16" Carlson Contender

[Mark75H]

When Carlson made the smaller CT-100 (his first semi tunnel pleasure boat in the early '60's), it was the first outboard to break 70 mph in drags with a stock motor (probably a 100hp).

[T2x]

Had the option of buying the Glastron/Carlson race version of this boat in 1971, the "CT-15". The "Contender" may have been the scaled down version of the larger "Challenger". Or am I "bass-ackwards"? My alternative was a "full tunnel" 13'6" Kober Kat. Both had "experienced" recent blow-overs more than once. Three for the KK, two the CT-15. The first gen Carlson's were stunning aesthetically, reminded me of a '70 Boss 'Tang, straight line muscle car.
After testing both rigs, same 1350 w/ Speedmaster, I chose the KK. Came down to turning ability. The Kober was amazing. The G/C's inability to turn without "skidding" was it's weakest characteristic. Very close acceleration and top end between the two.
Both were "high flyers" and closely matched with the SAME motor. Driving the CT-15 into a brisk headwind was downright scary. This design needed excessive trim to achieve top end speed. Variance of 10 MPH from "safe" to "ragged edge".
The Carlson's were pretty cool boats as "pleasure craft" and nothing more IMO.
In regards to Art Carlson's later Glastron/Molinari's, a whole different story.
Still heavy, albeit much improved with an entirely different tunnel design.

I agree on the Carlson hulls....nothing special.

As far as the Glastron Molinari's....the only thing Art Carlson added to them was the laminating...the design's were completely Molinari's.

I always thought that Art Carlson was a very good designer in terms of lines and sculpture....but had very little impact or success in the performance area.

The highlight of his career was the "jumping boats" in that James Bond movie IMHO.

[T2x]

When Carlson made the smaller CT-100 (his first semi tunnel pleasure boat in the early '60's), it was the first outboard to break 70 mph in drags with a stock motor (probably a 100hp).

Probably a stacked , Alky burning, 100 Merc....

[Mark75H]

No, this was a STOCK gas burning motor, no pipes, no internal mods

That is what made it significant

[T2x]

No, this was a STOCK gas burning motor, no pipes, no internal mods

That is what made it significant

I never ran a Contender..... but the Challenger barely broke 70 with twice that power....and certainly not in a quarter mile from a standing start....add little joy juice, do a little internal porting, open up the exhaust......and use a California speedo..... maybe...

[Old fiberglass]

and use a California speedo..... maybe...

Where can you get one of those

[Mark75H]

The 100 was a considerably smaller boat.

[swshawaii]

I agree on the Carlson hulls....nothing special.

As far as the Glastron Molinari's....the only thing Art Carlson added to them was the laminating...the design's were completely Molinari's.

I always thought that Art Carlson was a very good designer in terms of lines and sculpture....but had very little impact or success in the performance area.

The highlight of his career was the "jumping boats" in that James Bond movie IMHO.

If I recall correctly "they" destroyed over 20 of these boats filming "Live and Let Die". Ultimately through bolted 2 X 4's to the bottom for "straight tracking" when the "CV" model Carlsons hit the launch ramp. Guess they were good for "something" after all! LOL

[Joe]

I just came across a 16' Carlson while looking through Craigs List. Any idea what a decent one is worth?

Joe

PS My dad ran a CT-15 while working at the Carlson factory. Of all the boats he ever raced, this was my alltime favorite.

[Mark75H]

The value varies dramatically regionally. In some areas they are just another old boat, in other areas something rare. It depends on whether there was a Carlson dealer in that area in the late 1960's

[swshawaii]

I just came across a 16' Carlson while looking through Craigs List. Any idea what a decent one is worth?

Joe

PS My dad ran a CT-15 while working at the Carlson factory. Of all the boats he ever raced, this was my alltime favorite.

The Carlson "Competition Tunnel 15" was one of the the most aesthetically striking designs from above the "waterline" in the early seventies. The CT-15's downfall was it's turning ability, high angle of attack, and instability in chop. Previously mentioned post, my dilemma was between a "full tunnel" Kober Kat, which I chose, and the CT-15. Started racing in 1971 using a stock 1350 with a Speedmaster I. Ultimately ended up with "ONE" of Bill Sirois "Hi-Port Water Injected Stackers" from his 1970 OWC win. This 13'6" rig beat C-6 (T-2) and OMC second gen Stranglers and Stinger GP's on a regular basis. Three years AFTER Havasu. BTW, the opponents were using Molinari Sprint's, De Silva's, TwisterCrafts, Checkmates, McCall's, Schulze's, Cougar Cats, etc. In regard to restoring the CT-15, if you have the original front and rear cowlings, do it. Don't think the original "metal flake" gel coat coat would have survived after four decades. Doesn't matter. It's what YOU love and REMEMBER that matters. ENJOY!!!

P.S.- The CT-15 always reminded me of my first car, a "hand me down" 1970 Boss 429 Mustang. Can't believe the going prices on "muscle cars" today. "Hindsight" haunts me to this day, trading the Mustang in for a new '72 Gran Torino Sport.

P.S.S.- SORRY. You said 16 foot Carlson @ Craigslist. The model listed is a 16'6" "Contender". The "Challenger" was 14'6". Either way. NOT great cornering boat(s). Most flat bottom, "quasi-tunnels", were not. Still say, if it makes YOU feel good, go for it. PICS, before and after, OK? Thanks.

[T2x]

P.S.S.- SORRY. You said 16 foot Carlson @ Craigslist. The model listed is a 16'6" "Contender". The "Challenger" was 14'6". Either way. NOT great cornering boat(s). Most flat bottom, "quasi-tunnels", were not. Still say, if it makes YOU feel good, go for it. PICS, before and after, OK? Thanks.

I believe the "Challenger" was 16'6" and the "Contender" was 14'6".....

When Linder had his dual Carlson we referred to it as his "Skateboard Period".

In fact it was the bad handling and manners of that boat, and the lessons learned as a result, that led him to Eltro and finally to designing the Challengers, Shadows, Chris Cats, and Conquest Cats that ruled the waters for years.......

T2x

[T2x]

Where can you get one of those

Look up "Wannabe toys" on the internet. I'm sure you'll find something......

[swshawaii]

I believe the "Challenger" was 16'6" and the "Contender" was 14'6".....

When Linder had his dual Carlson we referred to it as his "Skateboard Period".

In fact it was the bad handling and manners of that boat, and the lessons learned as a result, that led him to Eltro and finally to designing the Challengers, Shadows, Chris Cats, and Conquest Cats that ruled the waters for years.......

T2x

T2X- I stand corrected. And yes, I am "bass-ackwards" LOL. "Challenger" 16'6". "Contender" 14'6". Pretty cool site @ classicglastron. Clicked on the 1970 page and viewed the original sales brochures in "living" color. Thanks.

P.S.- Really cool name "T2X". I had the first gen model. What changes did they make to the original? I know they "lowered" the CG.
When I got out of racing, it was REALLY over for me. My sponsor bailed out due to bankruptcy. Good enough reason, I guess

[T2x]

T2X- I stand corrected. And yes, I am "bass-ackwards" LOL.
Pretty cool site @ classicglastron. Clicked on 1970 page and viewed the original sales brochures in "living" color. Thanks, Steve
P.S.- Really cool name "T2X". I had the first gen model. What changes did they make to my original? When I got out of racing, it was really over for me. Sponsor bailed out, due to bankruptcy.

Over the years there were some porting refinements, especially on the "S" motors and piston changes with fewer/thinner rings. We also wound up with "crescent" lowers during the "overlap years" when we ran both T2x's and V6's on the same sprint hulls in different classes.

T2x