Baller DanE Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 @ejj Ha, I see now that I was a bit vague. I meant the steering wheel in the center wich would be an excellent idea for a slalom tug. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersonicus Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 How do see you where you are going driving that tug? A little bit of bow rise eh... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rodltg2 Posted September 27, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 Wow looks like a huge wave coming off that little boat ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted September 27, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted September 27, 2015 It's almost like it digs a hole more then throws a wake up. @supersonicis show me a current wake boat that is a pain to see over the bow. It is strange that no one has really been able to design a wake boat that doesn't to the nose high thing. I think it would be a selling point in safety. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ejj Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 The surf boats rely on stern to bow angle to get a wave with the right push. Adding weight in the th boat makes the wave bigger, but you need to maintain the proper angle--that's why you add to both the front and the back. Thus nearly any boat that is surfing is going to have a high bow attitude. The Volvo forward drive is an interesting idea, but it negates some of the stern drive advantages like getting the prop way up away from super shallow shoals. It will need a special trailer like an inboard. But the steering and holeshot on those duoprop or bravo 3 boats is AWESOME. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 I like the creativity and utility. Looks like the driver has a decent sight line. Can't wait to see the ski tractor - center driver seat would be cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted September 27, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted September 27, 2015 @skibrain that would take some getting used to from the drivers seat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 Absolutely would be odd for a slalom tug. This may be part tug and part fun boat? I don't know never tried running a center console through a course. Might be pretty good. Looking forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 @wish weighted properly the bow is not very high in a loaded wake boat. Problem is that people add all sorts of rear ballast on top of the factory tanks and don't add bow ballast to compensate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ALPJr Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 It would have to be super boss to beat out the Gekko GTS 20 in my book. http://www.gekkosports.com/#!gts-20/c9z6 :o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted September 27, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 27, 2015 I'll be curious to hear who the target market is. Currently it seems like there isn't much demand for the cheap non usaw boat - gekko. And outside of that people are either in the new big 4 boat every few years or the my ancient nautique is the best thing ever built crowd. Doesn't seem like there is enough ski boat market for a "ski tractor" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wayne Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 I actually see a good safety point to the center seated drive on a surf specific boat. Visibility is actually improved as you have the same amount of hull between you and the water when looking from the drivers seat. Also in the pictures of the Wake Tractor on the water I think the bow is below the line of sight for the driver so the nose high attitide isn't as big of a deal as it looks. Regarding marketability of a ski tractor, I think a big decline in the sport is due to the price of entry. ZO boats are only a few years old and I don't see many much below $30k used. Don't even get me started on the price of these wake generating behemoths, even the 20 footers are freaking expensive. I applaud Bryant for trying something different to grow water sports in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Waternut Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 I'm sure you could put the driver at the bow in a wakeboard/wakesurf boat so they can always see over but I see two major flaws with this.... First and foremost, if you're in the bow of a wakeboard boat, how are you supposed to look at the hot girls in the bow? Second, the bow is about the most uncomfortable place to ride in a boat. Design plus...putting the driver in the front might help joe noob realize that a powerturn where you circle back on your own wake is massively uncomfortable and swamps you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 I am not sure a center drive is a great idea for a slalom tug. If you have a driver and an observer in the boat the boat is going to be unbalanced if the driver is in the middle and the observer is on one side. If the observer is in the nose it is harder to watch the skier through the driver not to mention it leaves the driver to change the rope between passes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 That's a good point. In MN we don't have to have an observer. In states that require it, a center drive boat wouldn't work because where do you plant the observer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 I guess you could design the boat so that it worked best with 200lbs on each side of the driver and use ballast tanks to accomplish that if you had no spotter, or 1 spotter or 2 spotters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Driver in center pushed right up into the nose with observer behind him. With a seat on either side of observer. If you have 1,2,3 or 4 people you can always balance the load. With the extra bow weight this creates you may be able to get away with a (gasp) v-drive configuration as the added bow weight would balance the boat more front to back for tracking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller unksskis Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 It needs a mirror, and a place to put one. Good concept, but missing basic simple stuff, like a mirror. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Imagination my friend...giant video screen in front of driver as camera with be following skier on this new model. Already happening with wake boats. This new boat will not have the windshield in the same location as current boats. It will start at the nose and wrap around the sides with a bow wave deflection ridge in place to keep occupants and the interior dry. Can always find a place to locate a mirror if needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted September 28, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted September 28, 2015 Could be seeing it wrong but it looks like the driver will be getting a good ab workout. At angle under way for wake surfing the drives seat back is tipped way back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Obermeier Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 This is a price point boat, correct? Giant video screen is out, adds too much to the cost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Got carried away. Just stick with mirror then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WakeTractor Posted September 28, 2015 Share Posted September 28, 2015 Thanks for all the comments. The primary intended markets for the boat are the 25-35 year old millennials, and anybody else who doesn't want to spend a lot on a wake boat. We figured out a way to make a 21' wake with a 18' boat, which explains the shape. The bottom designer is one of the original MC employees who started shaping hulls with Rob back in the late 60's and came to work here with me 3 years ago. The design is from Peter Granata who designed the X-series, and yes, people laughed at the pickle fork too back in the day. We use simple systems on this boat along with a great hull to build a boat that will retail for $40k plus freight and prep, on a trailer with speed control, tower, 1400lbs+ ballast, a Crusader 5.7 vdrive and music system. A few extra perks...you can tow it with smaller suvs, you can store it easier, you have 3 year new boat warranty and financing rates are lower than used boats. So far reviews from people who have actually seen and ridden the boat have been great. Every time I'm on the water or even pulling it down the road, it draws a crowd. It's a very social boat, rides dry and has clearly hit a nerve in the market place. We have received dealer interest in over 40 major US markets and a dozen countries since our launch just over 2 weeks ago. I hope you guys get a chance to ride one soon. The Ski Tractor will have a different look, different seating layout and a lower price point. We're guessing you're going to love the power, tracking and wake on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted September 28, 2015 Administrators Share Posted September 28, 2015 @WakeTractor can hardly wait to see the ski boat Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Broussard Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 @WakeTractor When do we get to see pictures of this "SkiTractor?" . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller AndersonSkiTeam Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 I hope this works. We are getting jacked in boat price from the ski boat manufacturers right now. Another option would be great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Two things struck a chord with me from the comments above. Fits easily into a garage for starters. I have a nice size, 3 car typical suburbia garage, and our 196 doesn't leave much room to spare. The second is easy to tow with a small SUV. I remember back when a buddy towed his '85 MC with a Subaru wagon. These days, one needs to spend a sum on an appropriate-sized tow vehicle, or at very least spend the bucks on the gas for one. I'm excited to see this boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 And agreed, pics! Or at least an artist render. Give us a teaser:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 @WakeTractor think about the trick wake also. I love the out of the box thinking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller unksskis Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Technology is cool, but I'd still prefer to have a mirror. Rule number one, the customer is always right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ed_Obermeier Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 Dudes. I'm pretty sure that if it's made to tow slalom skiers it's gonna have a mirror on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller unksskis Posted September 28, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 28, 2015 that wake tractor needs one too. Otherwise the driver will be turned around looking at the rider and wake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted September 29, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted September 29, 2015 How about a rear view screen. If a dog can drive it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Dacon62 Posted September 29, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 29, 2015 So instead of the manufacturer installing a large, costly screen for instrumentation the manufacture gets the buyer to supply his own iPad/Tablet and just sells the buyer an inexpensive instrumention app? Genius! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted September 29, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 29, 2015 iPad? That thing says Sony ;) If they have provided a way to use an Android device then there are many inexpensive options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WakeTractor Posted September 30, 2015 Share Posted September 30, 2015 A mirror is standard. This initial prototype boat doesn't have it fitted yet. And, yes you can use your own pad or smart phone by downloading an app. This Sony unit is a factory option because it claims to be the most waterproof on the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bulldog Posted September 30, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 30, 2015 @WakeTractor we are very exited to see the ski tractor! "Do Better..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller unksskis Posted September 30, 2015 Baller Share Posted September 30, 2015 @WakeTractor thank you for the response and clarifying, looking forward to what comes as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted September 30, 2015 Administrators Share Posted September 30, 2015 Pretty darn cool to have one of the most influential people in the history of water ski tow boats posting in my little forum. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LLUSA Posted October 2, 2015 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2015 @WakeTractor , I've heard you've been on this, guess you be headed down the highway soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted February 25, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted February 25, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted February 25, 2016 Baller Share Posted February 25, 2016 @skibrain 19.something feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MattP Posted February 26, 2016 Baller Share Posted February 26, 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Skoot1123 Posted February 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted February 27, 2016 That is some brilliant marketing there for the WT-1! Hope it does well - could see lots of these on public lakes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Bill22 Posted February 27, 2016 Baller Share Posted February 27, 2016 yep agree with @Skoot1123 using the work to play theme was great. The best boat advertisement I have ever seen! I take back all negative comments I made when all we saw was a pic of it on the trailer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted February 27, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted February 27, 2016 That configuration of steating and center console helm and lack of windshield almost gives it and open pontoon boat feel as it appears in the vid vs still shots and no one in the boat. That helm is starting to make more sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted March 8, 2016 Baller Share Posted March 8, 2016 Agreed, best boat ad I've ever seen. They nailed the boater lifestyle of day to night usage, not simply single use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Wish Posted May 12, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted May 12, 2016 Well, as suggested by @WakeTractor in an earlier post..."more to come re SkiTractor in the spring". Well here we are. Any news? Teases to be had? Pics? Rumors?. Have to say that the WT-1 undercutting all other wake boats by $40K+ makes me think a new player at half the cost of current tugs Is possible..?? Hopefully the driver of a SkiTractor will do a bit better at looking forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted February 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted February 3, 2017 Looks like they came out with a bigger boat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Horton Posted February 4, 2017 Administrators Share Posted February 4, 2017 The old owner was a water skier. The company's new owner doesn't seem likely to produce a ski boat. I predict this idea is dead. Goode ★ HO Syndicate ★ KD Skis ★ MasterCraft ★ PerfSki Radar ★ Reflex ★ S Lines ★ Stokes ★ Baller Video Coaching System Drop a dime in the can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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