First night, we are treated to a private seafood boil by Ron Enslen, N.C. Ranger rep.  Forrest and Nina Wood, founders of Ranger Boats, welcome me and join in on the feast.  
RANGER BOATS VIRTUAL PLANT TOUR
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The Plant Entrance for the main offices hasn't changed much over the years.
First stop is the Big Cedar Lodge on scenic Table Rock Lake.  There was 6" of snow on ground.
After the molds are built, cleaned and prepped, the process begins.  Each boat is built from the outside in.  First step is the clearcoat.  After each finished boat, each mold is individually hand cleaned and waxed before process begins again.  The master molds are time stakingly hand built to exact specs for each model boat.
Each boat is hand laid fiberglass.  The process is very time consuming and labor intense, with several workers completing the process.
During the process, each layer must be taped for color changes in boat.  Here, workers tape off the individual trademark Commanche stripes before the next layer is laid.   This is a process made look easy because they are skilled craftsmen and women.
The patented Ranger tansoms are built in layers of fiberglass for a product stronger than steel.  Each is molded into the hull.
Workers install the plumbing, wiring tubes and hardware.   Another worker then inserts foam flotation inside the stringers and hull, exceeding Coast Guard regulations.
A worker pre-drills the motor mount holes
A finished hull is lifted from its mold.  This is the first time the true colors and finish is seen.
After the hull and top cap have been pulled from their molds, they are interloced together.  The process produces a one peice Interloc-Construction internal framework to produce Rangers legendary ride and handling.
Workers begin the final rigging and installation of inside components in the finishing area.  Here, motors are rigged and wiring harness installed
Each boat is individually tested in a test tank to insure bilge, livewell pumps, and all components work properly.
All seating upholstery, carpets, and covers are in house custom made for optimum efficiency and consistent fit. 
Ranger Trail trailers are built on site for quality assurance.  The trailers are powder coated and axles fined tuned.
The trailer fender wells are hand laid fiberglass with strict quality control as in the boat. Each is hand finished and polished.
Another shipment of new Ranger Boats ready for delivery.
One of Forrest's first Ranger boats used in an early Bass Master Classic is on display.
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