Ranger- Oldport Launch- 26 feet [8 meters]

Santa in Newport Harbor aboard a classic Oldport Launch. photo by Matt Gineo

21 Dec 2009 Oldport Ranger

BOAT: Ranger
OWNER: Oldport Marine Services. Newport, R.I. http://www.oldportmarine.com/
DESIGNER: Oldport Marine, Newport, R.I.
BUILDER: Oldport Marine, Newport, R.I.
LENGTH: 26 feet [8 meters]
YEAR: 2007
HULL: Solid fiberglass
HISTORY:
 With all of Newport’s ship building history long gone, it is good to know that there is at least one company within our borders still actively building boats. They might not be the world girdling ships of yesteryear, but these boats get around just the same.
 The Oldport 26 is perhaps one of the most versatile and rugged boats available today. Designed and built by the folks who manage most of the moorings in Newport- one of the world’s foremost yachting destinations- the Oldport 26 is, sold worldwide. U.S. Coast Guard certified to carry 23 passengers, the boat makes an ideal water taxi, short run ferry, or yacht club launch.
The design is coveted by yacht clubs and harbor masters up and down the East Coast of the U.S. and as far away as Aruba, and Turkey. Oldport Marine Services sells the boats commissioned and ready to go- usually with a Yanmar diesel.
 This past week, Santa Claus was spotted cruising through Newport Harbor, in an Oldport Launch, - no doubt –checking upon who has been naughty and who has been nice. HO, HO, HO, and Happy Holidays to all!