Administrators Horton Posted June 22, 2016 Administrators Share Posted June 22, 2016 MasterCraft Revolutionizes Boat Docking with Towsports Industry-First Dockstar Handling System https://vimeo.com/171601888 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...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 About time!! Good job, MC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 About time!! Good job, MC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 I wonder how that would affect tracking in the slalom course. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ MISkier Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 I wonder how that would affect tracking in the slalom course. The worst slalom equipment I own is between my ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 That looks clever....I wonder how much it costs and if it will be on the Prostar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 That looks clever....I wonder how much it costs and if it will be on the Prostar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 More silly overcomplicated stuff to break on already overpriced boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 More silly overcomplicated stuff to break on already overpriced boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 I totally disagree. This is a rare worthwhile new feature. The fact that ski boats are so awkward in tight spaces is a real barrier to entry. Of particular note, a non-skiing spouse can be really discouraged by feeling like a dufus near the dock. If you grow up with a ski boat from Day One, I guess you get used to it. I came from outboards that I'd driven from age 7 (shhh) to 21, and my first time driving a ski boat was basically "What the #%^& is wrong with this boat??" I suspect it might be even worse for someone with no prior boating experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 I totally disagree. This is a rare worthwhile new feature. The fact that ski boats are so awkward in tight spaces is a real barrier to entry. Of particular note, a non-skiing spouse can be really discouraged by feeling like a dufus near the dock. If you grow up with a ski boat from Day One, I guess you get used to it. I came from outboards that I'd driven from age 7 (shhh) to 21, and my first time driving a ski boat was basically "What the #%^& is wrong with this boat??" I suspect it might be even worse for someone with no prior boating experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 As it is a clever solution that is mechanical...there isn't much to break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Jordan Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 As it is a clever solution that is mechanical...there isn't much to break. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 @Jordan - where are you seeing that it is mechanical? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 @Jordan - where are you seeing that it is mechanical? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 With all of the ski boats being excellent these days, this feature might just push me to a Mastercraft except they don't make one that can fit through the Cochituate Mouse Hole Tunnel. 91" beam please!!? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted June 22, 2016 Supporting Member Share Posted June 22, 2016 With all of the ski boats being excellent these days, this feature might just push me to a Mastercraft except they don't make one that can fit through the Cochituate Mouse Hole Tunnel. 91" beam please!!? :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Question for the believers - how much are you willing to pay for this feature? Lets assume it is mechanical and all you are talking about is 2 new rudder assemblies and a gear plate (I'm assuming they are not actually going to use a rod type linkage), figure $600-$800 in parts cost so maybe a 3K option cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Question for the believers - how much are you willing to pay for this feature? Lets assume it is mechanical and all you are talking about is 2 new rudder assemblies and a gear plate (I'm assuming they are not actually going to use a rod type linkage), figure $600-$800 in parts cost so maybe a 3K option cost? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 I just added "See Than's mouse hole" to my waterski bucket list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Mateo_Vargas Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 I just added "See Than's mouse hole" to my waterski bucket list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 @oldjeep : my answer= $0 when my objective is to lighten the transom as much as possible to get the best slalom wakes & I am fortunate enough to not have reverse/tight maneuvering space as a high priority item. Kudos though to MC for another innovation in the sport boat market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 @oldjeep : my answer= $0 when my objective is to lighten the transom as much as possible to get the best slalom wakes & I am fortunate enough to not have reverse/tight maneuvering space as a high priority item. Kudos though to MC for another innovation in the sport boat market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slow Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Definitely a useful feature in wakeboard boats on public waters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller slow Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Definitely a useful feature in wakeboard boats on public waters Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 google "how to dock like a boss" link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ DW Posted June 22, 2016 Baller_ Share Posted June 22, 2016 google "how to dock like a boss" link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303Skier Posted June 22, 2016 Share Posted June 22, 2016 Is this a ski site or wakeboard site? LOL Cool feature but don't see it being put on comp ski boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303Skier Posted June 22, 2016 Share Posted June 22, 2016 Is this a ski site or wakeboard site? LOL Cool feature but don't see it being put on comp ski boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Lars Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 It won't be on the prostar, at the bottom of the page is this disclaimer: *DockStar is available on NXT20, NXT22, X10, X20, X23 and XStar, only as part of the Sport Handling package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Lars Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 It won't be on the prostar, at the bottom of the page is this disclaimer: *DockStar is available on NXT20, NXT22, X10, X20, X23 and XStar, only as part of the Sport Handling package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Big deal for their big boats, which are their profit generators. Great idea for those boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Big deal for their big boats, which are their profit generators. Great idea for those boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BRY Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Interesting system. Kind of like a dual implementation of Centurion's CATS system back in the 90's. It was a single tracking fin tied to the steering and was on their ski boat. Current CATS seems to be different in that it is independent of the steering and I think not available on the current ski boat. Seems if the MC system could be put on the ProStar without adversely affecting the wakes it would improve tracking. Also possibly a very unique drive where your actually could move the boat sideways to stay on center going down the course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BRY Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Interesting system. Kind of like a dual implementation of Centurion's CATS system back in the 90's. It was a single tracking fin tied to the steering and was on their ski boat. Current CATS seems to be different in that it is independent of the steering and I think not available on the current ski boat. Seems if the MC system could be put on the ProStar without adversely affecting the wakes it would improve tracking. Also possibly a very unique drive where your actually could move the boat sideways to stay on center going down the course Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gcam4 Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Smaller ski boats are not that bad to dock and maneuver, but large surf boats are a pain. My nephew grew up with ski boats and he now has a huge surf boat and it took him a while to figure it out. I will say that mercury has had a system out for some time for outboards but I believe it incorporates a bow thruster. Watching our close friends who have a large offshore center console makes me envious on how easy it is for them to dock it. @Than_Bogan is on to something with the spouse comment though. It was quite windy yesterday and my wife gave up trying to dock the boat and turned the duties over to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gcam4 Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Smaller ski boats are not that bad to dock and maneuver, but large surf boats are a pain. My nephew grew up with ski boats and he now has a huge surf boat and it took him a while to figure it out. I will say that mercury has had a system out for some time for outboards but I believe it incorporates a bow thruster. Watching our close friends who have a large offshore center console makes me envious on how easy it is for them to dock it. @Than_Bogan is on to something with the spouse comment though. It was quite windy yesterday and my wife gave up trying to dock the boat and turned the duties over to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skier2788 Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Man I am glad I own a Nautique. A few months back Mastercraft showed off the new bow thruster and now this setup. I am not sure I could dock a mastercraft. JK. I am glad to see some innovative thinking out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller skier2788 Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Man I am glad I own a Nautique. A few months back Mastercraft showed off the new bow thruster and now this setup. I am not sure I could dock a mastercraft. JK. I am glad to see some innovative thinking out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fam-man Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 I've driven a fully loaded Mastercraft surf boat before, I don't think you could get enough rudders to make it handle going forwards or backwards. You just barge them beasts around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BrennanKMN Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 I am of the opinion that if you needs a bunch of aids to do something than you probably shouldn't be doing it. This to me is like when GM added quadrasteer to some trucks and when Ford made that trailer backup assist deal. Sure there is a learning curve, but with some practice it is not that hard. When I am in a new situation I always analyze it so I know where I can and cannot park and how I can get out. Same with when I tow a trailer, I always make sure I can get out of whatever I go in. Cool idea, but not for me. I'd rather learn how to drive my boat than strap on assists. disclaimer - I have never driven a v-drive longer than 20 feet - maybe they are much harder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted June 22, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 22, 2016 Seems like that would help tracking. Like an extra set of fins under it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Lars Posted June 23, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2016 @BrennanKMN as someone who drives a plow truck on occasion, I would have LOVED if quadrasteer caught on and had become mainstream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted June 23, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2016 @Lars - not if you had ever owned one of those maintenance nightmares. Not to mention having CV Joints at the rear axles wouldn't survive long in a plow truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller keithh2oskier Posted June 23, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2016 @BrennanKMN For the most part I agree. However having one of those monstrosities they call a wakeboard boat weighted down and the wind catching the sail they call a tower really can make for a PITA boating experience. Between this and the F150 backup dohicky I think its going to ruin the experience for many to enjoy a beer at the launch ramp watching people struggle to launch their boats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller gregy Posted June 23, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 23, 2016 My father was an avid sailor for years. His last sailboat had a bow thruster which was wonderful when docking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDNAH2OSKIER Posted June 24, 2016 Share Posted June 24, 2016 I can see if you have a 24-30ft whaling boat, I mean wakeboard boat but anything under 24 I have to agree with oldjeep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller webbdawg99 Posted June 24, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 24, 2016 I'm pretty sure that Rob Shirley proposed a triple rudder design to MasterCraft almost 20 years ago. Needless to say it was never produced. Shortly thereafter Rob started Infinity. The Infinity incorporated another outside the box design.....the inboard v-drive Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members OTF Posted June 24, 2016 Members Share Posted June 24, 2016 Keep bringing out more technology that makes it easier for the unskilled to play, the funny stuff at ramps and docks will only get better. Heck my weekend schedule is getting closer to going to ski in perfect conditions on private water then grab a lawn chair and some beers and get to the public landing about 11 to watch the show. Now all I need is @MS, @thager and a megaphone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jipster43 Posted June 24, 2016 Baller Share Posted June 24, 2016 I think it's great. We get lots of wind here in Mantucky and this would certainly reduce the stress around the boat launch or when being pushed into the beach when the skier is down. Maneuvering options are a good thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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