MitchellM

Bill, thanks for sending me your completed application. It was very helpful. I'm encouraged that your process only took 3 months. After seeing what you submitted, I submitted my own photoshopped aerial view for my course.

That boat is at a dealer which usually means a bit of a premium. Plus it looks like it's been on the market for a while with no takers. Obviously not priced competively. It is a clean, low hours boat, but it is 23 years old and likely worth around $20k.

This is a great example of someone who values all of the extras and unique features of their own boat, but will have to realize that they don't actually translate to dollars when selling. Sure, he gets some dollars for low hours and nice interior, but this is still a 2000 LXi. I just purchased a 2005 LXi in good condition with 500 hours for $25k

Well, the state DEP just responded to my application. Apparently this process will take anywhere between 3-12 months. I am already starting to regret going through proper channels.

That's the concern about going through proper channels. I'm not really sure how long this process will take. I gather most courses are put in without permits.

Yes, I actually heard back from someone at the Florida DEP last week. She actually seemed excited because the request for a slalom course permit was very unusual and required some investigation. I am in the process of completing the application. Jon Travers was out on site yesterday and we have agreed on the location. Hopefully the permitting process will go smoothly.

@ScottScott yes, this thread did take an ugly turn.

Here I've just been worried about getting around one ball.

I'll keep that in mind!

Installed the PTM VR-140 this weekend. What an incredible view! My frugal wife was very skeptical when she heard the price, but when she pulled me around she was convinced. "Great Mirror!"

Interesting discussion. Have you checked the depth of the lake where you plan on putting in the course? I mentioned 10 feet as the average depth of my lake, but what does that actually mean? We are going to survey the actual depth where we are planning to put the course in later this week.

For all the money we spend on this sport, I'm amazed when people will go cheap on something like a rope.

Let me know when you're in town. I'd be happy to give you a pull. Looks like Jon Travers will be putting a course in for me shortly!

Interesting! I did not know Mr. Weeks was a skier. I may need to invite him out for a spin.

Arrived in 2 days with free shipping! Can't wait to put this on my boat.

Thanks for the insight. Someone here gave me the contact information for Lee Trump who is Chester's son. Seems to me that the northeastern shore of the lake would be well suited for a course. Just along the area owned by Fantasy in Flight. I am told there was a course in that location years ago along with a second course in the cove where my house is located. I'll be meeting with Jon Travers to hear his advice and recommendations. I have contacted the state to get the permit process started as advised by Polk County officials.

Interesting link. The VR-140 mirror and ZXR-300 bracket are $544 direct from PTM but only $390 when bought separately from NVN Marine. Another BOS win!

That's a great deal and won't last long. Very tempted to get my feet wet with that one.

Polk County does not issue permits for slalom courses, but they do have standards for their placement. These standards were emailed to me today. I am required to obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

I would like to put in a slalom course on Lake Agnes in Polk City, Florida. The lake has an average depth of 10 feet and has several spots that seem suitable. My neighbor tells me there were two courses on the lake in the past that his sons used when they were competing. I am new to the lake and just learning the topography. This is a 377 acre public lake. I presume I would need some sort of permit? Any idea of the cost to put in a permanent course? How do I select the best location and orientation? I have considered a portable Insta-Slalom course, but I am hesitant about the time and effort required to put the course in place and remove. Plus, I only have my malibu LXI which is less than ideal for installing these portable courses. Call out to Jon Travers has been sent already, but I was curious about the collective wisdom here.

Agreed. That sounds like a total fabrication with no scientific basis. Exactly how does prop wash affect the phosphorous level in a lake? These nutrients come almost exclusively from fertilizer run-off from lakefront lawns. A better effort to tackle this problem would be to ban residential fertilizer use. Sounds like a neighbor who just doesn't like power boats on the lake.

Don't ignore the excitement, anticipation and the honeymoon effect of skiing on a new ski. Without a measurable metric, these likely color our opinion about equipment degredation.

They must decay in some way over time. The bigger question is how this would affect performance for the average skier. I'm a decent tennis player. Tennis raquets are made with similar composite materials, and they definitely do fatigue over time. A tennis raquet likely takes more physical punishment than a water ski, but my raquets are usually "dead" after a year of play. This is a very noticeable and well described issue in tennis.

I guess I am not the typical target for most of these lake homes. I am/was not looking for a primary residence. I've been looking for a Florida lakefront home that I can use on weekends and a few full weeks every year for skiing. I already have a pool in my primary residence, and it is a PITA. Now that my kids are older, the pool is rarely used. I want my lakefront home to have the lake as it focus and primary body of water. A pool would just be a nuisance to maintain. The home with solar panels to the left of the listed home has no pool. Much more appealing to me. Now I could get behind a hot tub!

I'm in. I've got a road trip coming up. Please describe the photos along with reading the text.