Hey guys I could use a little help with my boat situation. I have an 88 Ranger Fisherman. It is has been a great boat and it does exactly what we need it to do but it is getting to the point where it needs some work. The lowrance just went out on it so it needs new fishfinder, we have started fishing Richland Chambers which is about 2 hours away so I would like to upgrade the trailer to a tandem axle ranger trailer, The carpet, pedestals and seats all need to be replaced. The Engine is in great shape is is only 4 years old with very few hours on it. My dad decided that he would just buy a new ranger except they dont make the fisherman anymore, none of the other current models fit our needs. So right now we are stuck looking for a shop that could handle the interior job for us. We were told that we could take the boat back to Ranger in Arkansas and they could do a restoration for us but who knows how much that would cost. So any advice on a shop that might be able to handle the interior? Who do you recommend in central texas to buy and instal electronics? Any advice on how to go about buying a tandem axle ranger trailer? At this point we are open to other suggestions or options we should look into as well.

thanks,

jw

Many auto upholstery shops can do boats, at least carpet. You can order new seats, maybe not exactly like originals, but ones that will fit and look good. I am restoring a Fisher aluminum bass boat, and have spent hours doing searches on the internet. I found everything I needed.

I personally am all in on a restored boat. Whenever you pull into a boat ramp with a completely restored boat and the guy behind you pulls in with a $65K new boat, guess who gets the attention. I've done several restores and enjoy the whole process. It ain't cheep, but it is really cheeper than a new boat. Just about any upholstery shop can handle the carpet and seating but it takes a real mechanic to do the electrical, pumps, lighting, and accessories. As far as boat gel coat finish, there are several ways to renew it, First off, shoot a new clear gel coat, Second, shoot a clear topcoat of paint (there are several on the market now that is especially made to cover aluminum metal flake) Third, paint the boat to a whole new color. It is also time to add a deck extention or install those cool LED lighting.....

Try big johns paint&body in belton for carpet and interior..I think they used to do that....

Give Ranger a call and find out what they would charge to do it over the winter months....that is what I would do....

Thanks guys i have a call into ranger right now to find out what they would charge to restore it. I guess i will just start doing research on carpet and seats and getting the fiberglass cleaned up and go from there. I will take pictures a long the way incase anyone wants to see the project.

thanks for the help,

jw

I can't remember who did it but last year someone did a complete restore on their Ranger and trailer and it was it the range of $17000. I beleave Bristow did the fiberglass work.

My step-dad just restored his 1985 Cajun. Turned out nice, but he did it all himself. I personally like working on the boats myself, it makes me feel more attached to the process and saves some money. There are a ton of resourses out there. If you dont want to go the DIY route, then yes, just about any place can do the carpet and seats. A good fibrglass shop should be able to restore your gelcoat. Electrical on boats is fairly simple, but if you need someone to do it, make friends with someone who works on cars. They should be able to rewire your boat. The main thing is make sure all the wood and fiberglass on the boat is good. Thats where you run into a lot of issues and big money.

My brother tried restoring his Nitro and found the casting deck was rotted out. He patched it up and sold it. Tearing into the fiberglass gets expensive.

restored my 82 champion, hull in excellent condition when I got it but I redid everything ie, guages, steering, electrical etc etc.
got about 15,000 in it with no labor included but its paid for and does as well as a new 60,000 would.
now if I can just figure out how to catch fish I can quit cruisin around lookin good.