Lavey Craft 21XTSKI

[Badchoices03]

Anybody know if there is a difference in hulls from like a 1995 to a 2006 on these boats?

 

[LazyLavey]

I believe the older was not a stepped V

But I'd ck Check w/Lavey to confirm when they changed

 

[c_land]

I had a 1997 XCS that was a stepped bottom if that helps.

 

[highvoltagehands]

Here’s the best picture I have of the stepped hull on a 2005 XTski If you’re trying to compare the differences from earlier years.

 

[dspracing]

Here’s the best picture I have of the stepped hull on a 2005 XTski If you’re trying to compare the differences from earlier years.
View attachment 1022753

Besides some minor differences in rigging, I can't see any difference between that hull and my 98.

 

[Badchoices03]

I am looking at two boats right now, just was curious on the different hulls both are about the same price

1. 1995 - Open bow, completely re-done by Lavey in 2019, new floor, interior, color corrected, refreshed 454mag with 55 hours on it.
2. 2003 - Closed bow, well taken care of, but all original. 496mag with +/-350 hours,

Both have nice well maintained Extreme trailers.

 

[FreeBird236]

I know some of the Nu Era 24's had inserts put in the mold, so that some are V in the back and some have a Delta pad, but those mods are very obvious, not sure if they ever did that on the 21.

 

[highvoltagehands]

Besides some minor differences in rigging, I can't see any difference between that hull and my 98.

The 21XTski was built rock solid. Can’t say the Eastern side of Tahoe was much fun on a bad day, but it did perform better than most 24-25 ft boats in that environment. Never had anything come loose or break either.

 

[highvoltagehands]

I know some of the Nu Era 24's had inserts put in the mold, so that some are V in the back and some have a Delta pad, but those mods are very obvious, not sure if they ever did that on the 21.

Is this a “Delta Pad?”

 

[FreeBird236]

Is this a “Delta Pad?”
View attachment 1022798 View attachment 1022799

Yes, that's my understanding.

 

[dspracing]

The 21XTski was built rock solid. Can’t say the Eastern side of Tahoe was much fun on a bad day, but it did perform better than most 24-25 ft boats in that environment. Never had anything come loose or break either.

Every aspect of this boat is incredible. Handles the chop extremely well. The storage and build-out of the interior cannot be beaten. I'll be sad to see mine go.

 

[highvoltagehands]

I’ve heard of people putting tabs on their 21 XTS/XTC‘s. Curious if Delta Pad was reason Jeff Camire told me my 21XTski doesn’t need tabs?

 

[Mandelon]

Solid boat for sure. Once it is up on the pad it rides pretty light. I'd get up to the low 70's on GPS on mine. 496 HO on the 26P prop. The rear step isn't included in the measurements, so to rear of the step was 23' 3"

 

[LazyLavey]

I’ve heard of people putting tabs on their 21 XTS/XTC‘s. Curious if Delta Pad was reason Jeff Camire told me my 21XTski doesn’t need tabs?

HIGHLY RECOMMEND TABS!!!!!......... both the XCS and the XTSki .... First hand experience

especially when weight distribution is uneven and/or tanks are very low. sorry Jeff, love ya bro

Coupe of tips......The XCS is definitely faster due to it rides drier.... The steps really work well on the XCS due to the cockpit is further aft compared to the XTSki.

The XTSki cockpit is bigger and extends further forward thus more weight forward in the bow.... Doesn't free up nearly as well as the XCS.

obvious trade-offs b/t the 2.... XTSki. = More room, not as fast and less efficient

 

[lavey jr]

I know some of the Nu Era 24's had inserts put in the mold, so that some are V in the back and some have a Delta pad, but those mods are very obvious, not sure if they ever did that on the 21.

As far as I know… This is not true at all. I have never seen a 24 NuEra with a pad bottom and I’m almost 100% sure there isn’t one in existence. The 21 is the only Lavey model with a pad bottom.

 

[lavey jr]

I am looking at two boats right now, just was curious on the different hulls both are about the same price

1. 1995 - Open bow, completely re-done by Lavey in 2019, new floor, interior, color corrected, refreshed 454mag with 55 hours on it.
2. 2003 - Closed bow, well taken care of, but all original. 496mag with +/-350 hours,

Both have nice well maintained Extreme trailers.

1. this boat is a “straight bottom” and does not have steps. It’s the original Lavey 21 design before the step bottom. Runs excellent for a straight bottom! The last time I saw this boat in 2019 it was in near new condition because of the restoration Chris at Lavey did on it. They pretty much went through every single thing and replaced everything that was needed.

2. this is a twin step bottom boat. It is also overall taller than the other boat giving a deeper cockpit. 350 hours on a well taken care of 496 should be no issue. Is that hour reading via an hour gauge or an actual computer scan? Problem with the hour gauge is it’s not always accurate, it runs off the key being on so if you accidentally left the key on the hour meter is clicking. With a computer scan you’ll be able to see exact hours and a full break down of each time spent at which RPM so for example it might be 100 hours of idle speed, 200 hours of mid cruise speed and 50 hours of higher RPM.

 

[Badchoices03]

1. this boat is a “straight bottom” and does not have steps. It’s the original Lavey 21 design before the step bottom. Runs excellent for a straight bottom! The last time I saw this boat in 2019 it was in near new condition because of the restoration Chris at Lavey did on it. They pretty much went through every single thing and replaced everything that was needed.

2. this is a twin step bottom boat. It is also overall taller than the other boat giving a deeper cockpit. 350 hours on a well taken care of 496 should be no issue. Is that hour reading via an hour gauge or an actual computer scan? Problem with the hour gauge is it’s not always accurate, it runs off the key being on so if you accidentally left the key on the hour meter is clicking. With a computer scan you’ll be able to see exact hours and a full break down of each time spent at which RPM so for example it might be 100 hours of idle speed, 200 hours of mid cruise speed and 50 hours of higher RPM.

Thanks, what year did the hull change? I am looking for a boat that is 21’ max (at least on paper, for registration purposes on my lake) but handles chop fairly well, because the wife wants to be comfortable. I don’t necessarily care about top speed, more about handling chop. I keep coming back to this model Lavey, does the stepped hull handle considerably better then the straight bottom?

By the way, the '95 I am looking at has Eddie Marine hydraulic trim tabs on it, so that should help right?


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[FreeBird236]

As far as I know… This is not true at all. I have never seen a 24 NuEra with a pad bottom and I’m almost 100% sure there isn’t one in existence. The 21 is the only Lavey model with a pad bottom.

It's been a while, but I was looking at them around 2007, I thought Chris had said they had made them both ways, sorry if that's bad info, I'm sure you know more than I.

 

[77charger]

Solid boat for sure. Once it is up on the pad it rides pretty light. I'd get up to the low 70's on GPS on mine. 496 HO on the 26P prop. The rear step isn't included in the measurements, so to rear of the step was 23' 3"

Catalina in about 20 minutes too.

 

[lavey jr]

Thanks, what year did the hull change? I am looking for a boat that is 21’ max (at least on paper, for registration purposes on my lake) but handles chop fairly well, because the wife wants to be comfortable. I don’t necessarily care about top speed, more about handling chop. I keep coming back to this model Lavey, does the stepped hull handle considerably better then the straight bottom?

By the way, the '95 I am looking at has Eddie Marine hydraulic trim tabs on it, so that should help right?


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Im not sure when the hull changed but I can find out if you really want to know.
Between the two, the stepped bottom will handle the chop better. It’s a mix between the bottom design and it also being a taller boat.
Trim tabs on that boat will help a bit in the chop mainly due to the added stability it gives you and you’ll also be able to level out the boat depending which way the chop is coming from like if it’s a side chop causing the boat to push/lean to one side. And of course tabs will help to level the boat when the load isn’t even side to side and also add stability at high speed.

 

[Badchoices03]

So this is the boat I may end up with, supposed to go look at it on Saturday.

Based on the info above, I went to Lavey Craft's Facebook as was able to pull this info, this was all done mid-2019:

Entire boat completely restored by Lavey Craft - has 0 (zero) hours since restoration
- Walk-through open bow
- 7.4 liter Mercruiser
- Imco 2” shorty lower on a Bravo One drive
- Emi Thunder exhaust
- Edlebrock intake manifold
- Rebuilt Demon carburetor
- MSD ignition
- Dual 25 gal fuel tanks on electric switch
- New electric hatch ram
- Eddie Marine (EMI) trim tabs
- New dual batteries with switch
- Boat was stripped down, color sanded and buffed - any gel coat flaws where repaired
- New rubber molding
- New interior throughout, including new 40 oz carpet
- Stereo was updated
- New stainless Bimini
- A lot of new hardware installed throughout
- New trailer tires, bearings and bunks
- Full service on engine and drive

Guy that bought from Lavey says he's only put about 55 hours on it since he got it, and was stored inside the whole time, so he said its basically in the same condition it left Lavey. Looks like the only thing he did to it was add a huge stereo system he says it now has 5 kicker amps 12 kicker speakers 2 kicker l7 12” subwoofers with 5 batteries on switches. I am not sure about all the stereo, seems like a lot of extra weight and maintenance with 5 batteries, but we will see on Saturday.

 

[RCDave]

Be careful getting in and out of the boat at the transom. When wet, that euro step is slippery! I'd be looking for some gator step or equiv. to improve the traction back there.

These are great boats and built top notch. I almost purchased a 21XCS back in 2013. I test drove one in very rough conditions and the ride and handling are excellent

 

[LazyLavey]

I like it!!

 

[CLdrinker]

Here’s the best picture I have of the stepped hull on a 2005 XTski If you’re trying to compare the differences from earlier years.
View attachment 1022753

That’s a very good looking boat.

 

[highvoltagehands]

Be careful getting in and out of the boat at the transom. When wet, that euro step is slippery! I'd be looking for some gator step or equiv. to improve the traction back there.

These are great boats and built top notch. I almost purchased a 21XCS back in 2013. I test drove one in very rough conditions and the ride and handling are excellent

Thats a great point Dave. Reading that i just remembered how slippery that rear step was on my 05 XTS and quite a few people slipping off. It definitely needs something safer and cool like Gatorstep. My 07 2750 was the exact opposite as the rear step felt like a cheese grater. Good for pedi i guess. Lol

 

[Riley1]

Thats a great point Dave. Reading that i just remembered how slippery that rear step was on my 05 XTS and quite a few people slipping off. It definitely needs something safer and cool like Gatorstep. My 07 2750 was the exact opposite as the rear step felt like a cheese grater. Good for pedi i guess. Lol

Adding the gatorstep to our 24 NuEra is the best thing we’ve done to the boat.

 

[dspracing]

I was talking with my mom mentioning that we would be selling out XTski and getting something a little bigger. She immediately responds, is the new boat going to have a swim step that is less slippery?!?

 

[Gelcoater]

Thanks, what year did the hull change? I am looking for a boat that is 21’ max (at least on paper, for registration purposes on my lake)

Then be careful here.
I think someone already mentioned the boat is longer than 21’
“If” they were to take a tape measure to it are they measuring the transom to nose? Or what size box would it fit in? Is over 22’ including the swimstep.

 

[Mandelon]

The swim step is not included in the length.

 

[gqchris]

Every aspect of this boat is incredible. Handles the chop extremely well. The storage and build-out of the interior cannot be beaten. I'll be sad to see mine go.

And they sure are big for a 21'! Lots of boat for that length. Always one of my favorites!

 

[Badchoices03]

I was kinda sold on the 95, based on the recent refresh, I like the more classic colors because I am not into the bright stuff, the wife loves that the interior is completely white. It has a lot of the plus's that we were looking for, I just dont know if I am sold on the hull, one the biggest points of getting a 21 Lavey was getting a big boat for the size, but the more I look at this hull, it doesnt look much deeper or bigger then your normal 21ft boat, unlike the stepped bottom version that seems to look a lot bigger. The seller brought it home from Havasu yesterday and got it all detailed up for me to look at today, I guess we will see what it looks like in person.

 

[RodnJen]

I don't think you will be disappointed. A lot of variables go into how a boat rides and Lavey understands those variables very well. IMHO

 

[zbudman]

Made a huge difference

 

[Mandelon]

 

[lavey jr]

To anyone interested, send an email to customer.service@laveycraft.com they have a handful of swim step Seadek kits in stock for Lavey models! They will also order you custom colors/logos/designs.

As for the boat in question… That is a lot of stereo, batteries, wiring to add after it left Lavey. I have seen A LOT of horrible stereo jobs with extremely unsafe wiring and ugly looking wiring that have all been done by “reputable stereo shops”

If it were me buying that boat I would make it mandatory that he show me the wiring for the stereo because if it’s shitty you’ll be stuck with fixing it. This in turn can become a bargaining token for you on the purchase price.
With that being said if you purchase that boat and the stereo job is shitty and you don’t want/know how to fix it yourself I’ll be glad to help you out!

 

[BIGRED9158]

Just saw the boat listed on offer up looks clean

 

[Badchoices03]

To anyone interested, send an email to customer.service@laveycraft.com they have a handful of swim step Seadek kits in stock for Lavey models! They will also order you custom colors/logos/designs.

As for the boat in question… That is a lot of stereo, batteries, wiring to add after it left Lavey. I have seen A LOT of horrible stereo jobs with extremely unsafe wiring and ugly looking wiring that have all been done by “reputable stereo shops”

If it were me buying that boat I would make it mandatory that he show me the wiring for the stereo because if it’s shitty you’ll be stuck with fixing it. This in turn can become a bargaining token for you on the purchase price.
With that being said if you purchase that boat and the stereo job is shitty and you don’t want/know how to fix it yourself I’ll be glad to help you out!

Went and checked it out today, stereo install looked pretty solid, quality components, completely wire loomed, shrunk wrapped connections, and sounded great. The guy actually seemed pretty anal about everything, it was spotless inside and out. We are going out on a lake test tomorrow, if all goes well, I may be the new owner by the weekend.

 

[Riverryder]

looking for a 21 ft boat that handles chop is like having champagne taste with a beer budget. you have a galaxie correct? i bought my brother one its a nice boat sits real high out of the water and is pretty fast. i had a 202 skier before my current boat 230 eagle. the galaxie handles chop better then the 202 skier. i think the lavey will handle chop better a hell of alot better then your current boat. it will still get beat up but not as bad. my 230 gets beat up if i dont cross wakes at an angle, i also have to chop the throttle a little.

 

[Badchoices03]

looking for a 21 ft boat that handles chop is like having champagne taste with a beer budget. you have a galaxie correct? i bought my brother one its a nice boat sits real high out of the water and is pretty fast. i had a 202 skier before my current boat 230 eagle. the galaxie handles chop better then the 202 skier. i think the lavey will handle chop better a hell of alot better then your current boat. it will still get beat up but not as bad. my 230 gets beat up if i dont cross wakes at an angle, i also have to chop the throttle a little.

Yeah, I know a 21’ boat is a 21’ boat at the end of the day and will still have issues in heavy chop, but because of my lake limitations I’m stuck with that size.


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[RiverDave]

Went and checked it out today, stereo install looked pretty solid, quality components, completely wire loomed, shrunk wrapped connections, and sounded great. The guy actually seemed pretty anal about everything, it was spotless inside and out. We are going out on a lake test tomorrow, if all goes well, I may be the new owner by the weekend.
View attachment 1024653

Take all those batteries out and replace with two full rivers.. you will be much happier without all that weight in the back of the boat.

 

[RiverDave]

looking for a 21 ft boat that handles chop is like having champagne taste with a beer budget. you have a galaxie correct? i bought my brother one its a nice boat sits real high out of the water and is pretty fast. i had a 202 skier before my current boat 230 eagle. the galaxie handles chop better then the 202 skier. i think the lavey will handle chop better a hell of alot better then your current boat. it will still get beat up but not as bad. my 230 gets beat up if i dont cross wakes at an angle, i also have to chop the throttle a little.

A 21 Lavey rides exponentially better than a 230 eagle in rough water.

 

[Mandelon]

And way better than a Carrera 202. As a former owner of both models, there is no doubt.

 

[Riverryder]

A 21 Lavey rides exponentially better than a 230 eagle in rough water.

was using the bigger boat as an example.
if that’s true then he’s gettin what he wants.Riding better in sloop.

 

[Badchoices03]

Test drove the boat today in Elsinore, typical Elsinore afternoon chop, boat handled great, motor has a lot of power and seems to like to cruise at around 55mph only partially trimmed and plenty of stick left. Messing with the trim tabs really helped stabilize the ride, but was kind of hard to adjust with the switches behind the steering wheel. It’s been a while since I drove a boat with tabs and I forgot which direction and side does what, so that was interesting.

Also, fuel gauge doesn’t work, which is a problem for me, I’m a fuel nazi and always want to know where I’m at. Boat has duel tanks but only one gauge, guy said it never worked for him and he just winged it. Not sure if this is a simple fix or ??


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[dspracing]

Test drove the boat today in Elsinore, typical Elsinore afternoon chop, boat handled great, motor has a lot of power and seems to like to cruise at around 55mph only partially trimmed and plenty of stick left. Messing with the trim tabs really helped stabilize the ride, but was kind of hard to adjust with the switches behind the steering wheel. It’s been a while since I drove a boat with tabs and I forgot which direction and side does what, so that was interesting.

Also, fuel gauge doesn’t work, which is a problem for me, I’m a fuel nazi and always want to know where I’m at. Boat has duel tanks but only one gauge, guy said it never worked for him and he just winged it. Not sure if this is a simple fix or ??


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On my XT ski the fuel gauge stopped working shortly after I bought it. Turned out to be the gauge itself had gone bad. Are the gauges original? At the time I had called lavey for some trouble shooting help. Is the gauge pegged?

There isn’t much to the fuel gauge, you’ve got the gauge, senders and a good ground. I can’t recall off hand but the switching of the gauge from left to right tank occurs either at the switch or the electric valve in the back.

My boat has dual 25 gallon tanks and with the fuel economy these things get it was never an issue and I’m a guy that likes to boat a lot and long distances. Always start full and if one tank runs out it’s time to head back.

 

[Badchoices03]

On my XT ski the fuel gauge stopped working shortly after I bought it. Turned out to be the gauge itself had gone bad. Are the gauges original? At the time I had called lavey for some trouble shooting help. Is the gauge pegged?

There isn’t much to the fuel gauge, you’ve got the gauge, senders and a good ground. I can’t recall off hand but the switching of the gauge from left to right tank occurs either at the switch or the electric valve in the back.

My boat has dual 25 gallon tanks and with the fuel economy these things get it was never an issue and I’m a guy that likes to boat a lot and long distances. Always start full and if one tank runs out it’s time to head back.

It’s pegged all the way empty, guy says he can run from the channel to pirates and pretty much back to the channel on one tank, that’s how he judges it. I’m just one of those people that if my gauge reads half, it’s empty to me, so not knowing will drive me nuts.


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[Badchoices03]

The saga continues, decided to move forward with the boat, agree to meet the seller at AAA to transfer title and everything to my name, and the boat paperwork is so fucked up it’s ridiculous. CF Numbers on pink slip and registration are different, boat actually has an AZ number not CF on it (which I knew, the guy never put the new CF number on the boat when he registered it from AZ to CA) but the biggest kicker is the “vessel” pink slip that is supposedly for the boat lists the manufacturer as Extreme which is actually the trailer manufacturer and the hull number listed is the serial number from the trailer as well. Somehow the paperwork from the trailer got mixed up with the boat paperwork and it’s all fkd up. [emoji2371]


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[Badchoices03]

After all the headache and going to AAA once and DMV twice, was finally able to get the paperwork straightened out and got to drag her home today [emoji16]

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[Badchoices03]

Take all those batteries out and replace with two full rivers.. you will be much happier without all that weight in the back of the boat.

Ok, so I have had this boat a few weeks now, have had it out a few times, both here locally on our lake and out in Havasu. I have been lacking in confidence during higher speeds or quick acceleration, it seems to me that the back end "breaks loose", almost like a loose feeling in the rear possible chine walk, but not sure, it just feels like any slight movement of the steering wheel and the boat wants to quickly change direction.

It got me thinking about this comment from @RiverDave and the battery weight in the back, could this be the issue?

Also, trimming the drive up creates a lot of porpoise, which I can fix with the trim tabs, but that seems like defeating the purpose to get the boat up with the drive then burying it with the tabs???

I dont know, maybe its just been too long since I driven a "performance" boat, last boat was the Galaxie, before that a pontoon, before that was a Calabria ski boat. Am I just being a pu$$y?

 

[dspracing]

Sounds like your experience is quite the opposite of what I remember. Are you typically trimmed all the way down? Could this be creating a bow steer situation? As soon as i got on plane I would trim up to the first line on the trim gauge.