Canal and Narragansett Bay. After all these trips I can honestly say that I have found a perfect boat for my lifestyle. It has never failed me, has shown me its limits, and has always provided shelter when needed. It is super easy to work on and the systems are easy to maintain. The costs of operating the boat have been extremely low. I spent money on the Raptor Decking, new cushion upholstery, and a boat cover but there were no significant expenses this year. Fuel costs for the entire season were under $250 and there was another $250 in incidental expenses such as oil filters and gear. I did the cushions over for another $200 but no other major expenses..
I bought my boat late in 2019 and didn’t get much time to use it before last winter. This year I was able to get out on it a lot and really figure a bunch of stuff out. Here are 10 things I learned…..
#1: The boat is a perfect day trip boat even if the weather looks iffy. You can pick a day to go out and stick with a plan even if there is rain in the forecast. Some of the best days I had on the boat were on the river in the rain when all the fair weather boaters were still inside. For sure it limits the crew to 2-3 people but still with the full cover and enclosure you can still be in the cabin or on deck and stay dry. I went on the lower Connecticut with my friends Nicole and Brian one day when it was raining and had a great time. Rainy days make you appreciate the sunny ones. I even had The chance to use the heater several times throughout the year. There's a lot of discussion as to whether the air conditioning works or not. The one thing I can say is that it definitely takes the edge off on a hot summer day but doesn't keep the cabin icy cold. It's something nice to have on a boat this size.
#2: Pooping is an issue on the boat. No way to deal with this one but head on. The toilet on the boat lacks any sort of privacy or space. Coupled with the fact that it is only inches from where I sleep, the toilet issues are a touchy subject. When I have guests aboard I am pretty upfront about the issue. So far the holding tank has had lots of urine but no poo. When traveling the Erie Canal there were plenty of restrooms along the route and day river trips usually don’t require the number 2 route. If you are thinking of inviting friends aboard who might be more pee shy or bathroom reticent be sure you explain the bathroom procedure ahead of time. Guest traveling on Toto use the bathroom with door closed and have access to the sink and hand sanitizer. Better to explain the process ahead of time so people know what to expect.!
#3: Storage is limited -plan ahead. When doing a week on Lake George with no stops in civilization the planning for the trip involved lots of consideration about the size of items and packing them.. With space limited J.P. and I got all our gear and before loading it up stripped everything down to bare essentials. Food can be packed in Ziplock bags for space and gear loaded into totes. lots of things like camping gear and sleeping bags can be placed in compression bags. The secret is that while you're underway each morning you have to make sure that you packed the boat away before I headed out otherwise it's just a mess all day.
Day trips are less of a problem but trash storage is a big issue. After a week on the boat the trash became a problem. We had compacted everything and thought we were pretty minimal but still generated a bag of trash that needs to be stored. We ended up having a large trash bag that we stored on the front deck but it was just an inconvenience. I think I really have to work harder on making sure that everything is in the smallest containers possible.A large cooler with lots of ice and frozen food helps keep things cold and can be stored easily on the aft swim platform.
#4: The Tug doesn’t like choppy waves. While fine on flat water and in moderated regular waves but when we hit some steady gusty winds and short steep waves on Seneca Lake we were made aware that the boat is a flat bottomed skiff essentially with no big keel. Hitting waves head on during my trips in Narragansett Bay were not difficult but when we hit 3 foot waves with a short fetch It was a little scary. At no point did I feel like we were going to capsize but when we had to tack into the waves things got a little hairy. With only one bilge and a low side, I have learned that this is not the boat to take on any significant seas. Other 21 owners will tell you that they go out in all seas but I have a healthy respect for watching the marine forecast.
#5: The boat attracts people like fly paper. You cant go to a boat launch, fuel up at a gas station, have it in your yard, drive down the highway or pretty much be anywhere without someone coming to talk to you about the boat. I love this. I get to meet so many folks everywhere I go who want to know about the boat. It a great way to connect with people and hear different stories. Locals on the water often stop and chat and in doing so I get to learn about an area things I didn’t know. I have met so many nice people who start the conversation with “you boat is SO cute!”
#6: The cost to run the boat is minimal. Owners of large boats will spend hundreds of dollars in fuel to run their boats while the Ranger 21 sips the fuel. I get about 14 miles per gallon using the boat at low speeds and not much less when we spend the day at throttle. A week on Lake George used less than 12 gallons of gas and the Sebago trip was the same. I love the fact that I don't have to waste a paycheck in fuel each time I go to the pumps. The downside is that the speeds are limited but if you really want a go fast boat you probably aren’t looking at the Ranger 21 tugs!
#7: An hour of work a day makes maintenance easy. When I plan a trip I always allot an hour a day to do one chore on the boat. It breaks up the day and makes keeping up the boat easy. I might polish and wax a portion of the boat, clean out the bilge, or organize the lockers and lines. When I take the boat out of the water I always make sure to clean up from the day and put things ready for the next outing. The boat is small so you can’t store or hide stuff. On the other hand little chores make a big difference. I waxed the hull in a few hours with J.P. one day this spring and put a coat of ceramic coating on it. After that simple washes with some car soap left the boat nice and shiny. Compared to larger boats it really is such a nice boat to maintain and keep up.
#8: Installing Raptor Decking was worth every penny. From nice cool feet on a hot day to not slipping in the rain the Raptor product was a great purchase. Though it has faded a little bit, it was easy to clean and kept the boat looking sharp. It held up well and repelled even an accidental oil spill . I definitely think this was a nice investment for the boat because it looks really sharp and also is very useful.
#9: I don’t need radar. For what i use the boat and where I go I really don’t see a need for radar. If I was to do more offshore or larger rivers a radar compatible GPS/Navigation/Radar package would be needed but this year even off shore I didn’t need radar. I actually used a simple tablet with GPS capability and a subscription to Navionics more than the installed Garmin. I found it to be more accurate, cheaper and easier to update. Larger boat who travel the Great Loop swear by the AIS System in helping navigation through busy areas but for the most part my day trips were in areas where the weather was perfect For navigation Without the use of anything else but binoculars and A good navigation system.
#!0: The trailer is part of the boat. After a very close call where I found that the tires on the trailer were about to split open and result in a possibly catastrophic accident I spent some time learning about the boat trailer and how to keep it up. New tires are the first part but also making sure that the bearings are lubed and the brakes are in good shape. I am not the best at this so I rely on J.P. to keep up on the mechanical s but I have a healthy respect for having a safe trailer.
Updated the cushions.....
The cabin of the tug is pretty well laid out but its also pretty tight for extended trips. Alone on an overnight there is plenty of room for me to sleep and have all of my gear stowed in the forward bunk. With a guest the space becomes much tighter and requires the shuffling around of any gear that you want to keep stowed and dry. Having spent 20 + nights on the boat after my first year I decided to update the cushions and replace the fabric. One of the problems with the forward berth is that the factory cushions are in 2 separate pieces. When I wanted to get something out from under the berth I had to move all of the gear off of one of the sides and then lift the whole long cushion up. Also the upholstery done at the factory was of good quality but had started to show its age with wear. The seashell motif wasn’t quite my vibe either.
Example of the old factory installed cabin.
The solution was to remove the 2 big cushions, slice them in half and then have them reupholstered. I picked a darker fabric and was happy with the results. Now I can lift up on section of the bunk to turn on the bow thrusters or get something that I have stowed underneath. There is a huge amount of storage space under the bunks for things like food and gear that I don’t need immediate access to. I got a few yards of fabric at a local store and brought it to an auto upholstery shop nearby. The results were great and I can’t wait to sleep on them come spring. Total cost including material and labor was about $200.
Where have I been ?
Day out on the Connecticut with friends.
I know it seems that for the last couple weeks the blog has been quiet but it doesn't mean that we haven't been out in the The little tug. Lots and lots of day trips have been taken River, New London Harbor, Mystic Connecticut and a fall trip to the Erie Canal. The weather in New England has been really excellent in all aspects and i've been able to take Toto out cruising every week. WIth my summer job working as a Paramedic at Six Flags on hold this summer I had plenty of chances to take the boat out. I did a few overnights and plenty of day trips. I put over 200 hours on the boat and had a chance to explore plenty of places I had on my wish list. Here are my top 5 trips of the summer:
#5 - Mystic, Connecticut-
One of my favorite spots by kayak or tug is Mystic Harbor. Home to the Mystic Seaport museum and a perfect downtown its a perfect place for a day trip or an overnight. Launching from nearby New London it is a quick jaunt across to the entrance to Mystic Harbor and then a great trip down to the inner harbor. After passing under the railroad bridge you get to see the marinas along both shores. Another drawbridge and you are by Mystic Seaport and a terrific place to anchor for lunch while you wait for the hourly bridge to open again. The only drawback to the trip is the lack of public docks to stop at. If you want to explore downtown Mystic options are limited. On the bright side there are 3 great lobster shacks at the entrance to the harbor with free docks for diners!
#4 - Erie Canal
I have already blogged plenty about this trip but can’t say enough about how the Ranger 21 is perfect for this trip. Great views, protected waters, plenty of stops and things to see. I’ll be headed back next year to do the western section and do some more exploring.
Returning to Providence Harbor
#3 - Narragansett Bay - Providence RI
Probably some of the more challenging waters in terms of boat traffic, waves and navigation but great chance to take the tug out in some salt water without being to far off shore. There are some great little harbors to duck in to such as Bristol and Fall River. Lots of dockside dining options and the chance to see some great yachts. This trip can be extended to include Newport - hope of some of the nicest boats around and the famous mansions.
#2- Lake George
Leaping off point for the Adarondacks, this 32 mile long lake provides plenty of boating in one of the cleanest lakes in the Northeast. There are hundreds of boat-up campsites and a great downtown that screams retro summer vacation from your childhood. Access points can be limited (and pricey) to get on the lake but once on the water there is plenty to explore. Small coves, sheltered islands and long stretches of open water abound. Summertime brings heavy traffic and lots of boats but isn’t that some of the fun. Shoulder seasons are for those looking for a more quiet time but with the incredible views still intact.
#1- Connecticut River - Barton’s Cove
If I had a homeport it would probably be here. Long before I had Toto this was my go to place for being on the water. With no development and steady water levels its is my favorite place to be on the water. It’s the first place that J.P. and I put the boat in the day that we bought it and the place I take it to the most. Warm clear waters and eagles make this a home run anytime I want to get out on the water. It’s only an hour tow away for me and it’s where I bring fiends when they want to join me for a day. There is always something to see and even an empty day on the river has something to offer. The boat ramp always has space for one more and the fellow boaters in the area are friendly and respectful. The 17 miles between the Turners Falls dam and the nuclear power plant in Vernon are magical because no two days are ever the same. After rounding the cove and heading north under the French King bridge the river shows why this part of Western Massachusetts is truly a hidden gem.
Sebago Lake Trip
A recent Heat Wave and some days off also made me think that a trip away in the boat would be a good idea. Inland New England this time of year is a great place to visit. There are a number of large lakes for which the Ranger 21 would be perfect for doing several overnights on including Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake George and Sebago Lake in Maine. I decided to try the latter and make it a weekday because I heard that the lake can be quite busy. Sebago Lake is located approximately 20 miles north west of Portland Maine. It is fairly reasonably accessible and is in a populous area. The lake is enormous and is 14 miles long, 45 square miles in area and has over a hundred miles of Shoreline.It is the second largest lake in Maine and in some areas is over 300 feet deep.There are a number of public boat ramp access areas and I picked one on the Eastern Shore in Jordan Bay where there is a boat ramp that allows for overnight parking. There is also a large state park where you can launch and stay overnight as well as a campground nearby. This might be a better option for people that don't want to stay on their boat overnight but still want to spend the day on the lake. There are a number of marinas in the area that also offer parking with overnight Storage for your trailer in car.
The first thing you realize once you get out on Lake Sebago is that it is very populated. The large shoreline Is close to a metropolitan area almost every square inch of shoreline is either State Park or residential. The homes range from small minor cabins to incredibly large estates. The nice thing about this as you travel to shoreline there's always something to look at. The downside is that there are very few places for you to get out of the boat and go ashore. Having packed several days supplies I set out from Jordan Bay and spent the first night in Witch Cove which is in the northern end of the lake. It's adjacent to a state park in there's a semi-public beach there too. This being midweek the Lake was mostly empty with a little bit of recreational traffic. If you're planning on going up you should realize that on weekends there is an incredible amount of boat traffic along with jet skis and other recreational boats. I was fortunate for the whole week to only encounter a few boats. I almost had the lake to myself.
The second and third days of the trip were spent exploring the lake. I anchored out both nights and enjoy the views. It was really really hot and I ended up stopping frequently to take swims to cool off. It really is a great lake to have a boat on and there are so many different parts of the lake to experience. Frye Island is located in the middle of the lake and has a number of seasonal houses on it with a ferry that connects it. There's a small General Store and restaurant on the island where you can dock up and get supplies and something to eat. There is also the Crooked River which connects Sebago to Long Lake and has a lock in the middle. It's a terrific trips that takes you up to another gorgeous Lake with plenty of boating. The town of Naples is located in the middle of Long Lake at the causeway and has the number of Dock & Dine restaurants where you can get something to eat. There are also a number of marinas on this Lake where I'm sure you could launch.
The southern end of the lake is part of the regional water Protection District and the shoreline here is protected as is the water. Swimming or any contact with the water is prohibited within several miles of the south end of the lake and it's strictly enforced by Patrol boats. It's still a great place and there is a excellent boat launch at the South End of the lake .The lake is a really great place to go especially with the ranger 21. overall I spent three days on the lake enjoying the scenery and the views.
There are few downfalls if you choose to go. There are several Public access boat launches on the lake however once you're on the water the ability to stop in certain areas is pretty Limited. There are plenty of places to Anchor for the night. Also be aware that this is a very busy lake with boat traffic especially on the weekends. The ability to restock even for ice or small supplies is limited to one store on Frye Island. Finally it is enormously Long Lake and the weather can really kick up. I did hit some significant wind and weaves one day and the lake showed that it can be dangerous. Careful watching the weather is important while out on the lake however it is really a great place to boat. I really enjoyed my time on Sebago I plan on going back again soon.
In this video I travel to Sebago Lake in Maine with the Ranger tug for a few overnights. I hope you enjoy these clips of the trip. Find out more at LittleRed...
Tire trouble and the Trailer gets new sneakers!
On our trip back from Lake George a couple weeks ago we noticed we had an issue with the tires. We're very lucky in the fact that they didn't rupture or have a blowout. I bought the trailer with the boat and the tires were several years old. Even though they didn't have a lot of miles on them what I've learned subsequently use that miles on trailer tires are nothing, age is everything. We were very lucky that we didn't have any problems on the way back. JP and I made a quick video about the issues we had with the trailer and installing new tires. Hope you enjoy.
We had an (almost) close call with the tires on the trailer for the tug. In this video J.P. talks about the issues we had with the tires and the fenders on t...
Overnight on the River
A morning full of chores put me at the boat ramp in Haddam at 3pm. A quick setup and the boat was dunked by 3:30 for some afternoon cruising around and a trip down to Essex. I had planned on staying on the river for the night with my destination unsure. The lower Connecticut river has so many little coves and choices to anchor. A slow current and 2-3 foot tide mean that even larger boats can find a place to tuck in for the night.
My first idea was to go and stay at Hamburg Cove. This cove is a very popular place for boaters to hide in in bad weather and even more popular for boaters in the summer weekends seeking to raft up and spend the day or night. While most of the moorings are private, there are a number of moorings marked rental which you can tie up to and spend the day or night. I guess that the owner comes out and collects the $25 fee once you tie up and it seemed like a good option. The cove is very pretty and quaint lined with marinas and stately homes. I have heard that on weekends it gets pretty crazy but this being a weeknight I though that i would try it out. I entered through the narrow channel and found the place to be fairly busy. A number of boats of varying sizes were already tied up with grills going and kids swimming . Several boats there were rafted up with many boats looking like they were at capacity. Music was in the air and It was a nice atmosphere for some but I decided to take a pass and move on. I’m not averse to being around people but today after a long week of work I was looking for some more solitude.
Headed back North, I ended up heading into the Salmon River and anchoring in about 8 feet of good holding ground. It was a perfect spot to settle in and the weather was perfect. Its not really a river - although at the head of the cove there is a small stream outlet I have seen when I kayaked here before. There was a slight tide but no big current and my anchor set well in some soft mud. A few snacks for dinner and a few cold beers went down well as a I caught the setting sun. I buttoned up the cabin and lay in my rack reading for a while.
As looked around I was amazed to think that 15 years ago the view that I would have seen may have been quite different. In the 1960’s 3 nuclear power plants were built in New England along the Connecticut River or its tributaries. One in Vernon Vt on the Massachusetts border, one in Rowe, Mass on the Deerfield RIver - which flows into the river - and one here in Haddam less that 1/2 a mile from where I spent the night. The plant ended operations in 1996 and since then the site has been cleared of every trace of the plant a part of the decomissioning process. The only thing left in a heavily secured area are the multiple casks holding the spent fuel rods. I slept only a 1/2 a mile away from the casks and if you visited the area you would never have known that a huge nuclear power plant was ever there. The two other plants on the river have also ceased operations - the Rowe plant is similarly scraped clean and the Vernon plant is in the process of being dismantled. It is amazing to think of the effort and time spent over many year at this site to now see marshes where there was a cooling out flow and birds nesting where there was a reactor core. Some of the area has been turned over to the US Fish and WIldlife service as a preserve while the remaining 500 acres have no plans of conversion yet. Enjoy the sites from the river but don’t go ashore as this is still a secure facility where armed guards watch over high level nuclear material!
Although the day had been hot and humid there was a nice breeze and things cooled off. A number of Ranger 21 tugs often complain that the cockpit get hot and I agree that during the days it does warm up but all the nights I have slept on the boat have been quite comfortable. There are 3 roof vents and 2 portholes as well as 2 windows which all provide good breezes. I suppose that a small 12 volt fan would help at night but I haven’t found it to be too warm. I do have air conditioning on this model but haven’t really used it except to test it out. The best way to keep the cabin cool I have found is to put the Bimini top up. This night I slept well and the cabin is perfect for me. I am 6’3 and fit quite well in the bunk. I sometimes put the life jackets on the floor of the cabin as an extender but often don’t. I have spent most of my prior outdoors time in a tent so my standards of a good nights sleep are somewhat different than yours may be!
I awoke early the next morning around 5 am and watched the sun come up. One of the things that I realized that I often miss is seeing the morning from my boat. I mostly have to leave my house in the morning and by the time I get to the ramp it is mid morning. Today I was able to see the river wake up and it was really nice. It was one of those great cool morning where you know that it is going to be warm. The coolness in the air you feel will be gone soon but it was so nice so breathe in the clear air. I had stayed in a portion of the river with salt marshes on both sides and saw egrets, herons, and and eagle all from the boat. The only issue I encountered was that overnight a flock of bugs had found a way to stick themselves all over my boat in the night. There were hundreds of little bugs stuck in the accumulated wet dew over every inch of the boat. Some dead, some near death, while I watched other fly away quite healthy after being dried in the rising sun. It took me a full hour of cleaning the boat with buckets of water later in the day to finally rid me of them later on.
After the sun rose I headed North passing Middletown and up towards Hartford. This really is a special stretch of the river and I enjoyed the trip up the river. I turned around after passing Middletown and headed back to the launch. It was a great quick trip on the river and reminder of why I love this boat. I put some videos together here from the day.
Narragansett Bay - Providence to Fall River
It was time to take the boat into a little more serious water and head out into the sea. I had done some waves and wake from other boats but I thought it would be good to dunk the boat in some more serious seas. The departure port would be Providence, Rhode Island which is only about an hour away from where I live. Providence is at the very tip of Narragansett Bay which is a large body of water which extends all the way down to Newport and out to the Long Island sound. I've done a few off shore excursions but this would be the first time I put the boat in a wide body of water varying currents and waves
I checked the marine forecast before I headed out and it looked like good weather. There are several boat ramps in the area but I chose to put in it Bolt Point Park in East Providence. The first ramp I tried was closed so this was the second choice. The boat ramp was in fair condition with a number of obstacles in the water that are charted nearby. The launch puts you right into Providence Harbor which is the tip of Narragansett Bay. It was kind of a sketchy area and ramp but it would have to do for the day.
VLOG #7 - In this trip I head out from Providence RI to Narragansett Bay stopping in Fall River, Bristol and Warren harbors for a great day trip. Find out more at LittleRedTug.com
The weather was bright and sunny and the wind was light and variable. Providence Harbor is an actual working port with a number of Docking areas for large ships to offload petroleum products and other bulk products. As you leave the North End of the harbor you progress down to the open water of Narragansett Bay. Since the harbor is dredged and prepared for a large container vessels there is a large well marked channel that leads all the way down to Long Island Sound. With a shallow draft of only 2 ft it's easy to be able to stray off of this channel but today I decided to practice my navigation using my Navionics chart and stay within the channel at least for a part of the journey. Boaters in this area should be aware that there are number of shallow areas and marked and unmarked hazards. It seems like people who boat these areas on a regular basis know if the areas where you can stray out of the channel but today I decided to stay within the marked channel. As you leave Providence Harbor the Waterway opens up to several miles wide and you begin to feel the full effects of the ocean.The waves were two to three ft along with the steady breeze, however the ride of the boat was excellent.
Narragansett Bay is a popular boating area and I saw a number of different boats of different sizes. Large sailboats along with small John boats all visit the area. Some are out for local trips fishing while other boats are on a journey up and down the East Coast. At the very bottom of Narragansett Bay is Newport Harbor which is one of the most popular boating locations on the East Coast. Due to time constraints, as well as the weather, it was felt better than maybe a local trip should be made. ( I plan on making a Newport trip this fall with the tug when boat ramps are less crowded). I headed south down to the tip of Prudence Island where I made a turn and headed under the Mount Hope Bridge into Fall River Bay. Up until this point I had been headed into the wind however making a turn to the east put the boat broadside to the waves.
Once in the bay the waves became not larger but shorter and more confused. The boat did well and despite the constant motion settled in for a nice but bumpy ride. There was a pretty good spray coming over the bow and the wipers were put to good use. The closer Fall River got the calmer it became and once under the highway bridge it was smooth cruising.
Fall River is a city that has had it’s share of hard times. Loss of industry, crime and overall economic decline have created a place many boaters either skip or just pass through. There is a small marina and a few restaurants along the water. One floating bar - The Tipsy Seagull- had room for boats to dock and dine and looked inviting but time constraints meant this would have to be another day. The city has put effort into restoring the waterfront area but the place is still a work in progress. There is a public boat launch and a few other dining choices in the water with a possible renaissance in progress.
The one big thing that Fall River is known for (besides Lizzy Borden and her axe) is Battleship Cove. Here in the downtown is the retired battleship USS Massachusetts along with several other vessels and PT boats. You can go on all the boats as part of the museum visit and see inside these historic ships. I remember well coming here a kid with my family and have some great old super 8 movies (remember them?) of me and my brother playing at a gun turret pretending to shoot down the enemy. If you wish to visit it will be by car as there is no boat docking for the museum. This was a wintertime bucket trip last I took a few years ago and was well worth the visit. I cruised around the battleship amazed at its size and heft. The USS Massachusetts had a short but storied career and was kept form being scrapped in 1965 when it was brought to Fall River as a museum ship.
Retracting my steps i headed back through Mt Hope bay and out into Narragansett bay. Sticking to the East shore I went into Bristol Harbor and did a spin through this lovely area. It is a great and busy little place with an active boat ramp and lots of pretty moored boats. Just North a few miles is Warren Harbor with the town of Barrington on the opposite shore. I can’t say enough about how pretty this place is. A narrow - but well marked channel - brings you to approach a quaint port with several clam shacks and places to dock and dine. Active marinas line the shores and there was a boat club and nice downtown. I plan on another trip done here with a stop at one of the many restaurants that line the downtown. I puttered by them enjoying the wafting smells of summertime fried clams and lobster rolls. Time constraints once again kept me from another side trip but I will be back.
Heading back to the boat ramp was made easy by a slow in the wind and calming of the seas. I took a brief side trip into downtown Providence under the hurricane barrier to see a few marinas and shoreside dining. There are no public docks in this area so boaters are unable to stop but I did see lots of folks enjoying the day. Across the river was the boat launch and the day came to an end. Overall and excellent day with great weather, a solid boat and and enjoyable trip on the water.
I get a lot of questions about how the boat handles in seas and the answer is this; It does well headed into the waves, less so with a following or broadside sea, but overall is very stable. I have yet to get into a situation where I am scared but I have always been cautious. The seas on this trip were 2-3 feet and while the boat is constantly in motion it is neither unsettling or concerning. If you are bringing guests out I would remind them them to expect that the ride will be constant with rocking but nothing unreasonable. So far the boat is proving to be very seaworthy.
Back to the mouth of the Connecticut
Last week I had a chance to take out a friend who I met through the tugnuts forum. Brian lives nearby and is thinking about purchasing a Ranger 21. We had a back-and-forth conversation through emails and finally picked a day to go out on a boat. We met on a warm but cloudy Wednesday last week and headed out from Salmon Cove on the Connecticut River going south towards the mouth of the river. The day was cloudy but warm and we brought some lunch with us. It was nice to have company on the boat and Brian seemed to really enjoy the trip. The nice thing about the Forum is that you get to meet all sorts of different people who are either owners of Ranger tugs or are interested in them as potential buyers. It was great to have some company for the day on this trip and Brian really enjoyed himself and got to see the Ranger 21 on the water.
Brian is a great guy. He had some great stories being a veteran and having a long career in the dairy industry. Brian is now a professional photographer and brought a giant camera which took some amazing photos. He was generous enough to share the some of the photos with me and I've included them in the slideshow below.
This stretch of the river is so interesting. After leaving Salmon Cove you go under the Haddam swing Bridge after which is the Haddam Opera House. This Playhouse is popular for shows that are either headed to Broadway or coming off of the professional circuit. On the opposite bank is a landing where a local steam train takes riders to a station where they transfer to a boat for a Connecticut River trip on a mini cruise boat.. Further south we visited the town of Essex which was known for its boat building during the Revolutionary War and beyond. Also here is the Connecticut River Museum - a must stop for those interested in this historic river that stretches all the way from the Canadian Border to Long Island Sound.
At the mouth of the river is Old Lyme Connecticut. After traveling under the highway bridge there's a large open area at the mouth of the Connecticut which is bordered on both sides by a National Wildlife Reserve. There are few marinas in a nice Lighthouse here. We motored around for a while and then headed back up River.
On the way back we swing through one of the Connecticut Rivers most hidden gems - Selden creek. This small narrow River goes around Selden Neck State Park which is an island in the river. The creek that runs around the island is almost magical. You weave in and out of marshes, see eagles and other birds, and encounter a solitude not found in other parts of the river. Only small boats can make it up here and so there are no larger craft with excessive wake. The State Park Island offers camping opportunities for those in boats only.
Continuing up river we passed one of the ferries run by the State of Connecticut that continue the long tradition of bringing cars and people across this historic waterway. The ferry terminates its short 1/4 mile crossing of the river on the east side at the base of Gillette Castle. This enormous Mansion was built by William Gillette is now a state park. You can tour the mansion and its eccentric furnishings and Design. It's well worth the stop if you are in the area.
As the day wound down we headed back to the dock I dropped Brian off.
Brian is now an amazing professional photographer (http://www.brianstonesr.com) and was kind enough to share some of the photos from the day with me which I put below on a slideshow. It was a lot of fun to meet somebody new who was interested in the Ranger Tugs and take him out for the day. Brian is still actively looking for a Ranger 21. I'm always happy to take people out who interested in the boat. If you're interested in coming and joining me on a trip feel free to send a message to the blog.
Connecticut Coastal Adventure! VLOG #5
This week I headed out to the Connecticut shore line to visit Mystic and Stonington with the Ranger 21. I had taken the boat offshore before but this time I made a full day of it putting on over 30 miles total. It was a great way to explore these two harbors and plan for future trips. I put in at Barn Island and headed out for a day on the water. Here are some videos from the day!
Follow along on today's Adventures we take a trip on the Connecticut Shoreline leaving from Barn Island boat ramp and visiting Mystic and Stonington. Find ou...
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
TugNuts & Guest Blogs
If you've arrived at this website it's probably true that you've already been to the TugNuts.com site already. The website which is run and moderated by Ranger tugs is an incredible resource for any Ranger tug owners or potential buyers. Before I got my boate I spent hours and hours reviewing all the posts and looking at all the other information provided by fellow Ranger tug owners. While the factory moderates the posts, the nice thing about the Forum is that it's not censored it is a free and open exchange of information. It's amazing how within a few minutes of a posting with somebody having an issue mechanical, electrical or structural on your boat there will be a cascade of posts from fellow tugnut posters who most frequently will solve your problem.
Tugnuts.com
The other part of the website is that owners can post custom modifications to their boats and discuss things that have and haven't worked well modifying their boats. I found it to be a treasure trove of information on any sort of issues that you're having with your boat as well as a nice form to connect with other people. Since I joined I've met several other owners both in person and virtually who own Ranger 21’s and had some nice email conversations and even met up in person with tugnut owners. It's nice to see such a supportive community what's fellow boat owners were always willing to help out with either technical electrical problems or simple mechanical issues.
In a few of the upcoming blogs I thought it would be cool to briefly highlight some of the other Ranger 21 tugs that people have in the things that they've done with them. If you have a ranger 21 tug I would be interested in writing a guest blog or having your boat highlighted make sure that you reach out to me and I'd be happy to share your boat with others.
Quick Trip to New London CT
It was shaping up to be a rainy afternoon with the weather forecast calling for thunderstorms so J.P. and I hit the water early with a plan to be off mid afternoon. New London Connecticut is at the mouth of the Thames River. The river runs up about 15 miles until it reaches Norwich where it no longer becomes navigable. New London harbor is a very busy port with ferries that run between Connecticut and the tip of Long Island. In addition the homeport of the US Navy sub fleet is in the port. Some boaters reported that it's not unusual to see a sub returning or departing from the port under heavy security. We saw a number of Subs at the sub base moored but none surfaced around us! Boaters in the area should be aware of the heavy security as well as a security zone around the base as noted on the charts.
A wide shoal filled entrance opens up into Long Island sound so use of updated charts is mandatory. We got started and on the water by 10:30 am launching at the public launch under the route 95 bridge on the West side. We knew that we had a limited time before the weather moved in so we decided to head out right into open water and seaward to the sound. There was a fair amount of traffic - both big and small boats. The Ranger 21 is a solid boat and can take reasonable seas but it is always prudent I have found to keep an eye out on the weather. We knew there were going to be storms in the afternoon so we made it over to Mystic in a few hours trolling for fish along the way. Mystic Harbor is a great place for water activities and I kayaked here many times before. This was my first trip over with the Ranger 21 and we had a nice time. Being a Saturday there was a lot of boat traffic on a narrow channel that leads to the Inner Harbor. Using our navigation apps we avoided the rocks and Shoals at the entrance to the harbor and took a nice tour looking at the many homes on the waterfront. There are several seafood restaurants that have docks for boaters you want to stop for a meal.
Although we would have liked to have proceeded to the Inner Harbor where you can cross under a swing bridge and visit the Mystic Seaport Museum we noticed that a heavy line of squalls was moving towards us so we turned around and headed back to the mouth of the Niantic River. The boat handled exceptionally well and although the Seas were calm, the wake from several larger boats did rock us around a little bit. Once back in New London we cruised up the river passing the United States Coast Guard Academy as well as several busy ferry docks. JP did some fishing and caught a few Bluefish and stripers that are running this time of year. As the rain got heavier and didn't look like it was going to let up we decided to get off the water. It was a quick six hour trip with a very wet ride home but a great day out.
New London Harbor does offer a public marina and Mooring area for transient boaters who are traveling up and down the coast. The docks are adjacent to New London downtown which boasts several good restaurants. Overall we had a great day out in New London and would definitely come back again. Next time we plan on running North up the Niantic River where you can pass by a large casino and end up in the City of Norwich. This stretch of the river is narrow and shallow and good navigation skills and accurate charts are a must. For the Ranger Tug the default Garmin that was installed by the factory is over 6 years old now and somewhat obsolete. While I had wrestled with replacing the whole unit with a more up-to-date navigation suite including touch screen display and possibly radar, I found that the cheaper option is simply to buy a Android pad and subscribe to Navionics where the charts are updated more frequently. I still use the default Garmin for depth finding and basic navigation but having a pad with up-loadable Maps is more cost-effective and efficient.
This is not the first time that the boat and trailer has been in the salt water and I had planned on making sure that we rinsed the trailer, tires and braking system off really well with a hose and fresh water when I got home but a 40-minute torrential downpour on the ride back solved that problem for me. Nevertheless I have heard that making sure that you rinse the trailer off really well after any saltwater dunks is important to maintaining the integrity and lifespan of the trailer parts system.
Overall it was a great day to be out on the boat and explore a new place. Once again this little tug proves that having a trailerable 21 foot boat but you can take in and out of Harbors in small places is such a benefit. The only downfall to the boat is that you have to be careful for the weather in the seas. Most larger boats have the ability to speed up and duck into a harbor or safe place when weather approaches however what we did notice is that we had to be very cognizant any approaching storms and anticipate that the slow speed of the vessel would prevent us from seeking shelter immediately. That being said if you stay close to inshore areas and have a plan for where to shelter along the way it shouldn't be a problem.
Lake George Video
You made a little video we made a little video of our adventures on Lake George in the spring of 2020. We hope you enjoy it!
In this video we travel to Lake George NY for a 5 day adventure on our tug. Find out more at LittleRedTug.com