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- By Richard Smith
- Updated: January 24, 2014
One of many designs that Gary Mull made for Ranger Yachts, the Ranger 26, conceived to be the ideal compromise between a safe and comfortable on-soundings family cruiser and a competitive racer, reflects much of the art and technology that Mull blended so well in the many boats he designed during his all-too-short career. The Ranger 26 is undeniably fast: One won the 1970 IOR North American Half-Ton Cup.
The 26 is a good-looking boat with a distinctive sheer and a nice balance between freeboard and cabin height—a handsome profile wasn’t sacrificed to standing headroom—and exemplifies the construction techniques of the 1970s.
The hull is laid up by hand, and the balsa-cored deck mates to it on an inward-facing flange along the sheer line. A black-anodized aluminum toerail, fastened with bolts on 6-inch centers, completes the joint. The 1-ton iron fin keel is bolted to the hull and should be inspected periodically because the half-inch galvanized keel bolts have been known to corrode badly.
The Ranger 26 is a masthead sloop. Its deck-stepped mast is supported by upper shrouds, double lowers, a headstay, and a backstay rigged with a tensioning bridle.
At about 12 inches wide, the side decks are on the narrow side. Sailors going forward must take care when negotiating the chainplates and genoa tracks and blocks. An anchor roller wasn’t fitted as standard equipment, so anyone planning on cruising a Ranger 26 would want to consider fitting one that could perhaps also hold an anchor.
The cockpit is a little over 7 feet long and is ample for racing, cruising or socializing. The width between the seats is about right for leg bracing when heeled. Since the boat has no quarter berths, an abundance of stowage space is available under both cockpit seats.
An outboard motor provides propulsion. The transom has a cutout to accept it, but a low bulkhead just forward of the transom keeps water out of the cockpit proper and provides a convenient mounting location for the mainsheet traveler. Steering is by tiller.
The accommodation plan is conventional for this type of boat. A molded-fiberglass pan that forms the base for interior furniture includes berth fronts and platforms, and a padded vinyl headliner extends down the cabin sides. A compartment for a portable toilet and a storage closet separate the V-berth from the saloon. In the saloon, a dinette (that converts to a small double berth) is fitted on the port side, and a settee is fitted to starboard. The small galley consists of a sink to port of the companionway and a two-burner propane stove to starboard. Standing headroom is about 5 feet throughout, and sitting headroom above the seat cushions is more than 3 feet. The cabin trim is teak, and the bulkheads are teak-veneered.
Bandit , the boat I sailed for this review, races with a 130 percent genoa fitted on a Harken furler. In the 8 to 10 knots of wind that day, the boat handled well under the main alone. Once the genoa was unfurled, the boat heeled slightly before quickly accelerating to about 5 knots.
Bandit carries her 40 years lightly because she’s been well maintained. She’s a fine example of a 1970s-era racer/cruiser and is still able to show her transom to many competitors.
The Ranger 26 was built from 1969 to 1976. Depending on condition and equipment, list prices range from $3,000 to $5,800—quite a bargain for the inshore cruising opportunities that the boat offers.
Richard Smith and his wife, Beth, sail their Ericson Cruising 31, Kuma , in the Pacific Northwest. This article first appeared in the December 2013 issue of Cruising World.
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Dear Readers
This late 60’s/early 70’s IOR and MORC racer/cruiser was a hot boat in its day, and it still acquits itself reasonably well. But lightweight construction limits the 26’s suitability for offshore.
Jack Jensen, founder of Jensen Marine in 1957 and builder of Cal boats, was in the late 60s enjoying success with boats like the Bill Lapworth-designed Cal 40. But his boats sold better on the West Coast than in other areas of the country. In order to appeal to Easterners, Jensen formed Ranger Yachts and commissioned Gary Mull to design the boats. Both Cal and Ranger were located in Costa Mesa, California, and both were sold to the conglomerate Bangor Punta in 1973. When Bangor Punta moved production of Cal to Florida in early 1981, it pulled the plug on Ranger. In 1983, Bangor Punta sold Cal and O’Day to Lear Siegler, which produced a few small Rangers, and built the three lines in Fall River, Massachusetts until shutting them all down by 1987.
Gary Mull, a well-known West Coast designer, designed the Ranger 26 in 1968 as a fast, roomy, multi-purpose sloop. Early literature touted it as “the first yacht of her size range designed and built to big yacht standards.” Construction ran from about 1969 to 1975.
Ranger Yachts also built a number of other models, including the 22, 23 (used in the movie version of “Dove”), 28, 29, 32, 33 and 37. The 37 was the last bonafide production boat to win the SORC—in 1972. Ranger also built a centerboard 26 in the late 70’s, but it is a different boat, and was less successful than the 26 reviewed here.
The Design Underwater, the Ranger 26 has a very clean, saucer-shaped canoe body (hull without appendages). The displacement/length ratio is 254, so she’s no super lightweight. The fin keel is swept aft a bit as is the balanced spade rudder. Interestingly, the rudderstock is nearly vertical, however. The bow has a pleasing rake to it while the transom is vertical. The waterline is unusually long for that era at 21′ 9″.
In profile, there is some spring to the sheer line. The profile of the cabin top is parallel with the waterline. There are two fairly large fixed windows in the main cabin and smaller ones forward for the head. The only light or ventilation source for the forward cabin is from an overhead hatch.
The rig is a high-aspect ratio sloop with upper shrouds and single lowers. The boom is quite high, diminishing the size of the mainsail for rating purposes. This feature also helps facilitate the use of a permanent boom vang and makes it less likely for crew to get bonked on the noggin.
One owner reported to us that his boat has a “San Francisco bay rig” that is 2′ shorter than the standard mast.
The sail/area displacement ratio is 15.9—in concert with its moderate displacement/length ratio.
The Ranger 26 was designed for outboard power. A 6-hp. motor pushes it reasonably well. A special well is molded into the transom that enables retraction of the outboard’s lower unit without bringing the motor head into the cockpit. The well is self-draining and there is a lip at the forward end to help keep following seas from sloshing into the cockpit. Offshore, however, the motor would best be stowed and the transom cutout fit with some sort of filler piece—epoxied plywood, King Starboard or the like.
The cockpit is fairly large and is protected forward by a fairly high molded coaming. The companionway sill, however, is quite low. In rough weather, it would be advisable to fit a sturdy lower companionway board.
Construction We don’t have a lot of information on the construction of the Ranger 26, but we’ll assume that the hull is solid fiberglass and the deck balsa-cored. The lapped hull-deck joint is caulked and fastened with self-tapping screws. A bonded and through-bolted joint is much preferred. Indeed, a number of owners complained about hull-deck joint leaks. The toe rail is perforated aluminum.
The main bulkhead is also a problem as it is designed to carry the compression loads of the mast. One owner wrote, “The wooden door frame to the forward cabin serves as support for the mast step on the cabin top. The bottom end of the door frame is glassed to the hull in the bilge. Bilge water caused the bottom end to rot.”
Other weaknesses include inadequate backing for stanchions, pulpits and deck hardware, which several owners said they had to fix. Leaks were also associated with the stanchions and hardware, as well as the extruded aluminum portlights.
On any older boat, bedding compound must be expected to have hardened and deteriorated. Removing deck hardware, rebedding and reinstalling is very important but admittedly an onerous task, requiring two people, one on deck with a screwdriver and the other below with a wrench on the nuts. If the fitting is near the hull, sometimes you can lock a pair of Vice-Grips on the nut and wedge it against the hull to resist turning from above. But for tightening, it’s always better to have the person on deck hold the bolt stationary and have the person below do the tightening with the wrench.
Another owner complained about leaking keel bolts, which again require periodic caulking.
A last comment on construction came from several owners who noted that the rudder has a fair amount of play in it. Rudder bearings are another item that must be replaced on older boats. Like rebedding deck fittings and portlights, dropping a rudder for maintenance work is neither easy nor fun, but important nevertheless. If you don’t have to dig a hole under the boat, count yourself lucky!
Performance The PHRF rating for the Ranger 26 averages about 198 in fleets around the country. This is faster than a Columbia 26, whose rating ranges from 210 to 220, but slower than a J/24’s average rating of 165-175.
Nevertheless, the Ranger 26 is a relatively quick boat for its length. The hull is quite flat aft, enabling her to nearly plane off the wind.
In his book, Choice Yacht Designs, author Richard Henderson (writing in 1979), wrote that according to a February 1969 issue of Yachting magazine, Gary Mull was the first designer “to have one of his model yachts surf in the Stevens Institute testing tank.” He went on to say that the Ranger 26 “has this unusual ability to surf or at least surge, and yet she is an all-around performer.”
Others who have raced this boat feel she does adequately in light and moderate winds, but really comes into her element in stronger winds. This would be born out by her comparatively high displacement/length ratio of 254 (a J/24’s D/L is just 190) and comparatively low SA/D of 15.9 (the J/24’s SA/D is 19.8). So it is true that in heavier weather the heavier boat gains its advantage over lighter, flatter bottom boats.
This still doesn’t mean the Ranger 26 will be comfortable offshore. First, she’s not a big boat. Second, she’s not really built for it. Richard Henderson tells the story of Bill Homewood’s participation in a Bermuda One Two race. The boat survived Force 7 conditions with a double-reefed main and 50% jib, even reeling off a 183-mile day. He finished the race in five days, seven hours, which is quite remarkable. But she leaked at lot at the hull-deck joint and he worried about the main bulkhead/door frame, which serves as support for the mast. He recommended beefing this up with a stainless steel girder.
The stability index, computed by US Sailing and based on the length of positive stability, is 114, which is below the 120 number we consider a minimum for offshore sailing.
Under power, the 6-hp. recommended outboard is OK, but not great, say owners. A few have gone to larger 8-hp. and 9.9-hp. motors. The boat is, however, quite maneuverable under power. But in larger seas, the prop may cavitate or come completely out of the water. This is a problem for most boats with outboards. A long-shaft model is essential, but because the motor is located at the extreme aft end of the boat, any extreme pitching motion is going to cause problems.
Interior The accommodations are basic: V-berth forward, rather small head with locker, a dinette to port and settee to starboard in the main cabin, and aft, straddling the companionway, a divided galley.
The 8′ 8″ beam is generous compared to older 26-footers, but does not make it the most voluminous 26-footer ever made. In fact, two boats of the same era—the Northstar 600 and Paceship PY 26—have beams of 9′ 0″ and 9′ 6″ respectively. Still, there’s adequate room in the Ranger, and besides, we’re not big fans of excessive beams as they can make the boat quirky to handle upwind in rough weather.
Dinettes vs. fold-down bulkhead tables have their pros and cons. Dinettes are generally sturdier than fold-down tables, but they occupy more space and when you want to get rid of them the only place they can go is down…to make a berth.
The port-side dinette in the Ranger 26 has seating only fore and aft, which makes it difficult to hold your place when the boat is heeled, especially on port tack.
The galley is quite small, but then this is just a 26-footer and unless we were cruising for a lengthy period we’d probably rather have its small divided galley than a larger one occupying the entire starboard side of the main cabin where the Ranger’s settee is located.
One owner said, “It has no real galley, but has a sink and space for a stove.”
The space for the stove aligns it athwartships where it cannot gimbal, so one would have to add a single-burner, gimbaled stove like the old Sea Swing for cooking at any angle of heel.
While basic, the accommodation plan does provide berths for four (theoretically five, but for two to fit comfortably in the dinette they would have to be either very small or more likely, children). It certainly will suffice for overnights and week-long cruises. It would be nice if the head was enclosed from both main and forward cabins, but as configured, the only door is at the main bulkhead. This presents problems when non-family members are aboard and someone wants to use the head in the middle of the night. What are you supposed to do? Roll over so they don’t think you’re looking, keep your eyes and nose closed, and think about something else, like waterfalls or throwing rocks into the lake.
Such is life on small boats!
Conclusion It’s hard to believe that the Ranger 26 now is 31 years old! It doesn’t look that aged. The boat sails well, though like any boat with a fin keel and spade rudder, she will require more attention at the helm.
Construction is fairly standard for mass production, but that’s not good enough for offshore. The list of complaints concerning the Ranger 26’s assembly is longer than for many other boats. Leaks in portlights and deck fittings can be fixed. Not so easy to remedy are the hull-deck joint and keel bolt leaks. And the weak main bulkhead will require some ingenuity to strengthen.
When one buys an old boat, adopt the maxim: “Anything can be fixed.”
Asking prices for Ranger 26s range between about $7,500 and $9,500, depending on condition and equipment. The difference between a 1971 and a 1975 model, as reported by the BUC Research Used Boat Price Guide, is not that much—about $900.
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I have a ranger 26 ’73 Have you have heard of shaving down the “thickness of the fin keel” with a sawzaw to give less drag.. I would like break 9 knots
That’s a project that I would actually never consider. To start with, the keel is iron and “ shaving “ it would make shaving the backside of a grizzly seem easy. A sawsall would NEVER do the job , and there is actually no power tool for the job. Better off pouring a new lead keel or better yet, finding another boat that would suit your need for speed. A good motor might be Abandon hope, all ye who contemplate it.
That’s a project that I would actually never consider. To start with, the keel is iron and “ shaving “ it would make shaving the backside of a grizzly seem easy. A sawsall would NEVER do the job , and there is actually no power tool for the job. Better off pouring a new lead keel or better yet, finding another boat that would suit your need for speed. A good motto might be Abandon hope, all ye who contemplate it.
I agree with the keel maintenance, i.e. bolts being a B. yet Could a person ask about the replacing of window glass, dimensions, suggestions, many thanks.
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 | 12-07-2010, 10:20 | | | | Sailboat in favor of a larger . She's in and a great . Here is some info:
Kent sailboats were built tough in Kent, and designed as pocket cruisers. Kent Ranger 26's are traditional appearing that can easily be single-handed and trailered, yet have all the features of much larger .
La Dolce Vita is in very nice condition!
The Kent Ranger 26 closely resembles a Flicka, though it is a larger with much more room below . We often get comments about her from people who believe her to be made by . In fact, this boat was designed by Raymond H. Richards and is unique in that she has a ballasted with a and an inboard .
La Dolce Vita is powered by a newly rebuilt inboard with a new fresh water/raw-water system completed in 2009. The is in excellent condition, is spotless, and powers the boat at . The engine is clean and has zero smoke.
Down below, there is standing 6’ 2” , an enclosed immediately to port, a full to starboard and a settee forward that seats 4-5. This easily converts to sleep two, making a large and comfortable queen size berth. Two ample sea berths are to port and starboard of the ladder.
Why are we selling this wonderful and rare Kent Ranger? A desire to move up to a bigger boat for coastal and cruising in waters.
If interested, please feel free to contact me by . The best time is after 2:00 pm and before 8:00 pm (Pacific Daylight Time) during the week or any reasonable time on the weekend. We've made a web page with pertinent information:
Ask for Brig: 619-850-6036. If you want a clarification or just like to communicate by ([email protected]) , feel free to do so anytime.
She is ready to SAIL! | | | | | 12-07-2010, 10:23 | | | |
SPECIFICATIONS:
Hull/Sail #33
LWL: 22' : 2'4" w/o
4'10" with centerboard lowered
BEAM: 8' BALLAST: 1600 lbs. (lead)
ENGINE: Diesel, with fresh-water conversion. Six hours on . Uses about one quart of diesel per hour
: Six gallons
TEFLON , new
: 30 gallons estimated
HOLDING: 6 gallons estimated
: Newly installed Hillerange, 2 burner stove/oven unit with new GD10 gas vapor
: Newly installed head with all new hoses, 2009
NAV AREA: Unique fold up nav table with near . New masthead
SETTEE: New by Elite Designs, 2009
: Two new and a Tru-Charge 10 amp multi-stage , new 11/2009
: New standing completed 2010. Newer running rigging easily controlled from .
SPARS: and boom etched, painted, with new raceway by Lafeil company in L.A. (2010)
New , new mast as needed. The spars shine and Lafeil guarantees for 10 years.
New spreader bases, new spreaders, new masthead sheaves and tabernacle mast base, 2010.
Mast : new , steaming and . New from mast top to panel. (2010)
: Main with two reef points in serviceable condition.
is 8.5 oz. Ullman, hank on, with one set of reef points. Crisp and sets nicely.
This sail is in above average condition with some light stains. Purchased used in June 2010 from Minney's.
, we removed the mechanism and sail. These are included with boat .
They are functional, although the sail is older.
WINCHES: Original to vessel.
ANCHORS: Danforth mounted on , chain and line. Smaller Danforth with line can be set from the rear.
: Three lazarettes. Starboard is given over to tank. Center is for lines and fenders.
Port holds the diesel tank and .
There is a 4-inch Ritchie mounted on the port companionway area. Older foam cockpit .
: Guzzler 400 manual with handle is near the bridgedeck.
Small is in the (automatic).
THROUGH
HULLS: Ball valves
: All exterior is new. , handrail covers, , and tiller.
Foresail bag is also new and designed to be left on deck when sail is set- or it can be taken off and stowed.
: 1000 tiller .
: Exterior newly varnished. New tiller (2009) with fresh .
| | | | | 12-07-2010, 13:06 | | Boat: 15 foot Canoe
| | | | | | Thread Tools | | | | Rate This Thread | :
| | Posting Rules | | post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are | | Similar Threads | | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post | | Crew Wanted: | tonyw | Crew Archives | 5 | 30-07-2010 00:03 | | | capstonesailor | Classifieds Archive | 1 | 04-02-2008 09:25 | | | TStaub | Meets & Greets | 6 | 04-03-2007 08:24 | Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. Review of Kent Ranger 26Basic specs., sailing characteristics. This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats. What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)? The capsize screening value for Kent Ranger 26 is 1.90, indicating that this boat could - if evaluated by this formula alone - be accepted to participate in ocean races. What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed? The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.3 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed. The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Kent Ranger 26 is about 109 kg/cm, alternatively 614 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 109 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 614 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch. Sailing statisticsThis section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points. What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)? What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)? What is Displacement Length Ratio? SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio) Indicates how fast the boat is in light wind: - Cruising Boats have ratios 10-15 - Cruiser-Racers have ratios 16-20 - Racers have ratios above 20 - High-Performance Racers have ratios above 24 Sail-area/displacement ratio (SA/D ratio): 18.12 MaintenanceIf you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful. | Usage | Length | Diameter | | Jib sheet | 7.9 m | (26.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) | | Genoa sheet | 7.9 m | (26.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) | | Mainsheet | 19.8 m | (65.0 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) | | Spinnaker sheet | 17.4 m | (57.2 feet) | 10 mm | (3/8 inch) | This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat. Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done. We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Kent Ranger 26 it would be a great help. If you have any comments to the review, improvement suggestions, or the like, feel free to contact us . Criticism helps us to improve. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts. Ranger 26 (Richards)Ranger 26 (Richards) is a 25 ′ 11 ″ / 7.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Raymond Richards and built by Ranger Boat Co.(USA) starting in 1978.  Rig and SailsAuxilary power, accomodations, calculations. The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more. Classic hull speed formula: Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL Sail Area / Displacement RatioA measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more. SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3 - SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
- D : Displacement in pounds.
Ballast / Displacement RatioA measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize. Ballast / Displacement * 100 Displacement / Length RatioA measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more. D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³ - D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
- LWL: Waterline length in feet
Comfort RatioThis ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more. Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 ) - D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
- LOA: Length overall in feet
- Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet
Capsize Screening FormulaThis formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more. CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64) Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code. ©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Ranger 26 SailboatsA safe harbor for ranger 26 sailboat owners, heart of sailing.  Gary “Joe” Searl, my dad a few years after we started building our first sailboat together. My earliest memories of sailing were not on the water, nor even near it, they were in our garage.  Pelican jig before the keel, chines, bottom and sides go on. (Not my photo) The warm sunlight shone down through the open garage door, ending just behind our feet and then bouncing up into the ceiling to fill the room with soft abundant light. It was a Saturday morning, I was ten years old, and watching as my dad mixed phenolic resin powder with water to make a molasses like glue. I had never seen glue that you had to add water to make it harden, or one that was a deep brown like chocolate – it was fascinating.  Pelican hull – Not ours (not my photo), but you get the idea of where we were in the project. We took the shaped wooden parts that we had cut and beveled in the shop at the local community college and spread the glue out thickly on each of the faces to be joined. As the clamps were added and compressed, the dark glue oozed out of the joint and was driven into the pores of the wood. More and more clamps were added to bend the wood and shape it onto the keel of our first boat. Then, Dad would pilot and counter sink holes for 1” brass screws, which he turned tightly, one by one, by hand. I can still remember the light on his arms and thinking how strong he was.  Ironically, we didn’t finish our first sailboat, a 12ft San Francisco Pelican . As the weeks went by my dad decided that it would be better to actually get out on the water rather than spend the summer building a boat in the garage. We sold it to another would-be sailor and purchased a finished version from a friend. I’m grateful for that, as it got me out on the water that summer. But I’m also thankful for the connections that were made in me to the heart of the vessel and not just its utility.  San Juan Islands, Photo Bruce Searl  My Dad, Gary “Joe” Searl, reading the morning paper at dock, Friday Harbor. To me, each boat I sail, no matter the size or rig, is much more than a tool or a “thing” like a car or a house. They are almost alive. I have a sense of the hours of work that goes into creating their simple, elegant beauty. I have a connection to their birth and history. The drafting and lofting of lines, the jigging up the keel and chines, all create what is more than the stark utility of a sailboat – they create dreams. The bending, gluing, screwing, sanding and varnishing bring a sort of spirit to a vessel’s simple, elegant beauty. Each boat I’ve sailed connects me back to that garage, my dad and the dream of exploring the world together, with family and friends, in a ship wrought of our own hands. It is to me, the very heart of sailing.  Fisherman’s Bay, Washington. 32 thoughts on “ Heart of Sailing ”Leave a reply cancel reply. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *  - Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
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Advise for Ranger 20- Thread starter kentchris
- Start date Jan 13, 2019
- Brand-Specific Forums
- Ranger Boats (WA)
I just purchased a Ranger 20 11/18. Hull #194. Looks like a great boat. I am going through the boat. cleaning it up and checking it out. I have just started on the electrical (very basic). The mast light didn't work so I went to change it out with an LED light and am having problems replacing old cut and worn out wiring (won't pull through). I assume it is attached at the top of mast but am not sure how to access/remove the top of the mast. Does anyone know what brand mast was used on R 20. Also any general info links on R20's would be appreciated. Thanks Kent  Is the mast "up" or is have you taking it "down"? Pictures would help. Mast is down. I will post pics in an hour or two. There should be some form of strain relief for the wire(s). That can come in a variety of methods. It might have been wrapping around a post inside the top of the masthead, or it might have been some other method. You should be able to see something. You might try shing a bright light in from above or below. Can you pull the wire "up" at all? New I can't pull the wire up from top or down from bottom. It appears to be loose looking up from the bottom, but I can't see more than half way up. Does this mast head look familiar. Attachments When you say "worn out wiring", are the conductors bad? You could probably remove the top assembly by drilling out the rivets. You could re drill and add two two wires to the masthead light. Are you ready to start surgery, or do you need to? The wires were cut at both ends near where they entered the mast at the bottom and where they exited at the top. The idea of redrilling on the top plate and then rethreading wire, (while leaving old wire) seems the most straight forward. If I did drill out the 4 rivets, could I tap the holes and replace them with 4 bolts? Or would new rivets be required. I don't have rivets that large. I think I'd avoid drilling out the rivets. If the wires are otherwise okay (i.e., the insulation is good and the copper is not corroded) you might try to simply extend them. You can always replace them later. An LED will draw less amps. Thanks. That might be the best option. I will see what I can do. IF the wires are "good", then use marine grade wire and crimps. It's not "perfect", but you're sailing on fresh water lakes in modest season. The wires section to look at first are those exposed to the sun at the masthead. Is the insulation sun baked or is it still sound? While you're looking at the masthead, make sure the sheaves are rotating freely. Check the spinnaker /jib block attachments, etc. If everything is sound, then I'd not be drilling out the rivets unless you have to. kentchris said: I just purchased a Ranger 20 11/18. Hull #194. Looks like a great boat. I am going through the boat. cleaning it up and checking it out. I have just started on the electrical (very basic). The mast light didn't work so I went to change it out with an LED light and am having problems replacing old cut and worn out wiring (won't pull through). I assume it is attached at the top of mast but am not sure how to access/remove the top of the mast. Does anyone know what brand mast was used on R 20. Also any general info links on R20's would be appreciated. Thanks Kent Click to expand - This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…
Sail to SummitThis blog is about my two main passions in life, sailing and climbing and a few random adventures in between. My sailing stories are based on my interest in pocket cruisers, pocket cruising, and more specifically my kent ranger 20 sailboat. My climbing posts may be about anything from a day at the crag to a multiday alpine adventure. My main motivation for writing this blog is so that i can read it when im old! Thanks for checking in! Wednesday, January 1, 2014Kent ranger 20 sailboat cruise/camp.  8 comments:Thank you for sharing. My dad bought a Ranger in 1974. Before that he built a wooden wayfarer, (a 16' foot sailboat). He lived in Kent, WA. We did a lot of racing with the wayfarer, and he continued to race when he bought the Ranger 20. In fact he won the Ranger National Championships 4 times I believe. We also cruised a lot. We cruised Barkley Sound (Vancouver, B.C.), and Desolation Sound, off the east side of Vancouver next to inland B.C. We did this a few times and it was incredible. We basically lived off the land, salmon, ling cod, yellow eye rockfish, and other types of bottom fish, as well as clams. We also cruised the San Juans. But we preferred Desolation Sound. There were less people and it was more adventuresome ( stronger currents, etc) Every night we would anchor, set a shoreline and bow anchor. We had a little dinghy so we could explore all the shoreline, clam dig, etc. It was a great time. Memories I will never forget. Three of us slept on the boat every night. I would strongly recomend this to anyone with a Ranger 20'. Just be sure to have a marine chart that is detailed. There are some places where you can only pass on slack tides, the currents rip. You trailer up to Lund, B.C. Past Vancouver and you have to take a couple of ferries. You put in at Lund and then go where you want. I would not recommend going to Campbell River Channel. The currents are very strong. I would say you would need at least a 10 hp motor to be safe. We had a british seagul, I think only a couple of horse power, and we could have used more. There were times when we were barely making headway against some of the tides, and currents. Feel free to contact me if you wish. Greg Wills. Email, [email protected]  Hi, Great posts. Where were you able to find a new dodger?  any chance anyone has a mast for a Ranger 20? I would love to keep this sweet boat in the sailing world instead of scrapping the boat! so sad... everything else is fine but a broken mast. 801-860-7658 Mark Thankyou so much I realy might want one Please post more details of your pocket cruising Thanks for sharing the goodstuf.. go ahead and call me at 801-860-7658. Mark I really enjoyed your blog. It convinced me that a Ranger 20 is exactly what I need. So I bought one! I also found a Yahoo group for the boats. It has lots of good information about these wondeful pocket cruisers. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/KentRanger20Boats/info  Hello, we have a Ranger Sailboat Owners facebook group: Search "Kent Ranger Sailboat Owners" If you still have the boat, hope to see you there!  - Forum Listing
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Looking for ranger 20 infoI have looking for a small boat for daysailing in open water and ran across the Kent Ranger 20. It has a keel/centerboard so should be stiff, but not too hard to trailer launch. It also has positive floatation. I do not need a high performance boat, just something safe and reasonable. It may spend some time on a mooring, so having some ballast in the keel to keep it upright would be a plus, with the centerboard component helping with upwind sailing. The cabin has a strange half open design, not a problem for me as I have a larger boat for cruising. Has anyone had some personal experience with this boat? Any thoughts on ease of trailering and ramp launching? Thanks. Ranger 20 Great little boat! I've owned two of them over the years in between a Catalina 25. The boat is rigged beautifully for singlehanding and is easy to trailer and launch. Draft about 18" with the centerboard retracted. The cuddy cabin with dodger provides good weather protection. My wife and I spent two weeks aboard in Desolation Sound. My first Ranger 20 won the class National Championship, I believe in 1973. I currently own a Ranger 20 and have it moored for the winter at Leschi. They are great boats and very fun to sail, and travel in. Look up the KentRanger20 group here and join. KentRanger20Boats : KentRanger20Boats Good group and several active members. Best place to look for a boat also. Good luck. Kary SV Mariah #49080 Does anyone know how I can get rigging instructions - I just bought an old Ranger 20 and am new to the boat? Thanks Re: Ranger 20 where can I buy a dodger for my ranger 20 Top Contributors this Month | | |
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The Ranger 26 was built from 1969 to 1976. Depending on condition and equipment, list prices range from $3,000 to $5,800—quite a bargain for the inshore cruising opportunities that the boat offers. Richard Smith and his wife, Beth, sail their Ericson Cruising 31, Kuma, in the Pacific Northwest. This article first appeared in the December 2013 ...
Ranger Yachts also built a number of other models, including the 22, 23 (used in the movie version of "Dove"), 28, 29, 32, 33 and 37. The 37 was the last bonafide production boat to win the SORC—in 1972. Ranger also built a centerboard 26 in the late 70's, but it is a different boat, and was less successful than the 26 reviewed here.
1978 Kent Ranger. We are parting with our 1978 Kent Ranger Sailboat in favor of a larger boat. She's for sale in San Diego and a great pocket cruiser. Here is some info: Kent ranger sailboats were built tough in Kent, Washington and designed as pocket cruisers. Kent Ranger 26's are traditional appearing boats that can easily be single-handed ...
About 5' 9 or 10" headroom and it is faster than either the California or the Kent Ranger designs. It was designed and built by Hinterhoeller Yachts in Canada. Actually they look almost identical in speed. Base PHRF ratings for the various Ranger 26 models are 189 to 195. Base ratings for the Niagra 26 are 189-192.
Aug 24, 2023. #3. The topping lift is the short cable hanging from the backstay and attached to the boom. The primary (only) purpose of the topping lift is to keep the boom off the deck when the mainsail is down. It is rarely if ever, used while the sails are hoisted as the sail keeps the boom from falling down.
The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Kent Ranger 26 is about 109 kg/cm, alternatively 614 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 109 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 614 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.
It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5
Boat Review Forum. SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, ... Does anybody have more information on the Ranger 26 (the ones built in Kent,Wa),as I looked at one the other day and I am very intrigued by them. I am having a hard time getting more info on them. Thank ...
Browsing thru the for sail lists and saw a Ranger 26 (mull) and went to sailboatdata to look it up. saw another (several, in fact) 26 and said WTH?!why not look/. Seems there was one designed by Raymond Richards that appeals to me. A keel/centerboard cutter, bowsprit and "dog box" cabin. Apparently only 70 were built, starting 1978.
Ranger 26 (Richards) is a 25′ 11″ / 7.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Raymond Richards and built by Ranger Boat Co.(USA) starting in 1978. Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts. ... Ranger 26 (Richards) 1978.
Well, we bought the boat. Devoforedeckus was not wrong, it really is built like a laser. But, ultimately we decided that since we need a bit more experience before venturing way offshore anyways, going with something that is easy to trailer with the vehicles we already own and that is fun and sporty to sail is a great option for the meantime.
Kent Ranger 26′ for sale! We are selling Stargazer, our restaurant business requires us to change our plans about sailing. The boat is loaded with new equipment too numerous to mention. Interested parties can call Mike at 406-240-1393 to get all the details on the boat.
"Pirate" is an aft cockpit racing sloop (sail number R-11) designed by L. E. "Ted" Geary and built by Lake Union Dry Dock Company in 1926. She is Burma teak over red cedar carvel planked hull has hard bilge and tight garboard. Her underbody features modified full keel and skeg hinged rudder. See www.rboat.org. November 2023 survey ...
Im thinking its called (Kent Ranger 26)..thx George. Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20/Jack Helms 24:wink. ... General Sailing Discussions Gear & Maintenance Boat Review Forum Cruising Under Sail Seamanship & Navigation. Top Contributors this Month View All. M. Minnewaska 143 Replies. OntarioTheLake 123 Replies.
Enjoyed your writing. I own a '72 Ranger 26 and sail on SF Bay. Where are you based? December 22, 2014 at 4:52 am Reply. [email protected]. ... Hello fellow sailors, I have been thinking of adding a tiller pilot to our Kent Ranger 26 and was hoping to get some feedback from any of you who have installed one. I singlehand frequently and was ...
5. Kent Ranger 20 Priest Lake Idaho. Jan 13, 2019. #7. The wires were cut at both ends near where they entered the mast at the bottom and where they exited at the top. The idea of redrilling on the top plate and then rethreading wire, (while leaving old wire) seems the most straight forward.
Jun 9, 2005. #9. Ranger 24 is a different ranger than 23 and 26. These were built here in the NW in Kent, WA. Not a badly built boat, and like was said before, a bit tender. Never had one come in with much structural problems, and I suppose if you get one cheap enough, it would be ok for local lake racing.
Sail to Summit. This blog is about my two main passions in life, sailing and climbing and a few random adventures in between. My sailing stories are based on my interest in pocket cruisers, pocket cruising, and more specifically my kent ranger 20 sailboat. My climbing posts may be about anything from a day at the crag to a multiday alpine ...
Ranger 24. FYI : The above comment is true. If you are referring to a Ranger 24 - it would have to be a Kent Ranger 24 familiar in the Pacific Northwest. But Ranger Yachts of So. Cal was built by Jensen Marine [who also built the Cal sailboats]. The sizes of Jensen Marine Rangers were 23 ft., 26 ft. up to 37 ft.
The Ranger 24 is a Kent, WA built boat. They are commonly referred to as Kent Rangers to distinguish them from the California Rangers (a different company). Your boat was designed by Raymond Richards and is a variant of the ocean/blue water boat model the "Haida 26." Richards designed it to be blue water worthy with the cockpit and lazerette ...
180 posts · Joined 2001. #2 · Dec 8, 2009. Ranger 20. Great little boat! I've owned two of them over the years in between a Catalina 25. The boat is rigged beautifully for singlehanding and is easy to trailer and launch. Draft about 18" with the centerboard retracted. The cuddy cabin with dodger provides good weather protection.