MopedMedicks

I would also comment that the wake difference is most profound for barefoot 3 event, slalom and trick traditional 3 event is really hard to tell apart, if really at all.

I fully agree that the manufacturing tolerances on hulls is highly variable, and drastically effects wake and speed. So does final drivetrain placement and alignment, not to mention engine to engine power variation. To compare, we put them side by side on a calm water dock, aligned the rear tow hooks (same lower hull) and put a bungee rope between the two pylons. The rope was deflected back towards the 98. Took a side view from the dock (with the rear hooks still constrained) and could visibly see the pylon/motor placement difference. Don't know how I could accurately measure it, but they eye ball and thumb was the 1.5" - 2".

Created this post for documentation. The general understanding online is that the 98+ Malibu Response and Response LX has the diamond cut hull and the same great slalom wakes we know and love. 98 was the first year of the new hull, and 99 was the first year of the new upper deck/interior which features the rear trunk. Here is the part that isn't documented as clearly (at least online, I'm sure the promos at the time were aware). To make room for the trunk in 99+, the engine and pylon were moved forward by 1.5" - 2". This drivetrain movement and change in weight distribution changes the wakes, acceleration, and top speed of the boat. How would I know this? I have a 99 and my buddy has a 98, both response LXs. The slalom and trick wakes are only slightly different (hard pressed to say at all). But, his boat is over a full MPH faster than mine, particularly pulling a footer. I'll get 45.3 mph pulling front wakes, he will get 47 mph under identical condtions, and identical props (we even traded props to confirm). Furthermore, the foot tables are different, with favor going to the 98. It was a local 3 event footer that pointed this model year diffeence out to me after I said "I don't know why my boat is slower" We put them on the dock side by side yesterday with the clamshells up and it was clear- you could see the power train placement change by 1.5"-2". So, if you are a footer who wants the diamond cut hull (hardcore, you really want a sportster though, or a DSII), get the 98. For a marginal slalom improvement, go 99+.

Thanks for bringing the "backwards comparable" statement to close. Will try the grease/cable routing/alignment method.

Reviving this thread since we hear the current throttle is backwards compatible to solve the 2013-14 issue, which we agree is a dangerous one.... Has anyone bought the 2015+ throttle assembly and installed it themselves? How difficult is the job? Anyone do it through a dealer and have a price estimate? Thanks

Excellent. How was the curl on the wake? Compared to an SN200?

For those that love footin crashes, and the Don Mixon Jr soundtrack. Best viewed in HD:

This is exciting to hear. The de-turded 5.3 could be a real delighter for the footers upset with the outbound 5.7 in the current product SN200 (myself included).

@Jody_Seal - You stated that the power is "very adequate" - is this torque curve notably better/worse than the outbound 6.0 409hp? Also, what top speed & RPM did you achieve with your prop of choice?

Our team would recommend you make your own. Making your own plate will allow you to get your ankles closer together - this greatly enhances stability on the ski and eases the "new trick" learning curve.

In our experience, we have seen certain props that make roosters that absolutely destroy the skier. Visibly an order of magnitude larger.

Why wouldn't you throw MC sponsored Dodd in there too? Highlight the rivalry over the years and make it a head to head battle royale?

I was wondering if we were going to see an update on PCM's website with more details, well into MY2015 now. Might we see the 5.3L in a 200? More peak power than the outgoing 343 HP Excalibur, though I worry about the torque curve.