New 2022 Ranger Tugs R25OB

Thought our blog readers might be wondering what we have been up to as we await our brand new 2022 Ranger Tugs R25OB to be built. The factory scheduled delivery for the end of summer, in Des Moines, Washington. We are now in a holding pattern and it just feels weird not having a boat to hop on at a moment’s notice, especially as the warm weather hits northern Michigan. Jim and I have had one boat or another since 1995.

We’ve had a good plan in place since before we sold our Ranger Tug R29 last summer. First, we made a list of home improvements. We started it as we were enjoying our last days in Anacortes, Washington, completing the boat sale of our R29 with the new owner. Jim put the list into motion after arriving home from the Pacific Northwest, after a summer of cruising the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and South Sound. There were a lot of house projects that needed our attention when we got home. When you are out cruising for half of the year, those house projects build up. Jim’s list started with a bathroom renovation. Followed by a bedroom cabinet installation, a guest bedroom re-do, hardwood floor renovation, kitchen cabinet replacement, driveway asphalt addition, and lots of minor updates.

As we moved forward with the home improvement list and we needed to take a break from those projects, we made lists of items we needed for the new boat. This is always a fun task! Having lots of time to research products to deck out our new boat ahead of time will only make taking possession of the new boat easier. By now, we know what our boating needs are and, for the most part, what brands we like. However, with the now smaller R25, we had a few unique challenges to address.

Our last two boats were an R27 and then an R29. Yes, we have downsized again in choosing the new 2022 Ranger Tugs R25; we wanted to downsize to the smallest Ranger Tug we could, but keeping in mind what amenities we could do and not do without. The location of the head on the R23 was a deal-breaker for us. We plan to use this boat a lot; we live on our boats for months at a time, so we need a comfortable, private head. There will be less storage than the R29, but we think we can deal with that. I will have to learn to take fewer clothes and be more discerning about some items, such as kitchen utensils and work-related computer stuff. I already know I have packed too many of those items in the past.

Some items were easy to come up with. After all the boats we’ve owned, we know what anchor we’ll order, a Rocna to replace the one that comes with the boat (we will use the factory anchor for stern tying). We still have the BBQ grill we had on the R29, but we needed a rail mount to secure it to the boat. On our last boat, we just stored it below deck. Jim knows all the spare parts he will need to maintain the new boat and has been ordering those to put in his kit. He also ordered a brand new Tool Bag for all the tools he will need onboard to work on the boat.

When we sold our last Ranger Tug, there were a few items we just left on the boat for the new owner. We had to replace a couple of little things such as ratchet straps (above-left). They go over the cockpit and secure the back of the boat to the trailer when towing it cross-country. Jim also bought a brand new hose. This (above right) is the kind he likes.

Our primary concern was the smaller size of the black water (14 gals) and freshwater holding tanks (34 gals). As mentioned above, we live on the boat for months at a time and we like to anchor out a lot, so this was a major concern. The R29 had almost double the size of tanks as the R25. However, we both felt with some creative thinking, we could solve this problem. We have a couple of friends who have composting toilets with excellent reviews. Jim spent a lot of time investigating different models, watching YouTube videos to see how they work, and getting recommendations and a feel for how they would work with our cruising style.

In addition, we may use the unused, existing black water tank for additional freshwater storage. We spent the most time researching this item than the others, but we feel confident it will work best for us and we won’t have to pump out every week.

We parked all of our trailerable trawlers in our driveway during the summer months and that spot on our driveway is under a maple tree which sheds a lot of debris all summer long. So, Jim ordered a custom cover that will keep it clean when we are not using it. It will also enable us to store it outside in the winter and keep it protected from harsh elements. Also protecting the gel coat for longer life.

While Jim was working on his list, I worked on mine. My major concern was the galley not having a stove/oven. Also not a deal-breaker for me, as I feel we can adjust the way we cooked a little. I did not use the oven on the R27 and R29 very much, used it for storage instead. The R25 has only a one-burner electric unit. Therefore, Jim ordered the rail mount for the grill, I expect we will use the grill more on this boat. I also ordered a large, stainless steel, electric skillet. I like to cook in one large pot on the boat, and I don’t think the built-in unit will satisfy my cooking style, but the additional skillet should work out well.

We will also pack a slow cooker. On our last boat, besides the inside refrigerator, there was a small refrigerator in the cockpit. We used it for drinks and an overflow of food items. While working on our lists, we realized we would miss that unit, so we ordered a plug-in AC/DC cooler/freezer to store below the deck.

The sheets for the bed are always a puzzle!

I am trying to figure out what sheets to fit the cushions in the V-berth. Last time, (on the R29) I cut up a mattress pad into sections to fit each cushion on the bed. Then I bought jersey-style sheets (think stretchy, like a tee-shirt) to fit each cushion. This scenario enabled us to lift each cushion when needed. It worked out well on that boat, and it may be an option on this boat. However, I may have a problem making that work as Jim would like to get a dense foam mattress pad for more comfortable sleeping. He has a good point. I am still figuring this out. My goal is to have the sheets, mattress pad, and foam in hand before we leave home.

We have ordered, received, or will order soon most of the items on our list. One item we have not quite figured out yet is what to do about the dinghy. We don’t want to mount one to the back of the boat. Maybe we can tow it when needed. Jim is still researching different options… smaller dinghy, stored below and blown up when needed, or a lightweight one that would store on top of the boat. We don’t always need a dinghy, can’t tell you how many times we’ve taken the dinghy and never used it.

However, we know there are times we’ll need one. In addition, we are looking at a small electric engine for the dinghy. The larger ones we’ve owned were very clunky and hard to move on and off the boat. It took two of us to negotiate the transfer, and I always worried about it slipping into the water during the process. We have been eyeing those lightweight electric motors for some time now. Looks like the right time to try one out.

This is what the crew of Kismet has been up to over the winter. Can’t wait to get back out onto the water. I know all our pre-planning will pay off big time when we arrive in Des Moines, WA, to take possession of our new 2022 Ranger Tugs R25OB. We will have everything ordered, shipped, and stowed in the back of our pickup truck, ready to make the trek west across the USA to the Pacific Northwest. One of our favorite cruising destinations. Beyond that, we look forward to joining many of our fellow TugNuts and Tugettes at the 2022 Ranger Tugs Rendezvous in Roche Harbor, Washington. If it happens this year it will be the weekend after Labor Day. Fingers crossed!