Anniversary Kicks Off This Week With New Models

Ranger Boats begins the celebration of its 40th anniversary this week in Hot Springs, Ark. at the Forrest Wood Cup. The Cup, of course, is named in honor of Ranger founder Forrest L. Wood (as is FLW Outdoors).

Ranger president Randy Hopper noted: "Ranger Boats owes where it is now to the way the company was started – through the sweat and diligence of our founders Forrest and Nina Wood. They were adamant about building the best boat that an angler could ever hope for and took the steps necessary to make sure that Rangers were always out in front of the needs of anglers.

"That attitude and those principles are still with us today and this 40th Anniversary model year is a celebration of those founding principles – those ideals that have brought us so much success over these 40 years. We share in the success with our loyal customers and look forward to this year-long celebration with all of the Ranger Family."

Ranger's 40th Anniversary model year officially begins this week, which means new boats will be on-hand at the Cup. Here's a brief overview.

Bringing Back a Classic

Early in the Ranger timeline, it introduced the TR series, which quickly became the standard in glass bass rigs. To help celebrate the 40th Anniversary, Ranger's reissuing a new version of the classic called the 177TR. Ranger said it's built "the way we would have built them in the early '70s if we could have." In other words, it blends performance with nostalgia.

Hopper said: "I think the most famous picture of Forrest Wood is the one where he's fishing out of an original TR with the words 'Ranger Man' written down the side. That image really set the tone for Ranger Boats: It showed that we were building the best fishing boats, designed by serious anglers and for serious anglers. That was part of the inspiration to revive the TR design with the 177TR. We wanted to pay homage to our success of the past while giving people a boat that's for serious fishing."

The 177TR features the snub-nose design of the original TR series with a "total performance hull" and comes in a 40th Anniversary color package that harkens back to the originals. Also included on the vessel is custom 40th Anniversary badging.

177TR Specs
> Overall Hull Length: 17'7"
> Beam: 83 1/2"
> Maximum HP: 115
> Transom Height: 21"
> Inside Depth: 19"
> Fuel Capacity: 23 gal.
> Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,250 lbs.
> Approx. Boat Weight: 1,375 lbs.

Two New Reatas

The Reata fish-n-play line gets two new additions. The first is the 186 Reata, which Ranger said gives "families the option for more space, more added features and quality at a price that's very accessible to today's modern family." Differences from existing Reata models include additional fishing room, a bigger back deck, and a shallower interior. The optional ski-tow package includes a ski-tow bar that mounts on the rear deck, plus a custom bimini top.

186 Reata Specs
Overall Hull Length: 18'6"
Beam: 96 1/2"
Maximum HP: 150
Transom Height: 26"
Inside Depth: 24"
Fuel Capacity: 27 gal.
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,700 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,845 lbs.

Also new for 2008 is the 2050 Reata. It measures 20'5" with a 96 1/2" beam, which Ranger said gives it "extreme" stability as a fishing platform, plus makes for a smooth, dry ride in less-than-ideal conditions.

The seating configuration includes four pedestal seats in the cockpit - two that can be moved to the front and/or rear deck fishing positions - as well as third-row jump seats near the transom. Ranger also noted this isn't just a rig for up north – it's also well-suited for big reservoirs in the South and West. The optional ski-tow package is available on this one too.

2050 Reata Specs
Overall Hull Length: 20'5"
Beam: 96 1/2"
Maximum HP: 225
Transom Height: 25 1/2"
Inside Depth: 24"
Fuel Capacity: 45 gal.
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,820 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 2,175 lbs.

'Sport Utility Vessel'

Ranger described its new 2250SS as an SUV, or "sport utility vessel." It's a big girl that tapes 22'6" with a 101" beam. Plus, it tanks 65 gallons.

The design concept was to build a boat that conforms to the interests and activities of those on board, instead of limiting activity options. Hopper said of the 2250SS: "We've been able to pack so many features into this boat - features that everyone will like, whether it's the fishing features that dad wants or the fun features the kids want or the comfort features that mom wants. This boat can do everything - and do it well."

For longer outings, a head and privacy curtain are available, as well as a bimini top. Saltwater options include stand-up rod racks, trim tabs and an aluminum trailer.

2250SS Specs
Overall Hull Length: 22'6"
Beam: 101"
Maximum HP: 250
Transom Height: 24 1/2"
Inside Depth: 25"
Fuel Capacity: 65 gal.
> Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 2,200 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 2,750 lbs. (single console)

Ranger's Bass Flagship

BassFans have already read about some of Ranger's new offerings for its 40th Anniversary model year, but news was scarce about the new Z520 bass boat. Some news is now in, and here's a look.

Ranger described the Z520 Comanche as a "cross-pollination" of the Z Boat and VX lines. Ranger president Randy Hopper noted: "The history of Ranger Boats is intertwined with professional bass fishing, and the future will be, too. This design has all the features and styling of Z Comanche and the hull of the 520VX and lots of extra features that no other boat has. This boat was built for competing in bass tournaments at the highest levels. No other boat delivers the power, the space, the performance, fishability and features that this boat delivers."

Ranger Z520 Specs
Overall Hull Length: 20'9"
Beam: 95"
Maximum HP: 250
Transom Height: 23"
Inside Depth: 21"
Fuel Capacity: Two 24-gallon tanks
Total Persons/Motor/Gear: 1,650 lbs.
Approx. Boat Weight: 1,825 lbs. (single console); 1,850 lbs. (double console)

Notable

> In addition to the new models, commemorative 40th Anniversary badging and color packages will be available for the Z21 Comanche and 620VS.

> Ranger Boats also announced the launch of Phase II of its capital expansion program and will expand its manufacturing plant in Flippin, Ark. The improvement project is scheduled to be completed by spring.

> For more info on Ranger and its boats, visit RangerBoats.com.