Jan 5

Jan 5 21 Challenger: A Classic Survivor Story

This story is not a typical restoration article, this is a survivor story of a true classic, a 1976 21 Challenger. As most readers know, this the original George Linder 21 SOB that was later copied and duplicated numerous times by many manufacturers. One reason the design has stood the test of time and inspired so many is in the hulls simplicity and ability. For a compact 21’, there aren’t many boats that can touch the rough water capability, performance and versatility. Sure, there are faster boats now and some that are even better in the rough but in 1976 when it was launched, not many could touch it for a long time.

One aspect of the original Challenger’s success was its build quality; simple, old school boat building that lasts. I believe Linder used balsa core throughout, high quality hardware and nicely done interiors. They were going after the higher end of the market with the Challenger brand. Later, George Linder and a partner created the Shadow version and it was similar with some updates to the hull but the original is hard to beat to this day.

I do love the old school bow rail on the old Challengers. Even though it’s 46 years old, the hull is timeless.

What you see here is a mostly original 21’ Challenger that has lived in Canada for its whole life. The owner, Fraser, found it and has all the records. From what he understands, the boat was originally rigged with a big Johnson V8 and was raced in Quebec. The original Challengers had a narrow 6” pad with an approximate 22 degree deadrise.

Later, when he acquired it, the solid red Challenger was equipped with a Bob’s Machine 10” jack plate and powered by a 2012 250 ProXS Optimax, running a 26P Bravo. Fraser is seeing 83 MPH on GPS and is going to run some other props soon to try and get more out of it. That’s flying for a 250 on a Challenger. What’s more is he can cruise at 55 MPH and the boat easily planes full of people. Fraser found the boat just south of him and brought to Muskoka Ontario.

Tuff 21 boat — The 21 Challenger sitting beside a Tuff 21. Similar in some ways but a completely different driving experience. The Tuff has a different hull design and is much lighter than the original Challenger boat.

Although it looks mint in the pictures, Fraser says the boat has some battle wounds but overall is in good shape. He may touch up some blemishes and freshen a few things up and he has no intention of babying it and will continue to run it hard on Muskoka Lake in Ontario. Fraser also owns a Tuff 21 and says the boats are so different to drive where the Challenger is like an old muscle car, the Tuff drives like a sports car.

Fraser is a true performance boat enthusiast and I appreciate him sharing the story of his beautiful 21 Challenger. I love the all red finish and hope he gets many more years of fun out of it.