Ranger Yachts emerged in 1970, founded by Jack Jensen, a pivotal figure already renowned in the marine industry as the founder of Jensen Marine, the company behind the popular Cal boats. Jensen's motivation for launching Ranger Yachts was strategic: he aimed to better penetrate and capture a larger share of the East Coast USA market. A unique aspect of this venture was the design talent. While Jensen Marine held an exclusive design contract with William Lapworth for its Cal line, a separate company was formed, and the design contract for Ranger Yachts was given to the gifted Gary Mull. Mull, an American yacht designer, would become synonymous with the Ranger brand, known for creating popular fiberglass sailboats.
Details regarding the very first specific model launched by Ranger Yachts are not extensively documented, but the company swiftly established itself with a range of performance-oriented cruisers designed by Mull.
History and Evolution
Ranger Yachts began its manufacturing operations in Costa Mesa, California. The company's relatively short history was marked by a significant corporate shift in 1973 when both Ranger Yachts and its parent company, Jensen Marine, were acquired by the American conglomerate Bangor Punta. Bangor Punta, a prolific owner of various boat brands including O'Day, later saw its marine interests acquired by Lear Siegler.
A key operational change occurred in 1981 when Ranger Yachts' manufacturing was relocated from California to Florida. However, the brand's journey would soon conclude. In an effort to consolidate its extensive sailboat lineup, the management under Bangor Punta (and subsequently Lear Siegler) determined that the Ranger line was no longer essential. This decision led to the cancellation of Gary Mull's design contract, and, unfortunately, most of the Ranger molds were subsequently destroyed. This marked the end of Ranger Yachts' production, with the company ceasing operations around 1987.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Ranger Yachts quickly gained a reputation for building performance-oriented fiberglass sailboats that were a testament to Gary Mull's design prowess. Mull's design philosophy emphasized creating light displacement boats that were robustly built. This approach resulted in yachts that offered a compelling blend of speed and seaworthiness, appealing to sailors who appreciated both spirited performance and comfortable cruising capabilities.
Mull was a prolific designer, credited with 57 production boat designs, and his collaboration with Ranger Yachts was significant in establishing the brand's identity. While specific signature construction techniques beyond the general use of fiberglass are not widely detailed, the boats were known for their quality construction, in line with Mull's emphasis on "well-built" vessels. The collaboration with Gary Mull was the cornerstone of Ranger's design identity, defining its entire fleet.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Despite its relatively brief existence, Ranger Yachts produced several memorable models that remain recognized in sailing circles. Gary Mull's designs for Ranger included popular models such as the Ranger 22, 23, 26, 29, 32, and 33. The Ranger 26-2 is one notable example of Mull's designs for the builder. These boats, primarily fiberglass sloops, carved out a niche for themselves as enjoyable performance cruisers, embodying Mull's philosophy of combining speed with practical usability.
It is important to distinguish Jack Jensen's Ranger Yachts from the famous J-Class yacht Ranger, which was a celebrated America's Cup contender in 1937. Jack Jensen's Ranger Yachts did not participate in high-profile special projects like the America's Cup, focusing instead on production sailboats for the consumer market.
The Builder Today
Ranger Yachts, founded by Jack Jensen in 1970, ceased operations around 1987 following its acquisition by Bangor Punta and the subsequent decision to consolidate product lines and destroy the molds. Therefore, there is no "Ranger Yachts" in operation today in the context of the sailboat builder founded by Jensen.
However, the legacy of Ranger Yachts endures through the fiberglass boats they produced. While the company itself is long gone, the boats designed by Gary Mull continue to be sailed and appreciated by their owners. The emphasis on light displacement and sturdy construction meant that many of these vessels were well-suited for both racing and comfortable family cruising, contributing to their longevity. Although there isn't a formal builder-supported community, owners of Ranger yachts often connect through online forums and enthusiast groups, maintaining the spirit of these classic Mull designs on the water.
