Ranger boats are made by White River Marine Group, the boat manufacturing arm of Bass Pro Shops.
The brand is known as the nation’s premier maker of fiberglass and aluminum bass boats, with a legacy tracing back to the earliest days of professional bass fishing.
Bass Pro Shops is a privately held company founded by Johnny Morris, and Ranger sits alongside Nitro, Tracker, and Tahoe as part of White River Marine Group’s boat lineup.
Knowing Ranger’s ownership history helps explain why longtime owners often compare today’s boats to the company’s earlier decades under founder Forrest Wood.
This article covers Ranger’s ownership, where the boats are built, its founding history in Flippin, Arkansas, and how it compares to fellow bass boat maker Skeeter.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Ranger Boats?
Ranger was founded in 1968 by Forrest and Nina Wood in Flippin, Arkansas, after the couple ran a fishing guide service on Bull Shoals Lake.
Forrest Wood sold the company in 1987 to the Thompson Co., and it later passed through Genmar Holdings and Platinum Equity before Bass Pro Group acquired Fishing Holdings, Ranger’s parent company, in December 2014.
Forrest Wood, often called the father of the modern bass boat, passed away in January 2020 at age 87, and Ranger continues to operate under Bass Pro’s White River Marine Group, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas entry on Ranger Boats.
Where Are Ranger Boats Made?
Ranger boats are designed and manufactured in Flippin, Arkansas, where the company has operated since building its first six boats in 1968.
In 2021, White River Marine Group announced it would relocate Ranger’s saltwater boat production to a modernized facility in New Bern, North Carolina, as part of its acquisition of Hatteras Yachts, according to a local news report on the production move.
Ranger’s freshwater bass and aluminum boat production remains centered in Flippin, which continues to be the largest employer in Marion County, Arkansas.
Ranger vs Skeeter: How Do the Rival Brands Compare?
Ranger and Skeeter are longtime competitors in the tournament bass boat market, each backed by a large corporate parent, Bass Pro Shops and Yamaha respectively.
Forum members frequently place both brands in a similar second tier behind newer premium builders like Bass Cat, Phoenix, and Caymas, while still ranking them above value brands like Nitro.
Because Ranger offers multiple outboard engine brand options while Skeeter is tied exclusively to Yamaha, buyers with an engine brand preference often let that guide their choice between the two.
Are Ranger Boats Any Good?
Ranger carries one of the most recognized names in bass fishing, and many longtime owners describe the boats as durable, stable fishing platforms that hold up for decades.
At the same time, forum discussion since the Bass Pro acquisition frequently includes owners saying quality and resale value have slipped compared to the brand’s earlier decades under founder Forrest Wood.
Recurring complaints on PissedConsumer and bass fishing forums describe cracked keel welds that reappear after repair, electrical and wiring issues, trailer axle failures, and slow warranty turnaround, with some owners reporting boats held at the factory for many months.
Not every account is negative, since other longtime owners report flawless ownership experiences and specifically credit Ranger’s dealer network and warranty support for resolving issues quickly.
The honest takeaway is that Ranger still delivers a highly regarded fishing platform and strong brand recognition, but real forum evidence suggests owner experience varies significantly by dealer, and buyers should vet their local dealer’s reputation closely before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranger Boats
Who owns Ranger Boats today?
Ranger Boats is owned by White River Marine Group, part of Bass Pro Shops, following Bass Pro’s acquisition of Fishing Holdings in December 2014.
Where is Ranger’s main factory?
Ranger’s main design and manufacturing operations are located in Flippin, Arkansas, where the company was founded in 1968.
Who founded Ranger Boats?
Ranger Boats was founded by Forrest and Nina Wood in 1968, and Forrest Wood is widely regarded as the creator of the modern bass boat.
Did Ranger move any production out of Arkansas?
Yes, Ranger’s saltwater boat production moved to a facility in New Bern, North Carolina, in 2021, though freshwater production remains in Flippin, Arkansas.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.