Tunnel Hulls, STV Euro V.S 18 ft. LIBERATOR?

[opmope]

Good day to all. After researching the different tunnel hulls, these are the two I like the best. They are light and the right size for me. 20 to 21 ft. is getting a little big for what I want. I just sold my 01 22 ft. Baja Hammer with the 7.4l 454 MPI. It did close to 70 MPH but just to big and bulky. 3400lbs. Want something easy to move around and want to go back to an outboard. What are your opinions on the two boats? I need a four seater. Like it to be small, Just for the wife and I and maybe another couple to go out for the ocasional ride on a nice day. If I get 80 mph, I'm happy. Also, is it nessassary to have a hydraulic transom? Thanks Dave.

[mikesufka]

I've never seen a Liberator, but I did own a STV Euroski for a few years. It's a great and fast boat. My STV would run 100+ MPH with a 225 promax. No hydraulic transom. The motor was mounted right to the boat.

Good luck.

Mike Sufka
St. Cloud, MN
Spectre 30 w/Twin 300 Mercs
Allison Grandsport w/200 ProV Yamaha

[inspectorlance]

Set it and forget it ! Once you set your motor at the proper height you dont need to change it. A hydraulic jack plate on a STV is a good way to have an accident.

Wasnt the 18' Liberator a copy of the 18 Eliminator Daytona, and kinda flighty ??

The Euro is very forgiving

[us1]

I would go with the STV.

[RNM018]

The deciding factor here would be where your boating at . The STV Euro will be the faster of the two and carry 4 passinger very comfortably . The 21' Liberator will do much better in rougher water ,which will keep the wife happier on those days that the wind blows . If you running rivers mostly , then I go STV ,open water lakes Liberator 21 . You will need a larger motor on the Liberator though . Rich Martin 018:D

[skatermike24]

I've owned a EURO , awesome boat, lots a room for the family.

[imq707s]

From what I've seen....you sit IN an STV Euro.... and you sit ON an 18ft Liberator .

I would go with the Euro....I've been in one and I really liked it. It felt like it was on rails....not matter if you were crusing slow, or 90mph. It also seemed to cut through the chop a little better than my Vegas.

[euro scott]

Euro- all the way !! this ones for sale..

[mikej]

no comparison between the two. Euro is the way to go.

[Wolverine]

I think the 18' Liberator he's referring to is the type that Wildman sells........basically a Mirage. We've had both Euro's and Mirages. The Euro has the largest interior of the bunch. Plenty of room inside for 4 adults, cooler, equipment, etc. The only downfall, and it's my own personal opinion, is that the Euro's seats and upholstery are.......well.......cheap. That's putting it nicely. No comparison to the quality of one of Wildman's interiors. Now if you could get him to do the interior of a Euro you'd really have something.;) The Euro has the most room and the best resale hands down. Is it the best boat.......that's a matter of personal preference.

[opmope]

Thanks everyone. Rob you said it. I love the Euro but the seats are cheep looking compared to Wildmans interiors. I just want a fun compact boat to take 4 people max out once in awhile. Mostly for the wife and I to go out in. euro scott, I'll be looking in the fall. Just doing my research now. Thanks again to all that responded. Dave.

[Tom Foley]

no comparison between the two. Euro is the way to go.

So True !!!!

[LakeTrash]

The Euro simply because of the room in the boat.

Yes, the interior is cheap as it comes, but that does not mean it has to stay cheap. Any good trim shop can create whatever you can imagine.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/28.jpg


http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/27.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/62.jpg

LT

[opmope]

Oh my god , that is incredible. That is something to see. Great job and love the scheme.

[RBT]

Port Carling, in the heart of Canada's STV cround. Threre are at least a dozen STV's on Muskoka
Noticed a new one last weekend, a red euro with a 300x.

RT

[opmope]

RBT, do you know where on Muskoka they are. What marina they are located at? Never seen one up close. I know there are lots of STV,but are they the Euro? Thankks Dave.

[RBT]

I know where most of them are. All of them are at private cottages.
Most are River Rockets now.

[opmope]

Dave Mcphearson, a local master mechanic, knows the boat quite well. Use to race them. He has an older mold of the STV pickle fork. He is actually building it as we speak. When he finishes it I want to see what it looks like. I was referd to him by a friend. Do you know him? Dave.

[RBT]

Sure I know Dave.
He has the Drag bottom mold and the Pro Comp Ski deck molds.

[FrenchPhil]

Keep us posted !!!

[Tony Montana]

I think the 18' Liberator he's referring to is the type that Wildman sells........basically a Mirage. We've had both Euro's and Mirages. The Euro has the largest interior of the bunch. Plenty of room inside for 4 adults, cooler, equipment, etc. The only downfall, and it's my own personal opinion, is that the Euro's seats and upholstery are.......well.......cheap. That's putting it nicely. No comparison to the quality of one of Wildman's interiors. Now if you could get him to do the interior of a Euro you'd really have something.;) The Euro has the most room and the best resale hands down. Is it the best boat.......that's a matter of personal preference.

what rob said.

[lvnspeed]

I bought a War Hawk and I luv it you cant beat the price......

[Ripper]

I'm not familiar with the War Hawk, but I have seen the Euro... STV would be my choice too... I'm looking for that fantastic deal on one right now... Trying to get one before BFB's drag races...

Ripper

[Tom Foley]

The Euro simply because of the room in the boat.

Yes, the interior is cheap as it comes, but that does not mean it has to stay cheap. Any good trim shop can create whatever you can imagine.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/28.jpg


http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/27.jpg

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/Euro/62.jpg

LT
Well spoken Lake Trash ,and of course a mind blowing refit of your Euro !! But ......you have to go to the larger coolie cup holders to properly cradle insulated beverages ! I went with the clear anodized polished aluminum type on mine from Livorsi. my interior needs an update which might include lowering the front seats as low as they will go . Keep up the good work ! We affectionately refer to our Euro as the Family Truckster !!
http://i30.tinypic.com/2whgphg.jpg

[Fish]

that looks awesome laketrash, makes me want to redo my interior now.:thumbsup:

I have noting bad to say about the liberators, especially if wildman does his thing to them. I don't think anyone does a fit and finish like Randy. They really need to be seen to be appreciated, his boats are not done the proper justice just from pics.

On the flip side, I love my euro and have yet to find another boat in the under 20' that i like as well. Very stable and forgiving for a 100+mph boat, tons of room inside, is better in chopier water than most every other lake boat IMHO, and looks damn good. Additionally, there is no bad year with a euro; summerford, triad, or a new one from jack, you are going to get a quality boat. The euro is a little heavier so it is not quite as fast as some other stv's IMHO, but mine runs in the teens with a stock 260 and that easily keeps me up with the pack.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/makulaf/RiverRanchIII050407194a.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/makulaf/DSC_3808bSmall.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y174/makulaf/DSC06604Small.jpg

<object height="344" width="425">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8lwmIyIZ70w&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="344" width="425"></object>

[Tom Foley]

Damn Fish ....lets do some boating !!:cheers:

[opmope]

Great clips. I can't wait till the winter to get one of these bad boys. Pay off the Vette this winter and get right back in debt with another toy.

[LakeTrash]

I have to agree with everything said about the Euro. Without a doubt - it is the best lake boat under 20'.

I did change to the larger cooler cup holders. I cannot figure out why anybody would make one that did not hold a coozy cup with beverage of choice.

I have yet to strech mine out. It has a 3.4 with all of Wayne Taylor's stuff. It will be a bear when we get the computer system ironed out. It is pulling the timing out for no reason we can find as yet.

Right now the ET boat is getting all my attention so as to be ready for the Parker 300. The Euro will move back to the front burner as soon as the turbine makes fire.

LT

[Fish]

good luck in parker Laketrash, should be an awesome race.

[stokernick]

before you make up your mind check out BenLerew's Liberator,cuz you will never believthat paint job and performance!

[THE HOGG]

there's a new t-4 rollin out of ftp here real shortly with a 300xs on it.. its lookin real nice! I cant wait to see it finished and see how it performs with the new xs. you should look at them as well.

Tom, when you redo the interior you HAVE to lower the seats:D and whatever you do dont get rid of the hood ornament:thumbsup:

[opmope]

So I a going to go with a Merc. I'd like a 225 0r 250 I think. Don't need more than that. Can't be crazy, I'm a family man. From the posts that I have read, it looks like I need one with a 20 in. shaft? Is this correct? I was also told not to buy one heavier than 450 lbs. or the balance will be off. I looked at the Merc line up and there is not much choice at the weight. They are all running at 497 or 505 lbs. Everone wants to be the fastest. If I just cruise at 75 to 80 mph, is the extra 50 to 60 lbs. going to make a big difference? I just like the Euro because it looks like it's doing 120 mph standing still.

[Tom Foley]

Yes , 20 inch mid is what you need , put as much power on as you can afford, you will want it somewhere along the line ......trust me !:thumbsup:

[LakeTrash]

I agree with Tom on the
you will want it somewhere along the line statment.

We have run Euros with every engine combo and they will run with anything.

I will add that you should go with dependable stock power. Your family life will be much better. The wifes seem to get real testy when you spend more time on the rope than riding.

Ask T-Rex about that.

LT

[Dutch]

the reliable power thing is a big plus. I also tried just about every engine
on an stv and last year went with a 300x. the only thing that broke all
year was an o ring started leaking, it was an easy fix. Last summer was
my best year boating in a long time.

[opmope]

It will be all stock. Just a nice dependable ride. Had my share of messing around with other boats, cars and snowmobiles. Always wanted them to go faster. Once I get closer to buying, I'll run my choices past you all for your expertise. Once again thank you all for your input. Dave.

[David]

Not to put down a fellow Canadian's boats, but I thought the drag bottom was more excitement than most of us need.

Is this true?

[Wayne Cammidge]

Hi There.
I am very new to this site, but the Turbine that LakeTrash has as his signature sure looks interesting. What is the whole story there. Please direct me to another post if this has already been covered.
Regards Wayne

[LakeTrash]

The short version is: the boat is a Ron Jones ET built in 1969. I found it (thru Scream & Fly) in 2001. The restoration using a 502 Chevy & a number 2 Mercury speedmaster took 18 months.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn226/LakeTrash96/ET/ET-155a.jpg

I am now completing the installation of a General Electric T58 turbine (1400 hp) and an Arneson drive. Should make fire in July.

The long version documenting all the trials and tribulations would be a 1000 page book.

LT

[Fish]

It will be all stock. Just a nice dependable ride. Had my share of messing around with other boats, cars and snowmobiles. Always wanted them to go faster. Once I get closer to buying, I'll run my choices past you all for your expertise. Once again thank you all for your input. Dave.

dave, just my $.02 but I would suggest you look at either a 225 promax, or one or the XS opitmax's. Both will give you 100mph, but run like a daily driver, have good charging system, and both will be reliable. The etec h.o. motors are also pretty comparable with what you would get from the optimax's with the exception of the lower unit which IMHO goes to the mercs. When I get tired of tinkering with the 260 on my euro, I already made up my mind that a 225 promax or a 280 would be my next motor mostly for the reliability. The price of gas is now making me look more at the optimax's due to the big difference in fuel efficiency.

the euro will handle different weight motors and if need be you can tinker with your setback. there was a write up here on scream and fly with a new euro rigged with I beleive a 300xs, might have been a 250xs tho. boat ran very well despite the heavier motor. definitely a 20" unless you want to gut the transom to accommodate a 15".

we are here to help, good luck in your search.