Clydesdale

@andjules public lake, but we really just use it for skiing in the early morning hours. It’s on the lift the rest of the day after the crazies take over... ?. Usually just 2 of us in the boat. Sometimes 3. I don’t think our use is very demanding, but having said that I don’t want to feel limited from future opportunities (Other lakes or altitudes) because of a weak motor.

@jjackkrash thanks for your input. I met someone else with similar input. What do you prefer about the 5.3 vs the 5.7? Thanks!

@DW the boat will be used close to sea level. <500 ft. Plenty of run up space on both ends of the course. Boat typically doesn’t have more than 1 or 2 people when skiing. (Not many ski buddies in the great state of Maine). We spend winters in central Florida, so my plan is to buy in FL this winter and trailer it back to Maine in the spring.... Based on everyone’s great input sounds like the 5.7 is OK in the nautique, and better in the MC. But bigger is always better. Anyone have any thoughts on differences in reliability between the different options? Also, am I right to stay away LCD display, or am I worrying too much about the $5k failures?

Thanks @BrennanKMN . Just curious why the 5.7 is OK in the MC but not so good in the nautique. Weight, gearing, or something else?

I’m in the market for a new (used boat) and would appreciate opinions from those with more experience with newer boats. I’m leaning towards nautique, but would also consider mastercraft if I found the right config/price. I’m an avid skier, albeit not a great one. Most of my skiing is at 32 or 34; 15 or 22 off. My son is at 34/36 and up to 32 off. Also, I’m a heavy skier-215lbs. Big question is re engines. Options include 5.3, 5.7, 6.0, 6.2. Ive heard 6.0 is the favorite-strong pull and very reliable. How about the rest? Is reliability really a big concern? Relative to pull, how do the others stack up? Would a skier at my level notice a big difference? I’ve also heard the 5.7 is the least desirable. Should I avoid it altogether, or is it worth considering at a cheaper price. I’m also trying to avoid the dash screen and go with gauges if I can. I’ve seen a few posts that the screens are less reliable and cost $5k when they go. Does this sound right? Those are my two biggest questions, but please chime in if there are other options to seek or avoid. I’m trying to keep this in the $50k range. Thanks in advance for any advice!

@MISkier nice one. Your second line certainly rings true. Only a handful of slalom skiers in the entire state. Lonely up there!

@o2bnMaine where did you ski in Maine? I’m in Limerick in the summers...

@TonyT thanks for doing this. Arthur is a such a positive force in the waterskiing community. Hopefully many find it in their heart to donate and write letters of support.

Ordered the chipman version. He’ll be the biggest celeb in skiing... ?

I’ve seen one in the course on Little Ossippee in waterboro Maine. Beautiful boat. If I see it again I’ll get a pic.

I’d buy those. Freaking hysterical.

I live on a public lake, and now that I’m retired I’m trying to get the kids on the lake into competitive skiing. Two observations. First, as we all know, skiing the course is hard. People that try it on their own can get discouraged and quit. In the spirit of “pass the handle”, I would argue it often takes a passionate slalom skier to create another passionate skier. Both in terms of technical instruction and motivation. Second, competition is a great motivator for most kids. BUT, as someone previously said, a real tournament can be intimidating and even discouraging for a true newbie. So, this summer I asked the lake kids if they’d like to hold an informal tournament on our lake. Newbies vs newbies. They jumped at the idea so we’ve got our first annual event planned next summer. No AWSA membership required. Mini course rules similar to the old INT novice format. No entry fee. Loaner skis available. Hardware provided to all participants. I bet at least a few of them get the bug. (Please no snowflake comments. I’m running this with some experienced skiers and I do understand the potential liability). I know this doesn’t address the diversity question, but maybe a small step towards interest/inclusion generally.

Wait-we need to keep this focused on waterskiing for @Horton . ??

I’m 215-skied the senate alloy and then senate graphite. Last year switched to a 69 connelly carbon v and absolutely love it. Nothing wrong with radar, but for me the connelly definitely turns better.

What did they sell before and why did they switch?

@longtime_skiier last year I took out my 40 year old stinger for a spin. I had fond memories of my childhood and skied many tournaments on that thing. I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as current skis, but I was expecting it to be “skiable”. I never made it around 2 ball. It turned slowly and sloppily and I tended to blow the tail out with anything even approaching a real turn. Also not good in the crossing, but more along the lines of what I expected from my 40 year old ski. When I finished skiing I was discussing with friends and I compared my new ski to a sports car, and my old ski to an overloaded minivan. The old ski just wants to go straight and it takes a lot of effort to do anything else. The new ski just wants to turn turn turn. This was my experience, of course there were other better skis in the 80s, but I would guess the wooden O’Brien is similar.

Slalom is a strenuous sport. 3 sets of 8 passes and I’m done for the day. Having said that there may be some technique related advice the experts here can offer. If anything I would expect you to be less tired on the burner-it’s a very wide forgiving ski. However if you are doing something like riding the tail, the wider ski is going to have a lot more drag as it plows thru the water. Can you upload a video?

I read the same thing. Awesome coach and a great guy. Hope he can navigate the visa and return...

I agree carbon pro. Too bad they killed it. Other 3 Current boats I think I may feel a little difference but not a case of one better than the other. That’s just me.

FWIW I ski behind a SN200 and a new nautique regularly. Typically 15 off, 32-34mph. I can’t feel any real difference between the wakes-both are nice and soft IMO. However I do weigh 215 so I don’t exactly launch from the water very easily.

Should fit. You may have to do some filing depending on placement, but not a big thing.

Ditto @DavidN and @lpskier . I’ve been somewhat inconsistent achieving a stacked pull for years. Somehow I had selected c2 years ago based on incorrect advice. This year I switched to A2 and I am much more consistent. That extra millisecond at the end of the turn made all the difference.

If you’re on the heavy side for the 65 and skiing 26 then I’d recommend get the 67 for a year or two until you’re skiing a little faster. At 30 I think you might like the 65 better. Having said that I do think there’s probably more happening than the ski. Lots of great skiers here who can help if you share a video. (Present company excluded. ?)

No answers to your questions but welcome to the addiction. GS22 is a great ride but second boat for slalom is the way to go!

Crap-I missed it! I’ll take it if deal falls thru!