76SS

Closed at $13,900. That sounds like a bargain to me!

 

First and foremost, it's awesome that she is out there giving it a rip. She really seems to have good control crossing the wakes, so I'll echo what other have said. If she will cut through the wakes (the ski will not want to hop as bad) then she wouldn't have to pull after the wakes as much. Still may have to a little at that speed though. I'd run with only a 1/4 tank of fuel to help with the wakes too.

Another box fan user here.

I can't give any insight to which ski but, at your weight and speed I'd go with the 69.

MC used wood stringers until 82, I'd pass on a pre 83 MC.

@Jetsetr Thanks, but after 20 years, we recently shut down that business, so no it's longer a need. I'm down to one job now!

Awesome project! I considered doing this several years ago for our business that required a lot of travel. Just couldn't find the time for the build.

I've been meaning to order a set of gauges. Not sure if I'll need the wider range, but will wait now. Thanks for the effort to make these @tjones999

Years ago the prop shaft broke on a boat I was driving. I thought we had hit a stump or something, but there wasn't any prop/strut/rudder damage. We came to a complete stop in about two boat lenghts.

Hmm, work hard today and tomorrow, expecting low productivity on Friday!

 

@matthewbrown I have a good friend that has a 97 with the Chevy engine and he loves the combo. I just haven't seen many (any really) on the market recently with the Chevy engine.

I've seen one post with concerns on the GT40 engine found in the 97 era nautique. Any other thoughts on this power plant?

^ good information in that article @vtjc

@Gar There's a good chance our paths crossed at Million Dollar Lakes years ago. I used to ski (slalom and jump) that event every year.

Timely thread as I'm in a similar situation, looking for two boats. 1st world problem, I know.

 

@booze Yes, I've been out to LL, but only as a spectator, I've never had the opportunity to ski there. I'll watch out for you on LT, we are on the north end of the lake at Carmel Bay. Currently in a yellow MC 205v, yes with a tower. @Timr71 I just picked up a portable course, it needs a little work, but will be able to drop it in LT in a few weeks.

 

Another Alabamian here, work in B'ham and boat on Lake Tuscaloosa. Always looking for others to take a set with.

 

I just remembered that my wife drove for me, the first day we met (met her on the water). She's been my number one driver for over 30 years now.

 

There really isn't such a thing as a V-drive with a good slalom wake. I have an 02 x-star, 205v. The 205v is one of the better crossover boats and at -22 and -28 it stinks horribly. You've had plenty of good DD advice so I won't muddy the waters there. Good luck with your search.

Thanks for the laugh! My wife is my primary driver now that my oldest sons have moved on and the youngest isn't old enough to drive yet. I'm just glad she'll drive most anytime I want to get out on the water.

My dad bought our first MC in 79. It was a 76 model and he paid $3,500, which was about a couple of months of salary for him. Let's compare that to today's boat prices which are several times higher than wages have increased for the average man.

 

To answer your question, I'd put my limit around 40k for a good hull, bare bones boat with speed control. That's more than a couple of months salary for me, but I don't see another way. Looking at ski-it-again, a 40k budget puts me in a 2010 - 2013 (big 3) if I limit the hours to under 1k.

KD recently made a very nice post on Instagram stating that they support Freddie's desire to stay independent and ride the ski of his choice (paraphrased).

 

One thing I see in the video that hasn't been mentioned is handle control. It appears that your elbows are leaving your sides as soon as you cross the wake, which will kill your outward momentum. It's a little difficult to see since you are fairly narrow in the video, but would be more pronounced were you skiing wider.

@Sakswind Call Eric at OJ props, he can recommend the right prop for you, but an X30 isn't a speed boat and you may give up some surfability (new word there) moving to a different pitch.

 

@Horton Then I'm screwed since no one makes a 72, haha. It's either that or I don't possess the same skills as Nate. I wonder, hmmmm.