Ranger Tugs has a new flagship, the 43 CB (Command Bridge), that’s powered by twin 340-hp Volvo IPS450 pod drives and hits a top speed of 29 knots but burns only 10 gph at a more tug-like 11 knots. (See the boat in action in the video below.)
With two staterooms and two heads, the new Ranger can be just about anything you want it to be: A waterfront property that moves, a comfortable liveaboard, a floating office, or most likely, a family cruiser for everything from an overnight near home to a journey around the Great Loop.
And you won’t have to worry about leaving anybody behind. The salon has seating for 12; the bridge, for eight; the cockpit, for half a dozen (plus standing room for a lot more). If you want to escape the crowds to get some work done, there’s a desk and a leather lounge seat in the master stateroom.
You can spend a lot of time in the master. It has a queen-sized bed with reading lights; the en suite head is heated (Rangers are made in Washington state). The second stateroom is aft, with several hull-side windows. Owners can choose either two single beds or a queen-sized bed there.
The salon is filled with natural light from windows all around; there’s 360-degree visibility from the helm. There’s also a door next to the helm leading to the starboard side deck for immediate access to lines while docking or working through a lock.
The galley is aft on the port side, with a glass window opening to the cockpit. It’s ready for cruising, with a three-burner stove, an oven with a broiler, a microwave, fridge/freezer and lots of storage. A dinette with a table is forward to port. An L-shaped lounge with a table on a stainless steel pedestal is to starboard.
A safe staircase with a handrail leads up to the bridge, with wraparound seating, another fridge, an electric grill and sink. The upper helm is equipped with Volvo’s fingertip IPS joystick control for easy docking; so is the lower helm. There’s even a joystick in the cockpit.
Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats are made by Fluid Motion, one of the most successful boat-builders in the United States. They make lasting connections with their owners by involving them in rendezvous, factory visits, hands-on training and other events.
On a personal note, over the years I’ve cruised the San juans and the Canadian Gulf Islands on Rangers, and I never wanted to leave. These are comfortable, fun boats, equipped with everything you’ll need on board.
Starting price for the Ranger 43 CB is $899,937.
Specs.: LOA: 46’9”; Beam: 14’0”; Draft: 4’2”; Disp.: 32,000 lbs.; Fuel: 300 gals.; Water: 120 gals.; Power: 2×340-hp Volvo Penta IPS450 pod drives. Read more at http://rangertugs.com and see a video of the boat action below:
