tjs1295

I forgot I did have a picture of the dash. It’s not the greatest but here it is. I was wondering what those left/right and up/down buttons were on the right hand side? Anyway, there didn’t seem to be any gauge really indicating a speed control. But I’m used to seeing perfect pass or zero off.

 

@foxriverat Appreciate the links. Will check them out. I think it had some sort of cruise control, but I din't notice until we were back on the trailer.

Thanks for the info guys!! I thought these were nice boats, just didn't know for sure. The engine didn't seem to be lacking anything either.

 

Pictures

 

Hello everyone. I went and looked at one of these boats today for my sister who lives out of town. I'm least familiar with Malibu, and their options. My sister has a young family of 5, and they are looking for a recreational boat. They originally wanted an inboard/outboard, but the dealer is a close friend of hers, and they just got this Sunsetter on trade. We took it out for a drive, and it seemed fine. Probably needs a new steering cable, and has some cosmetic issues, but nothing major for a 20 year old boat. They would use it for all kinds of things (except surfing), but serious slalom skiing is probably a few years down the road, if ever. Based on some things I've read, it sounds like it's a great slalom boat for it's size.

 

Anyway, is anyone aware of common issues with this boat? The key for my sister and her family is getting something reliable. It has just over 400 hours on it. The previous owner didn't use it much one his kids got older. I guess he'd only put about one tank of gas in it per summer for the past 10 years, and cruise around. If anyone can tell me which engine this has in it, that would be great as well. Dealer wasn't sure since it just came in, and they don't normally sell Malibu. I searched around a bit, and realize the Malibu Crew might be a good route as well, but wanted to start here. Thanks!

@klindy Gotcha. We're definitely on the same page. More action. I don't need constant, just a bit more than now. That's what I was getting at earlier when I mentioned two skiers at the same time like the head to head at Hilltop. My beer swilling, non-skiing friends would be way more into being spectators for something like that.

 

And the extra time in soccer is hilarious. Ok, not really.

@klindy Yes, I have watched a lot of those sporting events live, and on TV. I was going to elaborate in my previous post, but didn't want to be too long winded. I get your comparison, and agree on some level. I have almost quit watching American football entirely because the pace of the game is painfully slow. I disagree about soccer. Started watching about 10 years ago in my mid 30's, and was hooked. I know nothing about the game, but it didn't take long to realize the professionals are incredibly talented, there is almost always something going on (ok, ok, the fake injuries slow things down), and the game will be over in almost exactly two hours every time. Either way, most of those events will be over in 2-4 hours. I just checked the TWBC broadcast of the Swiss Pro Slalom event, and it was almost 12 hours long. Those sports also have the benefit of being held in stadiums, so even between the action there is a lot that can be put on by the host venue during a live event. That's tough to do for water skiing. The webcasts are fantastic, and with sponsorships should be able to fill some of the down time.

 

I'm really not trying to put down anything here. TWBC does an amazing job!!! And I think things are heading in the right direction. I voted in a different poll that I would gladly pay $10-$20 to watch. If there's a way to do that, please send me that direction. I can't offer much to this website, but I can offer the perspective of a complete outsider who slalom skis simply for the fun of it. If I went to one of these events, it would be as a spectator. That's the perspective I'm trying to put out there. I think for a lot of people on this website, seeing the competitors would be like getting together with your friends for the day. Which would be a ton of fun, but that's not what my beer drinking, MMA watching, unathletic, fat, out of shape buddies will experience. They can't drive home from a baseball game after drinking for four hours. They'd never make it until the end of a water ski tournament. They'd all be passed out on the property somewhere.

 

 

Agree. The webcasts kick a$$! Been watching a lot this year.

@Broussard I agree about that for the TV audience, but I'm thinking mostly about being at the event in person. I think I would be bored out of my mind after a couple hours. Unless there is something else to do right at the grounds like in Milwaukee on the Summerfest grounds. Especially if skiers start running the same pass twice. :D I wonder if more people would attend if the water ski tournament was not the main attraction? I picture a lot of my non-skiing friends stopping to watch some skiing as they walk and drink at Summerfest. Obviously that would be really hard to organize something like that.

I hate to say it, but there needs to be more action to get the general public (or probably plenty of water skiers) watching. I understand it's the nature of the sport, but 17 seconds of action followed by 1-2 minutes of nothing, makes for a long day. Two boats, with two skiers at opposite ends, at the same time. Something like the head to head at Hilltop. That was much easier to watch.

Thanks for the insight. Covid pricing, and loan to value ratio makes sense. Crazy times indeed.

@WIRiverRat Really, how does that happen? Someone walks in to buy a boat, finds one, both parties agree on a price, THEN the buyer goes to get money for it, only to find out no one will give them any? I'm pretty ignorant of things like this, but that sounds insane. Especially to see it happen 8 times!!! I actually feel sorry for the dealer.

@swbca Ha! Yeah, I wasn't very clear about chasing elk. I meant I drive from my home in Wisconsin to Colorado, then hunt the next day. Low altitude to high altitude. It's hard enough for me to breath without being overweight. Once in Colorado we're around 7,500 feet going up to 10,000 feet. That part is all done without vehicles, horses, or anything else. Just human power. So is all the packing out. Nothing unique for those that live at altitude, but it's a challenge for those of us who don't.

@swbca I did say that, but I should have said forget WATER skiing :D . What I really mean is that I need to be light (or good strength to weight ratio like @skiboyny said) for many other things that require it more than water skiing (at least at my level). Cross country skiing, trail running, pole bounding, mountain biking, hiking, chasing elk at 10,000 feet after coming from 1,500 feet, machine rowing, walking, being my best at work, etc. You know, life things.

Forget skiing. I manage my weight so I can get a PB in life.

Thanks @KRoundy! Just printed them. It’s a good start for now.

@Horton Thanks!

Sorry for the stupid question, but what do I need to measure the wing angle? My ski is a HO carbon omni. I took the wing off, but want to try it back on.

I voted other. I would gladly donate $20 (or more), but I can't say I totally love watching. Simply too long. I know that's the nature of the sport, but holy cow, it was long last Sunday.

It’s April 26th. I’m going to get out and enjoy something besides water skiing.

 

More often than not, I've seen at least one day in May like that.

@epnault That looks right. Snow, and 26 degrees out in Eagle River. Chances are you'll see a picture very similar to that one in May as well.

No matter what's happening with boat prices, it sounds like the club @schnipdip belongs to has REALLY changed!

@adkh2oskier I’m in northern Wisconsin. Been skiing mostly around Eagle River. Run over to Ironwood, MI every now and then. Still plenty of snow, but not always groomed the best after the thaw/freeze cycles we’ve been having.