KRoundy

...and today I figured if Santa can do it...

 

Seen on Lake Stevens on Christmas Morning!

 

Good idea. Not too late. You’ll learn a ton and have a great time.

Besides all the sources you mention give a few local inboard dealers a call. They might have a trade in coming that would work for you. That worked for me. Good luck and happy hunting!

I also like that Jay has stepped up to 7075 aluminum. That’s top-grade stuff.

@FunoRyota That’s what I was thinking of. Thanks.

Ordered mine. Can’t wait to give it a go. The science makes sense, so why not try? A friend tried the previous version last year and he’s still skiing it.

 

Come on, spring....

Yes!!! Awesome boat! Congratulations.

@Horton - When Marcus Brown chimes in on giving advice to a skier it's hard for the rest of us to keep up. But, it is interesting how many are giving out similar advice / observations from the data that is available to us. Good luck separating the wheat from the chaff here. :)

Final tip from me: Listen to @MarcusBrown !!

As has been said, this is really difficult from a couple of photos, but here are some tips:

1. You definitely need to work on balance/stance. Your legs are locked out / straight in two of the three photos, which means you have your weight too far on the back of your ski. Think hard in your next ski about moving your weight forward not by squatting, but by rotating your ankle to move that front knee over your left foot. A good friend often says, “If you feel like you are putting 100% of your weight on your front foot you’re probably only really putting it at 50/50.” It’s not natural.

2. Keep your hands low. I would appear that you have the handle a long way from your body. Think about keeping the handle down at your hips, especially when you are in that acceleration phase. Even on your pullout - keep that handle low.

3. Be patient in the turn. This might be the easiest or most obvious thing that I see in these photos: You have both hands on the handle way too early in both turns. Release (keeping the handle low), reach forward, wait for the ski to completely come under the rope and then grab and go.

 

There are a couple of episodes of Spray Makers that would be great for you to have a listen:

Core Fundamentals

Ski Set Up

Offside Turn

Onside Turns

 

And finally - you are doing great! Keep it up and have fun!

As others have mentioned, but not stated plainly, that is gel-coat, not paint. For it to look like that means there has been some abuse or some serious issues with the fiberglass underneath. I’d pass, unless you want to strip that boat completely, prep and respray the entire hull with new ge-coat. Not impossible, people do it, but even if you do it yourself is going to be a good amount of time and money.

That’s cool. Where are people seeing these custom graphics (outside of BoS, of course)?

Yup, your clock says Ball Of Spray.

Wiley’s is the absolute best.

@skiinxs Brand name of that ceramic coating, please? There are a lot of “ceramic” coatings on the market, and I’m sure there are some that are good and some that are junk.

Tips for staying in ski shape. What do you do before you ski to warm up?

In my opinion, calling the H5 a “weak motor” is a laughable discussion. 355 HP, 405 ft-lb of torque. It is a scream.

 

In Florida you should have plenty of great options in your price range. More important than the motor - get a boat with a heater and heated seats. I LOVE mine (live north of Seattle), and you’ll be glad you have them up in Maine!

I have a 2016 open bow 200 with the 5.3L DI H5 engine, I weigh more than you, and it snaps me out of the water as fast as I want. Everyone who skis behind it loves the wake, the pull, and ride. I’ve pulled big guys at 34, kids at 24, and great skiers at 36. I’ve even had a chance to pull someone skiing tricks. Tracks great, super-comfortable... I love it. I have the digital screen. So far so good.

Agree that the hose from HF is junk. I didn’t even try to use it, but the little brass/marble piece worked fine for me. Will give the Amazon version a try if mine ever has any issues. Thanks for the advice. :)

I don’t walk away, but that system does work great. Purchase the “rattle” brass piece at Harbor Freight and replace the hose with a better one purchased at Ace or Lowes.

I upgraded to a 2020 Senate Lithium. I also moved from some pretty tired Radar Profile bindings to a Reflex Supershell and a rear low wrap. It love it so much. Can’t wait for ski season next year (although I’m still getting in a couple of sets a week here in the PNW).

It is so very good! Great job to everyone at TWSB!

That’s solo panda worthy.

For those not up at 6:30AM on the west coast - during the tournament just now there was an advertisement for something new - the Whisper Fin Pro. Woo hoo! Now I know what I’m going to obsess over all winter.