Need advice on a 1985 Talon 21!

[Cougardriver]

Thinking about buying a 1985 Talon 21 and wondering what I should be watching out for. Boat seems to be in good shape but I want to make sure there are no "hand grenades" hiding out that I, never having owned one before, don't know about. Been driving a Bullet XD20 for several years but want to move into a cat type boat. Any ideas, suggestions, warnings, etc will be most welcome. Know there is a world of knowledge on this board and I thank you for your info!

[Cougardriver]

Thinking about buying a 1985 Talon 21 and wondering what I should be watching out for. Boat seems to be in good shape but I want to make sure there are no "hand grenades" hiding out that I, never having owned one before, don't know about. Been driving a Bullet XD20 for several years but want to move into a cat type boat. Any ideas, suggestions, warnings, etc will be most welcome. Know there is a world of knowledge on this board and I thank you for your info!

Come on guys...gotta be someone here who knows these boats well who can give me some insight! Need your valuable assistance. Thanks

[Duro78]

Contact wildman he deals with liberators extensively but might be familiar with the talon also. There's a few threads on questionable build quality of the earlier 25 liberators there might be one on the talon also. But like every boat especially older ones I'd keep a keen eye out for rot and soft spots. Definitely take a moisture meter to it. Addressing it can get quite expensive and usually ends up being worse than initially expected

[Cougardriver]

Went to send him a message but found there are several "wildman" addresses. Do you know which one he is? Thanks

[JPEROG]

The 21 talons are a good boat but can be unpredictable at speeds over a hundred. If you are going to run in the low to mid 90s then you are good with just using basic common sense. As with any boat, check it over really well for soft spots.

The Wildman that he is referring to is Randy Corson. He had a 21 and will tell you that it was fine except at big speeds he stood it up a couple of times.

Joe

[AZMIDLYF]

Went to send him a message but found there are several "wildman" addresses. Do you know which one he is? Thanks

This is one of threads...https://www.screamandfly.com/showthr...d-25-Liberator

PM him

[Duro78]

That's it here's another

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthr...h-of-a-project

[WILDMAN]

21 Talons have issues over 90. I had one with a 300 Promax. After 90, it would take a nice "set" then the nose would start lifting slowly. You have to pay attention or it would keep coming up. I sold it to a guy and warned him. He said "don't worry, I know hoe to drive a cat" He called me a week later and said it was for sale. He said he almost blew it over 3 times in the first 45 minutes he had it. The 22 Talon is a much better choice, and a 21 Liberator is ever better. "In my opinion"

[robert jordan]

As old as it is, you better look for rotten wood in floor, transom and stringers!

[Cougardriver]

Wildman: thanks very much for the tips. I will definitly keep that in mind if I decide to buy the Talon. In looking at the boat from a condition standpoint, just how much wood is in the Talon hull and where are the points I need to check. I know that transoms are weak points. What do I need to watch for? Thanks!

[WILDMAN]

Best way to check the transom "if the owner will let you" Drill a few 3/16" holes into the transom from the inside near the bolt holes. They can be resealed with silicon. If black wood comes out, you have a problen. Another way is to drill about 1/2" into it and use a curved pic to stick in and feel for soft wood.