Ranger Tug 21ec "Lil' Green Tug"

My first night aboard, I twisted and turned, and couldn't sleep. I couldn't figure it out! I had lived aboard a sailboat for a year back on the Chesapeake Bay, and I was always comfortable, even with a fresh coat of snow on the deck and no heat. Around 3:00 in the morning, I got up and pulled my cargo shorts on and walked to the car. First stop--Walmart for a fluffy pillow and a foam mattress topper. Next stop--International House of Pancakes for some comfort food (I was really needing it!) Back to the boat at 5:00 in the morning (at that hour of the night there are absolutely no cars about in downtown Vero Beach!) and after a hot shower at the Marina facilities, I set about making my bedroom afloat comfortable. I cut the foam mattress to fit the v-berth and covered it with a sheet. Then I unzipped the sleeping bag and spread it out like a comforter. Lastly, I fluffed up the new pillow, kicked off my shoes and climbed back in bed. Ahh, the comfort. I slept soundly for four ...

Launching at Taylor Creek Marina. By now, I should know the drill: call ahead and Taylor Creek Marina in Fort Pierce will launch the boat. Not much to it! But I always get butterflies in my stomach the first trip of the boating season. Will the engine start? Will it keep running? Have I thought of everything? I was even more nervous than usual because I hadn't purchased Sea Tow or Boat US towing insurance for this season. I've been boating for 40 years and never missed it -- now I feel at risk without it. I may buy it. I'll decide later. Previous boats have been sailboats, so if the engine conked out, I could always sail home. Approaching Vero Beach City Marina, kind of a tricky entrance running along the Route 60 bridge. In about a minute, "Lil' Green Tug" was launched, the engine fired right up, and I was out on the azure-blue, tropical waters of the Indian River. The wind was from astern at about 10 knots, and a nice cooling breeze blew through...