1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

[rock doc]

I would like to buy a boat for our young family of four for tubing and skiing. We would routinely have another family with us on the water. A cuddy would be nice to get the kids out of the weather (we have had some bad trips where it started raining). We live on an amazing deep water river that is a cruising paradise, but 3' chop is common in the main channel.

I was contacted by the owner 1990 larson 21' All American. He is looking to trade even for my Yamaha Apex snowmobile. It seems like a fair trade. He has replaced the 4.3l merc and rebuilt the Alpha 1 I/O. He has done a lot of work on this boat and seems very honest. There are less than 10hrs on the new carbed motor.

I really like the boat, but unfortunately it is still too cold to do a wet test with a skier. My concern is that it won't be an acceptable boat for skiing. Does anyone know if this boat will pull a slalom skier? Will the wake be decent? I am an intermediate skier . Seem there is conflicting opinions out there concerning the power requirements for skiing. I've skied behind an 18' bowrider with this motor and I thought it had power to spare.

We are very serious about this boat so any advice would be greatly apprecated.

 

[skibrain]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

I have no knowledge of that boat. If you have any concern about skiing performance however - especially when filled with two families worth of passengers, I would say a water/ski test is really important before purchase. Simulate the weight of typical passenger load, put on the ski and have at it.

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

I've got a 1989 20' bow rider which weighs about 2650 dry and I've got the 4.3 mercruiser with alpha 1. The cuddy cabin version of my boat (according to factory website) is only 10 lbs more.
Its all dependent on the prop (mine is a 19p) but I have PLENTY of power when my wife is pulling me up on slalom and I weight 215 lbs. Although I haven't slalomed with more than 2-3 people in the boat, I've also popped right up on a wakeboard with 3-4 adults on board. In fact my boat pulls out of the hole better than my dad's 2001 19' stingray with the same engine all because of the prop pitch -although, he can go 55 mph while my top speed is limited to around 40 mph. IMO, who needs to go over 40 mph anyway? I'd rather get a better hole shot and go slower......I don't ski at 40 mph!

I'd say go to Larson's website and find out the boat's weight and go from there. If you are anywhere close to 2600 -2900 lbs I'd say you are good to go with a few adults and kids on board as long as you have the right prop!

 

[rock doc]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

Thanks Augoose!!

The Larson is comparible in weight. Unfortunately I can't find any detialled info on this boat other than the weight and length. I agree-40mph is fast enough for me too. I want to cruise at 20mph, be able to enjoy water sports and not die of a heart attack at the fuel pumps.

 

[rock doc]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

Thanks skibrain...somehow I initially missed your post. Feedback is much appreciated.
I think based on Augoose's input we should be fine. The boat needs a new prop anyway so I can go with a lower pitch.

 

[Augoose]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

I think my dad's is a 21- he lives in Maine (not too far from you Rock Doc) and I think the water is still a touch too cold for him to dive in and check the pitch! Ice out was just at the beginning of the month!
Enjoy the boat!

 

[rock doc]

Re: 1990 larson 21' All American with cuddy (opinion please!!)

Just wanted to report back that this boat pulls a water skier ok. I am happy with the power. Top end speed without a water skier is around 40mph. Thanks to everyone for their input - you were bang on.