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On the radar:
Planning started for Barkley and Clayoquot Sound cruise last two weeks in July
Family, friends and fellow boaters,
The "Port Nut" idea came about during the 5 to 10 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 was anticipated. As well, that style of boat had the look that strummed the heartstrings, a look that evoked the classic coastal boat. Over time, and as understanding grew, that idea was relegated to the junk heap. Clearly, such a project would bankrupt our modest resources and so other alternatives were explored.
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 Tug 21s. I became convinced that my more modest boating lifestyle was quite "doable" with this craft if it was capable of such an astounding voyage. The R21 seemed to answer my needs, especially 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 on the internet relating to the Ranger Tug 21. I was a bit concerned by its modest comforts until there came along an upgrade to the model. The new R21-EC seemed to be all that I needed. Serendipitously, our neighbours acquired one (Red Current) and I was able to examine theirs, ask all my questions and so become familiar with the boat. 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 and likely to be repeated in years to come. At that time I was not yet in possession of the Port Nut. Days later, however, I undertook a trip to South Dakota to pick up the new pride 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 at the time of the sale.
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 to the sea. It was a delightful week that I will not forget. It is a beautiful part of America to traverse. I remember wanting to launch it as soon as I saw a good-sized lake. That was in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I managed to suppress my urges and got the boat home where I could leisurely study its systems and wait for my neighbour to guide me through its first launch. I have to admit to an inadequate level of expertise so I really benefited from Bruce's guidance.
At some point, it becomes imperative that a new boat be named. This one had not been christened by the South Dakotans. I struggled to find a descriptor that had a nautical tone, perhaps evoked my Portuguese heritage and was whimsical besides. During those early stages a lot of money was being expended to equip the boat and it occurred to me that it was costing me my right arm. No, the anatomical cost was in fact somewhat greater than that. 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 to me for the passage of the boating year to be measured by the Ranger Rendezvous. The Port Nut has gone on 10 voyages now and has been "slept in" for 30 nights. There have been adventures to many new places. I have had a few scares too which can only be laid at my inexperienced feet. No damage has been done. My wife also loves the boat. She has been on 3 of the voyages. I wanted to make most of the mistakes that a novice makes without an audience if I could. It has worked out well so far. The other reason she hasn't gone on as many trips is that (poor girl) she still works at a full time job.
On this site I hope to provide a taste of what operating an R21 on Canada's West Coast is like. It is my hope that, through my photos and log, others, especially other novices, can gain insight on the various locations I visit and the experiences of ownership. Since the content is aimed at distant family, friends and other TugNuts, I hope that this modest effort is viewed with low expectations.
John the Por2geezer
Skipper of the Port Nut
White Rock, BC, Canada
September, 2010
© John Verde 2010, 2011, 2012
The "Port Nut" idea came about during the 5 to 10 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 was anticipated. As well, that style of boat had the look that strummed the heartstrings, a look that evoked the classic coastal boat. Over time, and as understanding grew, that idea was relegated to the junk heap. Clearly, such a project would bankrupt our modest resources and so other alternatives were explored.
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 Tug 21s. I became convinced that my more modest boating lifestyle was quite "doable" with this craft if it was capable of such an astounding voyage. The R21 seemed to answer my needs, especially 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 on the internet relating to the Ranger Tug 21. I was a bit concerned by its modest comforts until there came along an upgrade to the model. The new R21-EC seemed to be all that I needed. Serendipitously, our neighbours acquired one (Red Current) and I was able to examine theirs, ask all my questions and so become familiar with the boat. 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 and likely to be repeated in years to come. At that time I was not yet in possession of the Port Nut. Days later, however, I undertook a trip to South Dakota to pick up the new pride 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 at the time of the sale.
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 to the sea. It was a delightful week that I will not forget. It is a beautiful part of America to traverse. I remember wanting to launch it as soon as I saw a good-sized lake. That was in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. I managed to suppress my urges and got the boat home where I could leisurely study its systems and wait for my neighbour to guide me through its first launch. I have to admit to an inadequate level of expertise so I really benefited from Bruce's guidance.
At some point, it becomes imperative that a new boat be named. This one had not been christened by the South Dakotans. I struggled to find a descriptor that had a nautical tone, perhaps evoked my Portuguese heritage and was whimsical besides. During those early stages a lot of money was being expended to equip the boat and it occurred to me that it was costing me my right arm. No, the anatomical cost was in fact somewhat greater than that. 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 to me for the passage of the boating year to be measured by the Ranger Rendezvous. The Port Nut has gone on 10 voyages now and has been "slept in" for 30 nights. There have been adventures to many new places. I have had a few scares too which can only be laid at my inexperienced feet. No damage has been done. My wife also loves the boat. She has been on 3 of the voyages. I wanted to make most of the mistakes that a novice makes without an audience if I could. It has worked out well so far. The other reason she hasn't gone on as many trips is that (poor girl) she still works at a full time job.
On this site I hope to provide a taste of what operating an R21 on Canada's West Coast is like. It is my hope that, through my photos and log, others, especially other novices, can gain insight on the various locations I visit and the experiences of ownership. Since the content is aimed at distant family, friends and other TugNuts, I hope that this modest effort is viewed with low expectations.
John the Por2geezer
Skipper of the Port Nut
White Rock, BC, Canada
September, 2010
© John Verde 2010, 2011, 2012
Red, right, returning
