FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 26, 2004
Contact: Steve Roth
402-437-6400, steveroth@sramarketing.com
FLIPPIN, AR — What started as a simple desire to provide a complete factory equipped boat package, has grown to become one the largest in-house trailer manufacturing facilities in the country. Ranger ® Boats has announced that it recently produced its 100,000th boat trailer since it first began manufacturing the RangerTrail ® brand at its own facilities in 1978.
“This is a significant benchmark for us,” Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper said. “It’s a great indicator that our decision, over a quarter of a century ago, to manufacture the most innovative design and features in boat trailers has been wholeheartedly received by our customers. It has been Ranger’s goal from the beginning to provide optimum value for every Ranger owner by designing and building a custom-fitted, color-matched trailer for every Ranger boat.”
Once Ranger Boats made the decision to build trailers, a separate department was started using tooling equipment that was designed and built in-house by company machinists and welders. Since the first RangerTrail trailer was built, Ranger has continually led the industry by introducing numerous ‘firsts’ and exclusive, innovative features.
Among the first innovations introduced on RangerTrail trailers was fiberglass fenders. Since the beginning, Ranger has produced the fenders in their own fender department and custom-made them to color match any boat. Closed cavity bag molding (CCBM) was introduced in 1995 to create the fenders. This environmentally friendly molding process produces a more uniform part with less waste and a higher quality finish. Also in 1995, Ranger changed the fender to a sleek style that integrated the side bunks into the fenders. While the look has been distinctive, the cleaner style lines and more efficient design was quickly emulated by others.
Another innovative introduction for RangerTrail trailers has been the Contained Oil Orbital Lubrication (C.O.O.L) system that actually bathes the bearings in oil to reduce bearing friction and heat. “We’re very proud of the C.O.O.L. hub system because it is a true Ranger innovation and has been highly effective in increasing the durability and dependability of trailers,” Hopper said. “It’s a great example of how our engineers and designers continually look at ways to improve a quality product with unique and innovative techniques that increase overall performance.”
Ranger engineers applied this same innovative thought process to the trailer’s braking system. With the implementation of disc brakes as standard equipment on virtually every model, RangerTrail trailers have enjoyed smoother, quieter and more consistent braking in all types of weather and road conditions. The increased stopping power ultimately translates into stronger safety features and better overall value.
On selected 2004 RangerTrail trailer models, there are two more major break-through features being introduced. First is Road Armor™, a rapid-curing coating made of a Polyeuro ® compound that provides superior resistance to chips and scratches. Second is flush-mounted L.E.D. lights that not only provide brighter illumination, but also have greater impact resistance and longer life than standard trailer lights.
“We’re very proud of the RangerTrail division. Our long-standing commitment to provide the highest customer satisfaction is evident in the craftsmanship and dedication of these folks,” Hopper said. “We’re all focused on the same mission each day… to deliver to our customers the highest quality, strongest performing product available on the market. This philosophy has allowed us to produce the best custom-matched trailer and fiberglass boat available.” Irwin Jacobs, CEO of parent corporation, Genmar, echoed Hopper’s remarks, “It’s no wonder Ranger has been the industry leader for so many years. They do more than talk the talk. They have a real passion for what they do.”
Here is a list and timeline of many of the innovations Ranger has introduced to their RangerTrail trailers since building the first one in 1978:
First to use:
Fiberglass fenders………………1978
Computerized spin balancing………1981
Laser axle alignment…………….1981
Disc brakes…………………….1987
High solid primers and paints…….1988
Integrated fender/sidebunk design…1995
CCBM for fenders………………..1995
Oil bath C.O.O.L. hubs…………..1996
L.E.D. lighting…………………2003
Road Armor……………………..2003
Ranger Boats, headquartered in Flippin, Ark., is the nation’s largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats, including a series of bass, multi-species, fish ‘n play, and saltwater boats. Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its commitment to building the highest quality, strongest performing boats on the water. With a philosophy of “still building legends… one at a time,” more information on Ranger Boats and the benefits of the Ranger Owners Group can be found by visitingwww.rangerboats.com or calling toll-free 1-800-373-2628.
Genmar, with approximately 6,000 employees and 12 manufacturing centers in the United States and Canada , is the world’s largest builder of recreational boats and the industry’s technological leader with the development of VEC™ Technology and the VEC Shield™ finish, the Roplene® process, the Genmar FirstMate™ customer care service and the Genmar Integrated Vessel System. Genmar boat brands include Aquasport®, Carver®, Champion®, Crestliner®, Four Winns®, Glastron®, Hydra-Sports®, Larson®, Lowe®, Lund®, Marquis®, Nuvari®, Ranger®, Seaswirl®, Stratos®, Triumph®, Wellcraft® and Windsor Craft™.
For the most up-to-date information, news release archives, downloadable high-resolution logos and photographs of Genmar ® products, visit the Web site at www.genmar.com/pr. Check back regularly for new stories on Genmar and its companies.
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