The 16 ft Clipper Challenger appeared in Penn Yan catalogs from 1942 thru 1951. The hull was built using the Striplank method of compressed seam construction. Initially, the boat was planked with cedar and finished with paint. The boat was powered by a Gray Marine Phantom 45hp engine.

In 1950, the hull was redesigned to incorporate greater beam and depth, and naturally finished mahogany was used above the waterline and on the decks. The expanded hull design enabled a larger engine to be offered as an option.

The boat pictured here was built in 1950, and is powered by the optional Gray Marine Model 750 (75hp) engine. Note the Penn Yan Safety Strut attached to the transom of the boat, which supports the rudder and propeller shaft. This device was used on all Penn Yan inboards from the mid-1930s on, and allowed motor placement at the stern of the boat.