Lavey Craft 21 XTSki Step V: Performance Test
Lavey Craft 21 XTSki Step V could change what you think a ski boat should be.
April 13, 2003
Lavey Craft 21 XTSki had an array of skier- and boarder-friendly features. (Photo by Tom Newby)
You can go the purpose-built tow- boat route, and if you're serious about wakeboarding or water-skiing, that's probably your best move. But what if you're equal parts recreational skier/boarder and performance-boat lover? What if you're equally into custom-built river hot rods with dazzling gelcoat and impeccable workmanship? Then your next boat could be Lavey Craft's 21XTski.
Base price for the XTSki Step V with a MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI engine—the motor in our test boat—is $49,390. Several other options raised the as-tested price to $52,220.
Performance
The 20-degree hull of the XTSki Step V had two steps—a substantial number for a 21-footer—and four strakes. Outer strakes ran the length of the bottom, and the inner strakes stopped at the second step. The bottom also had a delta pad that started in the forward running surface and continued into the second, as well as slightly turned-down chines.
In addition to what could be MerCruiser's best-performing motor in a number of years, the propulsion package included a Bravo One drive with a 1.65:1 reduction and a Bravo One 15 1/4" x 22" four-blade propeller.
Top speed for the XTSki Step V was 63.4 mph at 5,300 rpm, a shade slower than the manufacturer's estimated 65-mph top end. Given that we tested on a 106-degree afternoon and that the boat seemed a tad under-propped, we're relatively sure it could hit 65 mph with a bigger wheel and the same power.
Time to plane was a crisp 3.5 seconds, and the boat used that momentum to reach 57 mph in 15 seconds. The hull-and-engine combo worked well in midrange acceleration drills, because the bow rider went from 20 to 40 mph in 4.5 seconds and from 30 to 50 mph in 6.3 seconds.
You don't have to be an expert to drive the XTSki Step V. However, the boat takes some getting used to before you can make the most of its agility. As is the case with many stepped-bottom boats, trimming down the drive hard and then pitching the boat into a corner is a no-no—it creates bow-steering. But turn at speed with a little positive drive trim and the boat comes right around, leaning inward and tracking evenly all the way. Find the right spot in the XTSki Step V's drive trim, and the handling gets sweet.
Workmanship
Lavey Craft consistently distinguishes itself as one of the top West Coast custom builders, not an easy thing to do given the excellence of the competition. The phenomenal gelcoat, graphics and mold work of the XTSki Step V demonstrated that the company hasn't lost a step. Handled with equal skill and precision was the boat's aluminum rubrail with a rubber insert.
The XTSki Step V was entirely handlaid. In the lay-up materials mix was 3-ounce mat, 1708 fiberglass, 4 mil Coremat, 1808 fiberglass, D155 and 40-ounce quad-directional fiberglass. The manufacturer also used Baltek balsa coring in select areas for added strength.
All of the boat's stainless-steel hardware was accented with red bezels for a custom look. Among the more notable items were handrails, two Accon Pop-Up(r) cleats on the stern (no cleats were supplied forward), a pylon that came through a passage in the engine hatch and Bimini-top hardware. A white powder-painted nav light was at the boat's nose. A pull-down ladder was on its swim platform.
An electric screw raised the engine hatch, which featured a gas strut for added stability when open. Inside the engine compartment, a combination of MerCruiser mounts and L-angles through-bolted to the stringers held the engine in place. All wire looms were protected in conduit and supported by a mix of aluminum and stainless-steel cushion clamps.
Interior
Although the seating layout—twin open-bow lounges, a pair of bucket seats and a rear bench—appeared to be standard custom bow rider fare, the stowage setup clearly was designed with skiing and boarding in mind. In addition to an in-sole locker, the XTSki Step V came with the "Wakeboard Storage" option, a trunk created by moving the rear bench forward. (Plus, the port-side bucket is reversible—it could be rotated 180-degrees and set back in place for observing skiers or boarders).
Carpet covered the boat's sole, which incorporated a dedicated cooler. We found other small stowage lockers under the bottom cushions for most seats.
At the boat's command center to starboard, there was a full complement of white-face Beede gauges in red bezels, a non-tilting steering wheel and a Kiekhaefer Zero Effort throttle and shifter with trim on the throttle handle.
Skiing
Our ski and wakeboard test drivers were delighted with the performance of the XTSki Step V, particularly its punch out of the hole with or without someone behind the boat. As for slalom wakes, our skier gave it above average marks—better than those of most runabouts. Our boarder gave the wakes strong grades, noting that they had "surprising pop" and a good angle of slope. A tall pylon, he suggested, would make things better still. And everyone on board praised the boat's ride in heavy river chop—a pleasant departure from the tournament boats they're accustomed to.
Overall
Call it a recreational tow boat with a custom-boat attitude. Call it a custom boat with a tow-boat attitude. By any description, the XTSki Step V provides a blend of both worlds.
Hull Information and Propulsion Information
| Deadrise at transom | 20 degrees |
| Centerline | 22'8" |
| Beam | 7'10" |
| Hull weight | 3,200 pounds |
| Engine | MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI |
| Cylinder type | V-8 |
| Cubic-inch displacement/horsepower | 377/320 |
| Lower-unit gear ratio | 1.65:1 |
| Propeller | Mercury Bravo One 15 1/4" x 22" |
Pricing
| Base retail | $49,390 |
| Price as tested | $52,220 |
Standard Equipment
MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI engine, custom gelcoat colors and graphics, color-coordinated interior, bucket seats with fiberglass pedestals, full instrumentation, foam-insulated ice chest, powder-coated trim package, sport steering wheel, AM/FM CD stereo with four speakers, molded integrated windscreen, molded integrated swim steps, flush gas fills, stainless pop-up cleats, ski-tow, ski racks, grab handles, power port, power engine-hatch lift, through-transom exhaust, marine carpet and tandem-axle trailer with brakes.
Options on Test Boat
Upgrade to ski pylon through hatch ($750), Zero Effort offshore shifter in seat ($720), reversible passenger seat ($370), wakeboard stowage ($330), retractable ladder ($330) and dual batteries with switch ($330).
Test Results
Acceleration
| 3 seconds | 20 mph |
| 5 seconds | 39 mph |
| 10 seconds | 49 mph |
| 15 seconds | 57 mph |
Midrange Acceleration
| 20-40 mph | 4.5 seconds |
| 30-50 mph | 6.3 seconds |
| 30-60 mph | 13.2 seconds |
Rpm vs. Mph
| 1000 | 6 mph |
| 1500 | 8 mph |
| 2000 | 10 mph |
| 2500 | 25 mph |
| 3000 | 33 mph |
| 3500 | 38 mph |
| 4000 | 44 mph |
| 4500 | 52 mph |
| 5000 | 59 mph |
Top Speed
| Radar | 63.4 mph at 5300 rpm |
| Nordskog Performance Products GPS | 63.3 mph at 5300 rpm |
Planing
| Time to plane | 3.5 seconds |
| Minimum planing speed | 21 mph |
Fuel Economy
| At 25 mph | 3.4 mpg |
| At 35 mph | 3.8 mpg |
| At 45 mph | 2.9 mpg |
| At 55 mph | 2.9 mpg |
| At WOT | 2.5 mpg |
| Fuel capacity | 50 gallons |
For More Information
Lavey Craft Performance Boats
Dept. PB
210 Benjamin Drive
Corona, CA 92879-6508
(909) 273-9690
www.laveycraft.com.
