Featuring the adventures on the Frances Mae, our Ranger Tug 29S.

When we started talking seriously about retirement, we kept circling back to the same idea: we wanted a life with more water in it. Not just vacations or day trips — a real shift in how we spend our days. Something that felt adventurous yet grounded, peaceful yet full of possibility.

Every time we walked the docks, which was often and everywhere, the boats that always made us stop were the Ranger Tugs. They looked thoughtfully designed, comfortable, and safe — the kind of vessel built for people who want to go without rushing. The 29S struck the perfect balance for us: big enough to feel like a home base, small enough to handle with confidence, and smart in every inch of its layout.

But the real clincher was the community. Ranger Tug owners are famously welcoming, helpful, and fun. They share tips (Paul lives on Tugnut), swap stories, and treat new owners like old friends. When we learned about the annual flotillas — especially the Desolation Sound trip — we knew we wanted to join.

This July, we’ll join about thirty other Ranger Tugs heading north into some of the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds. It will be our first major trip on Frances Mae, our first time traveling in a group that large, and the perfect way to begin this new chapter.

We bought a Ranger Tug because it felt like the right boat for the life we want to live. We’re joining the flotilla because it feels like the right start. And now we’re ready for the shorelines ahead — and the sips waiting for us at sunset every evening.