NoProblem

@Horton - This is going to be slightly off topic for second but I promise to get back on topic at the end. I wakesurf. A lot. Like anything, Gary, you can put in tons of effort or you can just stand there. Does every waterskier in the world try to push the limits of their own physical ability every time out? Obviously not. You're lumping everybody into one pile because you're pissed off. If you're so angry, do something about it. Just calling wakesurfing a "very little effort pastime" is asinine. Now then, I also slalom. I also love dragboats. Neither of these things mix well with wakesurfing. Therefore, I don't wakesurf in areas that effect either. I do however see people being completely irresponsible with their wakes. Hardcore wakesurfing is new to the boating world and as with anything new, there are going to be teething problems. I agree that something needs to be done. Education would be the first step. That requires a dialog and you can't start a dialog with just a middle finger. There are some of us (wakesurfers) out there that sympathize and agree with the issues. The solution is going to be tough to find on this one though. My end dream is a self diffusing double sided surf wake. In other words, a wake that can be surfed on either side at all times that then leaves nothing but glass behind it. I've got the first half of it fairly dialed in. The second half is going to take some engineers that are much smarter than me and some heavy duty design software to accomplish. The good news is that my double sided surf wake is smaller than what I can produce on just one side. Less impact to the rest of the boating community at large. The bad news is that being a human, I'm genetically predisposed to wanting more. Right now I'm not willing to overload my craft so, I'm not going to cause nearly the impact that someone with say 4000lbs of ballast would. If you want regulation, start there. Have your local sheriff (or mounty) break out a calculator and a tape measure and find out how overloaded every single wakeboat is. If a boat is overloaded, it should be fine. Obviously there are nearly endless variables to that equation but, it's not to tough to tell when someone is WAY over the limit. Back on topic, man made ski lakes are generally way too shallow for surfing. If you're trying to build a wake in anything less than 12-15ft, it's just a waste of time. It kills the wake. That's good for keeping the shore damage down I guess. If they keep doing it, the lake will get shallower and shallower, making it worse and worse. If it's private though, shouldn't the owners discuss if it should be allowed because of potential issues? Dialog. Perhaps that bit of info would light a candle instead curse the darkness. If you want to surf, buy an old gravel pit and fill it up.

What a PITA. You're at the point where I would just get pissed and and start the bolts off and deal with the re-engineering later. My condolences on your hassle.

Holy model specific tank! Looks like you're pretty close. I assume those seat brackets run all the way to the stringers?

I've only been in one but was very impressed with the open water ride. @crashman had an excellent observation on the plane. I know a few propeller heads and they all have sanitary machines. As always, a test drive is a must.

Ask Mike.

FWIW, mikesliquidaudio.com is the place to get ballast/stereo equipment. His customer service is unparalleled. I've dealt with both (MLA & Wakemakers) and although Wakemakers is about 2000 miles closer, MLA gets all of my business. He helped me design a outstanding ballast system and stereo system and he knows what he's talking about. I've seen him help many people who bought their equipment from Wakemakers who basically got left with many questions. He knows the forums are a huge place to get his name out there so he's willing to help. I'd give him a call. I get nothing from this. He's never asked anything from me. I owe him just from what he's done for me. My setup works perfect only because of all the design that went into it. Pumps and bags are only part of the equation. How are you plumbing them?

You can ways pull the tank out. I'm not sure how it's set in a 196 but, they had to put it in. That means it can come out. It's the only way to be sure. FWIW, I pulled my tank out (Tige) a few years ago. The hardest part was lifting it due to the weight of the gas. Just pull the filler neck, vent, gauge sensor and the hold downs. It's just the awardness of the tank itself that is tricky. I bought a cheapo hand pump to get most of the fuel out first but, it just leaked fuel all over the place.

I've got a rule for my kids (6yo and 8mo). Wakeboarding is fine but, you have to learn to slalom ski first. Once that has been accomplished, they can do whatever they want. Except tubing.

It's a shortbed P/U. It has a period correct Snugtop camper shell on it. It looks great on that truck and has been on it 30 years or so. It stays. The truck itself is fairly straight. It's got some rust holes though. Oddly enough, it's only really been hit once and that was by a boat. Some jackass ran his boat up on the beach and hit the truck.

Ya, still got it. I bought it when I was 18. I held out from buying another truck because I really wanted this one. I finally talked (pestered) my stepdad into selling it to me. All in all, I guess it's been in the family for 42 years now.

I never understood a Ferd in a flat. Ferds are for jets. I guess that's why it has a full motor cover. I'm gonna hold out for that Hallett Barron Sprint. Besides, I need to get my '72 K10 built first. Like you though, I see an old flat and I WANT IT! Good luck with it. It's definitely a cool ride.

@estrom Sorry, I missed your post. The rubber feels factory fresh. It seems like it's been hermetically sealed in some vault. Actually both skis are that way. Really strange for being in the desert. Would the serial number be under the fin assembly on this ski? I'd hate to even risk pulling the rubber off without knowing if it's there or not. Again, thanks to everyone contributing to this thread.

@Joeprunc Sounds like congratulations are in order.

More pics! More details! That thing is awesome. I grew up around flatbottoms. Hardcore flatbottoms. No squirt guns. I want one in the worst way. Something like that one. Early 60s. Wood deck. I kinda like that double cockpit too. How much are you asking?

Jim is the man. I've worked with him on all my props. I give him tons of data, he gives me good props. Props have come a long way since '97.