FredGarvin

It does have a paddlewheel. I'll have to give them a call.

I know this topic has been discussed quite a bit but not sure where things stand now. I see the replacements for the teleflex gauges offered both "with perfectpass" and "without perfectpass". I have PP stargazer and wondering if I should get the replacements for use with perfectpass or run them completely separately and get "without perfectpass".

Also, how's the prestige trailer. Once the boat is at the lake, I don't trailer it far on the road, but I take the boat out of the water every day...on and off the trailer a lot. How's that aspect? Does it center up nicely, run up nicely, etc.?

Heard talk about feeling way down in the driver's seat. How are the overall ergonomics of the driver's seat, throttle placement, etc. Sorry to ask all of this, but I have no access to a boat like this and the one I'm considering is far from me...so I want to gather as much insight as possible before making the trek. So any other insights on quirks and annoyances would be helpful. Thank you.

What about for us novice skiing 32-34 mph 15off?

I'm considering a 09 Response LXi. I'm coming out of an 02 196. We're just novice level course skiers but would still like to progress and ZO would be nice...and open bow.

I've been using Rotella T but is there better oil I should be using?

Black Betty for sure. What a nice boat!

Thanks for that link. Looks nice. I need a trailer. My lake doesn't allow lifts so I take the boat out of the water every day.

I've heard a lot of complaints about 200 with the 5.7L. Not sure if that's from hardcore 36ers, high altitude people, or just in general, but people feel it's underpowered it seems. I also worry about fuel consumption but the 196 is not a miser when you're running at course speeds either.

I'm on a small lake...basically a tournament width lake but much longer. We'll just use the open bow to cruise mostly.

Dacon, why do you say after 07 on the Malibus?

I can only have one boat...my lake, permits, cost, etc.

Think 206 would give the closest feel and performance to my boat? I'm afraid they're all gonna feel big and lumbery. And so many have towers. I'd have to take that off and cover the holes.

I hear ya. That 196 is like an extension of me from a driving standpoint.