How long should course buoys last?

[kylegansel]

Hi Guys - we have an insta-slalom course that is about 13 years old which floats in a public lake from middle of May to middle of October in southern MI. Most all of the balls last all season (sometimes into the next year) minus that occasional boat or ski that may damage them. With that being said I've had to replace over half of the balls from insta-slalom that were put in the lake over around the time of Memorial Day. They are all cracking / splitting at the top maybe from the sun? I've contacted insta-slalom to see if maybe we got a bad batch or something.

 

I've figured I'd ask you all who ski on private lakes how long your course balls last? Are you replacing them every 3 or 4 months? Seems excessive to me when in the past they have lasted much longer. I know the sun may fade them but it's like they're literally melting. Any other good options for durable buoys / balls you'd recommend?

[MISkier]

We have been running the same Wally Skier buoys for 3 years now. They look practically new. Unbelievable color retention. We will be using them next year, too.

[MISkier]

We use the soft type, not the heavy duty. They have performed very well.

[MNshortliner]

I get my buoys from overtons. I think $7 each. They last for years but get tons of bird crap on them from the terns. I always put the newest ones out to go around.

[BrennanKMN]

I have a bunch of random no-name buoys that I have been using on my permanent course on public water for many years. They look like crap, but function > form. I scrub them clean each year though. Some of them look like really old warn leather, but they keep floating!

[Andre]

Well,hi Kyle! Seems we got the same batch...

https://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/20096/bad-batch-of-bouys

There's 7 dead in the pix but only 3 from that Insta slalom set have survive since may 20 th.

Let me know what they tell you...

[Zman]

After two sets of round Polyform buoys turning to crap in just a few months, went to the S1 buoys for boat guides and Wally soft buoys for turn balls. Almost four seasons and they are all in great shape with minor fading. They stay in all year.

Also, underinflate the Wally buoys so they are very crushed/wrinkled below the water surface. Much safer.

[LeonL]

What brand are they? Does insta-slalom have their own branded buoys? You should be able to use buoys several years if they're only used 5 months.

[kylegansel]

@Andre - I just heard back from Insta-slalom and they are going to replace at no cost. I'd reach out to Lisa there. Good luck. I may try the wally buoys in the future. I just know they are pricy.

[kylegansel]

Also for the gents that use wally buoys. Can you attach them to an insta-slalom course or do I need to update the cables some how?

[Golfguy]

We use Overtons and replace them twice each year. (year round use) mostly to be our best for tournaments. The sun takes it's toll on the color pigment.

[BobF]

@kylegansel The wally's are attached just like a standard buoy.

 

[kylegansel]

Thanks!

[thager]

I have buoys on my accusink course that are running near 18 years. I just brush them off in the spring. When did Ski Limited go away?

[Zman]

@kylegansel With the floating course you definitely should underinflate Wally buoys if you get some. For safety these are awesome as turn balls. Yes, expensive. But, last many years and you only need 6.

We also hang a 3 lb. weight at the end of the arms to pull the turn balls down so just less than half the buoy is showing. Your ankles may thank you.

[epnault]

I have had the same ones for 4 years and they seem to be decomposing because they are getting sticky. They still float and do their job.

[igkya]

Sticky balls aren't good, but better than stinky ones.