” The learning curve about the engine is the biggest challenge! Bruce has been a champ, learning all things diesel for our Volvo Penta engine. “
Currently, Ranger 33’
Interview with the Captain – Maggie Tate
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Ranger and what else did you consider?
We were looking for a boat to do the Great Loop – so we each had ideas about what we needed. I wanted a decent galley (which really means room for the Instant Pot and Vitamix), a good bed and a place to have 2 guests. Bruce wanted something that wasn’t too big of a size step up from our 22 ft pontoon boat and something trailerable – which meant a boat with a 10 ft beam and if we could find one in the price range, a boat with a command bridge. We also looked at Cutwater boats, Mainships and Carvers, too. We considered everything in the Ranger line from a R-25 up to the R-29. We wanted a used boat.
What boats have you previously owned?
We bought a SunTracker Party Barge 22′ XP3. We live on the Tennessee River and we put almost 280 hours on it in two seasons. We love that boat! We actually still own it but would really like to sell it!
What are the features you like most about your boat?
I really like the double sink in the galley. The layout of the space on the boat is really functionally excellent.
We also love the sitting area in the cockpit and in the bow. We were just cruising up the Tennessee River near Hiwassee Island and it was incredible to sit on the bow and listen to the thousands of sandhill cranes that winter there.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
We replaced the stern thruster motor – that was a beast of a job and felt like a real win when we were successful. We fluffed up the bed with a 3 inch memory foam mattress. We also added a few hooks and netting in the berth to prep for storage of clothes etc for 10 months on board. We are in the process of replacing the shower valve.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating organizations?
AGLCA
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
The learning curve about the engine is the biggest challenge! Bruce has been a champ, learning all things diesel for our Volvo Penta engine. That’s a lot of info to absorb and put into practice. We also hired a Cummins mechanic to come out and service the generator. He was wonderful and answered all of Bruce’s questions about it. YouTube is a good resource too.
Who first introduced you to boating?
Bruce took me sailing on his catamaran on our first date! Bruce has been a water person most of his adult life – sailing on a catamaran and white water kayaking. We both love being on the water.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a boat like yours?
If you find one you like, don’t wait to put in an offer. We inquired about at least 7 other boats that were all already under contract by the time we found them.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Naming a boat is like naming a child. Sometimes you think you have a name and then the baby comes and you realize you don’t have a Megan, you have a Kayla! We had several ideas and iterations (funny, play on words, meaningful), but when we saw the boat in person, we settled on the idea that we want to be in the moment, and so landed on Currently.
Any recent boating-related purchase you’ve been enjoying (e.g. product/tool/equipment etc)?
We are planning to work from the boat while we are on the Great Loop, so we had to set up our internet to accommodate that. Bruce found a device (Pepwave) that holds two sim cards from two carriers and uses the strongest signal. We also just purchased a Saturn Raft to use as our dinghy, and added a Pexmor electric motor.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
Nebo (app), Waterway Guide books and the app; Dockwa, and Navionics. It’s also been really helpful and fun to be a part of AGLCA (America’s Great Loop Cruisers Association) to meet loopers and learn about the trip. Tugnuts is a great community for Ranger Tug and Cutwater owners.
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Currently!
