Which boat should I fix up?

[number21]

I need another project like I need another hole in my head...but I want to get one of these boats going by summer. Before they ended up here in my ghost fleet, my 1972 Carlson CV-16 sat out in the weather for a decade. (Left) My 1971 Sidewinder I bought last summer for some quick cheap fun, is also going to need quite a bit of work.

They both have a Mercury 1500 on them. Sidewinder needs power trim, Carlson has it. Carlson needs a new stringer. They both need paint, interior, and new steering.

Which one should I fix up? I think the CV-16 is heavier, but I'm not sure why? They are both 16'. I had the CV-16 up to 50MPH with a 1400 10 years ago. We only managed to hit 45 in the Sidewinder, but it still had some setup issues, carbs weren't opening all the way and I needed a prop. The CV-16 will be slower, but will it handle better?

[Da Bull]

I`ve always been a Glastron Carlson fan. Carlson`s are not about speed, There about class. I don`t know much about the Sidwinder except that there seems to be about a hundred copies of it. That is if it was an original. I`ve heard it`s a copy as well from the Tahiti.

My vote goes to the Carlson.

DB

[afr]

sidewinder would be the cheapest / quickest one string and 95% of the time they stay good
i did a transom on mine then sold it we put i 175 j/e on it tabs and a 4 inch set back left hand motor
ran a 25 or 26 on it 6 grand all day it might still be around cheap i put a floor in it to 12 15 years back

[Quinten]

Another Carlson fan here. Given the choice between the two.

[Greenboat]

Carlson. And a Bond girl. Post pics of both when their done.:D

[number21]

Does anybody know why the Carlson is so much heavier for such a similar boat? I think the Sidewinder is under 1000lbs with the motor. The Carlson has to be closer to 1500. Maybe I'm just remembering a lot of soggy foam? LOL

[delawarerick]

Sidewinder timeless lines looks cool put a pad on it and rock and roll.

[Bies]

Do the Sidewinder, it's cool. Then take your time on the Classic Carlson and make it a show stopper.The Carlson is probably a lot better built hull that is probably where the weight is.

[afr]

i didnt think they even had pour foam back then but i found out they did maybe the carlson has foam in it

[toyomirage02]

ive always like the look of the cv in the water good lookin boat when resto.