FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 13, 2004
Contact: Steve Roth
402-437-6400, steveroth@sramarketing.com
FLIPPIN, AR — In its continuing commitment to deliver premium-quality fiberglass boats for the saltwater market, Ranger® Boats is introducing the 168 Phantom, designed especially for the shallow water angler.
“Our saltwater customers told us they wanted a boat that could be used in extremely shallow conditions. They’re often stalking fish in just inches of water and want the added confidence of an ultra shallow, stable, and quiet hull design,” Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper said. “When we created the 168 Phantom, we built it from the hull surface up. Features like zero hull slap at any wind angle, more interior room, a super smooth, dry ride, and solid beam-to-beam stability, clearly set this boat apart from the crowd.”
The Phantom has a hull length of 16 feet 9 inches and is rated for a maximum horsepower of 60. Factory-rigged with a wide range of precision matched outboards, the Phantom features the added strength and assurance of Ranger’s patented pultruded fiberglass transom, fiberglass stringers, upright level flotation and No-Feedback steering. Included are a self-bailing cockpit and an 800-gallon per hour bilge pump.
With more deck and cockpit space than any other boat in its class, the Phantom’s broad 83-inch beam has a versatile platform with abundant interior space. Lockable storage capacity is also ample. Skid-resistant decks and extra wide gunnels wrap around the design to create a 360-degree fishing surface.
At the stern, the 168 Phantom includes a unique, forward-canted poling platform for optimum weight distribution and a level profile front to rear. The overall design balance reinforces its noticeably shallow draft that provides easy poling. Flush-mounted push pole holders and recessed trim tabs add value to the total performance design.
A tournament-sized, aerated live release well/baitwell features a high-speed pickup and in-line filter. Rod storage is positioned beneath the port and starboard gunnels to maximize capacity up to 10 feet in length. Individual organizers cradle each rod providing easy access and more protection.
Out of the water, the 168 Phantom rides on a custom-fitted, aluminum RangerTrail trailer that features torsion axles, exclusive RangerTrail C.O.O.L. oil bath hubs, aluminum wheels, a removable tongue, and matching spare tire and wheel.
The 168 Phantom is further equipped with upright level flotation, factory-installed performance instrumentation, and Ranger’s Best Built-Best Backed Warranty.
Capacities and specifications for the Ranger 168 Phantom include:
| Overall Hull Length: | 16 feet 9 inches |
| Beam | 83 inches |
| Maximum horsepower | 60 HP |
| Transom Height | 21 inches |
| Inside Depth | 11 ½ inches |
| Rod Box Length | 10 feet (front) |
| 9 feet (rear) | |
| Fuel Capacity | 17 gallons (1) |
| Draft | 6 inches |
| Approx. Hull/Deck Wt. | 650 pounds |
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 visiting www.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, the Roplene® process, the Genmar FirstMate™ customer care service and the Genmar Integrated Vessel System. Genmar boat brands include Aquasport® , Carver® , Champion® , Crestliner® , Fish Hawk™ , Four Winns® , Glastron® , Genmar® by Zodiac, Hydra-Sports® , Larson® , Lowe® , Lund® , Martinique® , Ranger® , Seaswirl® , Stratos® , Triumph® and Wellcraft® .
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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