Baller seveet Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 I am currently looking for a slalom boat for recreational skiing and to reach my kids. I have a nautique 230 and love their fit finish and comfort. I have spent some time behind a friends 96 prostar. I typically ski at 34 mph 22 off on a Connelly Fx1. We probably won't be using this in a coarse. Unfortunately, my wife won't let me spend more than 7000 on another toy. I found an 84 Stars and Stripes that seems to be in good condition with a 440 Chrysler engine (1500 hrs).I wound hope to get this for around 4000. I am also looking at a 91 prostar with a 351 Windsor (780 hrs) that looks to be in excellent condition. This may push the budget. I would hope to get it around 7000. I would appreciate any input on the wakes, how they compare to what I know, the engines, the engine reliability, other things that I should look for. The nostalgia side of me would love the Stars and Stripes. I just don't want a giant headache. Thx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Ilivetoski Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 1500 hours is a lot. If its been kept up with, its not a huge deal, but if its had multiple different owners it may have found its way to one who didn't do much upkeep on it. Never skied either so I can't give you any input on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller LoopSki Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Go for the 91. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Go with the '91. No wood, great wake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 2, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Here are links to the boats. https://jxn.craigslist.org/boa/d/mastercraft-1984-stars/6322217351.html https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/d/1991-mastercraft/6251403027.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 The 91 would be my pick, I have a boat w/ that Hull and I've had a boat with the Windsor engine. That's a good boat - possibly a little slow so I'd skip it if you're a barefooter, but its a great all around hang out/cruise/ski boat. That said if you look for a Prostar 205 direct drive from the same vintage you'll get an open bow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Hands down the '91. Every aspect of that boat is superior to the '84, other than maybe nostalgia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller fu_man Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 91 is a great hull. Great wakes and a beautiful boat. I would probably go with that. But Good Lord that Stars and Stripes is a gorgeous boat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 2, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 I know and I really like blue boats. That is what makes this more challenging. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Rivvy Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Going with the consensus '91. That boat looks perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 @seveet you can go check them out - how old are the kids? The sidewalls are way deeper on the 91 than the stars and stripes - if the kids are quite young they will be more secure in the bigger boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted October 2, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Agree with @BraceMaker We have an '86 (same layout to that '83) that we bought out of nostalgia. Super cool boat, but really tiny! Not that the '91 is huge by any means, but there's way more space in comparison. Having also owned a '91 fairly recently, I have current and direct experience. BTW, the '83 rooster tail and spray are nasty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 2, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 2, 2017 Kids are 10 and 7. Unfortunately the boats are several hours away and not near one another. I would rather have a planned deal prior to traveling. The boat would primarily be for early morning slalom runs. Everything with the kids would be from the dock. The kids are already getting up surfing (I know four letter word hear). I am just hoping to expand their horizons. How does the 91 compare to the 96 I have been behind? Sounds like I should get over nostalgia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 3, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Do you think 7000 is a reasonable price for the 91? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 Lotta boat for $7K. If you want an '87 for $6K my ski buddy has a very nice example...having said that the '91 is one thousand dollars better than the prior hull in '87 which is two thousand dollars better than a stars and stripes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 @seveet I have a '97 MC 190 but haven't skied behind the 91-94 MC 190 hull. I've been told that the 91-94 version has a slightly smaller, softer wake than the 95-97 hull but more spray (only noticeable in a strong headwind or -35 and shorter). If you ski longer lines and like the '96 you skied behind, you should love the '91. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 3, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 I appreciate all the input. I am planning on picking the 91 up on Friday as long as it water tests ok. Any specific things I should be looking for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 One of the great things about owning a MC is the incredibly helpful MC TeamTalk forum. Lots of knowledgeable people who are willing to help. Here is an extensive used-boat-inspection checklist thread: used boat checklist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted October 3, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 3, 2017 One more comment: don't overlook inspecting the trailer. I was so focused on the boat when I bought mine that I didn't spend much time looking at the trailer. When I got home and looked at it I found 15-year-old tires that had to be replaced immediately, brakes that did not work and other issues. These would all have been negotiating points if I had paid attention when checking out the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ckrueg Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Where are you from? I'm near grand Rapids and considered going to look at that 91 lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 4, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 4, 2017 Ckrueg- I am out in Muskegon on Mona Lake. I grew up in Rockford. Where are you in GR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ckrueg Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 I'm living in Belding. I usually ski at my parents place on Cowden lake near howard city, or at my grandparents cottage on Crystal lake in Frankfort. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 6, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 6, 2017 So it's coming home. Overall seemed pretty solid. What are the recommendations for the best set up from a waterskiing standpoint. It has a stand or three blade prop on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BraceMaker Posted October 6, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 6, 2017 Did you figure out if it has the 1:1 or 1.5:1 trans? - cnc 3 blade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TallSkinnyGuy Posted October 6, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 6, 2017 The Mastercraft TeamTalk forum is an invaluable resource -- you should join that forum if you haven't already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller swc5150 Posted October 6, 2017 Baller Share Posted October 6, 2017 The standard 3 blade will be fine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller seveet Posted October 7, 2017 Author Baller Share Posted October 7, 2017 Took it out quick tonight. Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.webp.f4829138fd6b14097643dc702deb09b6.webp)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now