Brand new 25 Liberator CUSTOM build thread

[WILDMAN]

I just got this new 25 Liberator today. This is my first one with a center pod. Several have been done and they have ZERO hop at any speed. I had this boat done in all composite. I weighed it with windshield, center pod and fuel tanks and it came in at 1735 lbs. I was pretty happy about that. I'm cutting out the entire splashwell and glassing in the custom rear panel like my yellow 25 had. Then I will put in 4 knees and special shelving to hold the oil tanks and batteries. That will add about 50 lbs. The front and back of the boat will be capped smooth. This build thread will be very detailed as I am doing alot of cool stuff! Stay tuned! Here's some pics.

[WILDMAN]

Here's pics of the splash well being cut out and what the new piece looks like. Also, the scale shows the front weighing 850 and the back weighs 885 lbs.

[AZMIDLYF]

In first! :D

What is the propulsion of choice for this creation?

[WILDMAN]

Pair of 300xs. I did have a customer wanting a pair of 400's, but I have not received any deposit $$$.

[noli]

.



marble graphics on the sides would be awesome!


please post more pics!



.

[WILDMAN]

I trimmed the back of the boat out and got my custom rear panel all cut to fit. Next I will make patterns for the knees and then glass everything back together

[WILDMAN]

The rear panel is glassed in underneath. Today I'll glass the outside.

[Risco]

What jack plates are you going to put on this beast. That weight is great but I know how you like to bolt every option you can to your boats. Would be interesting if you take a weight after fully rigged anyways keep up the good work can’t wait to see the end product.

[WILDMAN]

Going to run 6" Slidemaster plates on it. The yellow 25 was 340 lbs heavier and would run 112 with 4 200 lb guys and 50 gallons of gas.

[WILDMAN]

We glassed in the front and back last night. I ground it down today and will finish the body work. I epoxied som foam board to the nose. When it hardens, I'll shape it into a more gradual radius. Then I'll glass it over and shape it the way I want it.

[WILDMAN]

Finally finished capping the front and back. I extended the nose a couple inches for a more uniform radius. I got the back sprayed with primer-filler. I will block it out next. I'll prime the front tomorrow.

[home made tunnel]

Do you do all the work outside? Or are you wheeling it in and out for all these photos?
I read about all these florida boats being stolen... just worried for ya !

Lookin great as always though!

Do you fiberglass inside all the way up in the front pointy bits? How do you fit? haha

[WILDMAN]

All my boats are kept inside. I move them in and out with a forklift. I try to work outside when I'm grinding fiberglass or doing bodywork. Doing glass work on the 21 and 25 right now, so there's lots of dust. Nobody steals anything around Port Orange, Fl. I've owned this place since 1984 and never had a break-in or anything stolen. I once left my forklift outside for 6 months with the keys in it. Kinda dumb, but I don't do that anymore.

[WILDMAN]

I got the front and back all primed. Then I put a black "tracer coat" over the primer. I then block all the black off with 220 grit wetsand paper. Any low spots will stay black. Then I have to refill those low spots. This is how to get the bodywork super straight. It's an awful lot of work though. It kills my shoulders!

[oldschoolltv]

Subscribed

[home made tunnel]

I once left my forklift outside for 6 months with the keys in it.

Who steals a fork lift ?!
well... I mean... I work at a shipyard, and forklifts are stolen all the time... by the workers on the other side of the shipyard... haha

[WILDMAN]

Not so much stealing the forklift, but it could have been used to lift the overhead doors to gain access.

[MIKEBRLS]

since its a center pod , I wonder how a single 400R would work or a bigger HP custom single motor ?

[WILDMAN]

Probably pretty good. especially what the new composite boats weigh. I have a new all red 25 coming in next!

[Cpines]

I got the front and back all primed. Then I put a black "tracer coat" over the primer. I then block all the black off with 220 grit wetsand paper. Any low spots will stay black. Then I have to refill those low spots. This is how to get the bodywork super straight. It's an awful lot of work though. It kills my shoulders!
A friend once offered to paint a model rc hydro for me. All I had to do was prep and sand till he was satisfied, he would shoot the paint as a friend for free......Three days it took to fill the wood grain and satisfie my painter. I learned then, shooting the paint is the easy part. The finished work only looks as good as the proper preparation allowes. Randy, your attention to detail reflects in your setups. It also keeps them bones moving and a man young. Are you going to RR?

[Cpines]

I got the front and back all primed. Then I put a black "tracer coat" over the primer. I then block all the black off with 220 grit wetsand paper. Any low spots will stay black. Then I have to refill those low spots. This is how to get the bodywork super straight. It's an awful lot of work though. It kills my shoulders!
A friend once offered to paint a model rc hydro for me. All I had to do was prep and sand till he was satisfied, he would shoot the paint as a friend for free......Three days it took to fill the wood grain and satisfie my painter. I learned then, shooting the paint is the easy part. The finished work only looks as good as the proper preparation allowes. Randy, your attention to detail reflects in your setups. It also keeps them bones moving and a man young. Are you going to RR?

[WILDMAN]

I have the dash laid out.

[ghost28]

any more progress on this?

[WILDMAN]

Yes, we are working on it every day. All the glass work does not show much in pics. That's why I haven't posted more. We are now glassing in the 4 knees, oil tank and battery shelves, And putting flat floors and additional support stringers in the sponsons. We are also beefing up the tunnel with more coosa and glass. This boat will be like the yellow one which, strengthwise will be way overbuilt and super strong. The front and back are all capped and blocked out.

[mr fun]

Randy I remember the first time I met you in Palatka I belive in a 21' Challenger w/200 opti. Brother, you've come a long way. Continued success, fun out

[ghost28]

Yes, we are working on it every day. All the glass work does not show much in pics. That's why I haven't posted more. We are now glassing in the 4 knees, oil tank and battery shelves, And putting flat floors and additional support stringers in the sponsons. We are also beefing up the tunnel with more coosa and glass. This boat will be like the yellow one which, strengthwise will be way overbuilt and super strong. The front and back are all capped and blocked out.

cool deal...cant wait to see the finished product....

[WILDMAN]

I put additional stringers in the rear of the sponsons. Then I epoxied 1/2" coosa over the top of them. Next they will get glassed in. This will leave a flat floor for more storage in the back. There will be small hatches cut in the floor for access to the bilge pumps. All this will keep anything in the back clean and dry. The lighter colored foam boards are shelves made to bolt the oil tanks to. They will get glassed in also.The center area has much thinker coosa to attach the batteries to.

[WILDMAN]

In these pics, I'm blocking out the filler primer where the nose has been capped. This shows how any low spots will stay black from the traced coat. The trick is to block util the black is gone. Any low spots that stay black, need to be refilled with spot putty.

[WILDMAN]

I made the rear hatch out of foam board and glass. You can see where I put in "pads" where the hatch lift and hinges will bolt to.

[WILDMAN]

The glass work is done on the 25. Put another layer all around the boat where the hull and deck meet. Also, extra bukheads and supports. Now I am putting a layer of filler over the glass to sand and make smooth before I apply the Awlgrip.

[WILDMAN]

Just got this pic from PPI. My new interior is underway!

https://dl-mail.ymail.com/ws/download/mailboxes/@.id==VjN-JWcQ-RzvnPAwpONAXwCMfeyFoMGqvVeBKUDg-QzSyDY6XTJ5m0B6xYlTf-CHiebPwMXn0xY3wy9h56LWuJrXbw/messages/@.id==AA2nha8bpOsAWttIjQKQQJccZmo/content/parts/@.id==2/raw?appid=YMailNorrin&ymreqid=bac14707-b595-6e06-1c10-e5000001d200&token=zitEzqOML3j84e6ealFTT5U7-km5qEQF52lp7AcCuBacav6Q67NE0xMp3AuLHWZtnIO_xtK-DxNNG_FJJiywJhCtN0LleFEtjk20rO4ENubhBLnz2bZQufgc5_eQwIX-

[needrock]

interested in seeing new upholstery but cant open picture.

[TraceF3]

Me either Randy

[WILDMAN]

I don't know. It shows up for me. It's on my phone. I'll text it to you and maybe you can attach it

[noli]

.


Randy's PPI interior for the Liberator 25. Very nice build Randy!

The buckets seem to be a light build as well!


405635

[wickedwitthestix]

boat looks sick and 112 w a center pod is unreal thqts about what a 24 skater would run. awesome rig. can wait to see it completed

[Scream And Fly]

Looking REALLY good! Those seats are badass.

[MIKEBRLS]

Looks like it's going to be a Green machine :)

[WILDMAN]

Now that the 21 restored Liberator is done, I'm back on the new 25 Liberator. Starting the paint this week. Cutting all the holes first. I got the dash all cut out. The square hole on the left will be a 6 recessed switch panel. The dash will be a lime green marble when done. There is two water pressure guages on the right and two fuel guages on the left. All the other motor info will have a readout on the Garmin screen.

[WILDMAN]

I fitted the rear sundeck and back seat today. With the seat in, I can fit the side combings. Now the rest of the interior can get upholstered.

[WILDMAN]

Getting ready to lay out the paint job this week. I re-weighed the boat after all the glass work and reinforcments went into the boat. Now the bare hull with tanks weighs 1951 lbs. The boat picked up 216 lbs since I got it. You need to remember that there was no knees, flooring, or bulkheads in the rear 4ft of the boat. That was due to me wanting to change the rear of the boat and reinforce in to my liking. Strong enough to hold quad 300's now! But it will just have two.

[AZMIDLYF]

Value per pound. :cheers:

[Brad Zastrow]

Randy I really like your threads. Very informative and the amount of work you do to make the boat complete is astounding. Would it make sense to change the molds for the nose you radius?

[John S]

Randy I really like your threads. Very informative and the amount of work you do to make the boat complete is astounding. Would it make sense to change the molds for the nose you radius?

I've been thinking the same thing. I'm surprised the manufacturer doesn't adopt a lot of these changes. They seem more like improvements on the design rather than customizations. Great work Wildman.

[WILDMAN]

He copies all my paint work, interior stuff, etc. I'd rather keep some stuff my own! The capped front and back can't be done in the mold anyway. My boats take 5-8 times longer to rig also. Hopefully people notice it in the finished product. I can't compete in price, so my rigging and better stuff is all I have to offer.

[FMP]

Oscar Wilde — ‘Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.’

[davemvegas]

Randy what is the advantage of the new rear splash well? it seems for stepping on or getting in the boat from the water the flat area all the way across the rear would be useful. But i know this is not your first rodeo so i am certain you do it for a reason.

[WILDMAN]

It has a rear set area which makes it very easy to get in the boat. No splash well keeps the water out. More "taller" storage in back, and just alot sleeker looking.

[WILDMAN]

Well, been a tiring day. I've been taping from 9:00 this morning and just got home at 12:30 tonight! I did take an hour for dinner. My eyes are buggin! These designs are for the first color. It will be lime green metallic. It's the lime green that came on 2010-2011 Camaros. The green will be bordered will silver marble and black. I'm hoping to get the green on tomorrow. That way I can let the green dry over the weekend so that I can tape over in on Monday.

[AZMIDLYF]

This should be quite the combo behind your tow rig. :D

[John Hice]

Cant wait to see that paint job................

[nitro_rat]

I’m no painter, but I know that On the old Peterbilt and Kenworth trucks you could order paint schemes with 2-5 colors. They would paint the entire cab the color with the least area first (usually a “pin stripe” separating the different color panels. Then they woud tape off the area that would be that color. Next they would paint the entire cab the next smallest color and tape that off. The final coat would be the “main” color. The masking was all pulled off at the same time (last). I guess it used a lot more paint but saved on taping, re-taping, etc.

Not sure if this method would work for you, have you considered or tried it? Maybe not cost effective with the cost of paint these days?

[WILDMAN]

Every paintjob is different. Depends on wether I use straight colors, pearls, metallics, or candies. This green is $274 a quart. The clear I use is $465 a gallon kit. The pinstripe tape is $17 a roll. I use 8-15 rolls. The 2" yellow masking tape is $8.35 a roll.

[Scream And Fly]

Looking really good! Killer thread, thanks for posting its progress!

Greg

[WILDMAN]

Headed to the paint room!

[J.P.]

Wildman is that a "Carrier" oval on your forklift.

[WILDMAN]

I got the green on. It did not cover real well, so I had to order a 3rd quart while I was spraying. (another $274)

[nitro_rat]

I got the green on. It did not cover real well, so I had to order a 3rd quart while I was spraying. (another $274)

Yes that green is fickle! A friend of mine painted his truck with that stuff a few years ago. Now that you mention it I do remember him commenting on the price! I think he had to order more to cover as well.

The truck didn’t come out nearly as sharp looking as your boat!

[WILDMAN]

I untaped the green today. All the white you see will end up black and silver. I will now have to tape off all the green. That will probably take a day or two. The dash is green marble pearl.

[nitro_rat]

Do you tape right on the edge of the green or leave a slight edge showing? Some pics of the taping process would be cool. Lots of work!

[WILDMAN]

I tape right to the edge. Been taping 9 hours today and I'm headed back to the shop now for another few hours. My eyes are buggin !

[nitro_rat]

I believe it! I’m constantly impressed by the effort you put into your builds. Class act for sure!

[WILDMAN]

Just got home after 13.5 hours of taping. Gonna spray the black tomorrow. Then I'll start taping again for the silver.

[AZMIDLYF]

Any green making its way to the motors?

[WILDMAN]

Not sure yet.



Any green making its way to the motors?

[John Hice]

That is some tedious work! I thought I had patience............ Beautiful

[WILDMAN]

I got the black on today.

[nitro_rat]

How long before the mask comes off?

[WILDMAN]

I still need to do the silver marble. Maybe Thursday. Then I gotta resand the whole boat and clearcoat. Then I'll wetsand the clear with 400 grit and re-clear. Then I'll sand with 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, then buff 2-3 times. When I get done, you won't be able to feel any graphics.

[nitro_rat]

It’s impressive to see the final product but the amount of work that goes into it is even more impressive. Thanks for sharing!

[Brad Zastrow]

I did not think you could sand basecoat? Or is that only the metallic basecoats?
I love your posts!!!!

[WILDMAN]

I coat every color with 2 coats of Intercoat clear from House of Kolor. By sanding lightly with 400, it assures adhesion. You can sand a straight color like black or white without the Intercoat clear though. NEVER sand a metallic color or you'll see the sand scratches. If the basecoat sits more than a few hours, you will lose adhesion. That's why people have peeling issues. I never do. Also, sanding after each color knocks down the tape line ridge. Before I clear it, I will use a Scotch Brite pad with soapy water to scrub the boat clean of any fingerprints etc. I never wipe the boat down with any solvent cleaner!

[home made tunnel]

Looking Great ! Also - always a good idea to NOT use solvent cleaners between coats. My dad just learned the hard way this morning after his 1st coat on a 1969 whaler restoration. The whole 1st layer started peeling up. He was pissssssssssssszzzzzzzzzzzed

[WILDMAN]

Taping again! Now I have to tape on the black for the silver marble which will have a black base. After taping, I cover with the yellow masking tape and then cut out the profile with a razor blade. Where you see the yellow tape will remain black and the silver marble will run next to it and around the green.

[WILDMAN]

I finally got the tape off today. Took forever! Now I will touch up any spots needing it, sand the whole boat back down, retape it, and clearcoat it. Here's pics without any clear. Still a little dull.

[vnemous]

Awesome but it looked pretty sweet in black too.

[WILDMAN]

I noticed the last pics did not show the back of the boat, so here they are.

[WILDMAN]

I have the rear compartment all smoothed and sanded and ready for Algrip paint

[nitro_rat]

Can’t wait to see this one rigged! Do you make your own windshields or have them made somewhere? I guess a green one is coming for this rig?

:cheers:

[WILDMAN]

Windshield are fiberglass. I paint them black. They also fit 24 Skaters perfectly.

[nitro_rat]

Windshield are fiberglass. I paint them black. They also fit 24 Skaters perfectly.

I guess I was thinking of these:

408266 408267

But I see they’re both 21’s!

[Onetime]

I have the rear compartment all smoothed and sanded and ready for Algrip paint

Randy, which Awlgrip paint do you use for inside areas? Do you have to primer with something special after your prep work you’ve shown before painting? Spray or roller/brush?

[WILDMAN]

Awlgrip with the "brushable" catalyst with NO REDUCER. You can paint right over anything as long as it's sanded. I usually use a foam roller, then go over lightly with long strokes with a brush. Some colors,, like the gray I use, cover in one coat. Red takes 3 coats. Kind of hard to spray in tight places. Also, this stuff sticks to EVERYTHING!

[Onetime]

Thanks! Which gray do you use? Do you have a picture of the finished job?

Maybe a dumb question but is Awlgrip so good that it’s worth the extra cost over bilge paints or other epoxies?

Is it slippery? Have you ever done that spiderweb type spatter in another color over it?

[WILDMAN]

I will probably post pics tomorrow after I get it painted. Yes it is very slick. Everything wipes out very easily. I don't do the webbing, I don't really care for the look. I use a medium gray. I have never used any other bilge paints. Awlgrip holds up to anything and is easy to clean. Plus it Has a brushable catalyst.

[WILDMAN]

I got the rear area painted with Awlgrip today

[Onetime]

Looks good, thanks for posting the pictures up Randy.

Going to go the Awlgrip route also.

[Spectre Powerboats]

Randy, which Awlgrip paint do you use for inside areas? Do you have to primer with something special after your prep work you’ve shown before painting? Spray or roller/brush?

I think what he is asking Randy, is which Awlgrip products are you using? Sometimes we use Awlgrip 545 Epoxy primer and then Awlgrips Polyester Urethane Topcoat with Awlgrip Awlcat #3 brushable catalyst. Hope this helps Onetime. Not sure if this is what Randy uses, but we have had good success with it.

[WILDMAN]

To mount the seats, I used a stainless steel plate with 3/8" bolts welded at 8" apart. I cut recessed pockets in the composit floor and epoxied the plates in. When that sets up, they will be glassed in permanantly. Squaring the bolts up is very important.

[WILDMAN]

I had 4" x 1/4" stainless steel transom washers made for the inside of the transom. I had them powdercoated lime green.

[WILDMAN]

I got the floor painted today and all the seat studs glassed in. The floor needs to be slick so that the new SEA DEK flooring can go it. $2100 for just the cockpit area. $34 a square ft !!

[mistah_max]

I got the floor painted today and all the seat studs glassed in. The floor needs to be slick so that the new SEA DEK flooring can go it. $2100 for just the cockpit area. $34 a square ft !!

damn! I was thinking about doing this type of floor for my talon. there a company here in montréal, Qc, that does them. to you know how much more floor space a 25 liberator has compared to a 22 talon? on the talon I'd do the floor pans in front of the driver/passenger seat and the 2 sections in front of the rear bench each side of the floor hatch.

[Spectre Powerboats]

damn! I was thinking about doing this type of floor for my talon. there a company here in montréal, Qc, that does them. to you know how much more floor space a 25 liberator has compared to a 22 talon? on the talon I'd do the floor pans in front of the driver/passenger seat and the 2 sections in front of the rear bench each side of the floor hatch.

I don't want to de-rail Randy thread. If you want help getting one for your Talon, get a hold of me. Thanks Todd

408626

[WILDMAN]

That's pretty cool! What do they charge for that? How many sq ft?

[mistah_max]

I don't want to de-rail Randy thread. If you want help getting one for your Talon, get a hold of me. Thanks Todd

408626

will do thanks!

[Spectre Powerboats]

That's pretty cool! What do they charge for that? How many sq ft?

I'll have Karen get you their info. I'm just the dumb glass guy. :D

[WILDMAN]

The guy who does the SEA DEK foam floors came out today to digitize the floor. He going to try to match the paint design. Floor will be gray with lime green designs. Here's a pic we took from about 20ft up on my forklift so he could scan it into his computer.

[Onetime]

Dedicated guy to go up 20’ on a forklift blade to take the picture!

[WILDMAN]

I went up there, and I don't do hieghts very well!

[WILDMAN]

I painted and buffed out the fiberglass windshield. I then glue trunk liner to the underside for a more finished look

[WILDMAN]

More pics from today. Windshield is on and dash is rigged. I installed the jackplates. I had these custom 4" diameter stainless steel washed made and powdercoated. $40 each! I also lined all the gunnels with trunk liner for a more finished look.

[nitro_rat]

When do you expect the flooring?

[WILDMAN]

They had to special order it with the lime green. They said a couple weeks.

[AZMIDLYF]

Dash came out awesome! :cheers:

[Ziemer]

Was that your red cat at Ameritrail this past week?

[WILDMAN]

Yes, they were fixing the brakes on the new trailer

[WILDMAN]

I got the boat back on the trailer today. I took it home to clean up and wax. Hopefully the boat will be done in a couple weeks.

[WILDMAN]

I spent all day cutting the lower cowl aprons for the wingplates. Probably put them on and off 50-60 times while fitting them. Got both motors hung too.

[WILDMAN]

I just got this email from the SEA DEK guy. Here's the mock up of the SEA DEK floor that will go in the boat. Flooring will be gray and all the lines shown will be in lime green to match the paint. This flooring will cost over $2,000 ! YIKES!

[mjw930]

I would have spent the extra $600 and added electric over hydraulic brakes on that trailer.

[WILDMAN]

Only thing wrong with the brakes were that someone forgot to bleed them.


I would have spent the extra $600 and added electric over hydraulic brakes on that trailer.

[mjw930]

Only thing wrong with the brakes were that someone forgot to bleed them.
You missed my point, I’d think someone looking to spend what this package will cost would rather have the smooth driving characteristics of the electric over hydraulic system vs. the surge system for the minimal cost difference. Once you’ve used electric over hydraulic it’s had to go back to surge.

Then again, there’s a large contingent on this forum who think trailer brakes are a liberal conspiracy so I’m probably tilting at windmills.

[WILDMAN]

I've been working on the boat every night for the last week until after midnight. I'm trying to get it done for my annual "GUYS TRIP" next week. Going to Lake Lanier near Atlanta and Norris lake in Tennessee. I just put $200 in gas in it and just got it fired up. The last of my interior came today, so I can start putting it together.

[Frank Molé]

I saw it in person,looks great..nice boat...

[Double Rigged]

Randy turned out nice! Have fun

[nitro_rat]

Looking forward to finished interior pics!

[life is good]

I spent all day cutting the lower cowl aprons for the wingplates. Probably put them on and off 50-60 times while fitting them. Got both motors hung too.

Just went through that myself for the first time. It's tedious job and you only get one shot at it. Looks like they came out great though. What brand steering system do you use?

[WILDMAN]

I always use IMCO.

[Scream And Fly]

I've been working on the boat every night for the last week until after midnight. I'm trying to get it done for my annual "GUYS TRIP" next week. Going to Lake Lanier near Atlanta and Norris lake in Tennessee. I just put $200 in gas in it and just got it fired up. The last of my interior came today, so I can start putting it together.

I need to see this in person! Very cool Randy,
Greg

[WILDMAN]

Got the new Sea-Dek floor in yesterday. They use a CNC machine to cut the designs. They kinda match the paintjob. I also made a pair of subwoofer boxes out of foam core to install the front subs in.

[mistah_max]

man this interior is perfect!

[WILDMAN]

I got the boat in the water today. Just in time to take it on a 5 day run to Lake Lanier and Norris lake in Georgia and Tennessee. Boat ran perfect with no issues. Leaving here tomorrow night. This boat has the centerpod from the 21 Liberator. All the new 25's do. Absolutely no porpoise at any speed. Just smooth cruising. I took it up to 110-111 a couple times. I worked till 11:30 tonight and I'll work all day tomorrow getting the stereo system in. Sure are alot of wires. Two 10" subs and four 6x9 Poly Planar speakers. All have thier own enclosure.

[Risco]

I got the boat in the water today. Just in time to take it on a 5 day run to Lake Lanier and Norris lake in Georgia and Tennessee. Boat ran perfect with no issues. Leaving here tomorrow night. This boat has the centerpod from the 21 Liberator. All the new 25's do. Absolutely no porpoise at any speed. Just smooth cruising. I took it up to 110-111 a couple times. I worked till 11:30 tonight and I'll work all day tomorrow getting the stereo system in. Sure are alot of wires. Two 10" subs and four 6x9 Poly Planar speakers. All have thier own enclosure.
Any other differences you can compare the center pod vs the non center pod? Great job as always boat looks amazing

[WILDMAN]

Hard to say exactly. It turns much flatter without so much lean. The back floats 1-2 inches higher when sitting. Handles a little different over 100, but hard to say what. Alot seems to be where I set the trim, which seems to be different before the pod. The pod was added to the mold and is the center pod off a 21 Liberator. It goes forward about 15ft. Unlike most centerpod boats, It hangs down 8" which is about 8" higher than the outside sponsons. At 100, it doesn't touch the water. The motors are now turning out, which I always turned in before. I also set the motors 55" apart, where before they were always at 49.5". Moving them out also raised them another 1.5" due to the bottom going up as it goes out. I'm running 34" x 15" 3 blade labbed Mercury cleavers. Acceleration is awesome! I also had 70 gallons of gas.

[Risco]

Hard to say exactly. It turns much flatter without so much lean. The back floats 1-2 inches higher when sitting. Handles a little different over 100, but hard to say what. Alot seems to be where I set the trim, which seems to be different before the pod. The pod was added to the mold and is the center pod off a 21 Liberator. It goes forward about 15ft. Unlike most centerpod boats, It hangs down 8" which is about 8" higher than the outside sponsons. At 100, it doesn't touch the water. The motors are now turning out, which I always turned in before. I also set the motors 55" apart, where before they were always at 49.5". Moving them out also raised them another 1.5" due to the bottom going up as it goes out. I'm running 34" x 15" 3 blade labbed Mercury cleavers. Acceleration is awesome! I also had 70 gallons of gas.
Thanks Randy for the response I didn’t realize you made so many changes at the same time. Thanks for the information anyways I can imagine it much better river , lake boat now with no hop at all. What a great looking boat looking forward to see it on the river!!!! Also will be interesting to how the boat runs with other propellers might not need cleavers anymore with the pod to help lift the tail.

[WILDMAN]

Round ear props work best for all around. At 4000 rpm, round ear 4 blades are 15-18 mph faster and only lose about 1 mph on the top end.

[WILDMAN]

I finally finished the boat today. Here's pics of the interior. I installed green LED lights. The stereo is 2000 watts and has extra batteries in front to run the amps

[99fxst99]

Awesome!
Is the shifter console a stand-alone part that could be center mounted in, say, a 21 Rally Sport or Superboat?

[dt63vette]

What, you not doing Lake Murray Poker Run this weekend? Gonna be great!

[Davidlake]

Randy, I think that this is your best work to date! Awesome!

[Boss]

Looks great Randy!

I like the seating, who makes the fronts?

[WILDMAN]

The entire interior is done by PPI interiors in Bradenton Florida. They do interiors for 45 boat companies.

[home made tunnel]

I LOVE IT WHEN A PLAN COMES TOGETHER !
Drop it in, and it runs smooth - awesome! Congrats and nice job!

[WILDMAN]

Video from Norris Lake TN this past weekend




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvuemRa-rs&feature=share

[300x Stoker]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFvuemRa-rs

[WILDMAN]

I finally finished the boat. Here's some pics

[Scream And Fly]

That has to be one of my favorites of all the insane builds you've done. I love this one!

[WILDMAN]

I just pulled the 300XS motors off today. They have been sold. This boat will be getting a new pair of 300R's

[WILDMAN]

ttttt

[Lake rat Skater]

So now that they have been out some time can you speak into the differences from twin 300xs vs twin 300r on a 25? Thanks

[WILDMAN]

The 300R accelerates much faster and is about 5-7 mph faster with the Hill cleaver

[Lake rat Skater]

With XS power were the Hill cleavers also fastest? I noticed you said round ears where the best all around with a little less speed on top. By round ears were you referring to Blasters? If so what size? Thanks!

[WILDMAN]

The only 5 blade Hills I ever ran on a 25 with 300xs motors were 32 x 15. They were on the limiters a 108. 34 Blasters ran 109-110. I am told that the 4 blade Hill cleavers run great on 300xs motors. I am getting a pair to try on twin 300R's. They are also less than 1/2 the price at $995 each and free shipping. One year warrantee. Contact me at 386-295-2132 or email Liberatorboats@yahoo.com



With XS power were the Hill cleavers also fastest? I noticed you said round ears where the best all around with a little less speed on top. By round ears were you referring to Blasters? If so what size? Thanks!