Ranger Boats Introduces the 169 Ghost

The Little Boat that Fishes Big in Saltwater

FLIPPIN, Ark. - The new Ranger® 169 Ghost, designed with saltwater flats and inshore fishing in mind, is a 16-foot 9-inch vessel that provides "big boat" features and performance. "Ranger is continuing to fulfill its promise of delivering the highest quality boats in the marketplace," Ranger Boats President Randy Hopper said.  "The 169 Ghost is a great addition to our saltwater line because it has more features and outperforms most any boat in its class.  We designed it so it rides, drives and fishes like boats in larger size classes."

      With an 82-inch beam, fiberglass stringer system, pultruded fiberglass transom and Teleflex "no-feedback" steering, the 169 Ghost has the maneuverability and durability to handle rough open water or be fished in very shallow water. It is rated for a maximum horsepower of 90 and has a fuel capacity of 28 gallons. A spacious deck, ample rod and tackle storage space, and skid resistant deck and interior are all part of the 169 Ghost's high fishability. Additional fishing features include recirculating aerated livewell/baitwell, console rod holders, port/starboard rod storage tubes with holders, and poling platform.

      Captain Greg Watts of Eagle Lake, Fla., has test driven the 169 Ghost for the past ten months and said it has proven to be ideal for the rigors of saltwater fishing.  "People are going to love the Ranger 169 Ghost," Watts said. "They are going to love the ride to get where they are going, they're not going to be worn out, their back is not going to be killing them, and they're still going to be able to fish all day comfortably."

Greg, along with his brother and fishing partner Brian, are past national champions and team of the year on the national IFA Ranger Redfish Tour. The Watts' also just recently won the inaugural Red Fish Cup tournament in Corpus Christi, TX. (Ed. Note* The 2003 Redfish Cup Championship, and 2003 Redfish Cup Team of The Year) "The weather dictates how you're going to run, where you're going to run, and how far you are going to run," he said. "This little boat has convinced Brian and me, if we've got to jump out on the beach and run 40 miles to get to a group of fish, we can do it. It's a 17-foot boat with a 20-foot boat ride.  It's the driest skinny-water boat I've ever been in, period. And it's the softest riding small boat I've been in."

     Other key features on the 169 Ghost include: 1,000 GPH bilge pump, heavy-duty 6-gauge trolling motor wiring, navigation lights, full set of gauges (fuel, trim, speedometer, tachometer), stainless steel steering wheel and tie cleats, trim tabs, and corrosion resistant wiring with resettable breakers.

     Along with the 169 Ghost, Ranger Boats carries the following saltwater boats: 2300 Center Console, 2180 Bay Ranger, 223 Cayman, 191 Cayman and 167 Cayman. Ranger Boats, headquartered in Flippin, Ark., is the nation's largest manufacturer of premium fiberglass fishing boats, including a series of bass, multi-species and saltwater boats.  Founded in 1968 by Forrest L. Wood, Ranger Boats continues its philosophy of "building legends...one at a time."