Texas One Ton (Carter 36) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Texas One Ton in 1974 marks its place in the golden age of IOR racing. Designer Dick Carter was a pivotal figure who revolutionized sailboat design in the late 1960s with innovative and often unconventional approaches that led to the development of the IOR handicap system itself. His design philosophy prioritized speed and efficiency, often pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible in yacht architecture. The Texas One Ton was, by Carter's own admission, closely influenced by Peterson's renowned IOR design, GANBARE, indicating its serious racing intentions.

Plastrend Composite Technologies, the builder, was known for its commitment to durable, high-performance construction. During the Plastrend era, the company leveraged composite materials to produce vessels celebrated for their toughness and speed, a testament to their innovative manufacturing ethos. The collaboration between a visionary designer like Carter and a forward-thinking builder like Plastrend aimed to create a sailboat that could not only compete but also offer a solid platform for offshore sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Texas One Ton (Carter 36) exhibits sailing characteristics typical of a performance-oriented cruiser-racer from the IOR era. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.69, she suggests good performance in lighter air conditions, allowing her to accelerate and maintain speed effectively. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 205.79 indicates a medium-heavy displacement for her length, suggesting a solid and capable boat that can handle a variety of sea states with a comfortable motion, rather than a lightweight, skittish racer.

Designed with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Texas One Ton benefits from a modern underwater profile for its time, providing good maneuverability and responsiveness. This configuration, common in IOR designs, allows for efficient upwind performance and precise steering control. While specific ballast figures for the Texas One Ton are not readily available, the lead ballast material combined with its IOR design heritage suggests a degree of inherent stiffness, enabling the boat to stand up to its generous sail plan in stronger winds. Sailors can expect a balanced helm and a rewarding sailing experience, especially for those accustomed to the nuances of IOR-era performance yachts.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Texas One Ton (Carter 36) are scarce, reviews indicate that the designer aimed for a relatively spacious hull for its size. This suggests an interior that, for a performance-oriented vessel of the mid-1970s, would have prioritized functionality and comfort without compromising sailing efficiency. Typically, IOR boats of this size would feature a V-berth forward, a compact head, a salon with opposing settees or a dinette, and a functional galley. Given Plastrend's reputation for robust construction, the interior would likely have featured solid, durable finishes. The focus would have been on practical amenities for offshore racing crews and the emerging performance cruising market, providing adequate bunks, storage, and a layout conducive to life at sea.