What did you guys think of them when they were around? They are a customer of mine, I'm just too young (32) to have been around those boats.

They are some super nice guys and I was just wondering about their past product.

-Alton

I seem to remember they changed owners but when Roark Summerford owned them they were good & fast boats. I don't know if he was the founder or not. He has been with Triton ever since Earl Bentz started it. Summerford also built and sold the STV raceboats that were (and still are) hugely successful. STV is short for Summerford Tunnel Vee.

Thanks for the info. Anybody else? Everytime I go to see these folks, they say they get 4-5 calls a week asking if they are still making boats.

Thanks for the input.

-Alton

had a friend that owned one, super fast with a 175 merc! a bare bones boat, no frills, built well and fished good

Here's your story. And yes I've run lasers since '83. My favorite and current is a 2550 V bottom bass. Tha one I've got now was built more of race boat than fishin' but still gets tha job done. Tha current owners or more interested in golf cart bodies, bathtubs, showers and such. Tha original "Tom" was more boat orientated. than owners now........T

History of Summerford Racing (STV)

by Roark Summerford:
Laser Boats of Texas was the Parent Company that had a race boat division to attract attention to its bass and pleasure boats. The race boats started as �one-off� tunnel boats and �V� bottom race boats.

Finally, in 1981 APBA recognized that a large group, mixed of �V� bottom, and semi-tunnel type boats, could be a single class. The result was the start of the Mod VP class. In this class �V� bottom, and tunnel boats with a center pod, made of fiberglass, could compete against each other.

Laser needed a new bass boat and with a little work the 380 Ray was built. The 380 Ray was a race boat that could be used as a bass boat, ski boat, and a really good handling �V� bottom race boat. The first 380 Ray was done just in time for the 1982 Havasau Classic held on Thanksgiving weekend. It was the only Mercury powered boat in a field of 25 boats. The 380 Ray powered by the Mercury blew the field away by finishing a full lap ahead of the field. The 380 Ray was used in the 83-race season and won the over-all title.

It was also evident, that to remain on top of the Mod VP class, it was going to take a tunnel boat. Late in the 1983 race-season, I took a wrecked 380 Ray race-boat and sectioned it by dropping the sides around the vee�d center. The 18 ft. V�nosed Mod VP boat was born. This boat was known as an LTV, Laser Tunnel Vee. The first two proto-types were raced in Burmuda late in 1983. These boats had what would be known as the ski boat deck on them. Chris Bush & Gray Tuttle drove the boats and Chris simply played with the field. Gary did not have as good luck and blew over on the last lap.

That winter the narrow cockpit deck was developed and the driver was moved one foot forward in the boat. For the 84-race season the 18 ft. boat became known as the LTV and was used even after Laser was sold. At the time of the sale of Laser, the company was split into the Bass boat, Ski boat, combination and the Race boat division. This was the beginning of Summerford Racing and STV.

Were they built in Roanoke Tx ?

yes.

WOW! Hadnt heard "2550" in years. Bought my first one from Wayne Terrell-"Pappy"(guide at Fork)in the 80's. Had a 150 merc.75mph ,no prob.but it was a hand full at that speed. Also won a "2880" at Fork at the Century Bass Club in ,i believe,1986. Friend I worked with had a tunnel Laser(85 mph) with two of us and all the gear. I still would have one but it would have to be at least 20' and heavier. In their day there was none faster. I talked to them about a year ago and they have military contracts. They said they still have the boat molds.

I was always (and still am) partial ta the 18'V bottom. Especially tha one I've got now. Was built as a "bass racer" back when tha "Texas Twisters" were goin' good. It will run with about anything but tha Ally as far as bass boats go. I'm talkin' 'bout accelleration, not stringin' it out for a mile.
I saw tha molds last time I was there. Out back in tha weeds n dirt . I think tha '21 is a maybe on buildin' for someone. All its takes is cash ........T

still quite a few OLD racers around this website.

www.boatracingfacts.com

I might be OLD but at least I'm still lookin' "DOWN" at tha dirt........T

LOL, i wasn't referring to you. I was talking about Ron Hill. He is old as dirt..lol
he's a great guy. and an ole time mod vp racer.

I had a Laser once but do not remember the year. It was a fish and ski and had a great layout. The problem was the floor and the stringers. Both were wood and neither one was completely covered in fiberglass. Needless to say both eventually failed. Boat did turn well. In fact it turned too well I lost a guy off of the center seat which was actually a built in ice chest. He said that he scared that he was going to hit the motor on the way out. I told him that at 50-60 mph he most likely was well clear of the motor when he hit the water.

Yeah, Thats tha norm. Seemed like some days they just didn't do such a good job on tha floor , stringers, n transom. Thats why I bought this one back. Build was suppervised by tha guy havin' it built. Was an 'ol time racer that was at tha plant everyday that tha thing was bein built. Needless ta say, it's still a solid boat with a few "extras". And its still very, very quick.....T

Yep, they still got the molds out back. I always ask them if they ever build one for a good customer and the standard answer is "There ain't enough money that could make us...."! I've always wanted to see thwem build one just so I could watch. Hell, I'd go up there and help just for free to see how it's done.

Oh wel,

-Alton