21 skater (extreme, Trick, Lightning) with twins

[Stålproppen]

Hello everyone!

I'm getting more and more interested in 21 Skaters (and all its splashes) with twins.

I Have searched the forum and read all threads out there about these little monsters, but would like to learn even more about them, such as performance, rigging, convertion between single and twins, etc. It would also be great if we could gather all available pics i one place.

At the moment me and my brother have a 21 Skater with single 300x. It runs great but we are hungry for more top speed, but especially better acceleration.

Please share all your thoughts, info and pics!

Merry Christmas

/Oskar

[tux974]

I would suggest to find an originally built 21 for twins if you decide to buy one. JMO

[Hot Shot Merc]

I also love these boats and would like to have one one day. I have been in two 21 Lightnings. One with a 300x that later converted to twin 225 promax's. The other was a factory built for twins Lightning with 15" 280's. The acceleration difference between the single and twin was incredible. They pull very hard with twins.

[jpf091959]

I don't have a 21' but have a 25' Motion and a 22' Daytona both with Twin 300xs'.

I like them both. The Motion is a great boat in chop, I would say acceleration is not anything to brag about, it is a big boat.

The 22' Daytona was ordered for twins, so there are heavy duty knee bracing etc. The Daytona is still be fine tuned, but I like that the porpoise is very manageable.


I also lined the transom with 1/4" Aluminum plate. When I through bolt the jack plates I always sleeve with Stainless Steel Pipe. I can write more in a bit.

[Markus]

At the moment me and my brother have a 21 Skater with single 300x. It runs great but we are hungry for more top speed, but especially better acceleration.

Get another few propellers to play with or get a Twister or Argo...

[Adam McKeon]

Get another few propellers to play with or get a Twister or Argo...

What he said

[Brad Zastrow]

I have owned about 15 cats many multiple O/B cats. Warlock Dave owned a 21 Skater with twin 260's that I have been in a number of times. Very quick and top speed of 126. That is the only good thing I can say about the boat. I would kiss the ground every time we came back alive. I am not afraid of speed as I am bored if a boat does not run a 100. This setup is one of the worst boats I have been in or owned. Needs a tunnel tab to stop the porpoise. Feels like they will tip over every time you turn. There are videos of these 21's rolling over. A 22 Rapid Craft Twister is much better boat for twins. The Twister will not be as good in rough water but the boat is better in every other way. I owned a 22 with twin 260's that every bit as quick (maybe quicker) than the 21 Skater. I believe they only made 5 twin engine Skaters from the factory. The 24 Skater is far superior boat for about the same money. I had a 24 with twin 280s that would run 120 with ease and not scare you like the 21.

PS: Dave hates it when I talk bad about his ex 21 Skater

[chrislopez1313]

Agreed with previous post, The 21 w twins is a handful to drive, But does get the blood pumping, Great acceleration and better top end, If you have the right power.
I owned a lightning with twin promaxes and now own a 21 with single 300 xs

But hey, just like any go fast, its dangerous as hell.

I would not go back to a twin engine 21, to many headaches and fuel - unless it was a 24 or 28

Cheers and good luck
Chris

[MCRacing]

[Mr. Demeanor]

Air it out a little.....

[Chaz]

Air it out a little.....

I seen it with with much less than that in the water ...

[BUZZIN' DOZEN]

That is the only good thing I can say about the boat. I would kiss the ground every time we came back alive.

Goood Lord

[JPEROG]

I have been in two different 21 skaters with twins and was in Daves lightning (posted above) at the Suwannee run. I had a 21 liberator with twin 280s that handled much better at low speeds. Bottom line is that they were never designed for twins and when they were rigged new the omc V8s on them they also rolled over (to the inside) in a turn. There just is not enough boat there with that big tunnel to keep the engine weight stable. The acceleration is killer as was our 24 with triple 260s but they are not a practical boat once you set them up that way. I would look to a different hull that is already rigged with twins (22 talon, 22 rapid, 22 eliminator, etc.) and get the money out of your 21 as it is set up now if you really have the need for speed in your blood. Hope this helps you make a decision that you won't regret- as Brad posted above (we have already experienced what you are questioning).

Joe

[tux974]

But hey, just like any go fast toy, its dangerous as hell , exactly!

Heck it is like a 150mph motorcycle, 1/4 mile drag car, 100mph snowmobile or even a 120mph single engine boat.
IMPO, respect and know what you are running, most importantly use common sense at all times, it plays a major roll in safety! Somethings are just no for everyone!
I also find that the worse and most dangerous drivers are the ones that say "I run much bigger stuff, have done this many times before" and no longer have that fear/concern in the back of their mind to keep them in check!
BTW, I blew my 24 Skater over, snapped skegs on my single 21's but I would never blame the boats, it was ALL my fault and stupidity!!!

[MCRacing]

But hey, just like any go fast toy, its dangerous as hell , exactly!

Heck it is like a 150mph motorcycle, 1/4 mile drag car, 100mph snowmobile or even a 120mph single engine boat.
IMPO, respect and know what you are running, most importantly use common sense at all times, it plays a major roll in safety! Somethings are just no for everyone!
I also find that the worse and most dangerous drivers are the ones that say "I run much bigger stuff, have done this many times before" and no longer have that fear/concern in the back of their mind to keep them in check!
BTW, I blew my 24 Skater over, snapped skegs on my single 21's but I would never blame the boats, it was ALL my fault and stupidity!!!

Very well said, I've had 24's 28,s and bigger none supply the adrellenin rush like 21 twin.