Many Thanks!

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Many Thanks!

Jared Dunning (above and below), a customer Service Field Technician from Ranger Tugs, brought us all up to date on new things happening at Ranger Tugs.

Ben Belyea, from Global Marine Insurance, gave a presentation on the current state of boat insurance.

Mark Derene, from Reed Yacht Sales gave a presentation and answered questions on the first day.

On the second night, we always play “Last Person Standing” a card game to win boating-related prizes. The last person standing got a $250 logo wear apparel from Fluid Motion. Pam Stave (below-left), on “Shenanigans” won that prize this time.

Lisa & Gary Vidor of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) gave an informative presentation about the Great Loop Adventure.

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Traverse City has never seen so many Ranger Tugs. All Saturday and Sunday, the boats slowly rolled in for the 2022 Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats Great Lakes Area Rendezvous. With 25 boats on the docks, and a total of 56 attendees, some arriving by car, this was the largest event we have hosted to date.

A Big Thank-You to Our Sponsors …

Fluid Motion, Volvo Penta, Garmin, Reed Yacht Sales, Global Marine Insurance, and Chesapeake Jewelers. This event would not have been a reality without their support. Also, a big thank-you to Kim Russo, America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association (AGLCA) for coming to speak and share information about cruising the Great Loop boating adventure.

It was fun to hang out with Brian Dickhault and Tim Bates, from Ranger Tugs, and Andrew Sweet, from Volvo Penta on Kismet during the rendezvous.

This rendezvous marked a first-ever, and very special event for us, as our son, Skyler, and his wife, Meghan, along with their son, Declan, joined us for their first rendezvous. They became Cutwater Boat owners last year.

These two (above) surprised us during the rendezvous. We normally see friends Bruce and Vicki Moore when we are in the Pacific Northwest, They have family ties in the Traverse City area and were visiting during the rendezvous. We were lucky to share a little time with them during their visit. Many know Bruce as the guy who oversees the TugNuts Forum.

Day One started with many introductions and reunions of past attendees. The day ended with a potluck with an abundance of yummy food.

Day Two began with an Ask the Factory Q&A, from Tim Bates, Ranger Tugs Customer Service Rep and
Volvo Certified Technician.

Ben Belyea, of Global Marine Insurance, presented a Marine Insurance Industry Review.

Presentations were followed by a boat crawl.

Our son, Skyler, took the Ranger Tugs crew out on West Bay to get some drone footage.

Garmin Reps, John Suleski, Garmin Field Service Manager, and Greg Richmond, Regional Sales Manager shared information on Garmin products.(Above.)

Day three of the rendezvous, Kim Russo of America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, gave a presentation on the highlights of boating the great loop followed by a Q&A.

Volvo Penta Rep, Andrew Sweet (above), gave a presentation on Volvo Penta engines.

Winners of the Last Man Standing drawing — David Kanzler (above) won first place with a Ranger Tugs Parts Package. Second place winner, Kathy Murphy (below), won a tug pendant donated by Chesapeake Jewelers.

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Last Week was the Sixth Great Lakes Area Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats Rendezvous —

Our last rendezvous was in Charlevoix in 2019, Covid prevented the possibility of a get-together for some time. Thank goodness we could organize the event this year as pent-up demand showed in the number of interested attendees to be overwhelming. With limited space, we had to turn many away.

It’s called the Great Lakes Area Rendezvous because we like to host it in many locations around the Great Lakes. This gives attendees an opportunity to cruise or trailer their boats to explore different ports. So far, we have had events in Little Current, Ontario Canada (2), Charlevoix, Michigan (2), Orillia, Ontario, Canada (1), and now our hometown of Traverse City, Michigan.

Fluid Motion is integral in making this rendezvous happen along with many sponsors, who also come to talk to attendees during the three days and make presentations on subjects relevant to our Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats. Sponsors for this year’s Great Lakes Area Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats Rendezvous included — Fluid Motion, Volvo Penta, Garmin, Reed Yacht Sales, and Global Marine Insurance.

So many hero red boats this year!

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Day three of the rendezvous was the most fun of all! –

This is the day when everyone is better acquainted, more relaxed, and in the groove. We’ve seen people make lasting friendships at these rendezvous. Owners all have a lot in common and it’s more than just our tugs. People who enjoy boating, as we do, seem to share similar traits, the adventure-seeking, nature-loving kind.

The last full day of the rendezvous began with coffee on the dock followed by a slow dinghy ride around the perimeter of Round Lake and around Park Island, a small island near the mouth of the channel into Lake Charlevoix. Garmin sponsored lunch at Stafford’s Weathervane and included a presentation by Greg Richmond. We left the rest of the afternoon open for attendees to explore Charlevoix at their leisure. The evening brought us all together again at the end of the dock for Happy Hour and a Pizza Party. John Winn gave us all a thrill when he took his beautiful old wood boat, Zita Anne, out of his boathouse for a sunset cruise on Round Lake.

Three fun-filled days of the 2019 Great Lakes Area Ranger Tugs/Cutwater Boats Rendezvous came to a close Saturday morning.

One after the other, tugs tooted their horns and waved goodbye as they left for home or their next cruising adventure. Jim and I met some fun, friendly tug owners from as far away as Florida. About half of the attendees trailer’d their boat to Charlevoix, Michigan for the rendezvous. Many are continuing on to explore other ports in Michigan or Canada’s North Channel—a couple of owners are in the middle of “Looping” around the eastern waterways of the U.S. We are a diverse group!

Jim and I said goodbye to Charlevoix after a two-day hiatus in the area, using the time to recharge our personal “battery banks.” We strolled through the Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair, took long walks, bought some whitefish from Cross Fisheries, visited with old friends, and did some shopping. Looking forward to our trip to the North Channel for a little end-of-the-summer slow cruise.

Twenty-five Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats, with 49 owners present at the 2019 Great Lakes Area Rendezvous.

Seventeen Ranger Tugettes at the rendezvous (above). Ranger Tugettes is a private Facebook Group for women Ranger Tug/Cutwater Boat Owners. Have one of those boats? Request to join: Ranger Tugettes

As the sun set on our pizza party on the dock, we were happy to see the Zita Anne leave its John and Zita Winn’s boathouse for a sunset cruise of Round Lake.

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2019 Great Lakes Area Rendezvous-Day Two –

Day two of the 2019 Great Lakes Area Rendezvous started with a full breakfast, sponsored by Global Marine Insurance, at Scovies Gourmet restaurant in downtown Charlevoix. Eric, the Scovies manager, worked with Jim to provide a wholesome breakfast for our group. We had two presentations on the second day of the rendezvous following breakfast.

First, Ben Belyea, Senior Marine Underwriter, of Global Marine Insurance talked about the products Global Marine offers to boaters, followed by a Q&A. Next, Kevin Lamont, Service Representative for Fluid Motion, talked about their customer service goals, and future model updates, followed by a Q&A.

On the docks…

After breakfast, everyone was on their own to explore downtown Charlevoix, socialize on the docks, or relax on their boats. This was also a good time for a “boat crawl.” Owners could visit other boats at the rendezvous to see different size models, and newer models or look at modifications and accessories added to boats). U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safety Inspections also took place on the dock.

Eric, manager of Scovies Gourmet restaurant in Charlevoix, catered our lunch and dinner on Day Two.

We all gathered to walk up to John and Zita Winn’s boathouse for a tour.

John Winn graciously agreed to open his boathouse up again this year for the rendezvous group to tour.

John is one of the four Winn brothers who founded Four Winns boats in Cadillac, Michigan, in the seventies. So, late afternoon, we all gathered at the end of the dock to begin the short walk up to John and Zita Winn’s beautiful house which overlooks Round Lake and downtown Charlevoix. This is not your ordinary boathouse. John has a boat collection, all shapes, and sizes, docked inside the boathouse attached to his home. Even more astounding is the phenomenal collection of boating memorabilia you are not likely to see anywhere else.

For more photos of John’s boathouse collection:  Winn Boathouse Tour

For dinner, we all walked to the beach, near the channel on Lake Michigan, to have Happy Hour and dinner in the pavilion, catered by Scovies again. It was a beautiful spot to relax away from the marina.

Dinner was followed by a game we always play at the rendezvous called “Last Person Standing.” It’s a game of elimination and the big winner received a $250 parts certificate from Fluid Motion.

Congrats to Donna, on Bucketlist, for winning the “Last Person Standing” this year. She was excited to be the winner.

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Great Lakes Area Rendezvous Was in Full-Swing Today –

The docks filled up fairly fast on the first day of the rendezvous. One after the other Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters Boats rolled in all day long. A colorful mix of colors, shapes and sizes lined up on “D” dock creating quite a spectacle. By the end of the day, after many were tucked in remaining spaces or rafted off other tugs to create more room, the dock was full of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats.

Lots of activity on the dock as boats arrived with everyone helping to guide them into their slip.

The sponsors showed up first thing in the morning to check in with Jim. This year’s sponsors include Fluid Motion, Global Marine Insurance Agency, Reed Yacht Sales, and Manitowoc Marina. Service reps from Garmin came to help owners update software and fix minor problems. With 22 boats in attendance this year, the service reps had a full schedule.

Nothing specific on the schedule for Day One of the Great Lakes Area Rendezvous other than social meet and greets on the dock during the day and a Happy Hour followed by a huge pot-luck dinner at night. It never ceases to amaze me the yummy platters of food the talented cooks can whip up on their tugs.

A storm threatened near the end of our pot-luck, but it held off until everyone was finished eating with time to socialize on the dock as night silently fell on Charlevoix’s beautiful Round Lake.

Kevin Lamont (Service Rep. for Fluid Motion) (above-right), joined us for the Great Lakes Area Rendezvous this year. Kevin is a popular guy at this event, friendly, informative, and knowledgeable, he represents Fluid Motion well with his confident professionalism.

The crew representing Garmin (above – from left to right) includes Greg Richmond (Garmin Trainer, Rick Bullock (Garmin FSE), and Brendon Scarpone (Garmin Region Sales Manager).

Dean Senglaub (Manitowac Marina) and his son brought a brand new Cutwater to the rendezvous.

Kevin Lamont, is hard at work on Al and Lisa’s tug, True Blue.

Mark Derenne (Reed Yacht Sales) is here with a beautiful Ranger Tugs R29 (above-left). Paul Reed (Reed Yacht Sales) joined us for an afternoon. Everyone loves to come to Charlevoix.

Red is a popular color at this rendezvous, at least seven boats sport our favorite red hull.

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Boats Arriving Early for the 2019 Charlevoix Rendezvous

Boating is fun! Guess that’s why it’s a popular recreational activity around coastal waters and inland lakes. If you are not joining in on a rendezvous during your boating adventures, you are missing out on a fantastic social, and informative (mechanical/technical/operational), opportunity. An organized rendezvous is not only a social event. Many times there will be dealers, factory service reps, engine service reps, and/or navigation reps on hand to address boat-specific, or accessory, issues. Topics discussed during scheduled presentations are of interest to any boater. We arrived early for the 2019 Charlevoix Rendezvous this year. There were already four boats docked on “D” dock.

Owners of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Have Rendezvous in the
Great Lakes, East Coast, South East, and the Pacific Northwest.

Fluid Motion started factory-sponsored rendezvous for their Ranger Tugs in the Puget Sound area in 2009. Now they are organized by owners, in those areas previously mentioned, and supported by the factory. It helps that many of those owners now tow their boats cross-country to explore new cruising opportunities and expand their social and mechanical/technical skills. Being a boat owner of any brand allows joining in on the fun. If you can’t find an existing group for your type of boat consider creating one.

Check out some of our previous RENDEZVOUS

Just gathering at the dock (Charlevoix City Marina) with early participants the night before the start of a rendezvous, is cause for celebratory cheers and camaraderie at the marina.

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Rendezvous Day Three – Started Off on the Docks with a Big Pot of Coffee and the Best Butter Tarts we’ve ever had –

Baked fresh at Wilkes Bakery, in downtown Orillia, that morning. These tarts are so fresh and buttery,  if you eat one it’s hard to stop! After mingling on the docks with our “sweets,” we reconvened at the Royal Canadian Legion for John and Laurie Gray’s presentation on the Great Loop. The presentation was followed by lunch. There was a huge interest in this presentation by the attendees. Many would like to do the “Loop” on their tugs.

We spent a leisurely afternoon on the docks having a “boat crawl.” This is a voluntary event meant to open your boat for others to see what personal touches or enhancements you’ve made. Or conversely, attendees could visit boats, meet other owners and talk about their current or future boats.

The last official activity of the rendezvous day three was a blindfolded dinghy race

Always fun for those watching, but sometimes frustrating for those taking part. However, rewarding for participants and onlookers, but especially for the winners. We had four brave couples taking part, with each dinghy/paddle board having the blindfolded paddler taking instructions from their sighted partner. The goal was for the navigating team member to direct their blindfolded partner to a halfway point where they turned around to head to the finish line. Todd and Anita from Audrey Rose took home the $100 prize after competing on their paddle board.

We concluded the rendezvous on Sunday, with pizza delivered to us on the dock. Usually, attendance is light on the third day, as many owners had to leave for one reason or another. This created a more intimate gathering for those staying for all three nights.

For Lisa and I, the last day of the rendezvous closes one part of our Canadian adventure. Tomorrow morning we head out on the Trent Severn Waterway with the Rideau Canal and Montreal as our endpoint to our 2018 summer cruising.

Can’t tell you how many times the owners of these two boats, Trilogy and Kismet, have bumped into each other at random docks all over the country. Alabama, Florida, British Columbia, and Washington State are the places that come to mind. Now we can add Ontario to the list. Most of the time, we met John and Laurie Gray by circumstance, not even knowing we were in the same area. Ontario was a touch-and-go situation as the Grays were not sure they could make it to the rendezvous until the last few days, due to their cruise schedule.

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Yesterday Was Fun, But the Rendezvous Day Two Was Action Packed! –

The scheduled meals and presentations, of the rendezvous on day two, were easily accessible, located across the street from Port of Orillia, at the Royal Canadian Legion, which worked out well. The RCL folks were easy and delightful to work with, they made us feel like members. After breakfast Ranger Tugs Customer Service Rep Tim Bates conducted a Q & A for everyone, which continued on the docks with one-on-one sessions on attendees’ boats. Much appreciated by all. We left open a 3-hour window for “free time.” Attendees could explore downtown Orillia for shopping, eating, or walking the large, 20th Orillia Classic Car Show. One of the best I’ve ever attended, and I go to these every chance I get.

Two more boater education sessions filled the afternoon agenda

First up was a presentation, about the history of the Trent Severn Waterway, conducted by waterway Lockmaster Alec. We all learned a great deal about this Canadian treasure. Our own, Mark Renshaw (R29 owner of Irish Mist and an Orillia local), presented a talk about local boating. A big thanks to Tim, Alec, and Mark for their presentations today.

We concluded the day with a group photo and happy hour on the docks before dinner back at the RCL. The second day of the rendezvous was complete when Jodie Renshaw won a $250 Ranger Tugs parts certificate, during the Last Person Standing contest.

Tim Bates, Fluid Motion’s Customer Service Representative gave a Q&A presentation after breakfast.

Lisa and I spent our free time during the rendezvous on day two at the Orillia Car Show. There were some unusual cars on display. There were so many crisscrossing the streets of downtown Orillia, it was almost hard to see them all.

Did I ever tell you how much Lisa like the color red?

Alec (above) gave a very informative talk about the Trent Severn Waterway and the locking system.

Mark shared with us his local navigation knowledge, pointing out some hazards and what to watch out for, on the waterway.

Before we knew it… it was Happy Hour again. Dinner was at the RCL again, so we only met on the docks for drinks before we walked to shore for dinner.

Hendricks, (with his mom, Andrea-above) Tim’s son was a real trooper during the event. Easily entertained with a good disposition, we think he enjoyed being at the rendezvous.

Our Facebook group Ranger Tugettes (a private group for women Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats) met on the dock for a group photo. As with many of these rendezvous, there are always some Tugettes present.

Introducing the 2018 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Great Lakes Area Rendezvous Attendees.

The last person standing was Jodi Smith (below-left), on Irish Mist. She won a $250 parts certificate.

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DAY ONE – 2018 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Great Lakes Area Rendezvous –

We all came for this! A gathering of TugNuts and Tugettes. We love our boats, and there’s nothing like a rendezvous to bring this happy group of boaters together to have a good time.

We started the festivities before the actual event began, with the BBQ dinner at Lefroy Harbour Resorts, on Thursday night. On Friday more boats arrived at Port of Orillia, by Happy Hour Ranger Tugs littered the docks, every shape, size, and color, and one Cutwater Boat. Several people came but didn’t bring their boats, they stayed at motels or RV parks nearby. At last count there were 24 boats, 56 attendees, 6 dealer personnel from Lefroy Harbour Resorts and two joined us from the factory, Fluid Motion.

Meet & Greet at Happy Hour and Potluck for Dinner

The only thing, on Thursday’s agenda, was the “Meet & Greet” during Happy Hour and the potluck that followed. Jim gave a short speech ahead of digging into the food, thanking Mark and Jodi Renshaw for their local knowledge of the Orillia area and help before and during the event. He introduced the crew at Lefroy Harbour Resorts and went over the agenda. Then we dug into the amazing pot luck spread laid out on the dock by our boats.

What camaraderie we found amongst the attendees. Even with a storm brewing on the horizon of the marina, intermittent rain did not dampen the mood. Light sprinkles of rain only seemed to cool us off on a very hot, humid day.

Although Mark and Jodi have a Ranger Tug R29, they are attending the rendezvous on Mark’s son’s Carver (above). Their tug, Irish Mist, is currently docked in Victoria, British Columbia.

You can’t pay somebody to provide a feast like this. We are always pleasantly surprised by the food that shows up on the potluck table at these events.

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Lefroy Harbour Resorts is Also a Ranger Tug dealer –

Lefroy Harbour Resorts is located in Lefroy, Ontario, on Simcoe Lake. They have been a sponsor of our Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Great Lakes Area Rendezvous’ since we started the first one in 2014. During the initial planning stages, last spring, Ryan Stovold offered to host a pre-rendezvous reception at Lefroy for the participants, Thursday evening, the night before our event started in Orillia. The friendly staff at Lefroy welcomed everyone as if we were all long-time friends. Just as when we arrived at Lefroy a few days ago to launch our boat, the owners and staff greeted everyone as if we were part of their friendly community. Great conversations developed, new friends were made and everyone went away well-fed.

Lisa and I were happy to reconnect with several Ranger Tug owners who have come to our other rendezvous in Little Current, Ontario, and Charlevoix, Michigan. Lefroy’s staff prepared a colorful BBQ and seafood boil with salads and plenty of cold drinks to quench our thirst on the extremely hot and humid day. The feeling Lisa and I had last night was this felt almost like our homeport of the past, Charlevoix, Michigan. It felt like home. A big thank you to everyone at Lefroy Harbour Resorts for the effort everyone put into last night’s festivities.

Ryan and Linda (above-left and below). Andrea and Tim Bates, Tim is a customer service representative for Fluid Motion (above-right).

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2018 Great Lakes Area

Port of Orillia – Ontario, Canada on the Trent Severn Waterway
Dates:  August 17, 18 & 19th

Registration for this Rendezvous is Now Underway. Registration has been extended to May 31, 2018

• LINK TO REGISTRATION FORM •

Since 2014, the Great Lakes Area Rendezvous has moved to different areas on, or near, the Great Lakes. This way, we can explore different ports of call. Last year’s event was held on Round Lake in Charlevoix, Michigan. This year’s rendezvous will be held in Orillia, Ontario, on the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway, Canada. A must-see boating destination for any serious cruiser.

Check Out Last Year’s Event…

Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous

These Fun Rendezvous Fill Up Fast!
Register before May 31, 2018

Come by water, if your homeport is in the area. If your tug is far away, load her up onto the trailer and tow it nearby. Aren’t trailerable boats wonderful? You won’t regret exploring the Trent Severn Waterway with a group from the event, or on your own, before or after the rendezvous. For example, the crew of Kismet is thinking about either launching in Alpena, Michigan, crossing Lake Huron to Georgian Bay, or entering the Trent Severn Waterway to Orillia. Or, we will tow straight to Orillia and splash her there.

This year we are working closely with Ryan Stovold, of Lefroy Harbour, Ontario’s Ranger Tugs dealer, and Fluid Motion. Ryan has attended and co-sponsored all our area rendezvous so far. There may be groups formed, during the rendezvous, to cruise the scenic Trent Severn Waterway before and after the rendezvous. Or do it solo, on your own schedule.

Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise a historic waterway. Sign up soon to grow social relationships with other tug owners from all over the United States and Canada. In our world, when it comes to boating activities, it’s more about making memories and sharing adventures, than almost anything else.

See you in Orillia!
Jim and Lisa Favors
M/V Kismet
Ranger Tug R29S

Orillia Ontario, Canada…

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Coming Home to Charlevoix, Michigan for the Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous!

Charlevoix Michigan was home to the Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous. What a spectacular setting for this year’s event. Lisa and I have a fondness for Charlevoix as this was once our homeport. That was before we became enamored of trailering our Ranger Tug all over the United States. So being in Charlevoix again was like coming home.

Arriving on Monday morning, for our 3-day event, we had nothing but clear sunny skies while greeting attendees as they arrived. With 40 people in attendance, we had boaters from Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Washington, Ohio, Kentucky, Ontario, Michigan, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Also in attendance were sponsors and representatives of Reed Yacht Sales, Manitowoc Marina, and Volvo Penta. The event was also sponsored by Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats and Global Marine Insurance. By the very nature of being able to trailer these boats, Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats have a broad, ready-made, community spread far and wide.

When we get together at events like this some of the boaters may already know one another, if not, we’re a friendly bunch, we are here because we all want to have a fun time with other tug owners.

We spent the first day getting settled in. For us, being boatless meant first checking into a local motel and then setting up chairs and a table on the end of the dock for the Pot Luck dinner the first night. Day one was a casual affair, making sure people get their ditty bags, and questions answered. For some, it meant finding a parking spot in town for their truck and maybe their trailer.

For 2018 we’re planning on heading to Ontario’s Trent Severn Waterway.

During Happy Hour on the dock, Jim welcomed everyone with an overview of the agenda and introductions of attendees just before we dug into the potluck offerings.

Matt Hartman and Christine Carlson (above), from Volvo Penta, were with us for our three-day event. Although they were working on Public Relations and Marketing projects for Volvo’s “Where Does Volvo Penta Take You” campaign they both did a good job of blending in seamlessly with our Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats community.

Mark Derene (above), the representative from Reed Yacht Sales, always had a friendly smile, you could tell he was having a good time. He brought the beautiful red Ranger Tugs R29S to the rendezvous, I think so Jim and I could drool over it. It is just like the one we have on order, we’ll take possession in a few weeks. Thanks for letting me crawl all over your boat Mark!

Everyone is enjoying the Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous.

We started day two off with a catered breakfast followed by US Coast Guard Safety inspections and a boat crawl. We offer the boat crawl in order to learn about enhancements people make to their boats. It’s also an opportunity to share maintenance tips that can save us time and money as well as keep us on the water.

No rendezvous would be complete without a happy hour on the docks, we had one every night. We had a wonderful view of downtown Charlevoix and Round Lake. The day was capped off with a catered dinner on the town’s waterside park lawn.

Matt and Christine were kept busy most days interviewing attendees. Can’t wait to see the photos and videos they took.

Charlevoix has one very special ambassador in their Harbor Master!

Hal Evans is a legend in the boating community, at least to those who have visited “Charlevoix the Beautiful.” You will never encounter a more friendly greeting when docking your boat. Most often Hal will shout a warm “Welcome Home” as you approach to dock your boat. Hal is a one-of-a-kind individual – one of those rare people whom the sun shines through so naturally and radiates out even brighter to all in close proximity. A genuinely good man. Retiring next year, Hal’s shoes will be hard to fill.

Hal helped to make our rendezvous happen in Charlevoix this year. We invited him and his wife, Mary Ann, to dinner Tuesday night and he, in turn, brought his guitar to sing a few old sailor songs during happy hour. Thanks, Hal!!!

After dinner, we played a short game of LAST PERSON STANDING. The last person standing won a parts certificate from Fluid Motion (Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats).

The Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous ended Wednesday on a high note with a tour of John and Zita Winn’s exquisite boathouse and fascinating maritime collection.

Winn’s collection includes unique, and mostly one-of-a-kind boats, outboard engines, seat cushions, paddles, burgees, toys, artifacts and so much more. After crawling around the boathouse, John invited us upstairs to his “Chart Room.” Lots of activities and memorabilia to keep a boater entertained.

John and Zita’s view of Round Lake from their Chart Room.

Later, we had a catered lunch on the dock followed by a presentation about marine insurance by Matt Anderson and Ben Belyea, President of Global Marine Insurance (below). There was also some free time scheduled each day, so people could explore Charlevoix, relax and or go for a cruise out on Lake Charlevoix. The last night we had a pizza party on the dock where many discussed their departure plans for the next day.

Pictures are great and we know not everyone can always attend, however, we hope this gives you a small taste of what a Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats Rendezvous is all about.

A fun time was had by all! Thanks to the attendees, the sponsors, the marina staff, the dealer representatives, the City of Charlevoix, and John and Zita Winn for a one-of-a-kind tour of their boathouse and maritime collection.

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Come One, Come All!
Own a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat?

2018 Great Lakes Area
Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats
Summer Rendezvous

Orillia, Ontario – Canada
on the Trent Severn Waterway

Tentative Dates:  August 17 – 19th

– Since 2014, the Great Lakes Area Rendezvous has moved to different areas on, or near, the Great Lakes. This way, we can explore different ports. Last year’s event was held on Round Lake in Charlevoix, Michigan. This years planned rendezvous will be held in the beautiful Trent Severn Waterway. A must-see boating destination for any serious cruiser.

Check Out Last Year’s Event…

Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous

We know it’s not just around the corner, but what better time than now to start planning a 2018 cruising itinerary? For Tugnuts and Tugettes, who are shoveling or snowplowing driveways, summer can’t come soon enough. Winter seems the best time to organize trip details and dream of parts unknown.
Please take a moment to think about the possibility of joining us this summer in Orillia, Canada for a fun time.

Come by water, if your homeport is in the area. If your tug is far away, load her up onto the trailer and tow it nearby. Aren’t trailerable boats wonderful? You won’t regret exploring the Trent Severn Waterway with a group, or on your own, before or after the rendezvous. For example, the crew of Kismet is thinking about launching in Alpena, Michigan, crossing Lake Huron to Georgian Bay, and entering the Trent Severn Waterway to Orillia. After the rendezvous, we will continue cruising south/southeast on the Trent Severn turning north on the Rideau River to Ottawa and finally the Ottawa River to Montreal. We are getting goosebumps just thinking about this new (for us – Rideau to Montreal) cruising adventure.

This year we are working closely with Ryan Stovold, of Lefroy Harbour, Ontario’s Ranger Tugs dealer, and Fluid Motion. Ryan has attended and co-sponsored all our rendezvous so far. Details will follow once Ryan secures the dockage dates in Orillia. There will be cruising in the scenic Trent Severn Waterway available for groups before and after the Rendezvous, or do it solo on your own schedule.

More info will soon follow – in the meantime, if you have an interest in attending – email us directly (info@trailertrawlerlife.com) so we can add you to the list – You will get updates as the plan formalizes. Official registration will not start until late spring.

Don’t miss this opportunity to cruise a historic waterway. Sign up to grow social relationships with other tug owners from all over the United States and Canada. In our world, when it comes to boating activities, it’s more about making memories and sharing adventures, than almost anything else.

See you in Orillia!
Jim and Lisa Favors
M/V Kismet
Ranger Tug R29

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Day three began with another broadcast of the Little Current Cruisers’ Net at the Anchor Inn for those who missed it on Monday. Jim and several other Tugnuts went back and helped Roy log in the names of vessels calling in.

We were also very fortunate to have another North Channel Presentation, again this year by Roy Eaton.

Thanks, Roy!

After the North Channel Presentation, we had another fabulous creation for lunch, by Kelly and the Anchor Inn. Lunch was followed by a boat crawl. We all opened up our boats so that we could take a look/see at what improvements, changes, or additions we made to the interiors or exteriors of our boats. This is a very helpful event for all the Tugnuts in attendance. Storage has got to be one of the most burning issues on our Ranger Tugs and I have to say some people get very creative on finding extra storage space. We always take photos of things other Tugnuts do to their boats for future reference.

One of the additions I found of interest on Evolve was this unique set-up for a stern-tie line spool. It can be mounted when needed or disassembled for storage when stern-tying is not an issue. Nice work, Tom!

As much as I enjoyed the helpful additions during the boat crawl, I have to say my favorite stop was on Irish Mist, where I (and everyone else) was treated to a shot of Irish Mist. Thanks, Mark!

This year again, we ended the festivities with a simple pizza party. It took 11 pizzas to satisfy this hungry crowd.

The weather was still a little stormy, flipping back and forth from sunshine to stormy clouds all day long. Everyone was busy tonight getting their boats ready to head out on the water or road Wednesday morning. Although we talked about all anchoring together at Haywood Island, we seemed to all be going in different directions. We needed to trailer Kismet to head home on Wednesday and others had similar agendas, although a few boats did meet at the Benjamin Islands for at least one night.

We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people for the North Channel Rendezvous. Thanks, everyone for coming to Little Current to join in the festivities!

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Breakfast on day two was proceeded by a short walk from the marina to the Anchor Inn downtown. Roy Eaton’s live broadcast of the Little Current Cruisers’ Net (LCCN) was about to take place. We filled the room with mostly Tugnuts, but other boaters visiting the town docks that day also joined us for the broadcast, the room was overflowing.

Roy (below right) started his career as a marine radio broadcaster while boating in the Abaco Islands in 2001. At that time he provided Canadian news to the popular Cruisers’ Net, located in Marsh Harbor. Back home, Roy later formed Manitoulin Island’s first yacht club, Little Current Yacht Club. In 2004 after receiving a generous donation of broadcast space (in the Anchor Inn) and equipment, Roy started the now very popular Little Current Cruisers’ Net. He used the Cruisers’ Net in the Abacos as a model. The broadcast starts with world and local news, including business, sports, and stock market reports. A marine weather forecast follows the news. Roy always finds a way to interject some local history or relevant folklore all with an eloquent friendly tone. All that is followed by boat check-ins. Later in the broadcast, Roy will ask boaters to exchange messages through the net and ask for any emergency boating or medical needs or calls for assistance. LCCN is a valuable tool for boaters cruising the waters of the North Channel in the summer months, a virtual safety net for boaters.

If you are visiting the North Channel on a boat, please turn on the radio at 9:00 a.m. on channel 71, and don’t forget to check in with Roy during the broadcast by giving your boat name and location.

Late morning, after the visit to LCCN, Mike Smith (above), a Cutwater owner attendee, on M&M, gave a presentation on boat insurance, What to Look for, and Why. Co-founder of Global Marine Insurance (1989), Mike has 40 years of insurance experience and resides on the board of directors of the National Marine Lenders Assoc.

After lunch, Ken and Pauline Phillips, Cutwater owners on Shipperly, gave a presentation on their recently completed Great Loop boat trip.

Rich Odendahl (above), a Ranger Tug owner on Roam, gave a How To presentation on replacing, packing, and adjusting a stuffing box (below).

Mark Renshaw (above) a Ranger Tug owner on Irish Mist, gave a presentation on a Y-Valve, fresh water toilet adaptation.

Even though it was sprinkling on and off all day, “docktails” started to form right on time.

Dinner by Kelly at the Anchor Inn was amazing as usual. We ate well during the rendezvous.

Rich helped Jim with the Last Man Standing drawing tonight. Rich and Jim went around the group after dinner selling cards until a whole deck was gone. Using another full, shuffled deck to call cards during the drawing. You don’t want your card to be called til the end. The prizes are given out to the last three people standing with a generous parts certificate, from Ranger Tugs, given as the grand prize to the very last man standing.

Rich enlisted Stephanie’s, on Neptune, help with calling the cards. She did a great job!

The second to last man standing, Mike and Marylyn (above), got a cash prize, and the last man standing, Mark and Jodi (below) won the jackpot, a parts certificate from Ranger Tugs.

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2015 Ranger Tugs-Cutwater North Channel Rendezvous.

Fourteen Ranger Tugs and two Cutwaters arrive for the rendezvous in Little Current, Ontario. All boats were secure in their assigned slips by late afternoon, except for one that arrived during cocktail hour. Half of the boats are from U.S.A and half are from Canada. Half are repeats of the rendezvous, half are first-timers. We are all here to share in the camaraderie of the friendly community of Ranger Tugs-Cutwater owners. We are also here to exchange stories, help one another with boat issues, trade boating knowledge, and acquired skills, and cruising interests. The term “Tugnuts” refers to the popular forum, TUGNUTS. The exchange on the Tugnut forum is an amazing tool for boaters, it covers a wide range of topics on trailerable boating and includes many different trailerable trawler owners as members (such as C-Dory and Rosborough).

We launched Kismet in Little Current in the late afternoon, at Spider Bay Marina. The boat launch is located just around the corner from LC Town Docks, where we headed right after launch. Little Current is the hub of the North Channel and a great spot to host the Ranger Tugs-Cutwater North Channel Rendezvous. This is the second annual Ranger Tugs-Cutwater rendezvous held in the North Channel. Sponsors for the event include Ranger Tugs-Cutwater, Reed Yacht Sales, Lefroy Harbour Marina, and Global Marine Insurance. Kelly at the popular Anchor Inn catered the event just like last year. Great food and service, but we had to have a repeat.

Docktails started mid-afternoon making for quick reunions and quick introductions of past and new attendees. Most of the boats were at the dock and ready to roll.

Roy Eaton, and his wife Margaret, of “The Net” (Little Current Cruisers Net) joined us for the potluck. Roy talked about “The Net,” the North Channel area, and handed out ditty bags to all attendees. He also had a little random drawing which Sharon, on The Imp won. Roy is one of the North Channel’s most enthusiastic ambassadors.

Cheryll, on Roam, was the hit of the potluck with his $11 can of vodka whipped cream. Never knew there was such a thing. Thanks for the experience Cheryll!

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If you’ve never cruised in Canada’s North Channel, this might be the time to trailer or cruise your Ranger Tugs/Cutwater boat to join us in Little Current, Ontario, for the second annual Ranger Tugs/Cutwater 2015 North Channel Rendezvous. With spring in the air the much anticipated boating season in Canada’s North Channel is just around the corner. With that in mind the official registration process for the 2015 rendezvous is in full swing. See the fun we had last year!

Rendezvous Location:
Little Current Downtown Docks
Manitoulin Island
Little Current, Ontario

The marina is centrally located in the heart of the North Channel.
The dates for the Rendezvous are August 9, 10, and 11th, 2015.
If you have an interest in joining us, please mail info @ trailertrawlerlife.com
for the registration form and more information.

Click Here to DOWNLOAD and PRINT the REGISTRATION FORM

We will handle marina reservations for August 9, 10, and 11th (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday).
If you plan on arriving before August 9th or staying after the 11th,
you’ll need to make those EXTRA DAYS (ONLY) reservations directly with
Port of Little Current Downtown Docks
705-368-1725

Upon arrival, you’ll pay for all your dockage fees (event days and extra days) to the marina.
Rates are $1.75 Canadian per foot, per day plus tax for any extra days.
It’s patented by the State Intellectual Property Office
For the Rendezvous days we have a special price – pay for 2 days and get the 3rd rendezvous day FREE.

As always, if anyone has questions you can call me,
make a Tugnuts post to the North Channel Rendezvous thread, or
PM me on Tugnuts.com. Please complete and return the registration form by June 25, 2015.

Hope to see you there!
Jim and Lisa Favors

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We Want to Thank Everyone Who Attended the First 2014 Ranger Tugs/Cutwater North Channel Rendezvous

We look forward to meeting up with many of the participants on the water in the future. Boats in attendance ranged from far away as Alberta, Fort Lauderdale, Rhode Island, and Texas. This was the first time cruising the North Channel for 9 of the 15 boats.

Although we could not have had a successful rendezvous without those in attendance, there is a lot that goes on behind the scenes well before the event starts and during the rendezvous. Thanks to Debby Turner at Little Currents Turner’s for supplying the Manitoulin Island/North Channel maps for our ditty bags. We also had donations for our ditty bags from Prism Polish, GMC Flint Assembly Plant, and the UAW (including the bags), Ranger Tug hats, and key fobs. Thanks to Reid Taylor for making arrangements for our dockage at Little Current Town Docks and use of the Pavillion, everything was delivered as promised.

One of the things when organizing a rendezvous is that you never quite know for sure how everything will work out until it happens. Kelly, the owner of Anchor Inn, did such a great job, the food was exceptional, and everyone was extremely pleased with the quality and quantity… thanks Kelly for all your hard work, and being on time (even though having to deal with a power outage during prep work), professional and on budget.

Roy Eaton, Little Current Crusiers Net coordinator, was very well received by our attendees. The very first night he hit the docks and delivered his own welcome bag to each attendee and it included Little Current information as well as free ice cream coupons and free pump-out passes. A visit to his live Cruisers Net broadcast and his wonderful North Channel PowerPoint presentation helped to enhance the even offerings to each Ranger Tug owner. Thanks, Roy. Mark Coles, of Boating Georgian Bay, gave us a detailed history lesson of Georgian Bay and passed out some boat wax and some special BGB hot sauce.

Reed Yacht Sales and Lefroy Harbour Marine and Resorts were not only sponsors but they were part of our experience. Thanks to Paul Reed along with Ryan Stovold and Jim Ward for being in attendance and supporting our Ranger Tug community of boating. We truly hope our mass presence in the North Channel leads to positive things for both of their organizations.

Lastly, a special thanks to Jeff Messmer at Ranger Tugs for his rendezvous guidance, and financial and promotional support as well as for sending Kenny Marrs all the way from Kent, Washington to join us. We think he had a great time. Kenny always does a great job working to help Ranger Tug owners and this trip was no exception. Thanks, Kenny for your support, your friendly smile, and your positive, professional, demeanor.

Mark and Jodi, on Irish Mist, took this amazing panorama of our boats at dock in Little Current. Thanks for sharing Mark.

Dave, on Bucket List has a Portland Pudgy dinghy with a sailing kit he had yet to install. He got lots of help on the dock today and Dwain helped him with the sailing mechanics after it they launched it.

Randy and Cindy, on I Think I Can, took these great photos (above and three below) from on top of the hill behind the marina. Thanks, Randy and Cindy for sharing.

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Ranger Tugs North Channel Rendezvous Last Day!

On the last day Roy Eaton, from the LCCN, gave a wonderful PowerPoint presentation at the Anchor Inn Bar, an overview of Georgian Bay and the North Channel highlighting some of the history and many popular anchorages.

Later, back at the pavilion, we gathered for a presentation by Mark Coles (above), of Boating Georgian Bay, who gave a geological and historical overview of Georgian Bay. Mark also spent the afternoon photographing and video-taping Ranger Tug owners for a piece he was doing on the Boating Georgian Bay’s website.

Later in the afternoon, we had a boat crawl. It’s always interesting to see what additions, improvements, and/or enhancements others have made to their boats. I came away with a cave area, a storage shelf, an idea I saw on Mike and Jess’s boat, Illusions. Lisa liked a spice rack (above-left) that was hand built by Randy and Cindy on, I Think I Can., she also liked their Yorkie (above-right).

A delicious lunch was again served by Kelly from the Anchor Inn (above-left). Annie, on Gentle Lady, was beaming ear to ear, she must have had a good time.

The Rendezvous concluded on the evening of the third day with a pizza party in the pavilion followed by a lot of lively conversation about the fun we all had, with most boaters sharing their future cruising plans with each other.

Mike and Jess on Illusions (above).

Pauline and Ken on Shipperly (above).

Gregg and Kathy on Santolina (above).

Dwain and Jackie on Lydia (above).

We were so excited to finally meet Jean and Ken, on Puddle Duck (above-Left), at this rendezvous. We’d heard their story and read articles on their late-in-life boating adventures. Their story is inspirational, they know how to live a life that’s for sure. Joining them as crew on Puddle Duck, during their cruise to the rendezvous, is the well-known Captain Patti Moore (above right), from Sea Sense Boating School.

Puddle Duck – Maiden Voyage

Greg, on Tug R Knott II (above) with Jim from Lefroy Harbor Marine.

Dave and Donna on Bucket List (above).

Mark, on Irish Mist (above) with Carolyn, on Pour House.

Harry, on Pour House with Jodie, on Irish Mist (above).

Kenny from Ranger Tugs and Ryan from Lefroy Harbor Marine  (above).

Dave, on Sequel (above) with daughter and granddaughter.

Chris, on Sequel (above) with grandson.

Randy, on I Think I Can with Mike, on Illusions (above).

Wayne and Anne on Sine Wave (above) with Cindy, on I Think I Can. Mike and Jess always seem to be ready for a photo and they sure know how to smile.

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Little Current Cruisers Network is On the Air in Little Current!

At 9 a.m., most of the Ranger Tugs attendees hiked up to the Anchor Inn building where Roy Eaton gives his live VHF broadcast of “The Net,” Little Current Cruisers Net, on channel 71 for boaters cruising Canada’s beautiful North Channel. This is definitely a must-do if you are visiting Little Current by boat.

Roy Eaton founded the LCCN in 2004. Little Current Cruisers Net, in operation during the boating season between July 1st and August 31st, not only broadcasts weather, sports, and news, (world and local – Roy sometimes injects a little bit of humor), but also helps boaters cruising the area to handle emergencies while also relaying news from one boat to another. Following the news Roy provides a check-in for boaters anywhere in the North Channel, giving an overview of where boaters are and where they intend to head to.

If you’ve boated in the Abaco Islands you’ll be familiar with the format as Roy got the idea for the Little Current Cruisers Net when cruising the islands.

Roy is a bit of a celebrity in these parts. If you’re a boater staying in Little Current you don’t want to miss attending the daily morning broadcast in the studio above the Anchor Inn Restaurant, and when cruising the North Channel, make sure to check in each morning with Roy, he’ll be tickled if you do.

We even got to see our Yacht Club’s burgee (Grant Traverse Yacht Club) already tacked on the walls of the Little Current Cruisers Net studio. (Above-Top Left.)

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Day Two of the Ranger Tugs Rendezvous Begins…

Day two started off with a catered breakfast prepared by Kelly, owner of the Anchor Inn. We could have gotten by without eating the rest of the day, the meal was so plentiful and well prepared. Breakfast was followed by a visit to the Cruisers’ Net, provided by Roy Eaton, at the Anchor Inn (see next post for details). (Above Left) Mike and Jim were having some fun at the marina up the road.

Later that morning Kenny Marrs conducted a “Ask the Factory” session in which a lot of questions were answered by Kenny with a good exchange of helpful information between Kenny and the boat owners. Late afternoon, we had a North Channel chart review followed by a marine-related app session. Boating rendezvous are extremely helpful to owners with a helpful exchange with both factory reps and/or service reps, dealers, and other owners. We hope this year’s North Channel Ranger Tugs Rendezvous provided lots of information in that regard.

Jess and Mike (above) on their way to Happy Hour at the pavilion.

The day ended with another well-received catered meal by Kelly. After dinner, Mike Rizzo conducted a “Last Person Standing” contest. We had two cash prize winners and Gregg and Kathy from Santolina (below) won a $350 parts package for their tug from Ranger Tugs… make sure you claim this on your taxes, Gregg!

One of the most enjoyable activities I think was the time we got to spend chatting with each other under the pavilion after a meal or on the docks in the morning or at sunset. The North Channel provides just the right kind of laid-back atmosphere for a relaxed rendezvous.

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A North Channel Ranger Tugs Rendezvous

It is often stated that the North Channel is some of the best inland cruising you’ll find anywhere. We could not agree more! It is, after all, in our boating backyard. Lisa and I talked about the possibility of having a Ranger Tugs/Cutwater Rendezvous in the North Channel shortly after we bought our red tug several years ago. With that in mind, we approached Jeff Messmer at Ranger Tugs while we were cruising in the Pacific Northwest last summer. By fall the Ranger Tugs/Cutwater North Channel Rendezvous was put into full planning mode. Jeff and I contacted several dealers in the area, Reed Yacht Sales and Lefroy Harbour Marine and Resorts. We got them on board as sponsors for the rendezvous. Dates for the three-day event were set at that point and we slowly worked out the details during the winter months. It didn’t take long to make the decision on the location for the rendezvous. Little Current is geared towards accommodating boaters traveling through the area. The local businesses we worked with, for food and give aways, were very generous and helpful. They made the whole process seem like a breeze.

The town of Little Current, on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Canada, is a central spot and hub of activity for boaters. A nice location for boaters to provision and meet other boaters while soaking up the fantastic cruising opportunities of Canada’s beautiful North Channel.

Kismet (above) has a nice view of the marina from her cockpit.

Tugnuts helping one another out on the docks today. Annie, onboard Gentle Lady, is getting help from another tug owner. This really highlights what a boating rendezvous is all about. Lots of activities, food, and presentations. You gotta love sharing and caring.

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Ranger Tugs North Channel Rendezvous Welcomed 14 Tugs and One Cutwater!

Ranger Tugs arrived all morning at the town docks in Little Current until all fifteen boats (35 people) were secure in their slips. Introductions continued all day as we met people from all over the United States (8 boats) and Canada (7 boats) – 14 Ranger Tugs and one Cutwater. The boat coming from the farthest distance in the U.S. was from Texas and the farthest Canadian boat hailed from Alberta. Many different people, tastes, and personalities all share one common passion, their Ranger Tugs/Cutwater boats.

Carolyn, on Pour House (above), brought a big pan of ribs for consumption by the hungry boaters at the scheduled potluck.

Soon after arriving and getting settled at the town docks, everyone was busy getting a dish ready for the potluck that night. Mind you this was no ordinary potluck! It is truly amazing what elaborate and delicious dishes can be made on our little tugs.

Lots of smiling faces during the first day of the Ranger Tugs North Channel Rendezvous!

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