With a rich history that goes back to 1958 and a track record of crafting compact cruising yachts ideal for both day trips and longer excursions, Ranger Tug Boats is one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier boating brands. Established by Howard Smith and now led by father and son duo Dave and John Livingstone, Ranger Tug operates two factories in Kent and Monroe, Washington to produce trailerable tug boats of exceptional charm and durability.
The Ranger Tugs story begins in 1958 when Howard Smith started building fibreglass boats close to the shores of Washington’s Puget Sound. Smith built hundreds of recreational tugs and sailing dinghies throughout the years, and finally sold his company to Ranger Tug’s present owners, the Livingstone family, in 1998. The Livingstone family had already built up decades of experience building boats prior to this acquisition, with father Dave constructing his first boat from a Popular Mechanics template when he was just 15. After a stint in the Navy, Dave established his own boat manufacturing company, Livingstone Dinghy, before selling the brand to boat building giants Reinell. The current president of the firm is Dave’s son, John, who is just as steeped in the yachting world as his father, having practically grown up on the water: when he was just a child, John accompanied his parents on their voyages out to the San Juan Islands and up the Queen Charlotte Strait. John also worked with his father at Livingstone Dinghy, before the pair made the move to purchase Ranger Tug Boats.
To this day, Dave Livingstone still drafts, designs and leads the build of all Ranger Tug Boats, while John has taken the helm as company president and CEO. The firm now sells 6 models of yacht from 23 to 47 feet in length, making these boats ideal for everything from weekend day trips over inland waterways, to longer voyages out in the open seas. Their boats are inspired by the old pilot tugs of Puget Sound, and so pack quite a punch relative to their compact size. Outboard-powered models include proprietary Laminar Flow Interrupters for smooth cornering and increased agility, while inboard boats are equipped with powerful Volvo Penta engines for extra acceleration. All Ranger Tug Boats are hand built to the finest possible finish for superb strength and durability, and styled in a classic manner reminiscent of the golden age of leisure cruising. Hulls are constructed from foam-injected fibreglass, strengthened with an HD gelcoat and a vinylester barrier, and fitted with a sandwich layer of woven roving for solidity. Cabin spaces and all on-deck structures, meanwhile, are built only with marine-grade materials, including Sunbrella fabrics and the very finest teak and ebony wood panelling.
Ranger Tug Boats are as innovative as they are strong and reliable. Dave Livingstone’s years of boat building have seen him develop numerous original patents, many of which are deployed on today’s Ranger Tug models. Owners can expect to find innovations such as outboard dingy lifts, retractable bridges, powered engines hatches, reverse chines and more. It is innovative attention to detail like this that makes Ranger Tug boats some of the most enjoyable and reliable rides around. One of the further benefits of a Ranger Tug model is that they are trailerable, ensuring that owners can easily transport their vessel overland. This opens up a huge range of possible cruising destinations for Ranger Tug owners, from canals and rivers to lakes and oceans on either coast of the United States and beyond.
Perhaps one reason that Ranger Tug owners keep coming back for more, updating and upgrading their vessels as the years pass, is due to the company’s personal touch. All vessels are delivered turnkey-ready, while a fully qualified sales team leads new owners through a rigorous day training course to get you familiar with your purchase. After-sales care is just as impressive, with a full-time staff of ten always ready and available to guide your Ranger Tug ownership experience and maintain your boat to the best possible standards.
Ranger Tug R27
A superb, multi-purpose outboard yacht, the Ranger Tug R27 is tailormade for weekend cruising, and the perfect platform from which to fish, swim and host barbecue events out at sea. An extra large aft deck has plenty of space for rod and kit, and can come with a raised dinghy lift for those times when you want to explore those narrow and shallower coves and inlets that boats can’t reach. This vessel also hosts a pop-up sky pylon so that adventurous guests can enjoy wakeboarding and water-skiing. A fully equipped kitchen comes with a propane range and a removable Kenyon electrical grill, while battery power on-board this yacht is kept topped up by the use of a 160W solar panel. The yacht is available in either Northwest or Luxury editions, depending on whether you require the use of climate controlled air conditioning.
Ranger Tug R23
The ideal cruising boat for day trips, this compact model crams everything you need across 28 feet of boating brilliance. An outboard powered vessel with a Yamaha F200 engine, the Ranger Tug R23 benefits from the company’s proprietary Laminar Flow Interrupters for top-of-class agility on the turn and a smooth ride whatever the conditions. Navigation will be a breeze due to a Garmin 942xs GPS chartplotter system with sonar, while the option for wireless throttle and steering could give you that extra degree of freedom while cruising. There is enough space on this vessel for a master V-berth below deck, full bathroom facilities and adaptable room to provide capacity for up to two further berths. Above deck you will be impressed by the fully equipped dinette and dining galley where you can cook up your catch to enjoy al-fresco on the spacious rear aft-deck.
Ranger Tug R41 Sedan
At almost 47 feet in length, this is the largest yacht offered by Ranger Tugs, and one that is built for luxurious relaxation while cruising at sea. Interior spaces benefit from wide salon windows and skylights to increase natural light, while internal furnishings are decked out in a tasteful and neutral marine theme. Two staterooms, a further two berths and reclining chairs in the main salon provide plenty of overnight accommodation for passengers, while the main deck will comfortably host up to 12 guests during entertaining events. Twin Volvo engines deliver a cruising speed of 21 knots, while a fuel capacity of 300 gallons allows for an ocean range of over 470 nautical miles.
Ranger Tug R29-CB
A cruising yacht with a difference, the R29-CB is one of Ranger Tug’s first models to boast a raised command bridge for that elevated, outdoors piloting experience. The bridge features comfortable seating for four as well as a full complement of control devices including bow and stern thrusters, Volvo engine controls, autopilot and VHF. Down below on the main deck the helm station is protected from the elements by a curved front window, with additional light brought into the salon area by a glass, atrium-style roof. Three adult berths on the lower deck provide plenty of space to rest and recuperate after enjoyable afternoons spent testing this boat on a variety of waters.
How to Buy a Ranger Tug Boat
If you’re interested in purchasing a Ranger Tug boat, a Staten Island Yacht Sales professional can assist you in your buying needs. All employees are trained to identify as many ways as possible to improve your experience when purchasing a Ranger Tug boat. As a 100-percent customer-driven business, SI Yachts delivers every time.
How to Sell Your Ranger Tug Boat
Staten Island Yacht Sales has the experience and the product knowledge to sell your Ranger Tug boat. Selecting the right full-service brokerage firm when selling your yacht improves the likelihood of a seamless and timely transaction. Listing your Ranger Tug with SI Yachts, you can be certain it is in the hands of dedicated professionals. Over 50 years in business, our devoted Sales Professionals work attentively to provide you with first class representation.
