info on a 21 SKATER

[Firestarter]

I am looking for all input good and bad on the 21 skater. Both in twin and single engine. 280 vs 300(x)
I understand that it is a little unstable at slower speeds with a single engine, but that it is pretty good with a short shaft. I really do not want twins and think it would make a great rough water boat, that still fits in my garage.

Thanks for any input.

RT

[WillyT]

As you may know, John Tiger is writing an article in Family and Performce Boat mag. about a restored 21' Skater with a 300 ProMax (not the "X"). For whatever reason, the continuation of the article did not appear in the last issue. Maybe the next issue will have part two. The first part was just about fixing up the boat, painting it, etc. John predicted about 100 mph with that engine. If an actual test report shows up in the next issue, at least you will have some good data on a single engine application. Another possibility is that you could call Ocean Outboard in New York. Assuming that they are willing to talk, they should be able to help since they have been one of the largest Skater and Merc outboard dealers in the world and have rigged every kind of Skater there is. As you probably know, the 21' has been discontinued, but I bet there are guys at Ocean who rigged several in their day. Worth a try.

[Firestarter]

Thanks Willy

I am aware of the article, and the most recent mag, has a bit more of the buld up in it.
I too have talked to Ocean Outboard, the last of the 21's were built around 95.
I also have spoken to Pete Heldin at skater.

RT

[Liqui-Fly]

Of that particular Skater this weekend. I'll talk to him and see what it says or give you his number. David

[Firestarter]

cool thanks

[Euroski]

I have a powerboat mag article on the 21 skater that I can copy and sent to you. Think they were claiming 97mph with one person and 87 with 2. Engine was a 260.

[Firestarter]

I have that also, June 96---that is the boat I am looking at. Their was also an add in 1989 with a 20" 2.4 efi that ran 86.

Thanks though

[JWTjr.]

To all who referenced the Skater story series and continue to read, thank you. The next installment (rigging and first testing) is being written now. I won't spoil the read for everyone, but I will say that on it's first full-throttle run it hit 94 mph on a very calm and humid day. I haven't seen the boat in a week or so but the owner has since seen 96 with a little more seat time. He's going to change a few things and should see 100 soon. It worked out to be a nice rig.

JWTjr.

[Racemore]

Lighting powerboats has a 21.It has an extra lift strake
added and a solid rear deck(no splashwell)and was said to run 103 1st run with a 300 pro max.The original boat ran 86
with a tired V8,92 with a 2.5 then sold. The buyer added another 2.5 and reports 114.

[wetvette]

lighting power boats has more than a 21 skater thay build them

[Way2Fast]

RT; The Skater is a very well made boat, but a very dangerous one. More people were injured and killed in Skater accidents than in all other powerboats combined. Ask Pete, the mfg. He would not even ride in one of his boats!!(this may have changed but was true back when I used to supply him with Hydro Jacks for his boats) I have personally witnessed two 32' Skaters barrel roll for no apparent reason. My friend flipped his 28 (twin 300 Pro Max) at 40 mph when it kited going over a wake. The 21 was perhaps the most dangerous Skater of all. They are VERY unpredictable during turns and roll easily and without warning. With equal power the 24 is almost always faster than the 21. (dual engine installations). Part of the problem is that because the boats ride so smoothly and are predictable in most situations, the driver will unknowingly push the boat beyond its capabilities...then watch out...the boat is VERY unforgiving. For some help on the 21, you can call Mario at Performance First Marine in Lindenhurst NY (I'll double check on his business name, not 100% sure) He had an all black 21 with twins for several years. One thing for certain, the 21 Skater will feel like an ocean liner compared to the STV !!!!

If you decide to go to Douglas MI to visit Douglas Marine, let me know! I'd love to check out the Skaters they build. I'd try to hook up with you.

[Racemore]

The driver/throttleman is the controling factor and the
set up is the handling factor,both must be right for the conditions.You can't drive a cat like you drive a vee or you will get wet.You want to keep the nose up on a Vee and keep a cat flat.That is done with the throttles on a cat and
when conditions get extreme it takes two people.Some cats
don't have good balance and Skater is not one of them,except
for the old 18',it's a blowover waiting to happen.

PS wetVette, I rode in the 21 Skater they popped to make the 21 Lightning.They changed the bottom before they did.I think they have popped every thing!Their 30 is a 30 Spectre.




[Edited by Racemore on 06-20-2001 at 09:33 PM]

[WillyT]

A manufacturer is afraid to ride in the boats he makes? I bet he would not admit that in public!

[Racemore]

Pete builds the winningest boat in history that dosen't mean he has to want to drive one. Some things get bad publicity because of operational error,like flipping a 28' skater at 40mph.Honda built 3 wheelers for racing,that dosen't mean the builders rode them.They got a bad name from parents puting their 8 year old on a machine that out weighed them 5to1 with little to no expereince.It dosen't
take long riding a tricycle to learn you don't pedal wide
open then turn,at least it didn't take me long.



[Edited by Racemore on 06-21-2001 at 01:06 PM]

[Firestarter]

Pete doesn't ride in his boats because---in his words who is he to tell how they run, he lets the professionals give him the insight, and he adjusts accordingly.

RT

[Racemore]

That is why Skaters are Championship caliber boats,he is the same caliber builder!