TallSkinnyGuy

Winterizing an inboard is usually a pretty easy process and can be done by non-wrenchers like myself. There are some specific lists out there (PM me your email address and I'll email you what I have), and I have modified one of the lists specifically for my boat. I am in California and just dry-block mine (just drain the water), but in New England you may want to put RV antifreeze in it. Ultimately, winterizing usually includes changing the oil and oil filter, perhaps changing your transmission fluid if the boat has seen enough hours since the last change (I do it at 75-100 hours), draining the block and hoses (usually requires removing drain plugs from risers and base of engine block along with disconnecting a few hoses along the raw water line), removing impeller (unless you are planning on replacing in the following spring), and many people "fog" the engine which should be done through the intake or in each spark plug hole depending on the type of engine you have (if fuel gets squirted into the intake on top of the engine you can put the fogging oil int there, too, but if it is a dry intake like with an MPI engine then you need to fog in each spark plug hole). If you are not familiar with some of these terms, don't worry, it is really a pretty simple process and you'll get the hang of it quickly.

Put this address into Google maps and you will see a Porterville ski lake: 14000 Road 196, Porterville, CA 93257

I can't imagine anyone self-selling a boat nowadays and not advertising on Craigslist (unless it is not available in your area). The boat I bought a few years ago was posted both on Craigslist and on the Mastercraft Team Talk forum.

I have a '97 MC PS -- so, same boat as the 2000 Sportstar you mentioned. I also regularly ski behind and drive a couple TSC1 boats. I like the TSC1s better, but my boat is not far behind in both wake and driving. I am not an engine guy, but decided to learn how to maintain my boat engine just to learn something new and to save money. Maintenance (winterizing, de-winterizing, oil changes, fuel filter changes, etc.) is very simple on the 350 TBI and they are considered pretty reliable engines. Also, the Mastercraft Team Talk forum is exceptionally helpful regarding maintenance and troubleshooting.

I'm going to try this post again since Eddie was unable to respond earlier: @eddie_roberts_jr I think there is a group of us here that would really appreciate a better understanding of the target markets for each of the versions of the Senate. Do you consider skier ability for each construction (even if that is not the key consideration)? If so, do you have a target skill level for each construction? For example, 1) Alloy Senate for just learning the course up through 15 off at 34 mph 2) Graphite Senate for 15 off through 28 off at 34 mph 3) Lithium Senate for 28 off and shorter at 34 mph Obviously there is tremendous overlap between each segment (i.e. someone just learning the course would likely do just fine on a Lithium Senate). But, do you have target skill levels for each construction or is price point the only factor for your target markets?

@freeski41 The 2016 Vapor ski didn't work for you? I think that is the first time I've heard that on this forum. Maybe because it has been praised so much that people who didn't click with it are too afraid to state that, or maybe you are the only one on the planet who doesn't like the ski. Anyway, bummer about your bindings, but it seems like Radar is being pretty generous with their offer, and it seems a lot to expect a one-year warranty to be extended so far beyond the warranty period regardless of actual use.

Good catch @GoBlueSki -- looks like that is also a change for 2017. My 2015 Alloy Senate has the fully adjustable fin, but I'm at a level where I don't see using anything but "stock" position. So, it would actually be kind of a relief for me to not worry about my fin not being in the "right" place. Looks like the Graphite and Lithium versions get the fully adjustable fin and only the Alloy has the fixed fin in 2017.

@RazorRoss3 What you said is why I questioned the need for more durability with the PMI core in the thread about the new Vapor. For example, if the PVC core degrades 1% in three years and the PMI core only degrades 0.1% in that time, could any skier really tell the difference? Regarding the OP's question, seems like upgrading to a new ski shape when on a ski that is over 5 years old is the more pertinent issue when skiing at his relatively high level.

Should be able to find a good boat mechanic who will do a "used boat inspection" for about $150. Will include compression test and a bunch of other tests. I once offered to buy a used boat at asking price but with the requirement that the owner take the boat to a dealership for an inspection (which I would pay for). The owner wouldn't do it -- no way I would buy that boat. Also spend time inspecting the trailer. This was a mistake I made. The tires were about 15 years old and cracked and the brakes had an issue I can't remember -- cost me another $800 or so after I bought the boat for new tires and to fix the brake problem.

@Stickman I'm with you in that I would really like to compare the different constructions in back-to-back sets. Since Radar makes the same shape with different constructions it is a perfect opportunity to get a clear understanding of the differences. Hopefully someone with access to them can do a comparison and share the results with us.

They apparently took the 2017 Senates off since yesterday when I saw them on Perfski.com. If I remember correctly, the Alloy was priced about $100 higher, the Graphite about $50 higher and the Lithium about $200 lower. I'm sure the various places selling Senates will have them listed within the next few weeks or so. Regardless, I would sure like to get a better explanation of who the target markets are for each version and what the differences actually are (e.g. differences in speed, stability, etc.).

perfski.com

Nu Finish is one of those Polymer sealants I mentioned.

@sunvalleylaw Note that the "antifreeze" being discussed here is the RV antifreeze designed to go in the water systems of RVs over the winter and not the regular car antifreeze. RV antifreeze is apparently not bad for the environment, so you don't have to worry about capturing it in the spring when you dewinterize. Most people will warm the engine so the thermostat is open, then drain the block of water and then use the raw water tube to suck up a few gallons of RV antifreeze, but there are a few different methods. Personally, I just drain the water and don't use antifreeze, and I leave all the drain plugs (and knock sensor) out for the winter. I also take my impeller out over the winter so it doesn't deform (if it is in good shape I will use it for another season).

The 2017 Lithium Vapor is also priced $200 less the the 2016 version -- and it is the same ski with updated graphics. While a price decrease is always nice to see, it does make one wonder as to why.

@eddie_roberts_jr I think there is a group of us here that would really appreciate a better understanding of the target markets for each of the versions of the Senate. Do you consider skier ability for each construction, even if that is not the key consideration? If so, do you have a target skill level for each construction? For example, 1) Alloy Senate for just learning the course up through 15 off at 34 mph 2) Graphite Senate for 15 off through 28 off at 34 mph 3) Lithium Senate for 28 off and shorter at 34 mph Obviously there is tremendous cross over between each segment (i.e. someone just learning the course would likely do just fine on a Lithium Senate). But, do you have target skill levels for each construction or is price point the only concern for your target markets?

@6balls needs that ski to keep him safe in his swamp. Swamp thread link

Aren't there a couple clubs that have courses on the Delta?

@Bill22 The glass/carbon mix is supposed to make the ski more forgiving, so for someone who is developing technique and needs a forgiving ski, the fiberglass could be helping a lot. I'm with @paco, in that I think I want to stay on the Alloy version until I can run 15off 34mph consistently. I want the forgiveness until I can be more consistent with my technique.

Interesting. I'm really looking forward to giving the '17 Senate a try.

@eddie_roberts_jr My understanding from last year's Radar brochure is that the Senate/Lyric is not just 0.2" wider than the Vapor, but also has a different rocker (longer flat spot for increased stability) and something different in the tail shape to make it more stable for us intermediate skiers, correct? I assume that is the same for the 2017 versions?

@Bill22 Yes, the Lyric is also modeled after the 2016 Vapor shape but is now 100% carbon fiber and has the PU core with wood stringers like the Alloy Senate. Here's the video:

I wonder if a polymer sealant on the bottom would hold up better than traditional wax and therefore be better at preventing the yellowing?

Anyone get a chance to ride one of these yet? I'm very curious to know the performance differences from the previous model.

Is sinking the course really going to save time? I have an EZ-slalom compact course and it takes us about 25 minutes to set up in an area of our public lake that is 90 feet deep. We had to add extra anchor line to account for the depth and that makes the process take longer. It should only take 20 minutes to put the course in if depth is 10 feet and maybe 15-20 to take it out. Seems like it would take that long to fish it off the bottom and connect all the boat guides, gates and turn balls.