Compare and contrast Talon 22 and Liberator 21

**mjw930** · 08-01-2016, 10:30 PM

Hi everyone. I've been digesting a lot of the information here because I'm pretty sure an air entrapment style boat will be in my future. As you can see I joined in 2009 but this is my first post. Like I said, I've been digesting info

A little background. I come from the offshore boat world having owned, raced and driven/throttled everything from 22' to 42' at speeds up to 100 mph in offshore conditions but I've been out of the sport since '02, a lifetime in performance boat development.

Rather than get back into that world with the expense, maintenance and work required to do it right I've decided to downsize and experience the thrill of triple digits on a budget. That quest has me focused on 2 current hulls, the Liberator 21 and the reincarnated Talon 22.

Now to my question. For those who have seat time in both these hulls (I know the new Talon is just hitting the streets but I believe there aren't a lot of changes to the hull) what differences can you point out? In particular I'm interested in both rough water, including cruiser boat wakes and high speed turning handling. I know it's a completely different running experience than the pad bottomed V's I'm used to but I'm confident I can adapt, I just want to get all the information I can before I sink $60K into a new toy.

THANKS!

**mjw930** · 08-01-2016, 10:41 PM

BTW, I'm right up the road from Wildman and had the pleasure of meeting him over the weekend. He's an artist the way he sets his boats up. Which ever way I go Randy is going to be a part of it.

**speedinstream** · 08-02-2016, 05:23 AM

I have rode in both several times my vote is talon

**Just Tool'in** · 08-02-2016, 06:40 AM

Not sure where your gonna be boating but you might want to look at true tunnels like Skater/Extreme/Trick/LCB/Argo/Twister to compare the ride especially in the rougher water/ chop. And I have not ridden in a Liberator or Talon. I have owned an American Offshore 2600 with small center pad. I have owned (2) 21 Tricks and now the Argo.

**mjw930** · 08-02-2016, 07:23 AM

I'm boating mostly on inland rivers and lakes in and around Central Florida, I live in the Daytona area.

I'd love to consider a true cat in something larger than like a 25' or 28' but it's a cost concern. I really want to cap this around $60K if I go new unless I can find a really clean used boat that's properly rigged. I'm not a noob with performance boats, I know how to rig and I've lived dealing with poor rigging jobs, I'm not looking to go there. Rigging is as important as the layup IMHO which is why I'm shying away from the used market. Performance boats get ridden hard and put away wet, I don't want to inherit someone else's problems.

Stepping up also doubles the engine costs. To do a 25' + right I'm into 6 figures, not where I want to go right now but I'll check out some of those hulls, thanks.

**pearlriverrat** · 08-02-2016, 07:50 AM

you didn't say how many seats you wanted, but this would get your triple digits...

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...3-Open-Cockpit

**mikesufka** · 08-02-2016, 07:53 AM

The Talon 22 w/ twins is one the best looking rigs ever made.

MDS

**mjw930** · 08-02-2016, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by mikesufka

The Talon 22 w/ twins is one the best looking rigs ever made.

MDS

With the performance available in a single I see no reason to go twin on a boat this small. If I bump up to a 25+ true cat then I can see the value.

**mikesufka** · 08-02-2016, 08:47 AM

Originally Posted by mjw930

With the performance available in a single I see no reason to go twin on a boat this small. If I bump up to a 25+ true cat then I can see the value.

I agree, and it probably handles better with a single 300XS. Having said that, the "cool factor" of twins and the brutal acceleration is something else to think about.

MDS

**kct11** · 08-02-2016, 08:53 AM

If a liberator runs like a 21 Daytona it will actually handle bigger chop and have less sponson to sponson rock but not turn as good as the talon. The tunnel is wider then the talons. If you have a lot of high speed turns the talon is better. The talon has less floor space but a taller sides so you feel more in the boat.

**mjw930** · 08-02-2016, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by kct11

If a liberator runs like a 21 Daytona it will actually handle bigger chop and have less sponson to sponson rock but not turn as good as the talon. The tunnel is wider then the talons. If you have a lot of high speed turns the talon is better. The talon has less floor space but a taller sides so you feel more in the boat.

Excellent feedback, thanks!

**Jamescole** · 08-02-2016, 09:05 AM

i would go single 22Talon if your going to meet large cruiser waves on the regular.. if the rivers are calm most of the time a twin talon is an awesome thrill.

**F14** · 08-02-2016, 10:29 AM

The Talon turns and rides much better.

**AZMIDLYF** · 08-02-2016, 10:38 AM

If you are used to running in rougher water then this cat will surprise you with its manners. Todd D on here builds them.
http://www.wickedpowerboats.com/

**mjw930** · 08-02-2016, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by AZMIDLYF

If you are used to running in rougher water then this cat will surprise you with its manners. Todd D on here builds them.
http://www.wickedpowerboats.com/

Actually I've been watching a lot of videos on LCB and Wicked, I think I'm adding them to my list