Stand out from the crowd with a Tug

by Bob Wonders on 30 Mar 2008 Several years ago, a young lady of my acquaintance was a total boating enthusiast. Nothing unusual in that, I hear you say. Well, in this case it was most unusual, for the types of vessels that really sent this lady into raptures were tugboats!

I never really expected to see tugboats on the local market aimed at the recreational boater, but here they are and they attracted plenty of interest at the recent Rosehill Gardens Boat Show where the local importer, Ranger Tugs, had one on display.

John Smale, well-known industry personality, is the man behind the tugboat breed, importing the attractive craft from Seattle, in the US, to Australia and New Zealand.

No matter how I attempt to paint a picture of these unique craft, no matter how many photographs or brochures one looks at, the only way to full appreciate a Ranger Tug is to go aboard.

I’ve been promised a voyage when I’m next in Sydney and it’s a boat trip I look forward to.

The development of the Ranger Tug began with a scaled-down version of a typical US Bristol Bay trawler.

Gradual changes have been made over the years, hull length increased and cabins extended.

At this stage the range comprises two models, the R21-EC and the R25, similar except in their dimensions.
Australia is yet to see the larger craft, the R25, but it is hoped to unveil one at this year’s Sydney International Boat Show (July 31-August 5).

The Ranger 21-EC (the EC signifies Extended Cabin) measures out at 6.4-metres (21’) overall with a spacious 2.03-metre (6’8') beam.

Standard power is a three-cylinder, 30hp Yanmar diesel. A power option available is the Cummins MerCruiser diesel.

Each model, of course, offers different performance characteristics due to the various power sources; the R21-EC can cruise at seven to nine knots with its 30hp Yanmar, while the larger R25, with a 150hp Cummins MerCruiser diesel, hits its straps at 20 knots and cruises comfortably at 13-15 knots.

The build integrity of the Ranger Tugs appears first rate; fibreglass stringers, hull of vinylester resin, deck and liner of polyester resin and solid, hand laid fibreglass with alternate layers of 24oz woven rovings.


The list of standard equipment aboard a Ranger Tug is particularly impressive and includes many items often viewed as optional accessories by some manufacturers.

Included as standard are dual batteries with isolator and switch, battery charger, bilge pump (auto, 500 gallons per hour), navigation lights, AM/FM stereo with CD player and four speakers, sink and on-board water system, butane gas stove, opening pilothouse windows and a range of storage lockers with teak louvered doors.

Factory fitted options include marine electronics such as GPS, marine radio communications, air conditioning, a cabin heater (a must in Seattle-style winter weather!), 12 volt refrigerator, a comprehensive teak package, a full width aft swim platform and a marine head with holding tank, macerator and pump out.

There’s also an interesting stainless steel hinged mast available, just the place form which to hoist the family pennant.

If you think after reading this that I’m impressed you’d be right spot on.

I’ve never thought of myself as a ‘tugboat skipper’, but with a Ranger, well, one never knows, does one?

For further information contact Ranger Tugs, Australia and New Zealand, telephone (02) 9872-4031 or visit the website, www.rangertugs.com