when i activate my ship am i allowed to use the range tool to measure from my opponent's ship hull zone to my hull zone or measure anywhere to best honest? if not where does it say that? i know rules state i can't use the maneuver tool on any ship but the ship i am activating.

Players can measure with the Range/Distance Tool at any time, as long as it is not physically getting in your opponents way, or slowing down the progress of play...

RRG, Page 9, "Premeasuring"

Premeasuring

• Players can measure with either side of the range ruler at any time.

• The maneuver tool can be placed and adjusted freely during the “Determine Course” step of executing a maneuver to assist in determining a course. A ship is not committed to a course until the guides of the maneuver tool are inserted into the ship’s base



And for completeness (because it seems like you have the rule down anyway)

FAQ, Page 3:

Q: When can a player premeasure with the maneuver tool?

A : A player can only premeasure with the maneuver tool during his ship’s “Determine Course” step and only for that ship



And Page 5, Tournament Rules, "Measuring"

Players should not abuse this pre-measurement rule to slow the pace of play or interrupt an opponent’s activation.

One-Tool Rule: A player can only use one tool at a time when measuring range, distance, or movement.

A tool is defined as the range ruler, the maneuver tool, or another component such as a token.

This rule is intended to prevent slow play, as defined on page 5.