Ski_Dad

You didn't say what size, but since it's based off the Senate shape I would go with the senate numbers

whatever boat you get, i would highly suggest getting it professionally shrink wrapped. Do not consider shipping with a fabric cover and support poles, I've seen that come out bad

@Reg - the 2011 at Boat House Marine is a boat I have personally skied behind the last 4 years - it runs great and I'm not aware of any issues except that the trailer is not easiest to load/unload. During those 4 years it was serviced at Boat House marine - oil changes, plugs, winterization, etc. My friend sold it to upgrade.

The GT180 looks like it skis really nice!

I'm not sure which one but also check out Stingray boats - i think they have some with less dead rise. If you want to look at something even better in the outboard world, look at Dyna Ski boats - I'm just not sure if they export but you could get something around 45-50k. I would highly suggest a 150hp motor, if you can't swing that look at the 115 Mercury with the Command Thrust option.

https://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/comment/327958

FWIW, My hand measures 7.75 - I have a 1.045 handle and also use my friends 1.062 - either works good for my hands - i use L gloves. I would think a 1.092 handle could work for you.

Oil weight is confusing for me as well. I have an LS1 and they originally specd 15w40 (Indmar) but I've been told I can run 5w30 as well. It would be running 5w30 in a Corvette or Camaro. Still running 15w40 but I would think 5w30 would help more on those cold morning starts.

i have a 67" CX my boys use - it's a 1/2" skinnier. Maybe I will try that tomorrow - i know it's too small for me but maybe I will get an idea of what is going on

@A_B - do you think something smaller like a senate would help me get out of the water better ?

I'm sure it's me - this ski is plenty big enough and I never expected it to be an issue. In a soft pull i can feel the ski transition to plane and I get up 95% of the time. But a fast pull i just never feel the ski plane - it will plow and I loose the handle and it can take me 3 tries if I get a hard pull. What do I do when I get a hard pull to keep from to far going forward before the ski planes ? Honestly I like it hot and don't really like being dragged for 5 seconds but have been putting up with it this summer b/c it consistently gets me out of the water.

@Than_Bogan - well the main reason I haven't is because this ski turns so well for me on both sides and i get very little bounce from the wake.

I have an HO Triumph (2014). 6' tall, 225 lbs, 69" ski. Love the ski but have struggled off and on all year with deep water starts - took me 1/2 the summer to realize that the ski comes up just fine with a soft pull. Have major struggles with going over the front and popping the handle if I get an aggressive pull. I didn't have this issue with my last ski so it makes me wonder could it be the ski ? About every other week i want to toss the ski and try something else :p

it just trys to maintain that RPM. The only way it would go up is if you hooked up a switch.

The wake on our 2003 Malibu LXI is great at 28 mph 15 off - that is the speed my boys ski at - this is just my oldest goofing around the other day and I just grabbed a frame from the video.

wow ! great skiing ! this video helped me a lot this year https://www.ballofspray.com/forum#/discussion/comment/327958

the Carbon V is a great course ski. I would suggest borrowing a ski from a friend if you want to try a higher end ski.

there are a few of them for sale on ski-it-again.com but you should check out a Radar Senate or Vapor - everyone loves them

i had trouble earlier this year with my new ski and got some help from this forum. I'm making all my starts now by just concentrating on tucking my ski as close as I can to me and worrying about nothing else. Oh and I asked my drivers to give me less gas. For some reason my current ski can't take as much throttle as the last one without me going over the front. I would like to know how to fix that cause I do like a faster pullout.

i have an HO ski and when I set my Radar Vector (Alum Plate) in the middle hole it was right with the recomenmdation for my ski - and it feels right. Did the same thing for my boys CX ski

This would be a great boat for you - we have a 2003 version and it skis amazing https://www.themalibucrew.com/index.php?/classifieds.html/2001-malibu-sunsetter-lxi-r1562/

any 15w40 oil will work just fine. Don't over think it :)

Nice ski and that boot looks like a Vector to me - I've had a 2 of those and love that boot. I tend to leave the top laces fairly loose so I will come out if i fall. Like Mark said, give the ski several runs before you make a judgement - it takes a few rides to figure out where you need to stand on a new ski. You also might consider moving the RTP up one hole so it's closer to the front boot

There are a ton of good skis out there - my suggestion is to have his coach give him a recommendation based on how he skis

i don't think you can adjust the hours - but if find out from PP, let us know. Mine is off too b/c I bought a used module at one point