Every boater knows, storage on board is at a premium. Especially when you’re out cruising or you have several guests on board. We’ve heard for years that the sport racks included on every Ranger Tug model are one of the most underrated features on the boats.
The design of the sport racks is simple, but the uses are endless. The rack consists of two stainless bars that run the width of the cabin top. Most models deliver from the factory with a solar panel already mounted to the racks. The solar panel, mounted out of sight and mind, is a great example of one of the many benefits of the sport racks. In most cases you can slide the solar panel to one side or another to make room for more roof top goodies.
Use Cases
Here are some other examples of the way Ranger Tug owners use their sport racks.
Rooftop cargo box – especially popular with extended cruisers, boaters traveling the great loop, and for divers to store wet/dry suits and gear. This is also great for storing any items that are not frequently used, but you like to have on hand while cruising.
Kayak(s) – Sometimes you need a smaller boat to get into those hard to reach, hidden lagoons. Or maybe you like to use the big boat as basecamp for further reaching kayak expeditions. Either way, keeping a rigid or inflatable kayak on the sport racks keeps it secure and out of the way until you need it.
Bikes – The same rack equipment that you use to mount your bike rooftop on your vehicle will likely work with the Ranger Tug sport racks too. As long as the equipment mounts to 1” round bar, you’re good to go. We use a rack by Yakima to mount bikes up top to keep them out from underfoot when you’re en route to your destination. When you get tied up, unload the bikes, and take a ride around.
Stand Up Paddleboards – one of the best boating accoutrements, the SUP, is a perfect companion for the Ranger Tugs sport racks. You don’t even need any special mount (although it helps with some boards). Just bring a couple of tie-downs (we like these from Nite Ize). These can be deployed within a few seconds of getting settled on the dock or in the anchorage.
Cargo cage for gear – This can be very useful when storage is at a premium. Overland vehicle type cargo racks can be used to store items that won’t be disturbed by the elements. Try stashing a crab or shrimp pot here, or maybe a rolled-up inflatable to keep cockpit storage available for other needs.
Water toys – Maybe you’ve seen E-foils (like this) or even a standard foil board. Those are perfect candidates for sport rack storage. If you have a ski pylon, you can store a wakeboard, innertube, and any number of other water toys up top. This is one of our favs!
These are just a few of the common uses for the sport racks on your Ranger Tug. If you’re not utilizing this space, you should consider one of the above options. If you have another useful way that you use your sport racks, consider letting us know in a post on tugnuts.com. We’d love to see it!
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