Testimonials

We have purchased two Ranger Tugs. Couldn’t be happier.  The process from initial contact to being handed the keys is a most wonderful experience! The factory support is legendary, and we are proud to call the Ranger Tug team friends.  Attending some of the factory functions is tons of fun and a great way to meet folks that share enthusiasm for a quality-built boat!

After a bit of delay, most of it as a result of the pandemic, I took delivery of my new R-31 CB from Winter Island Yacht Yard in Salem Massachusetts last month. The pandemic has created a supply chain problem including the acquisition of Sunbrella for my dual Bimini tops as well as from Garmin for my rudder angle indicator. Finally, when all was in order, I attempted to employ the services of a delivery captain to accompany me on the journey from Salem MA to my home port in Stamford CT.

To my surprise, I could not find an available captain who was not busy despite making a multitude of phone calls both in and well out of my area as well as searching the internet. Finally, Peter Haywood the owner of the Ranger Tug dealership agreed to take my tug down with me as far as Newport RI. 

We left early in the morning in a heavy rain and strong gusty winds. As soon as we cleared Salem Harbor, we were in 5-6 foot seas. I looked at Peter and asked him if we should turn back. He said we would be fine and that the boat could easily handle it. Quite frankly, I didn't know if I could. We got beat up all the way down to the Cape Cod Canal. There were no other boats in sight except for an occasional fishing boat in the distance. Things calmed down when we entered the canal. When we got into the notorious Buzzards Bay, the wave pattern changed to sharper waves with more frequency and an uptick in the winds. Again, we got beat up all the way into Newport. In Newport Peter got off of the boat and headed back to Salem as planned. My girlfriend Kara and I took a slip and spent the night hoping to enjoy a good meal and get some well deserved rest.

The next morning we cleared Newport Harbor only to find a new wave pattern, this time with large building swells. My tug motored up the swells, down into the trough, and back up again, only to repeat this over and over again. We finally got to the "Race" and entered Long Island Sound. Although it was not flat water, I welcomed the 2-3 foot seas as a respite from what we encountered earlier. We ran close to the Connecticut shoreline the rest of the way down and finally reached home in Stamford CT. 

So, what did I learn? I learned that without an experienced pilot aboard such as Peter Haywood I would not have elected to have left Salem MA. But I also learned that this tug performed admirably in very nasty seas without ever skipping a beat. There were no rattles, moaning or groaning from the superstructure, nor any moments when I felt unsafe. I now know what this boat can take, and that is certainly more than I am willing to take if I have a choice. I also learned that these Ranger Tugs attract attention wherever they go. At Newport that evening when it finally stopped raining, a number of people came over to admire and ask questions about my Claret Red hull Ranger Tug. Keep in mind that I was slipped very close to some enormous mega-yachts. Even at my marina, people that would normally not even say hello to me such as sailboat owners have come over to my tug to ask questions and ask to come aboard to see this unique 'pocket' yacht. As an aside, we recently here in the northeast experienced some terrible storms. Two weeks ago we had a day where it rained an incredible 9 inches in a 24 hour period. Although many of the boats in my marina took water from leaking hatches and the like, I didn't get one drop of water in my tug!

Finally, I would like to thank the crew at Fluid Motion for building such an outstanding boat. It is a quality build in every sense. Thanks to Peter Haywood, Diane, Wagner, and the crew at Winter Island Yacht Yard in Salem MA. They were a pleasure to do business with from the time I ordered my tug right up to the delivery. They are honest, reputable, and committed people in every way! I would recommend them without reservation. 

I look forward to the spring and the enjoyment I know my new Ranger Tug will provide me!

Rich M.
R-31 CB "JACKPOT II"

After moving to Seattle from Michigan we spent long hours trying to decide what boat to buy.  I like to fish, and my wife wanted a boat that featured more comfort than that offered standard fishing boats.  We also wanted a boat that could be used for overnight and extended trips, and was economical to operate and maintain.

After hearing about the Ranger Tug brand from a neighbor we went to the Seattle boat show to see them.  There we boarded our first Ranger Tug.  We were immediately impressed with the craftsmanship, quality, and feeling of comfort they offered.  We found value in all the standard options that were included in the base price. We knew right away that this was the brand for us. 

Also impressive was that the folks at Ranger Tug showed commitment to me having a great experience with their boat.  It was clear that they believed in and were committed to a great customer experience with their line of boats. Andrew from Ranger Tug detailed all of the options and we were sold on the R23 and we put down a deposit. 

A week later, the reality of having our youngest son attending an out of state college hit us.  We called Andrew and told him that we were just not quite ready for the boat.  He gave us our deposit back and professionally asked us to come back and see him when we thought the timing was right. 

In the following year with our son graduating, we went to Anacortes boat show.   Upon arriving we soon found the fleet of Ranger Tugs.  We walked onto the R23 and my wife turns and gives me a look.  It is the look that I know all too well.  It was the look of “we are buying this boat today”. Andrew again helped us and we were lucky that a boat with all the options we wanted was already built. We were going to be Ranger Tug owners and we had to pinch ourselves as we were so happy. 

Later as promised, Andrew took us out for a sea trial on a R-23 and it performance was beyond our expectations.  We were impressed with the on the water comfort, handling, ride, and the fuel economy while on plane. 

A month later we took delivery of our new Ranger Tug.  We had purchased factory experience and we’re glad that we did.  Kenny, Ivan and Tim at Ranger Tug were all great.  They were especially good at answering our questions and making us feel comfortable with the new boat.  We came out of this training feeling confident about our boat.  When our training was done, I took the boat over to our slip and backed it in with confidence and ease.

Soon after taking delivery I began getting this feeling that I can only describe as the “Ranger Tug Thing”.  This thing is the feeling that you get every time you board your boat and smile. It is that feeling that you want to treat your tug like one of your children.  It is hearing my wife saying “Hi Honey” when she sees the boat as we walk down the dock.  It is my wife actually asking me to go out fishing. Fifteen years of fishing in an aluminum boat and that never happened. The “Ranger Tug Thing” also happens when I pull in and out of port.  It is the reaction from the people I pass.  They smile, they wave, they give me a thumbs up, and they say, “nice boat”.  

The “Ranger Tug Thing” was so overwhelmingly present when we entered Roache Harbor for our first Ranger Tug Rendezvous.  Ranger Tugs of all sizes were zooming in from all different directions at all different speeds. Over 200 Tugs.  All with owners that we were soon to learn are some of the nicest people that you will ever meet.  Jeff Messmer and his team really know how to put together a fun filled event and we found great value in the educational sessions and interaction with vendors that were there. 

Last year we repeated our initial experience. At the Seattle boat show we boarded the R27 and my wife turned and gave me that look again.  I said to myself here I go again.   We were very impressed with Ranger Tug’s approach to upgrading which helped make the upgrade feasible.  We are now new owners of a R27 which has allowed us to expand our cruising.  

We have nothing but praise for the people at Ranger Tug.  It is rare in today’s fast paced world to have a company wants to build a long-term relationship with you. They offer continued support for their boat owners in a variety of ways, such as hosting the Tug Nuts forum where volumes of information is shared, online training seminars, organizing cruises, and hosting the annual Ranger Tug Rendezvous. If you have an issue, you can call one of the guys on their cell and they will talk you through it. They even look out for you while on the water.  One day I was leaving port and had mistakenly left our kicker motor down. I get a call from Andrew, “hey you should raise your kicker”. 

I’m sure my fellow Ranger Tug owners have their own “Ranger Tug Thing” experiences and can surely add to my list. 

All that I can say is.  “No Andrew I will not be letting my wife board the new R29 or R31. At least not for a couple of years!  

Leon M, R-27 MOORETIME

Thank you, Fluid Motion and Ranger Tugs.  You have changed the trajectory of fun in our lives!  First, let’s start with the boats.  The design, fit and finish, ease of handling, and comfort when aboard—in all kinds of weather—distinguishes them from all others in their class.  And it never hurts that they are distinctive and good-looking conversation starters, both the cute classics and the modern designs.  But really, it is all about the Ranger Tug “ecosystem” built by Jeff Messmer and Andrew Custis—the Pied Pipers of Ranger Tugs.  They and their staff are natural problem solvers, not just people who sell boats.  And the quality and support from the factory translates to fiercely loyal owners who help each other out wherever they go and, like us, stick to the brand.  Again, thanks Ranger Tugs.  We are having way too much fun in your boats!

Really enjoyed the privilege of getting a Factory Delivery experience done by Ivan and Tim of Ranger Tugs. Really great guys who are professional and thorough! Had enough confidence to catch dinner at Tides Tavern in Gig Harbor after my delivery. Thanks again guys.

My wife and I purchased a 2010 R25 SC from its original owner in June 2020 and have been enjoying the boat ever since. We are days away from completing our 'maiden" voyage in the Gulf Islands (8 days total) and I don't understand why we didn't get a Tug earlier.  We've experienced all types of weather from the sea state 0 (glass looking waters) and clear skies to 25 knots winds and 6-7 feet swells with water going over the boat, and never felt unsafe.  Our boat turns heads no matter where we go and I often can't get my maintenance done because everyone wants to ask questions about the boat and it's capabilities.  You guys know how to build seaworthy boats, kudos to you and your team.

For anyone contemplating whether the factory delivery experience is worth it or not, let me tell you it is TOTALLY worth it! We got SO much out of the 2 days with Tim Bates and Kenny Marrs. Their patience and attention to detail was awesome! Don't skip out on this experience!

I have read in published literature and FB post on how reactive Ranger is to customer service. Yesterday I spent maybe 10 minutes on the phone and Ken Marrs, and my Garmin issue was fixed. Sure wish I had called 5 hours earlier. I was thinking I was going to the shop about 2hrs away. Thank you Ken and Ranger. Lots of companies have customer service departments, but Ranger delivers!

"To Andrew, Sam & Everyone at Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats,

We want to thank you very much for the beautiful few days that we spent with you at the Rendezvous. Even though our R-31S is our second Ranger Tug, this was the first time we were able to make it to the Ranger Tugs & Cutwater Boats Rendezvous at Roche Harbor. You are all 1st Class when it comes to caring about and taking care of your customers. SECOND TO NONE!!! With you, we always feel as if we’re being cared for by family.

We also loved meeting other Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boaters. It is truly a special group of people. Never before have we felt such an immediate friendship with strangers that we meet, than with this group of people. It’s plain to see that your customer base feels the same way we do about your company, your boats, your employees, and your service.

Thank you very much. We look forward to a long relationship with all of you."

Best Always,

Greg & Cathy

"Andrew, Ivan, and Tim,

Karen and I are more than thrilled with our new baby and want to thank each of you for your separate and collective efforts to make the delivery and orientation a great and memorable experience.

Andrew: Thanks for a simple and straight forward deal and for the “factory tour” that allows us to picture where our baby was born.

Ivan: Thanks for your expertise in training and orientation. We appreciate your style.

Tim: Thanks for a thorough course on the operation of the vessel. Now we also know we can operate in freezing weather with no heat. Just kidding; it was an awesome day with you.

We have now towed nearly 2000 miles through mountains, snow, wind, and rain heading for warmer water and are truly impressed with how this boat tows. I have towed many thousands of miles over the years and have never had better set up. The trailer is perfectly set up for this boat and the weight distribution and braking are perfect.

Thanks again to each of you for making this a great experience!"

Bob E.

We have been serious cruisers since 2005 when we sold our house to move onto our 40-foot boat as we started our first Great Loop adventure (a circumnavigation of the Eastern United States from the Heartland Rivers to the North Atlantic Seaboard, Canada and the Great Lakes). After completing the Great Loop almost twice, we researched another type of boating – trailering, a smaller boat longer distances across country. During our search we looked for several things, a solid trailerable boat with most of the amenities on our 40-foot boat; factory support and community.

Ranger Tugs, as a manufacturer, caught our interest from the start of our search for a trailerable trawler because we heard from several owners about the company’s support system, one that went beyond the initial sale. Yes, they had the style and high-quality tug we were looking for. Yes, it met our trailerable and options requirements, and as a bonus, it’s a great-looking boat. We wanted a boat, made in America, with great customer support.

Our experience with Ranger Tugs is unequaled to any relationship we’ve ever had when buying boats. From the factory support to the many rendezvous and cruises in the Pacific Northwest, and many other owner-driven rendezvous on the East Coast, Florida and the Great Lakes, the community is growing like wildfire. Unlike many other similar models, when you buy into a Ranger Tug or Cutwater Boat, you become a member of a friendly community of boaters all over the USA and Canada. We see boating as a lifestyle choice more than a recreational activity. Ranger Tugs appealed to us because overall; being a member of the Ranger Tug family provides us with a community, wherever we go, while doing what we love to do. Boat!

July of this year, 2020, began our 10th year as part of the Ranger Tug family; having bought our first Ranger Tug R27, Kismet, in 2011 and another slightly bigger, but still trailerable, R29 in 2017. After downsizing to our shiny red tugs, we never felt we compromised our adventurous natures at all. In fact, we feel we have expanded our cruising horizons by being able to trailer our boat all over the USA and CANADA to places harder, or impossible, to get to with a bigger boat.

We have embraced the Ranger Tug community, fostered by the factory. Their dedication to sponsoring owner Rendezvous and group cruises shows their desire to not only make and sell a quality product but also help get their owners out on the water to boat. Our recent trip to the Pacific Northwest confirmed our belief that they are doing just that. There are tugs around every corner of land and every dock with happy boaters learning about the joys of cruising on the water. Since the community is so strong, there are many social opportunities to engage with other “Tug Nuts.”

We feel that the flexibility we now enjoy means we can leave our home in northern Michigan, trailer our boat south in the fall, and be cruising on the Tennessee River in a matter of two days. To escape the brutal winters in Michigan, we just trailer Kismet to Florida and soak up the sun for a few months. Being able to trailer our boat across country, using it as an RV on the way, gives us the mobility we didn’t have with our 40-foot trawler. We can explore places we couldn’t easily get to with the larger boat. From an adventurer’s standpoint, we feel we have more freedom, not less. We can continue exploring not only more of the waters we’ve cruised for the last fifteen years, but inland lakes close to home and areas new to us, such as Lake Powell and Flaming Gorge Reservoir; British Columbia’s Desolation Sound and the Broughton Islands; also the historic canals in Ontario and Québec, Canada. We can spend summers in our home waters of the Great Lakes and head south, to Florida, for winter cruising. The time savings are enormous and the money that stays in our pockets, by trailering our boat to Florida most winters, is far less than renting a condo or house for a few months.

The economics of owning a smaller, trailerable boat also spoke loud and clear to us. How could we not heed the call? Less boat storage and maintenance costs alone made the scenario attractive. The economy of a owning a trailerable trawler would provide huge savings to our cruising kitty.

It was Ranger Tugs reputation and drive, to take care of their customers after the sale, that galvanized us into taking part in one of the best ownership experiences we’ve ever encountered. As an example of the company’s commitment to their owners, they have their entire service and support staff on the docks at their factory rendezvous. They’re there, at the ready, to assist owners with boating operation questions or service-related issues during the three-day event. Although it’s a given that any mechanical system will experience hiccups in its lifetime, it’s more about how the factory takes care of these situations that matter. They aim to please. This makes the difference between an average company and a great one, like Ranger Tugs.

"Good morning Andrew,

The Ranger Tug ad on page 18 of the December 2014 issue of BoatU.S. magazine grabbed our attention. It is, like everything else that comes out of Ranger, absolutely true. When we returned to Roche from our trip to Canada, the Customs Officer asked if we had been one of the boats at Rendezvous. Louise said yes and the Officer said, "well I can't remember all of them -- we counted 127 of them. They're nice boats."

What the ad says about the community of owners is also true. We have met a delightful group of people. Although there is a lot of knowledge available, nobody seems to have anything to prove. Owning and operating a Ranger (or Cutwater) speaks for itself.

The ad does not specifically say why all this is so. What makes for such a nice community of owners is the prompt, courteous, talented support provided by you and your colleagues. Thank you."

I just wanted to send you an email and tell you how much we appreciate how these Ranger Tugs are built.  We were supposed to go to Poulsbo marina with our friends Tony and Lynne who just took delivery of his R27 on Thursday and Friday. We were going to meet up at Des Moines and head out after he was done with Ivan.

As it got closer the weather wasn’t looking so good, so we decided to head up Friday morning and spend the night at Des Moines Marina with Tony and hangout and then Head to Poulsbo on Saturday, as it turns out the weather change to small craft advisory later in the day, so we left Everett Marina at 10:00 in the morning to hopefully beat the weather.

We had 1-foot waves and an occasional 2-foot waves until just after Elliot bay. We suddenly found ourselves in 4–6-foot waves coming straight at us. We knew at that moment that we could not turn back, we were committed so we continued on.

Nervous because we did not know how the boat would handle this. We have been in crappy weather in our Bow rider but nothing like this. Thankfully I trust my husband’s ability to read the waves and get us there safely it took us about 2 hours to go that last 10 miles from hell. We got to the entrance to the marina around 2:15 and tried to get into the marina and a wave picked us up and was moving us toward the pier and rocks.

Martin managed to turn us around and we headed over by Robertson point to wait it out for a few hours to see if it calmed down. We tried one more time a few hours later and about halfway across the channel and Martin said it was too bad and we would never make it in, so we headed back to safety and anchored for the night. Now we did not intend to be out in 6-foot waves and 27 miles per hour winds, but I am so happy that we chose a Ranger Tug for Our new boat, this boat not only got us there safely (with the captains help of course) but we felt safe. I have a newfound respect and appreciation of how strong and well-built these Ranger tugs are.

Now if anyone ask how these Ranger tugs hold up in bad weather? You send them my way.  I also wanted to say how much we appreciated Tim and Ivan checking on us after tony told them we were coming. They were watching for us, checking in on us. Ivan called Martin around 5 just to make sure we were safe for the night.

I don’t know any other company that has ever treated us like family like Ranger Tug. We did make it to the marina at 7:30 am on Saturday safe and sound and Ivan came down and check on us. We appreciate everything Ranger tug does to keep people safe on the water. Saturday night we were all talking about if we should leave or stay till Sunday morning because it looked like another crappy day of weather after a few long talks we decided to leave around 7:30 Sunday morning.

We had 1–2-foot waves and this time the wind and waves were behind us pushing us (which is not how you want it to be, ever) Martin headed straight across the channel for the shelter of Robertson point and we ran that all the way down till about Elliot bay and then It started to calm a little. We made it home safe and sound and am now a strong believer that if you get caught in some bad weather in your Ranger Tug the boat can make it. Thank you so much for all that you do. We love our Ranger Tug R27.

    Sincerely,

    LaZina Nethkin

"I have been in business for 30+ years and it has been a long time since I have met and dealt with someone as pleasant as Kenny. We spent a couple of days with him during the shakedown for our new R-25SC - remember us from the Seattle show?

On the first day, we went thru all the systems on the boat and Kenny was not only supremely knowledgeable, but very patient and gracious in answering my millions of questions - some (most??) of which were undoubtedly pretty basic and probably already answered. His comprehensive instruction and orientation gave me a great deal of (probably misplaced) confidence in being able to operate the vessel safely.

On day two, we cruised out of Lake Union and to the south end of Lake Washington, where we met with Andrew and a couple of other tugs. Kenny was again the consummate professional in guiding me through the challenges of safe operation and navigation in unfamiliar waters. When it came time to return to the slip, Kenny encouraged me to take the helm and provided very good (and calm) advice. I was able to pull in forward and then even back in. I could not have done that without Kenny's guidance and calm presence. I knew I could depend on him to take over if I got into trouble.

All in all, our time with Kenny was not just a great learning experience, it was a lot of genuine fun.

You are very fortunate to have a great guy like Kenny on your staff."

The Ranger Tug is such a great fishing boat-- low gear and rear helm make it a breeze to navigate between boats. The TV fish finder drops down and the fish are in full view. Drop inside if it gets cold. I am a complete novice and I caught a 25+ lb king on our first day fishing. The ranger tug made it possible.

Five crabs the next day didn't hurt. The king salmon fish head made for the perfect bait. And the crab pots fit perfectly in the swim step with room to access the dinghy.

Just be prepared to get questions. Everyone wants to see your boat.

Dear Ivan and Tim,

Thank you very much for the excellent training and time you spent with us going through the systems of our new boat patiently explaining all functionality and giving us so many tips how to use it! Thank you for all your help and dedication, you guys are the BEST! 

Alexis – BIG thank you for guiding us through the process and answering all of our questions! You made the entire thing smooth and painless!

Andrew - we know that behind such great people is a great company which builds state of the art boats and we are happy to join the Ranger Tugs family! 

Again – you all guys are the BEST!!!

Thank you so much again,

Alex and Helen