Sixty-eight Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters in one place, at one time. They were many sizes, from 21 to 29 feet. If set end to end they would have measured 1,768 feet or one-third of a mile long. A rainbow of colors was represented – yellow, dark red, fire engine red, blue, green, tan, and white with owners from as far away as Maine and New York, on the east coast, Michigan, Texas, California, Montana, Colorado, and Oregon. Most were from Washington State, many hailed from British Columbia, Canada.

With 68 boats present, Lisa and I had an opportunity to witness firsthand how these Tugnuts (Ranger Tug owners) equip their boats with dinghies, cockpit tables and chairs interior and exterior storage containers, anchors, and so on. With only two weeks of ownership behind us, these are all things that are of interest to us, being new Ranger Tug owners, so we were more than anxious to gather all this information. Although our boat was only two weeks old, there were new owners in attendance who had only owned their tug for a week.

Interesting enough, of the 68 boats in attendance all had uniquely different names from our Kismet to Shared Dream, Tug of My Heart, Willies Tug, Laxey, Nellie Too, Moondance, Karma, Red Ranger, Salish Rover, just to name a few.

Okay, we know that the boat (above-right) is not a Ranger Tug, but Anne and Lawrence Yeadon-Jones, showed up on their sailboat, Dreamspeaker to present their guidebooks to the Tugnut group. They have authored and published a whole collection of very popular guidebooks to the Pacific Northwest.

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We arrived in Bremerton on Wednesday so that we could take care of some chores before the festivities began – we were the third boat to arrive in the harbor. Over the late afternoon and early evening, and the whole next day, the tugs slowly arrived in the harbor.

After we tied up to the dock I took off to do laundry while Jim cleaned the boat, then we treated ourselves to dinner at Anthony’s – a great choice. We’ve been anchoring out a lot and, with no dinghy to get to shore, cooking on the boat a lot.

This is the third annual Ranger Tug Rendezvous, and obviously our first, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect but we know from past experience – whenever you get a group of boaters together you are bound to have a rip-roaring time. We have to say that we were not disappointed. The Tugnuts (Ranger Tug owners) are a happy group of boaters, all very proud of their respective boats and as newbies, we were warmly welcomed into the group.

On Friday, Jim gave a Powerpoint presentation on the Great Loop Boat Trip. It was standing-room only during the event, it seems there is a lot of curiosity and interest within the group about this adventure. We love sharing information about the Great Loop and if we influence even just a few boaters to do the “Loop,” we’ll be happy.

There were three nights and two whole days of speaker/vendor presentations, demonstrations, factory info sessions, and owner forums along with a “Coffee Crawl” each morning (this is meant to get you out of your boat to find the coffee stationed at several boats) and happy hour every day at 5 pm. There was a potluck dinner Thursday night, Parrotville Party on Friday followed by a factory-sponsored cookout on Saturday. A silent auction was held Friday night along with introductions of each boat in attendance. Saturday a few creative boaters set up shop at the craft fair under the tent and later in the afternoon some very imaginative entries were signed up for the annual veggie race. The last night featured a multitude of door prizes and acknowledgments for the event committee who all worked so hard in putting this event together.

Andrew (above – left) gave a very informative session on electrical systems. This is a rare shot of Kathy, on Salish Rover – she and her husband, Craig, were on the event committee and I think this is one of just a few times we saw her sitting down the whole three days.

The Parrotville Party has evolved over three rendezvous and a lot of the Tugnutters take it pretty seriously.

Bob was the official margarita maker for the Parrotville Party, hence the title he’s duly earned, “Margarita Bob.”

Saturday night the Ranger Tug factory staff cooked hot dogs, hamburgers, and brats. As you can see, one thing we did not do during these three days, we never went hungry.

Laurie Ann was probably the first Ranger Tug we ever saw. We met John and Laurie in Rogersville, Alabama, they were on their 25-foot tug at the AGLCA Fall Rendezvous in 2008. It was fun to run into them again at the rendezvous in Bremerton. John and Laurie headed the rendezvous event committee and I have to say, they sure know how to put on a party and keep it on track. A big thanks to everyone who spent time and energy working during the rendezvous.

We enjoyed Boogaloo’s Bar-B-Que for lunch several days in a row, it was so good.

The Tugnuts affectionately call him “Ranger Jeff.” Jeff Messmer, Ranger Tug’s V.P. of Sales and Marketing, is posing here on the back of his Ranger Tug R29.

Herb Stark, on Willie’s Tug, (above – left)  was the first Tugnut we met in Washington State. He and his wife Willie are proud new owners of a Ranger Tug R27. We enjoyed meeting “Margarita Bob” and his wife Nita, on Nellie Too (above – right), they put a lot of energy into the coffee crawls, the auction, and of course the Parrotville Party.

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It’s being called the largest, sunshine state (Florida), Ranger Tug Rendezvous in the world!

With 11 Ranger Tugs in attendance at Moss Marina, on Fort Myers Beach, we feel the First Annual Ranger Tug, 2012 Southern Rendezvous is a great start for Ranger Tug owners to meet each other in the tropics. The festivities began with a dinner at Nervous Nellie’s, just under the bridge by the marina, and a great potluck Tuesday night in the marina’s boaters lounge.

In attendance (at one time or another over the last few days) were:
Charlotte Ann, Gepetto, Illusions, Kismet, Little Toot, Moor Than, Roam, See Life II, Tangent, Tuggin Aweigh, and Namaste. Several of us will be here through the weekend continuing the fun and sharing.

The first night we all congregated in the marina’s boaters lounge where introductions were made before we walked over to the restaurant for dinner. Approximately 25 people were in attendance.

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Two days after the Ranger Tug 2012 Southern Rendezvous planned festivities there are still five Ranger Tugs at the dock, including Roam, Kismet, Illusions, Gepetto, and Caroline Ann, most staying for the week. This really gives us an opportunity to spend some quality time, as a smaller group, with those still here.

We figured since we are situated almost across from the shrimp boats in the harbor that we should track some down and have a party on the dock tonight. Jim and Mike, on Illusions, took a dinghy ride over to where the shrimp boats are tied up, found a seafood market, and picked up some of the freshest and biggest jumbo shrimp we’ve seen in a long time, a bag for almost every boat. Jim came back to Kismet with our stash, cleaned, and deveined them while I made cocktail sauce, cole slaw, and a nacho dip. We all met on the dock at the appointed time with our differently prepared shrimp dishes and sides and ate and talked till way after dark. Fun night!

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One of the ancillary benefits of boating is the many social opportunities present. Everywhere we anchor or dock we’ll either run into old friends or we’ll end up meeting some very interesting people. We can’t think of a better place to do this than at the 2013 Ranger Tugs / Cutwater Rendezvous. The event was held this year at Cap Santé Marina in Anacortes, Washington.

Because we’d been cruising in British Columbia for an extended period of time, our calendar allowed us to arrive a few days early. We would use the time to catch up on the usual boat chores. These chores included a thorough cleaning of the boat, inside and out, washing clothes, and picking up a batch of mail. In the midst of our getting settled and organized, Ranger Tug owners, and residents of Anacortes, Bob, and Nita (below), on Nellie Too, approached us and said they were trying to put together a group to head up to Anthony’s for the early bird special. So, with a sprinkling of familiar faces and a few new mixed in, we had an unofficial kick-off to the rendezvous.

We’d met Bob and Nita (above) during our first 2011 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Rendezvous in Bremerton, WA. soon after we took possession of our Ranger Tug R27. Nita and Bob are so much fun, we wish we could just take them home with us.

Before the rendezvous started, we had time to walk downtown on our way to visit the farmer’s market and have lunch at the Croatian Restaurant our fellow tug nut, Tym told us about.

The next day boats started showing up in droves to the 2013 Ranger Tugs / Cutwater Rendezvous

Although most of the folks were from Washington State and British Columbia, Canada, there was representation from Texas, California, Oregon, Michigan, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and more. We tug owners attend these valuable rendezvous to learn more about our boats. We like to see what upgrades others have done to their vessels, attend seminars, eat, drink, celebrate our time together and share our boating pursuits as Ranger Tug or Cutwater owners. The conversation includes where we’ve cruised, if we trailer or not, and more often than not, we share maintenance tips and tricks. Jim gave a PowerPoint presentation about our cruising time on Lake Powell.

73 boats in attendance, 150 people including owners and Factory Personnel

The Anacortes Rendezvous was our third as Ranger Tug owners. We’d have to say the event is more like a fun family picnic or large reunion. Except most of us are not related. Boating, with our Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters, is the common denominator and basis for a likely friendship. The family part comes into play because Jeff, John, Andrew, Kenny, Ivan, Linda, and others representing the factory, bring their own families to the three-day event and have a grand time alongside the owners’ group during the three-day event.

Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Foster a Community Feel Among Their Owner Group

One of the things we admire about Fluid Motion as a company (builders of both the Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats) is how hands-on they are with their owners’ group. We get the distinct impression that one of the company’s main goals and objectives is to help people get out on the water to the boat. This thinking is supported by how they actively engage their owners’ group in boating activities, how thoughtfully they build their boats, with ease of use in mind, and take care of their owners. It goes without saying that such a philosophy is beneficial to both owners and factory alike.

Herb, on Willie’s Tug (above), was getting help with something on his boat.

Harmony (above) was responsible for organizing the event, and her two little pups helped.

Rich and Cheryll, on Roam (above) just returned from a trip to Alaska on their Ranger Tug. Gill and Barry, on Laxey (below)

There was a rumor going around that Jim (below) kissed Bob while he was kiddingly sitting on his lap. Somehow we didn’t get that shot. Maybe next time.

A few of the many participants at this year’s rendezvous. Georgene and Colin (above), Willie and Herb, on Willie’s Tug (above), Vicki and Bruce, on Moondance (below-left), and Tym and June, on Circle T (below-right).

Bob (above) and Nita (below) are always in charge of making margaritas for the rendezvous. We call him “Margarita Bob,” As you can see, they’ve got this chore down to a science. I caught Nita downing the last batch of the mix just before we wrapped up happy hour to begin feasting on dinner.

Ivan (above), from the factory, came to our boat to install a Bluetooth module to our Fusion stereo unit. This is a job that would have taken us a few hours and took Ivan only a few minutes.

On the last night of the rendezvous, the sky was on fire.

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Join Us in the North Channel for the 2014 Ranger Tug North Channel Rendezvous!

The More the Merrier!  

We’ve been given a one-week extension, until June 27th, to guarantee dock space for the rendezvous, so if you’re thinking of attending make sure you get your registration form and payment to me by then. We look forward to seeing everyone soon. Click on the link below to access the registration form and please email me with any questions that you may have.

With spring in the air, the much-anticipated boating season in Canada’s North Channel is just around the corner. With that in mind, it’s time to start the official registration process for the 2014 Ranger Tug North Channel Rendezvous.

The Rendezvous takes place at the Little Current Downtown Docks on Manitoulin Island in Little Current, Ontario; the marina is centrally located in the heart of the North Channel. The dates for the Rendezvous are August 7, 8, and 9th, 2014. I’ve attached the registration form (as a PDF file – see below). You’ll need to print it out, fill in the form completely, and mail it to us to secure dockage and attendance at the rendezvous.

Click Here to DOWNLOAD and PRINT the REGISTRATION FORM

We will handle marina reservations for August 7, 8, and 9th (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). If you plan on arriving before August 7th or staying after the 9th, you’ll need to make those EXTRA DAYS (ONLY) reservations directly with Little Current Downtown Docks… 705-368-1725 Port of Little Current Downtown Docks

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. 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 or email 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 20, 2014.

Hope to see you there!
Jim and Lisa Favors

info@trailertrawlerlife.com

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First Ever  – 2014 Ranger Tugs North Channel Rendezvous

We arrived in Little Current one day early for the 2014 Ranger Tugs North Channel Rendezvous. Jim is the organizer of the event, the first ever for Ranger Tugs in the North Channel. First things first. We headed to the town dock for a pump out before going to our slip assignment. We thought it was important to arrive early since we had a few loose ends to tie up. We needed to visit the local grocery store, located just up the hill from the marina so that we had ingredients for our pot-luck dish. We also needed to find a good pizza restaurant, since pizza is the main event on the last night of the rendezvous. Little Current is a small town, so we could walk it quickly to get our chores done and hurry back to greet the tugs at the dock.

We had a surprise guest at the docks tonight around dusk. Roy Eaton, the Net Controller, and originator of the Little Current Cruisers’ Net. Roy came down to the docks to welcome all the Ranger Tugs arriving for the rendezvous in Little Current. He had welcome bags and coupons for free ice cream in town. He’ll be a popular fella during the rendezvous. Well known to locals and boaters alike for his efforts to provide the community with a valuable and entertaining resource with his radio broadcasts geared specifically for North Channel cruisers. I didn’t know I’d be having my photo taken with a celebrity so soon after arriving in Little Current. (More on Roy in a future post.)

With seven out of fourteen boats in attendance already we slowly formed an informal dock party before we headed up to town and the Anchor Inn for dinner.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Kismet is hustling to get to Palm Island Marina – Cape Haze

We are attending the 2014 Ranger Tug Winter Rendezvous. Over the four years we’ve own our Ranger Tug, we’ve met lots of other owners, some we’ll see again at this rendezvous and we looked forward to making new friends during the rendezvous. The event was hosted by fellow tug owners, Ted and Carol Whittier and Mike and Jess Rizzo. Many thanks to all of them for a well-organized and fun Ranger Tug Rendezvous!

A Ranger Tug rendezvous is a good place to ask for information about other tug owners. Everyone wants to help if there is a problem. One owner had a hard-to-diagnose situation in his engine room and look how many boaters stopped to give their two cents or to lend a helping hand.

We had already briefly met Frank and Salma (above), on Tortuguilla, during our night on the hook in Pass-A-Grille, Florida, in fact, we had told them about this rendezvous and they signed up to come. One morning they invited us over for a traditional Venezuelan breakfast. They served arepas, a dish we had never eaten and it was delicious.

There was an impromptu happy hour the day before the rendezvous started, it was a good chance to start meeting other tug owners and share tug information and cruising routes and stories.

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Mike Rizzo had organized a post-rendezvous flotilla to Cayo Costa State Park for a one-night group anchor event, about a dozen boats participated. First, after anchoring, most of us dinghied to shore and the entrance of the park where we caught a buggy ride to the beach – we all seemed to be on a hunt for shark teeth. Later that evening everyone was invited to Heart Tug for happy hour. Now, this seemed to concern a few of us because, although Heart Tug is one of the bigger tugs, a 31, we were just wondering how everyone was going to fit on the boat at one time and not sink it. To our best recollection, there were 22 or 23 people at the happy hour. We had to be careful of how we moved around and certainly we couldn’t all go to one side of the boat to get a better look at something in the water. I am happy to report we pulled it off and consequently think Heart Tug now holds the all-time record for how many people are on a Ranger tug at the same time.

We lined up to get on the shuttle to the beach at Cayo Costa State Park.

Birds of a Feather Flock Together. . .
 That was us today as we all “flocked together” at the Cayo Costa anchorage enjoying happy hour on Heart Tug. Those who had dinghies shuttled those who did not over to the party. It was a bit hard to maneuver around the tug, but we managed to do it very carefully. It was also mentioned that we should not all go to one side of the boat, at the same time, to look at something, that would have been a disaster.

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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

The post Ranger Tugs/Cutwater 2015 North Channel Rendezvous! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

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!

The post DAY ONE – Thirty-Seven Tugnuts Arrive in Little Current for the 2015 North Channel Rendezvous appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

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.

The post Day Two – Featuring Roy Eaton’s Little Current Cruisers’ Net appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

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!

The post Day Three – North Channel Presentation, Boat Crawl and Pizza Party appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

The Largest Boat Rendezvous in the World
– Jeff Messmer

When we made plans last fall to bring Kismet out to the Pacific Northwest for a full year, we knew we wanted our itinerary to include Fluid Motion’s (parent company of both Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats) 2016 Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats Factory Rendezvous. This year the event was held at Roche Harbor, Washington the first week in September.

150 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Attending the
2016 Rendezvous in Roche Harbor, Washington

We’ve now been to three rendezvous in Washington state. Our first was in 2011 when we took possession of our Ranger Tug R27, it was held in Bremerton, WA. The second was in 2013 when we trailered our boat out for the summer season – mainly to join the Desolation Sound Cruise (a group cruise put on by the factory to help new owners get out on the water). The 2013 rendezvous was held in Anacortes, WA. With each event attended, we encountered a growing and cohesive boating community. It’s easy to identify with this friendly bunch of boaters. Working with knowledgeable factory personnel and management is also a delight, something we’ve never experienced before when buying other boats.

If you are a boater and you’ve never attended a major boat show where Fluid Motion sets up a significant display, or been to a marina during one of their yearly factory rendezvous, you are missing out on witnessing a growing phenomenon, especially in the Pacific Northwest. No doubt, the magnitude of this collective fever, to become a part of an active boating community, will spread throughout the country in good time.

Looking back on our time in the Ranger Tugs community over the last five years, we are most grateful for the many tug owners we have met all over the country. It’s a mobile group because of the ability to trailer several of the Ranger Tugs and Cutwater models for use as RVs while on the road between cruising destinations. We met up with several tugs who hail from across the country during our time in the Pacific Northwest this summer. In turn, while cruising Eastern United States waterways, we often see boats trailered across-country from the west coast. The community spirit is heightened and strengthened by smaller owner-directed rendezvous all over the country.

Benefits of Attending a Rendezvous

A rendezvous is a valuable opportunity for owners to add a social component to their boating activities. This is a great opportunity to hook up with other boaters with similar interests in boating or lifestyle. If you like to “buddy boat,” this is the place to hook up with other Ranger Tug or Cutwater owners. Owners also benefit from learning from others. This would include an exchange of information about boat mechanics, add-ons, decor, accessories, and cruising destination experience and knowledge.

Probably the most valuable thing an owner will find at a Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats Rendezvous is something quite rare in the boat building industry today – quick access to the factory personnel, their wealth of information, and expertise. Because almost all factory personnel are in attendance – sales, factory, and support staff – you can sign up for time with a factory employee to troubleshoot a problem on your boat or talk with a sales rep about new models.

In addition, many companies, whose components are a part of the makeup of these boats, are in attendance as well (many are sponsors of the event). Some arrive with service personnel to help with questions or problems. Volvo Penta put on two seminars reviewing engine maintenance – it drew large crowds. Right after signing into the rendezvous, Jim went straight to the Garmin table to add his name to their sign-up sheet, he wanted to get a chip update on our chart plotter. Mission accomplished!

Refreshing to See a Company Own a Passion Toward Excellence!

We’ve said this before and we say it again – this growing collective of owners is not by chance or even owner driven. Fluid Motion’s philosophy about doing things right – with quality along with concerted efforts to help customers get the most out of their new boats on the water – is admirable, to say the least. Word of this phenomenon has spread fast throughout the boating community. This conviction and passion toward excellence starts at the top with the father and son owners, Dave and John Livingston, and continues with outstanding direction from Vice President, Jeff Messmer. The philosophy trickles down to every last employee, a team effort towards the same goal. We’ve never seen anything like it.

Lenny and Louise, on Then Again (above), hail from Portland, Oregon. We have been trying to meet them since we were docked in Portland on Hayden Island last fall and then again last March while we visited Portland to await the arrival of our new granddaughter. It never seemed to work out, but we were glad to finally meet them at the rendezvous.

We met Linda and Tom, on Life Savor, at the beginning of the summer at the Poet’s Cove Cruise event. It’s great fun to meet up again with other Ranger Tug owners, especially when you find a kindred spirit.

The Welcome Party on the first night, courtesy of Bellingham Yacht Sales and Port Boat House, was a huge success! We had excellent weather and everyone was eager to get to know one another.

A few of our friends (above) who trailered tugs from the east coast are Mike and Jess, on Illusions, and Dave and Ginny, on Tiny Town.

We met Robby and Meg, on Wet Wiggler, during our 2013 stay at Salpare Marina in Portland, Oregon. We sat on Kismet and talked with Robby about his plans and concerns about ordering a Ranger Tug. When we returned to Portland earlier this year, we were able to see their new boat rigged for running. They will be trailering all over the country. Robby and Meg will be showing the rest of us how to fully enjoy our boats as they enjoy an enviable mobile lifestyle on their new Ranger Tugs R27.

We met Rick and Nancy, on Andiamo (above-left) during the Desolation Sound Cruise in Gorge, BC. They will soon embark on the Great Loop boat trip by trailering their boat to the river system this fall. Fred, on Alice J (above-right), trailered his boat from Florida and has done some extensive cruising on his way out and in the Pacific Northwest this summer. Our dock neighbors at the event, Carol and Gail, on Chesapeake (below) hail from Arizona.

Jim joined Ron to compete in the Corn Hole Tournament. They gave it a good go up until the third round. They had fun anyways.

The theme of the rendezvous this year was western. Some owners got very creative with their costumes and boat decor.

Can you see Kismet (above)?

The second night’s Margarita Happy Hour, sponsored by Global Marine Insurance and Elliott Bay Brewery was a fun event following a tradition started by Bob and Nita, on Nellie Too, many years ago. Happy hour was followed by dinner under the tents on the seaside lawn, sponsored by Garmin.

Friends, Libby and Ron, on Tug O’ My Heart are enjoying their new Ranger Tugs R25 and will be trailering their boat east this fall to start their Great Loop adventure.

Factory staff and owners took full advantage of an opportunity to dance with the live band, compliments of Pacific Power Group, after dinner.

We ran into friends Ron and Libby, on Tug O’ My Heart, during our walk to the Sculpture Park. It was a good walk on a beautiful day, we had some fun with this mirror sculpture in the park. We had a heck of a time getting ourselves in the shot while taking the photo.

No, the docks were not this crowded during the event. On the last night of the rendezvous, we all gathered at the dock ramp for a group photo and drone video.

A few years ago, several women Ranger Tug owners started a Facebook page, Ranger Tugettes. Some of those in attendance at the rendezvous posed for this group shot. We currently have over sixty Tugettes hailing from all over the United States and Canada.

We met Ted and Donna, on Peregrino (above), when we got to Roche Harbor.

Volvo Penta sponsored the dinner on the last night of the rendezvous. Everyone dressed up in their western gear to have a good time.

Robby and Meg again (above). We met Sue and Dena (below), on Meander during the Poet’s Cove Cruise, in June.

Louise and Lenny again (above). We met Sue, on Spinner (below-left), at the Poet’s Cove Cruise also.

A few of the outstanding factory staff and families (above and below) are Kenny and Tegan (above-right), Andrew (below-left), and Ivan and family (below-right).

The post Phenomenal Factory Rendezvous Turnout! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

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

The post Own a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat? Add to Your Cruising Calendar! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

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.

The post Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats 2017 Charlevoix Rendezvous appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Taking delivery of our new Ranger Tug R29S a few weeks ago also meant we’d be in the Pacific Northwest to attend another noteworthy 2017 Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats Factory Rendezvous – THE WORLD’S LARGEST BOAT RENDEZVOUS! With 190 boats and approximately 400 people, in attendance, this is quite an accomplishment.

Seems like we were just in Roche Harbor for the 2016 rendezvous, while we had our boat in the PNW for 12 months. At the time, we didn’t have a clue that we’d be here again so soon. Just shows… a lot can happen in a year. We had so much fun in 2016, we couldn’t wait to cruise up to the San Juan Islands from Des Moines, where we took possession of our new boat in mid-August. We made so many friendships last year, we couldn’t wait to catch up with them and their boating adventures. In addition, we looked forward to creating many new connections within this friendly community of boaters.

The three-day rendezvous is chock full of activities, events, seminars, and feasts.

Besides the nightly happy hours and dinners, sponsored by Global Marine Insurance,  Garmin,  Sea Magazine,  Roche Harbor Marine, and  Volvo Penta, there were daily activities available to participate in or just observe. Activities at the event included a scavenger hunt, crabbing seminar, crabbing and fishing derby, corn-hole competition, USCG safety inspections, and blindfold dingy race. There were the best costume and decorated boat awards given for the efforts made to play on Jimmy Buffett’s “Cruise to Margaritaville” theme. Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up to have techs on hand to visit their boat to address any questions and/or perform any warranty work.

Understandably, most of the attendees at the rendezvous are from Washington State and British Columbia. Being from Michigan we’ve never felt out of the loop, always easy to fit in with this crowd. When visiting the Pacific Northwest with our boat, we’ve always tried to take advantage of the Factory-sponsored events during the summer, and there are several. The season starts off with a get-together at Point’s North Seminar, Poet’s Cove Cruise in BC, followed by Desolation Sound Cruise and a Cutwater Cruise – culminating with this Factory Rendezvous in the San Juan Islands. Because of Fluid Motion, we’ve come to make many friends in this expansive boating community.

Some of the boaters we’ve met out here we’ve also boated within the Great Lakes, River System, and Florida. Trailering our boat around the country not only leads to expanding our horizons but our boating community as well. Many are now trailering their boats out east to do the Great Loop.

When we think of home, we think of a community of family and friends.

We’ve come to the conclusion that the PNW is our second home. We think that’s due to the people we have met here in the PNW. Friendlier people you will never meet. I think we feel this way to a large degree because of how Fluid Motion fosters camaraderie among their owner’s group. They support their owners’ group in many ways – It is quite evident to us that the Factory wants their owners to get out there and “boat,” by offering support in many ways. A company philosophy one cannot help but admire.

2017 Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats Factory Rendezvous

There was a huge crowd at the Volvo Penta Care & Maintenance Seminar on the first day (above).

A few of us took advantage of the 20% off coupon included in the registration bag. The coupon was good at all the stores in town. We had a fun time shopping.

Our Facebook group, Ranger Tugettes found time to get together, in town, before the first night’s Welcome Party. It was fun to put faces to some of the names in the group and to meet other women Tugettes.

A big “Welcome” happy hour and dinner the first night at the bocce ball courts.

Ollie did really well-catching crabs during the Crabbing/Fishing Tournament (above left). Barry helped Jim fly the drone over the event (above-right).

We entered the Corn Hole tournament but only made it to the second round.

Free Beer anyone?

It’s just a short walk from the marina to the beach where two of the big party events take place.

The second night featured a couple of roasted pigs.

Pre-made, or do-it-yourself, Smores. Yum!

The post 2017 Ranger Tugs Cutwater Boats Factory Rendezvous appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

If you are Fluid Motion, the parent company of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats, you hold the largest “Thank You Rendezvous” the boating community has ever seen! –

We attended our first Ranger Tugs Rendezvous in August of 2011, just after taking delivery of our 2012 Ranger R27. At that time it was organized by the owners and supported by the Factory. It was held in Bremerton Washington that year and attended by approximately 68 boats and over a hundred owners. It was a fun event, “Parrotville Party” was the theme that year, very similar to this year’s theme, “Cruise to Margaritaville.” These tuggers sure like their margaritas.

One has to ask why has this event gotten so big, five times the size of the one we attended in 2011. We finally decided it was not just one thing. But it does revolve around one central fact. Fluid Motion takes care of its customers and the yearly rendezvous is a way of continuing this effort. Making a big statement without even saying anything. They make great boats and take care of their customers. It’s that simple and I’m often perplexed by how other companies don’t understand this basic principle of business.

Fluid Motion doesn’t do it alone, but they are the driving force.

They enlist their suppliers and vendors to help support this large event. Garmin had a team of five in attendance to conduct educational seminars on GPS, Radar, and Autopilot as well as perform software updates on anyone’s Garmin equipment. They were also at the 2011 Rendezvous and every event in between. Volvo Penta, a sponsor since these boats have been powered by them, held a diesel Q&A seminar and had a D4 300 HP engine on display for demonstration purposes. Global Marine Insurance had five of their own in attendance and held two Q&A sessions and were sponsors. In all, there were 42 partners and sponsors for this very successful event, so it was definitely a group effort.

Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up to have one of the countless Fluid Motion techs on hand to visit boats to address any questions owners may have and/or perform any warranty work, all without charge. Good reason to attend one of these rendezvous. Right? The process sounds daunting when you think of how many boats were in attendance, but they have perfected a very well-organized and orderly system to make sure everyone is happy.

With a minimal sign-up fee, the theme in place, activities, and competitions well organized, and more food and beverages than one has the right to expect, the Factory dove in to provide another memorable event most of us attendees will not soon forget.

So, a big THANK YOU back to Fluid Motion from the crew of Kismet. We had a great time during the rendezvous and the Cruise to Margaritaville!

Dave Livingston (above middle), the creative mastermind behind Fluid Motion’s success. Accompanying him are Christie Messmer (left) and Ann Marrs (right).

John Livingston and Jeff Messmer (above-left) are the driving force behind Fluid Motion’s success. Communications Director, Sam Bisset (above-right) with his girlfriend, Ashley.

The Owners Group is Not the Only Thing Growing!

There is a huge sense of community among Fluid Motion’s factory personnel (currently, about 300) and Ranger Tug and Cutwater Boat owners as if we are all part of one big family. All or most of the Fluid Motion staff bring their families to the event. Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to, not only get to know the folks we’ve worked with on our boat, we’ve met their families, girlfriends, and wives and watched their families grow. At this year’s event, Ivan was not able to attend as he was with his wife, back on the mainland, as she gave birth. We hope to meet the new addition in the near future. We also got to meet Sam’s girlfriend Ashley and met Tim’s family during one of the dinners. Looks like a bright future for all.

The joint winners (above) of the Best “Cruise to Margaritaville” Costume Competition.

Ranger Tugettes, and a few others, gathered for a group photo (above and below, left).

The crew from Global Marine Insurance, Troy, Holly, and Ben (above).

These folks (above) had just shared with us their decision to buy an R29, after spending some time with us onboard Kismet.

We met Kathy and Craig (above) at our first rendezvous in 2011.

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Do You Own a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat?

The 2018 Southwest Florida Ranger Tugs/Cutwater Boats Rendezvous was held at Burnt Store Marina this year for the first time. If you own a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat, you might be interested in attending one of these owner-driven rendezvous. Always a fun time meeting other tug and Cutwater owners, we all have so much in common. Mike and Jess Rizzo, on Illusions (above), are the event hosts and coordinators of this rendezvous.

Can you spot Kismet, sitting pretty at Burnt Store Marina? That red hull sure stands out!

Look who we found at the rendezvous! Ivan is one of our favorite Customer Service Reps from Ranger Tugs. Always a pleasure to meet up with him and a special surprise and treat to see him so far from his home in Seattle. Most of these rendezvous, held around the country on the water, feature a representative from Ranger Tugs who comes to help solve problems and educate owners on the operations of their boats. Don’t know of any other company that does this type of in-depth service, but it is an amazing benefit of owning a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat.

Friends Rich and Cheryl, on Roam, were at the event and helped out to make sure things ran smoothly.

As far as I know, this was the largest gathering of 22 Tugettes (a private Facebook group for women Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boat owners). Are you a woman, and do you own one of these boats? Go to the Ranger Tugettes group on Facebook and request to join.

Pam and Ray (above-left), on North Star, showed their talented music skills and provided entertainment to our group on the dock one night. My cousin and his wife Terry (above-right) joined us on the boat on the last day of the rendezvous.

Guess who won the Dinghy Race on the last day? None other than Jim and his partner, Ethan, on Liberty pulled off the win and made it look easy. Nice job guys!

Great fun with a friendly group of boaters. Many thanks to Mike and Jess for all their hard work organizing the 2018 Southwest Florida Ranger Tugs/Cutwater Boats Rendezvous.

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