Retro Runabout
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  • What is a Retro Runabout?
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THE ULTIMATE

Retro Runabout Guide

1971 Glastron Carlson CV-21

12/20/2016

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According to the original manufacturer's description of the CV-21 in its initial year on the market, this was the "...first Glastron/Carlson to be designed and engineered for jet power alone." The "rich metalflake Gold and Sand" exterior was matched with a sportwheel, lockable glove compartment, plated grab bar, and teak trim and entry steps. Like many other Glastrons from this era, it also came with "superb instrumentation" so you'd know just how fast you were going and to keep tabs on the V8 performance. The propulsion for the CV-21 came from a Berkeley jet drive likely mated to a 455 Oldsmobile. 

The pictures on this boat show an interesting fuel storage setup with large steel tanks in the engine compartment. Most boats with closed bow configurations utilize the dead space up front for the gasoline for both space savings and counterbalancing purposes. Given the fuel sucking potential of the V8 at wide open throttle it was probably a good idea to make sure both tanks were full at the beginning of any voyage.

Another interesting difference between this boat and the original CV-21's is the windshield. On all of the 1971 through 1975 CV-21's we could not find any examples without the windshield supports went all the way back to the rear bench area. Rumor has it that these gaps were designed to allow the occupants to reach out and grab swimmers or docks as they approached. 
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1974 American Jet

11/28/2016

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The year of 1974 was a good one for the American Boat Company, especially when it comes to this particular American Eagle. The kinks from the first year of production were out of the way and the market was starting to fall in love with the model's design. While it has not been verified that the unique paint scheme on this boat was factory original, it does appear to fit the era of production. The cream, purple, and red color palette combined with the custom rear seating sets this boat apart from other American Eagles we've seen. Credit must be given to the quality of the interior workmanship as it matches the era and does not look out of place. While the original rear bench seats that came with the American Eagles were squared off in the corners, this custom interior takes cues from the Century Riviera 6-Meter rear seating minus the armrests.

The power plant in this beauty appears to be one of the 'Big Block' varieties that was commonly matched with the Berkeley Jet Drives. On top of the logical association between the jet drive and the common engines, the gold valve covers are a dead giveaway of an Oldsmobile engine. 
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1972 Century Mark II Jet

11/7/2016

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Not much is known about this Century Mark II besides that it is fast and loud. The most unique thing about this Retro Runabout is the rare Berkeley jet drive considering the make and model. Century was known for their direct drive applications at the time that this boat was produced and even with the complete switch to fiberglass in the 1980's the company predominantly stuck with sterndrive applications for their non-competition ski boats. 

Like many of the Berkeley Packajet applications from the 1970's, this one came with a Oldsmobile 455. The 7.5L big block is sure to throw massive rooster-tails at full speed (50+ MPH). 

This 'Hot Rod' model shares some similarities to the Arabian such as the side-bench seating arrangement and upholstered rear deck. The bow deck appears to be an ode to its bigger brother with the hood-scoop-esque styling. 

If the Arabian was the bigger brother then the Ski Fury is definitely a close cousin. The direct drive from the Ski Fury compliments the Mark II's V-drive or jet setup in the same length hull. The bow deck styling and bottom-side transoms are also very similar. 
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1979 Glastron Carlson CVX-18

10/25/2016

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The CVX line from Glastron Carlson is the quintessential retro runabout. Coming in 16, 18, and 20 foot varieties, this boat is evidently built for speed and good looks. Like many of its contemporaries, this CVX-18 came stock with the gold-flake and plush interior. While it may look dated today, this interior was the cream of the crop when it arrived in the 1970's. 
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The predecessor to the CVX-18 came out in 1972 when Glastron Carlson introduced the CV-16 outboard, CV-16SS sterndrive, CV-19 outboard, CV-19SS jet or sterndrive, and CV-21 jet models. These early CV's featured the classic Glastron C-shaped graphics and came in blue, gold, and green metal flake color schemes.

By 1979 Glastron Carlson was in their 3rd year of producing the CVX-18 and offered it in two color choices, Champaign with Beige or Silver with Gray. The engine options were between a 898 Mercruiser or a 230 OMC. Both engines were based on the GM 305 V8.  
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1979 Apollo Starfire

10/14/2016

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Nearing the end of the Apollo's boat building run, this 18' Starfire shows the company's commitment to building a good looking boat. The combination of the wood accents and metal flake paint make for a unique and eye catching vessel. 

This particular example came with a Mercruiser inboard outboard setup and likely the Ford 302 engine. The Ford 5.0L setup was known as the 888 and was marketed as producing 188 horsepower. The 888 outdrive was an early predecessor to the Alpha outdrives that are commonly used today. 
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