LAST UPDATED: April 5, 2016
ON THE RADAR:
The Port Nut has been sold to some very nice people. Their home port will be Sidney, BC
Adventures of Small Craft Boating on the West Coast of Canada
Family, friends and fellow boaters,
The "Port Nut" idea came about during the years leading up to retirement. In it's formative stages, it was thought that a converted wooden fishing boat in the 36 foot range would be ideally suited to the West Coast cruising style that I anticipated. That style of boat had the look that strummed the heartstrings, a look that boldly stated: classic coastal boat! Over time that idea was relegated to the junk heap. Clearly, such an approach would bankrupt our modest resources.
In 2005, there appeared an article in Pacific Yachting Magazine which piqued my interest. It described the voyage to Alaska, in the summer of 2003, of three Ranger Tugs. I grew convinced that my modest boating expectations were quite realistic with this craft if it was capable of such an astounding voyage. The R21 seemed to answer my needs, particularly those of economy, by virtue of it's "trailerability". Simply put, if I could store the boat at home as opposed to a marina, then the project was achievable.
I devoured all the material available but was a bit concerned by its modest comforts until there came along an upgrade to the model. The R21-EC seemed to be all that I needed. Serendipitously, our neighbours acquired one (Red Current) and I was able to examine theirs at leisure and by summer of 2009 I was on the hunt for a good used boat.
In September 2009, Ranger Tug aficionados (TugNuts as we officially and whimsically call ourselves), were having the first-ever rendezvous in Bremerton, Washington. I was encouraged to attend so that I would get an opportunity to meet other owners and gain access to informative sources. The rendezvous was a magical weekend. At that time I was not yet in possession of the Port Nut. Days later, I undertook a trip to South Dakota (from White Rock, BC) to pick up the new "bride" and joy. The Port Nut is a 2008 R21-EC (Hull #45). The first owners live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and had put 65 hours on it.
I don't know who was happier: me, for getting a new toy or the boat for leaving the prairies for the happier environs of the West Coast. It could have been my imagination but I swear that boat was pushing me along as we headed west toward the sea. It was a delightful week that I will not forget for it is a magnificent part of America to traverse. I remember wanting to launch it as soon as I saw a good-sized lake but managed to suppress my urge and got the boat home where I could leisurely study its systems and wait for my neighbour to help me through its first launch. I was a total novice to boating so I have greatly benefited from his guidance.
At some point, it becomes imperative that a new boat be named. This one had not been christened while in South Dakota. I struggled to find a descriptor with a nautical tone, that perhaps evoked my Portuguese heritage and was whimsical besides. During those early stages a lot of money was being expended to equip the boat. This is commonly referred to as costing one's right arm. In fact, the anatomical cost was somewhat greater. Hence the name: Port Nut!
As I initiate this site, a year has passed and it is time to rendezvous at Bremerton once again. It seems fitting that the passage of the boating year is marked by the Ranger Rendezvous each fall. The Port Nut has gone on 10 voyages now and has been "slept in" for 30 nights. It has taken me to many new places. I have had a few scares which can only be laid at my inexperienced feet. No damage has been done so far unless you count a bruised ego. My wife also loves the boat. She has been on 3 of the voyages. I wanted to make most of the mistakes that a newbie makes without an audience if I could and this has worked out well so far.
It is hoped that this site will provide some insight into what operating a small vessel on Canada's West Coast is like. It is my hope that, (through photos and narrative) others can learn about the various locations I visit and know the trials of ownership. Since the content is aimed at distant family, friends and others new to boating, I hope that this modest effort is viewed with low expectations.
Skipper of the Port Nut
White Rock, BC, Canada
September, 2010
© John Verde 2010 - 2016
The "Port Nut" idea came about during the years leading up to retirement. In it's formative stages, it was thought that a converted wooden fishing boat in the 36 foot range would be ideally suited to the West Coast cruising style that I anticipated. That style of boat had the look that strummed the heartstrings, a look that boldly stated: classic coastal boat! Over time that idea was relegated to the junk heap. Clearly, such an approach would bankrupt our modest resources.
In 2005, there appeared an article in Pacific Yachting Magazine which piqued my interest. It described the voyage to Alaska, in the summer of 2003, of three Ranger Tugs. I grew convinced that my modest boating expectations were quite realistic with this craft if it was capable of such an astounding voyage. The R21 seemed to answer my needs, particularly those of economy, by virtue of it's "trailerability". Simply put, if I could store the boat at home as opposed to a marina, then the project was achievable.
I devoured all the material available but was a bit concerned by its modest comforts until there came along an upgrade to the model. The R21-EC seemed to be all that I needed. Serendipitously, our neighbours acquired one (Red Current) and I was able to examine theirs at leisure and by summer of 2009 I was on the hunt for a good used boat.
In September 2009, Ranger Tug aficionados (TugNuts as we officially and whimsically call ourselves), were having the first-ever rendezvous in Bremerton, Washington. I was encouraged to attend so that I would get an opportunity to meet other owners and gain access to informative sources. The rendezvous was a magical weekend. At that time I was not yet in possession of the Port Nut. Days later, I undertook a trip to South Dakota (from White Rock, BC) to pick up the new "bride" and joy. The Port Nut is a 2008 R21-EC (Hull #45). The first owners live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and had put 65 hours on it.
I don't know who was happier: me, for getting a new toy or the boat for leaving the prairies for the happier environs of the West Coast. It could have been my imagination but I swear that boat was pushing me along as we headed west toward the sea. It was a delightful week that I will not forget for it is a magnificent part of America to traverse. I remember wanting to launch it as soon as I saw a good-sized lake but managed to suppress my urge and got the boat home where I could leisurely study its systems and wait for my neighbour to help me through its first launch. I was a total novice to boating so I have greatly benefited from his guidance.
At some point, it becomes imperative that a new boat be named. This one had not been christened while in South Dakota. I struggled to find a descriptor with a nautical tone, that perhaps evoked my Portuguese heritage and was whimsical besides. During those early stages a lot of money was being expended to equip the boat. This is commonly referred to as costing one's right arm. In fact, the anatomical cost was somewhat greater. Hence the name: Port Nut!
As I initiate this site, a year has passed and it is time to rendezvous at Bremerton once again. It seems fitting that the passage of the boating year is marked by the Ranger Rendezvous each fall. The Port Nut has gone on 10 voyages now and has been "slept in" for 30 nights. It has taken me to many new places. I have had a few scares which can only be laid at my inexperienced feet. No damage has been done so far unless you count a bruised ego. My wife also loves the boat. She has been on 3 of the voyages. I wanted to make most of the mistakes that a newbie makes without an audience if I could and this has worked out well so far.
It is hoped that this site will provide some insight into what operating a small vessel on Canada's West Coast is like. It is my hope that, (through photos and narrative) others can learn about the various locations I visit and know the trials of ownership. Since the content is aimed at distant family, friends and others new to boating, I hope that this modest effort is viewed with low expectations.
Skipper of the Port Nut
White Rock, BC, Canada
September, 2010
© John Verde 2010 - 2016