Read real customer testimonials and rescue stories from law enforcement, sportsmen, and commercial operators who trust The American Airboat AirRanger.
The Testimonials below are from a recent Driver Training course with the Texas Military run by Vice President of American Airboats; USCG Captain Sallie Floyd Hagler
Overall…
Coming into the course with no prior experience operating or understanding the vessel, I was impressed by how much I learned and how comfortable I felt by the end of the training. The instructors started with the fundamentals, covering the different components and capabilities of the airboat, proper operating procedures, safety considerations, and the do’s and don’ts of safe vessel operations. This foundation provided a clear understanding of the vessel before progressing to hands on training.
Once we moved onto the water, the instructors took the time to explain and demonstrate the basic maneuvering techniques before allowing us to operate the vessel ourselves. They provided clear, concise instruction and constructive feedback throughout each training event, gradually increasing the difficulty as our confidence and proficiency improved. The instructors also did an excellent job maintaining a relaxed learning environment. Their conversations and encouragement while we operated helped ease the nerves and allowed us to remain focused on learning.
Overall, this was a phenomenal course supported by instructors with an incredible depth of knowledge and years of practical experience. The professionalism, expertise, and hospitality demonstrated throughout the training were exceptional. From the moment we arrived, everyone made us feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home.
American Airboat Corporation is clearly made up of highly experienced professionals, but what stood out most was that they are also genuine, welcoming, and down to earth people. I truly appreciate the time, effort, knowledge, and experience they shared with us throughout the five days. I would highly recommend this training to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and proficiency in airboat operations.
Again, thank you for taking the time to help us improve not only ourselves as operators but our training program for all of our future operators!
“We purchased this AirRanger new as a demo in 2009 and couldn’t be happier with its performance over the years. it has been used for several ice rescues over the years.”
Matthew Gaspard
Alton Fire Dept
Alton, NY
“Just before Christmas in 2022, we conducted an ice rescue in the worst possible blizzard conditions during evening hours. A snowmobiler fell through the ice on a local lake and had been in the water, holding onto the edge of the ice for almost an hour. Wind gusts were near 50 mph and visibility was near zero. Wind chill was around -2F. Ice rescuers from a local fire department crawled out nearly 150 yards to the victim, who was still alive but unresponsive. However, they could not get the victim or themselves back to shore due to their lines breaking through the ice. The county to the North of us arrived shortly after with a 20+ year old AirRanger that they’ve been operating since new. Another Deputy and I boarded the vessel on land and were driven out on the ice to the victim. The victim and ice rescuers were pulled from the water and were brought back to shore safely. The victim was quickly transported to the hospital where he walked out of the next morning. If it wasn’t for that AirRanger, we may have lost 3 lives that day. Thoroughly impressed with the performance and agility of the AirRanger, matched with the clear necessity for one in our own County, a decision was made to make the purchase. We’ve now had our Air Ranger for two months and it has exceeded our expectations in its capabilities. This will be a crucial tool for us year-round and I’m certain will be a life-saving factor in future incidents. Thank you for making a quality airboat!”
Deputy Aaron Rybicki
Manistee County Sheriff’s Office
Michigan
Dear Capt. Sallie Floyd and American Airboat Company Team,
We are in the process of a pre-retirement life-stage transition, into making our Minnesota island lake home our permanent abode. As such, there is the ice-out (spring) and ice-in (autumn) seasons, making our home “inaccessible”. We researched our options for safe between season transport, and the American Airboat was the clear choice.
We purchased an 18-foot American Airboat, and are impressed with its stability, handling and durability. Your team provided instructions on maintenance and safe handling of this craft, both at your Texas headquarters and on-site in Minnesota. The drive training in Texas was on open water; the drive training in Minnesota occurred in January on ice and ice/water combination with sub-zero temperatures. This training was invaluable to say the least.
A huge positive selling factor is your team’s availability during the new owner’s on-going learning curve regarding maintenance, driving and trailering. There is much to learn & know regarding the safe handling of this craft, and on-going maintenance of oil-changes, fuel filter changes, grease gun ports, etc. The availability of your team for on-going questions as needed is most exceptional service!
As of mid-February 2024, we have been able to drive our airboat safely from shore to our island lake home, as well as trailer it on and off the ice. This was all instructed to us carefully by Captain Sallie and her team of professionals.
You and your team have given us the GIFT of year-round accessibility, and for our house to now become a ‘HOME’. The feeling of ‘having a home’ again is truly priceless.
For this and more, we are and will continue to be, most grateful.
Most Sincerely,
Kevin & Camille Murphy
“I recently upgraded to a 20×8 AirRanger after owning/operating many other Florida companies boats that were really just inferior products compared to what Sallie and the crew are pumping out in Orange, TX. These boats are truly Texas made by Texans that know the rigors of the Texas coast and hold up day in and day out to the poundings they take fully loaded crossing the rough bays and dry ground. Not to mention, the handling in sloughs and tight areas is second to none with the chine they use, the excellent rudder throw angles and the “spoon” built into the bottoms of the hull. Big thanks to ladies and gents at American Airboats for making my job easier! Myself and my clients abroad appreciate y’all.”
Sincerely,
Capt. Landry Hayes
Next Level Waterfowl
“Hello Stan,
I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the fine airboats that you and your company produce. I have owned two American Airboats since 1998 and I have been extremely satisfied with the performance of these boats in rather tough situations such as unkept pipeline right-of-ways in marshy and swampy areas from Florida to South Texas. I have also put the robust construction of your Airboats to the test in several hurricanes including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey, accessing areas that could not be reached in any other way in order to rescue stranded people.
One of the points I like about American Airboats is that you are continuously looking for additional ways to improve them. That, along with your company’s willingness to modify your Airboats to fit your customers needs, makes American Airboats a winner. Keep up the great work in producing one of the finest Airboats made.”
Sincerely,
Captain Loyd Thornton
U.S.C.G. 100 ton Master Mariner License
