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air rangers
- Thread starter capnmike
- Start date
Your point ?????????????
blackpowderscout
Well-known member
I may be wrong but are you refering to the price????? I haven't seen very many, only one in fact, but I was VERY impressed with it. Faron had that boat doing whatever he wanted it to with almost no effort at Melbourne. It looked like a HIGH quality boat and if I could afford it I wouldn't mind owning one. And I'm a fiberglass guy!!
Kinda like a corvette and a mustang. The corvette is much more expensive but a lot more fun to drive.
Adam
Kinda like a corvette and a mustang. The corvette is much more expensive but a lot more fun to drive.
Adam
i just dont see how they could have enough in building them to ask that kind of money for one, im not in the market for one i just scratch my head when i see the price tags on some of them, i remember seeing one a few months ago with a ground power on it for over 18,000 , how does a buyer constitute paying that for a boat that he could build brand new for half of that. im not trying to be a pain, just wondering whats so special.
basketcase0302
Well-known member
CapnMike,
I know what ya' mean. I got to talk to Faron and check-out the Air Ranger last weekend during the Southern Airboat monthly ride. He informed me that the company is attempting to get away from the "kit" type build it yourself boats.
Believe me, that Air Ranger that he brought to the ride was an awesome boat with some pretty unique features found on no other boat. I don't know if I'd trade my Diamondback for one but it is a very awesome airboat.
Faron can tell ya' the major differences, (mid-ship gusseted, real beefy bracing on the hull and more. (I believe that boat also had a 30" deep transom).
Basketcase
I know what ya' mean. I got to talk to Faron and check-out the Air Ranger last weekend during the Southern Airboat monthly ride. He informed me that the company is attempting to get away from the "kit" type build it yourself boats.
Believe me, that Air Ranger that he brought to the ride was an awesome boat with some pretty unique features found on no other boat. I don't know if I'd trade my Diamondback for one but it is a very awesome airboat.
Faron can tell ya' the major differences, (mid-ship gusseted, real beefy bracing on the hull and more. (I believe that boat also had a 30" deep transom).
Basketcase
SwampMatt
Well-known member
ccasion5:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
Thanks for the Support Guys. I also do all of our bidding and I love it when we get to bid apples to apples for Govt boats. I almost never get beat on my bids and I don't build a boat that we don't make money on. You really pay for what you get. If you own an AIrRanger you know the difference. Now I'm not trying to toot my own horn but if you want me to list a dozen things that make my boat different. I have no problem pointing things out. I love airboats, I love all brands of boats. I love the competition. However, we take pride in building top quality boats with the highest quality materials.
You can also look back 20 years and see our boats that still run like the day they were bought.
Please come talk to me on the next run in Oct if you have questions. Thats why I brought this boat to Florida.
Look at the price of trucks, houses, ect. Everything has gone up.
We are a family owned and operated business and I can assure you we are not getting rich selling Airboats. We just love what we do.
Thanks for your support guys. I look forward to the next run.
Faron
You can also look back 20 years and see our boats that still run like the day they were bought.
Please come talk to me on the next run in Oct if you have questions. Thats why I brought this boat to Florida.
Look at the price of trucks, houses, ect. Everything has gone up.
We are a family owned and operated business and I can assure you we are not getting rich selling Airboats. We just love what we do.
Thanks for your support guys. I look forward to the next run.
Faron
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
Hey CapnMike I was thinking If you want, I can get you one with Gold Bars under the deck if thats what you really want. I try to make everyone Happy.
Just Kidding,
Faron
Just Kidding,
Faron
Faron I like ya'lls boat as well however I'm really starting not to. The next one ya'll sell that gets back around my hunting spots I think I'm going to cry. That's ok, ya'll sold a new one this fella sometime this year and he will be bringing it in for service sunk or no good by hunting season anyways. If by some miracle he makes it the man will get him for running the ground where were not supposed to. To top it all off he's supposed to be a guide. My spots are going downhill I'm afraid this is the second one in a row.
SwampMatt
Well-known member
ccasion5:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!GARTWISTER
Member
AIR RANGERS ARE THE BEST ALUMINUM AIRBOAT HULL MADE. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THEM IN ACTION MANY TIMES AND ALL I CAN SAY IS "WOW" I ALSO KNOW MANY PEOPLE WITH AIR RANGERS WHO USE AND ABUSE THEIR BOATS MORE SO THAN I EVER WOULD AND THEY ARE STILL RUNNING STRONG.
JUST THINK ABOUT IT, WHO ELSE WILL STAND BEHIND THE HULL WITH A 20 YEAR WARRANTY.
GARTWISTER IN TEXAS[/b]
JUST THINK ABOUT IT, WHO ELSE WILL STAND BEHIND THE HULL WITH A 20 YEAR WARRANTY.
GARTWISTER IN TEXAS[/b]
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
Thanks Matt,
I sure you know what I meant.
P.S. I have a horn on my truck and after hearing the one on your boat I am ordering one before our next ride. I'll see what else I can come up with.
Faron
I sure you know what I meant.
P.S. I have a horn on my truck and after hearing the one on your boat I am ordering one before our next ride. I'll see what else I can come up with.
Faron
SwampMatt
Well-known member
ccasion5:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waterthunder
Well-known member
I will not state the brand but me and a buddy of mine just looked at a 40k plus boat built buy a very reputable airboat manufacture. It was comical the fit and finished sucked and there were some major design flaws If I ran it hard I think it would fall apart. If I took it for my usual Thursday nite suds cruise I would hurt it bad. The airboat industry is going nut’s right now. It’s becoming American Chopper. I had better shut up before I ruffle some feathers AS ALWAYS. There are some great boat builders out there but there are defiantly some builders that are not building what they charge for. I have yet to see an AirRanger but I hope to see one soon. Maybe at the October run I will run across Faron I would like to meet him. I guess all I can recommend is buy a boat that is designed and intended for what you want and need. If you can afford it look real close at the fit-n-finish especially at how well thought out the little things are done.
Airboatcapt2
Well-known member
CapnMike,
Well your question is too open ended to answer. THere is about 20 more items I need to know before I could quote you on a boat. Most of our boats are 16 to 20ft with Automotive Engine. We do build from 11ft to 30ft and they are not light. However, they do not drive like barges. My boat will go anywhere your boat can go.
WaterThunder, I couldn't agree more with you. I could write a book on the things I have seen. I wont point fingers or name names but I have seen New 40 thousand dollar boats that have gaps under the t-bars that are not pressed into the hull as thay are being welded, or 10" gaps between the cage and hull sides, instead of being custom fitted. Every Company has it's own Niche.
Well your question is too open ended to answer. THere is about 20 more items I need to know before I could quote you on a boat. Most of our boats are 16 to 20ft with Automotive Engine. We do build from 11ft to 30ft and they are not light. However, they do not drive like barges. My boat will go anywhere your boat can go.
WaterThunder, I couldn't agree more with you. I could write a book on the things I have seen. I wont point fingers or name names but I have seen New 40 thousand dollar boats that have gaps under the t-bars that are not pressed into the hull as thay are being welded, or 10" gaps between the cage and hull sides, instead of being custom fitted. Every Company has it's own Niche.
marshmaster pat
Well-known member
Faron - I saw that boat of yours at the shop when you were building it. Good hull and really fine, but a bit heavy for my tastes. However, short, wide hull like that should dance even with a novice. :wink:
Faron, do you still have that stainless electro polished cage and stand. I admit I looked closely and came close to drooling (BUT DIDN"T), fine rig you have. Didn't want to drool in front of ya'lls shop foreman. GUYS - IF he does still have it, look at that stuff. Mighty fine, especially compared to my chipped up paint job. And he will never worry about corrosion or chipping paint.
Waterthunder - You are right about comparing it to the chopper industry. A few custom rigs were rigged really sweet and worth the price, then everyone jumped aboard. The quality of a few (especially one Florida) companies stinks so badly, I think I could start running a bead after a month practice as their welders do. However those boats coming out of Stan's shop, they are built like tanks, and a standard hull will take a beating that will cave in a most other brands.
But I still wonder if they will run with the same size engined Palm Beach riveted hull. Would love to try it in the Louisiana marsh one day where we do the alligator egg collecting. Middle of a dry summer in just wiregrass and cane. 4 miles of dry running, would be a fun run.
Faron, do you still have that stainless electro polished cage and stand. I admit I looked closely and came close to drooling (BUT DIDN"T), fine rig you have. Didn't want to drool in front of ya'lls shop foreman. GUYS - IF he does still have it, look at that stuff. Mighty fine, especially compared to my chipped up paint job. And he will never worry about corrosion or chipping paint.
Waterthunder - You are right about comparing it to the chopper industry. A few custom rigs were rigged really sweet and worth the price, then everyone jumped aboard. The quality of a few (especially one Florida) companies stinks so badly, I think I could start running a bead after a month practice as their welders do. However those boats coming out of Stan's shop, they are built like tanks, and a standard hull will take a beating that will cave in a most other brands.
But I still wonder if they will run with the same size engined Palm Beach riveted hull. Would love to try it in the Louisiana marsh one day where we do the alligator egg collecting. Middle of a dry summer in just wiregrass and cane. 4 miles of dry running, would be a fun run.
I've had the privlege to take the full tour at American Airboats. Several of my friends and family are skilled welders and all have complimented the perfect welds seen on every Air Ranger hull. Hands down, they are the best built hulls on the market today.
However, the price is quite higher than other reputable Florida boats. I received a quote from Faron and one from Diamonback. While the Air Ranger is built better, the price difference would be enough to make me go to Cocoa. Not to get too open with your prices Faron, but a $5000 difference in a kit boat is too much for me to swing. I may pay later for buying cheaper (in the near future), but MAY is the key word.
I do strongly urge anyone to buy Air Rangers if the price is within their budget. Its just not in mine.
However, the price is quite higher than other reputable Florida boats. I received a quote from Faron and one from Diamonback. While the Air Ranger is built better, the price difference would be enough to make me go to Cocoa. Not to get too open with your prices Faron, but a $5000 difference in a kit boat is too much for me to swing. I may pay later for buying cheaper (in the near future), but MAY is the key word.
I do strongly urge anyone to buy Air Rangers if the price is within their budget. Its just not in mine.
c chardt
Well-known member
Always remember you get what you pay for learned that a time or too.
I saw farons boat at the ride here in melbourne and It ran all over here with no problem so if it's heavier I could not tell with the performance of that sweet ride.
I looked at it close and told the wife if I ever want to get another boat I would try the air ranger
But like every thing else thats my opinon
I saw farons boat at the ride here in melbourne and It ran all over here with no problem so if it's heavier I could not tell with the performance of that sweet ride.
I looked at it close and told the wife if I ever want to get another boat I would try the air ranger
But like every thing else thats my opinon
i agree, but dang. if you drive a diamondback like you have some sense, you're not gonna wear it out. however, if work for a seismograph crew, you have to be able to point it and go. that includes groves of trees and whatever else may be in the way. the Air Ranger would definitely out-shine the competition in that situation. for casual hunting and recreation, you can always find a path around obstacles. there is never a need to hit a 6 foot levee at 30 mph. that is senseless abuse.
if i could get Faron to match my quote from Diamondback, i'd throw in an additional $1200 to compensate for the delivery of my boat from Florida. but, i'm afraid he can't do it. if he could, i'd be filling out an order form right now. HINT, HINT, HINT....... I know you're reading this Faron!!!!
if i could get Faron to match my quote from Diamondback, i'd throw in an additional $1200 to compensate for the delivery of my boat from Florida. but, i'm afraid he can't do it. if he could, i'd be filling out an order form right now. HINT, HINT, HINT....... I know you're reading this Faron!!!!