Thinking of buying or chartering a Ranger Tug? Get off to the right start with hands on instruction with a Ranger Tug owner/captain.
(Updated 12-May-26)
Starting in 2026, I’m offering two hands on training opportunities in my 2019 Ranger Tug R-29 CB in the San Juan Islands area of the Pacific Northwest.
General Hands-On Training
One of the drawbacks of buying a used Ranger Tug or not being able to take advantage of factory training is that you often wind up with a new-to-you boat that you don’t know much about. I know exactly the position you’re in because I was there, too! And I can tell you firsthand that working with a captain who is unfamiliar with Ranger Tugs is not the best way to learn about yours.
Since buying my 2019 Ranger Tug R-29 CB in September 2022, I have taken it more than 10,000 nautical miles over 1200 hours of active cruising time in all kinds of conditions and all kinds of waterways. I know my boat inside and out and can help you learn all about yours.
Whether you’re brand new to boating or just new to your Ranger Tug — or maybe you’re thinking about buying a Ranger Tug and want to know more about them — I can help you be a smarter, safer boater. I’ll help you with your Classic R-27 (pre 2018 model year), R-29, or R-31. One day, two days, or several days on a cruise — we’ll do the amount of training you want or need.
Consult my calendar for upcoming availability.
New in 2026: The Ranger Tug Experience
Imagine attending the Pacific Northwest Ranger Tug/Cutwater Rendezvous, sponsored by Fluid Motions, makers of Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara boats. This annual event attracts more than 200 Ranger Tug and Cutwater boat owners with seminars, contests, and social events for everyone. You’ll be docked in the thick of things at a gorgeous resort marina, arriving and staying on a Ranger Tug. That’s what the Ranger Tug Experience is all about.
A shot from the dock at the Ranger Rendezvous at Roche Harbor in September 2023. All of the boats in this photo are Ranger Tugs or Cutwaters.
Here are the two trips I’ve got planned:
Monday, September 7 – Friday September 11, 2026
Meet me at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes in the morning for two days of cruising in the islands with plenty of hands on training. Choose the destinations from the list below; we’ll anchor out or get a mooring ball on Monday and Tuesday nights. On Wednesday, we’ll cruise to Roche Harbor Resort Marina on San Juan Island and get a slip among more than 200 other Ranger Tug and Cutwater boaters. Join in Ranger Rendezvous activities, including seminars, games, competitions, and evening events. On Wednesday and Thursday night, return to the boat for a good night sleep. You’ll need to be off the boat by noon on Friday, although you’re free to attend the remainder of the event, which runs through Saturday night. (You’ll need to reserve lodging on San Juan Island for Friday and Saturday nights if you plan to stay.) Then take the Washington State Ferry back to Anacortes from Friday Harbor on the other side of the island.
Friday, September 11 – Tuesday September 15
Take the Washington State ferry from Anacortes to San Juan Island and make your way to Roche Harbor to meet with me at noon on Friday. (You will need to find accommodations at Roche Harbor if you plan to arrive before Friday.) You’ll find Do It Now nestled in among 200+ other Ranger Tugs and Cutwater boats at the Roche Harbor Resort Marina. Join in Ranger Rendezvous activities, including seminars, games, competitions, and evening events. On Friday and Saturday nights, return to the boat for a good night sleep. On Sunday, after lunch, we’ll head out for 2 1/2 days of hands on training in the islands. Choose the destinations from the list below; we’ll anchor out or get a mooring ball on Sunday and Monday nights. On Tuesday, we’ll cruise back to Anacortes in late afternoon to end your trip.
A birds eye view of the 2024 Ranger Rendezvous at Roche Harbor. The guest dock is the long one with the dogleg; it’s full of Ranger and Cutwater boats for the entire event.
Includes:
- 2 1/2 days of cruising and 2 1/2 days at Roche Harbor marina
- 4 nights in the main berth of Do It Now
- All fuel, mooring, anchoring, and docking fees.
- All meals and snacks on cruising days aboard Do It Now.
- Non-alcoholic beverages.
Excludes:
- Tickets for the Ranger Rendezvous (required to attend events)
- Meals while at Roche Harbor marina.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Overnight accommodations before or after your trip.
- Ferry fare between Anacortes and Friday Harbor.
- Ground transportation on San Juan Island and in the Anacortes area.
Possible day or overnight destinations:
- Hiking and Peaceful Anchorage
- Sucia Island
- Cypress Island
- Stuart Island
- Jones Island
- Matia Island
- Vendovi Island (no overnight)
- Peaceful Anchorage
- Clark Island
- Lopez Island
- Shaw Island (Blind Bay)
- Village
- Orcas Island (East Sound)
- La Conner
Ranger Tug Experience Pricing:
- One person (main berth): $2250
- Two people (sharing a bed in the main berth): $3375
Training On Your Boat
Of course, I can also do training anywhere in the U.S. or Canada on your Ranger Tug on most dates other than those that are already booked.
Get In Touch to Learn More!
Call or text me to learn more: 509-699-8044. If I don’t answer, leave a detailed message and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours. Let’s get this done!