2016 Ranger Tugs R-21 EC

Step aboard and you’ll notice how much personality Ranger packed into 21 feet. The wide side decks and solid rails make moving forward feel secure, even when the afternoon breeze kicks up. Inside, big windows and opening ports keep the cabin bright and airy, so you’re not hiding from the scenery. The pilothouse helm gives you that small-ship feel, with everything within easy reach for relaxed solo running. Out back, the cockpit is surprisingly social—roomy enough for a couple of chairs, crab pots, or a couple of kayaks on the roof. At the dock, the salty tug profile turns heads, and on the water, its quiet, steady trot invites you to slow down and actually enjoy the ride.

In these waters, where conditions can shift from flat calm to choppy in an afternoon, this tug’s hull form and protected wheelhouse really shine. The R-21 EC is happiest at efficient displacement speeds, perfect for exploring shorelines, rivers, and island channels without burning through fuel. Its shallow draft lets you tuck into snug coves and small marinas that bigger cruisers can’t reach, while the enclosed cockpit keeps you comfortable when the breeze turns cool or the drizzle sets in. With simple systems and a single, economical diesel, it’s an ideal platform for relaxed local cruising, weekend gunkholing, and unhurried evening runs along familiar shores.