Ideal boat path width.

[GregDavis]

Trying to determine what the ideal boat path width should be. INSIDE BOAT GUIDES TO INSIDE BOAT GUIDES. Seems like the tolerance for diameter of boat guides is between 6 inches up to 11 inches. We purchased new boat guides, and they are really nice, quality etc. however barely 6 inches in diameter, thus giving our slalom course a 85 inch boat path. ( INSIDE TO INSIDE OF BOAT GUIDES. There is a tolerance on anchor placement also. I'm thinking the narrower the boat path, the more consistent, and better quality pulls you will get. As a Senior boat drive for over 30 years, I much prefer a very tight boat path. If you had anchors set at minimum and you had 11 inch in diameter boat guides you would have a 72 inch wide boat path. ( which is pretty narrow) .. I'm thinking 75 inch boat path is best.

[GregDavis]

I would love to hear from some slalom rated boat drivers.

 

[Broussard]

I would propose that it would depend on which boat you are in. Modern boats are much much wider than boats of the 80s and 90s. Being used to driving modern towboats, I would want a tighter boat lane if driving narrower boats.

[liquid d]

How many extras did you buy for when your "less experienced" drivers give it a whirl?

[MISkier]

Stock up on rubbing compound.

[RichardDoane]

Set the course to actual. Don’t paint the boat guides and you won’t have to polish off the transfer.

[swbca]

Boats keep getting wider; add flexibility to your course . I used 1.5" PVC spacer 5 feet down - The PVC pipe had holes drilled for a variety of widths. Used zip ties through pipe and around the anchor line. To insure a stable vertical position, stick the zip tie through the braided rope.