Ranger Tug Truth

Something I learned today…. I assumed that most boat builders built their own molds . In the old days, boat builders were craftsman and did their own molds . Today it’s more general laborers that do the fiberglass work on the hulls and parts.
Marine concepts in Cape Coral, Florida do the fiberglass molds for fluid motion LLC ( as I read in a boat trade magazine)

This Cutwater owner is correct, the tiny details make the difference.
If a company perfects all the “tiny details “ they will end up with a “ quality “ product.
I hope Fluid Motion reads this …..

Here are some posts from a potential Solara ( Fluid Motion LLC ) boat buyer . These posts are on the “ Band of Boaters “ Forum .

Looks to me , by this July 2024 employee review that things are chaotic at Fluid Motion plants .
Lots of Manager turn over and low employee wages . I would think this makes for employees that aren’t dedicated to their product.

Cathy messaged me with more info on her corrosion problem on her Ranger Tug. This is after 16 months, a trim tab corroding off at the hinge and the condition of the prop. Strange how the anodes don’t seem to be affected. DC
Stray current and improper ground bonding , independent technicians told her . Cathy was told by the factory that the prop looked fine and they have never seen that happen to a trim tab .

We have talked before , about the quality of components. Here is just another example of this !
Doesn’t everyone enjoy spending more money to replace inferior products ???

Thank you Cathy for messaging me about your Ranger Tug problems. There seems to be a lot of electrical issues that come up from owners.
It’s interesting that even after different technicians agreed on the problem, the fluid motion plant didn’t seem too interested in helping repair. Their standard thing is to send you some free parts, then you’re on your own.

It’s interesting how the 2 comments posted yesterday by ElCapitian SuperHawk Don’t show up - it says “ most relevant “
Everyone will have to click on most relevant and when the screen comes up , select” all comments. “
Seems like someone doesn’t want Ranger Tug owners to hear what the ElCapitian Super Hawk has to say ! Or is it just me thinking this ?

We have one of our followers that would like to talk a little bit about quality issues he’s been going through. Everyone is welcome to comment about their issues and concerns. Feel free to comment below. 

I love this part ! Factory- let’s not talk on the forum , please email us .
New Cutwater owner - I did email and never heard back from you all …

Some more problems reported on the Cutwater page .
It never ends …….

More unhappy Campers !
Read the comments…..
Very few owners have what it takes to voice their opinion of “ Big Ranger “ ! ( like Big Pharma , if you didn’t get the joke ! )

We have all had that experience of “ being taken care of “ . Good Will after a warranty period was over . The company knew they had a problem, and decided to make it right . Makes you feel like a valued customer, and you recommend the product to friends.
Now Fluid Motion does things differently…. ( see screen shots ) .Very short warranty ( in my opinion) also try to find the warranty in print while shopping…
Goodwill ????
Happy customers become repeat customers.

Another “ Lemon - Aid “ is in town !
Much smaller , but NO leaks !
After all ….. 1975 was a good year !
I’m ready to do some local fishing on the protected waters !

https://youtu.be/XZST1GXyKLA?si=yP1aWWkXw9S658wa
Here’s a video of a Ranger Tug that went aground on a marshy bank .
Apparently no damage and no reason for the grounding .
A strange happening.

We Saw A Boat Crash Today! Today in route from Charleston S.C. to Georgetown S.C. we witnessed a boat run aground running close to 20 MPH. It was a very scary scene. The Situation mad...

Here is another screenshot about LAG BOLTS holding engine mounts to stingers ( inboard models ) . LAG BOLTS are used for stuff like wood fences and docks !
CAR MFG ‘s don’t use LAG BOLTS to hold their engines in place .
All you Outboard owners …. At least your engines use actual strength rated bolts with locknuts!
Hopefully the factory is using a new method now . Anyone know ?

I brought this point up , over 3 years ago . Wiring not to USCG and ABYC recommendations.
The factory didn’t seem too concerned when I sent them my survey, regarding these issues and others .
In my opinion, they still don’t seem too concerned.

Here is another unhappy camper on Tugnuts , talking about quality control. On July 8 th , Tugnuts changes its format . “Ask the factory “ inquires will go to the factory as a private message.
This might limit our view of the Ranger problems that normally we would see . Hopefully there are good user benefits for all RT owners .

Happy 4 th of July !
Be careful on the water 💦 this holiday ! Don’t be this guy ……

I found these 3 court cases online . I didn’t realize that this was public access. 3 ongoing cases with Fluid Motion LLC ( Ranger Tugs , Cutwater , Solara ) as Defendants.

I came across a public website that has court cases on it . I was surprised to see these 3 that Fluid Motion LLC ( Ranger Tugs, Cutwater , Solara ) as Defendants. These appear to be ongoing . I don’t have any details.

Remember the Ranger Tug Authorized Ontario dealership that sold me , the now famous “ Lemon -aid “ R 27 with the cracked hull ?
The salesman, Paul Cornwall , has launched his own boat business to “ share his expertise “ and “keen eye “ to make sure you buy a quality used boat !
After all …. You don’t want a to purchase a “ LEMON “
We wish Paul success in his new endeavor !

Many owners of the R27 outboard model , have been talking about screws pulling out . Everyone seems to be “ re engineering “ their boats to hold together ! I thought that was the factories job ?

I think it would be only fitting….that Ranger Tugs inboard engine supplier “ Volvo “ gets to “ Tough Test “ the Ranger Tug Hulls 😊😊

Trawler Forum reviewing Ranger Tug , Tugnuts posts .
This is Trawler Forum’s take on those posts . I like the part “ focus on the difference between well built and well designed “ I always said they were “ well designed “ “ but not well built “ , in my opinion.

https://youtu.be/uIMx1y2U0x8?si=lB_HWxN2hlrNJmny

Ranger Tug Truth - The missing video ! new unreleased footage of what happens to 1/4 " of fiberglass in the keel of hull ( normally the strongest area ) .Visit us on Facebook for the latest news ...

My name surfacing on Tugnuts tonight ! I hope Bob doesn’t get made to stand in the corner by the Tugnut Gods .

Yes ….“ little reported issues”because most Tugnuts with issues , don’t want to admit it and get shunned by the other sheep . If they didn’t “ deactivate “ my tugnuts account I could clear up a few misconceptions ( and clear up earlier that Janet’s R27 “ Lemon Drop “ is not the boat ) Maybe someone on Tugnuts will brave the “ Ranger Gods “ and ask some of my hard questions for me ?

Poor quality materials and improper application of gel coat discussed in the posts below.
Unfortunately most Tugnuts just accept these issues as they don’t want to upset the Ranger Gods .

Is it just me? It seems that you can’t get an honest review of any product anymore. The companies that do the reviews are so afraid of being ostracized by the boat manufacturers. It seems that some of the reviewers will pick a couple little items that they suggest the manufacture should change. Wow …. They took them to task ! None of them would dare criticize quality and fit and finish . All they are is a tool to help sell boats. The only way to get an honest opinion on a boat is to talk to different owners, just make sure they’re not part of the “ cult “ and have not drank the magic Kool-Aid !