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Yes, it's amazing what kind of sea life you encounter. One year we saw dozens of giant purple sea stars molting on the dock at Sucia

Bill and Ellen, thanks for your kind words regarding our videos, we definitely enjoy making them and reliving our trips. I'm sure you'll love your new Miss Ellie II. Will you be attending the Roche Harbor Rendezwous? Bob

Indeed, this part of the world is well endowed with great scenery.

Although the boat is plumbed for the addition of a watermaker, we opted not to get one. With the 100 gallon freshwater tank we have ample water supplies. Also, it seems that potable water is available pretty much at all the marina stops so we can refill as needed.

None.

thank you, we have started our voyage to Alaska and I have made a few changes that I can update you on. We have increased the cooking prep space by installing a large cutting board to put over the sink. We installed some rubber feet on the board to keep it in place. Since this is a onger trip, I have pre-preapred abput 12 meals in gallon plastic jars using a cookbook called The Instant Pot Meals in a Jar Cookbook by Pamela Ellgen. I stored them in the utility area and in most cases all I need in addition to what is in the jar is a protien and some stock. Enjoy your cooking on the boat . Lorraine

Ooops, not gallon, quart Jars

I'm not sure but I've played around with all sorts of trim settings and it doesn't seem to affect speed or MPG all that much so I'm guessing it would be a marginal improvement.

Hi Curt, we do plan on doing more videos as we head to Alaska (departure in less than a month!) and since we're taking MacKenzie with us, there will definitely be some sections on how to manage having a larger dog on the boat. We have a potty station (artificial grass covered large plastic tray) that we can use if needed but I was anticipating that there would be a morning and evening dinghy ride to shore to do her business and get some exercise whenever we're at anchor. Also there will be opportunities to go ashore when re-fueling or sometimes we'll be staying overnight at a marina so that makes it easy.

They are not. In my R27 outboard I've hit logs and it seems that the hull shape and bow wash pushes them off to the side, The lower unit and prop has always emerged unscathed from those encounters.

Thanks for the kind comments. As for Victoria, we've often found the area around there for some reason to be particularly rolly so the gyro would definitely improve the comfort level. We're taking a trip to Alaska in late May and based on previous experience, I imagine we'll be using the gyro in a few places, i.e. Johnstone Strait, Cape Caution, and the waters on either side of Admiralty island.

Thanks for that great info on the rollies. We had Stella Maris in some pretty big and unexpected waters while crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The boat did well, of course, though we were salt-caked when we got to Roche. I, like a loser, forgot to spool-up the gyro well before we hit said big water! You just reminded and informed me. Btw, look for Strait Knot, a RT43 going up to Alaska around the same time as you.

@@acousticmikeb8119 Cool, we'll definitely keep an eye out for your boat on our trip.

Lorraine and I are leaving for Alaska later in May and we plan to document our trip on this channel so stay tuned and you should see a fair amount of data regarding real life distances and fuel consumption.

@@boborca Perfect! We'll live vicariously through you two. :-). It'll help as the R43 and Sargo 45 are two that we really like but are trying to better understand the range limitations for the cruising we would like to do. Again, thank you.

With 300 gallons in the main tanks and 30 gallons in the generator tank (which can be transferred to the mains) the range of the R43 depends on what speed/rpm settings you choose. Go fast and get 1 mile per gallon or go slow and get 4 mpg.

Yes, this is our documentation of the "Factory delivery experience" that Ranger Tugs does for buyers of the R43. It was definitely worthwhile and we learned a lot about this boat

Thanks, we're looking forward to spending lots of time on her.

Thanks. Exciting eh? Any tips?

@@boborca at least with my Volvo I/Os, when you remove the cover, water starts gushing in. The aft bilge pump more than kept up, but it instills a sense of urgency to complete the job.

I see. Yes, that would definitely get your attention. Thanks for the advice.

No issues so far. The shop in Bellingham was familiar with them but not sure what I'll find on the way up to Alaska in terms of shop mechanics with IPS experience though if needed.

:-) Thanks

Sorry I don't know off hand. I'll ask the factory and post another comment when they get back to me.

@boborca have they gotten back to you?

@@davidstrickler6570 They did but said they don't disclose exact specifications of the design

Thanks for the positive comments. Good luck when you try the pizza, we’re looking for a smaller stone as well. Is there something that you cook often in the boat that you would recommend? Best, Lorraine

Thanks for the positive feedback. We're working on our next video about what it's like cooking on the R43. I think that this would be a great boat to do the loop in and I look forward to seeing pictures and videos when you do. Best, Bob and Lorraine

The RT43 seems like it’d be a nice Great Loop boat. My wife and I are talking about that in the future with ours

Yes it comes out mid bake when I turn the pizza

They were good, we tried to buy more on the next pickup day but they were sold out. 😞 Anyway, here's Lorraine's recipe, Rinse and de-beard mussels, make sure none are open or cracked. Any that are open tap them and make sure they close. If they don’t then discard those. Sauté shallots and a bit of garlic in olive oil until softened. Deglaze pan with one cup of dry white wine (Lorraine used a Sauvignon Blanc) Add mussels and cover to steam over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, shake pan halfway through to make sure all the mussels get evenly heated. At end add a bit of butter and serve with crusty bread, enjoy

Ahhh, thanks. I was wondering about that.

Thanks Norm

That's great John, glad they were of use. If we don't run across you on the water maybe at next years rendezvous. B