Deke

Is it possible that the stain is something that the gas picked up from whatever the ski was sitting on? Carpet or wood or even dirt?

A number of years ago the gauges on my 99 RLX went out due to a lightning strike close by. I was able to get a replacement MDC through Bake's Marine. If I recall these were made to order by a third party supplier for older boats. It wasn't all that expensive and, at least, worth a call.

@ReallyGottaSki where did you purchase the 140mm/5.5" ID elbows? I'm pretty sure that's the size for my '99 RLX. I'll probably have the same issue as @03RLXi with the wedge. The boat is not here to look.

I also ski at 7000 ft. with 99 RLX. The ACME 525 works fine though it has had a cup modification after being damaged. It now gets 150-200 more RPM at the top end than the stock 525. Sorry I can't remember the final number.

I have a Stokes shorty that I really like. Super thin and stretchy while really warm. Doesn't seem fragile at all. I'll bet their top is great too.

So back on point...

@Horton you said, "I can now see what it is I need to do. It is just way harder at short rope." I'm assuming you're doing it in the video, which looks like your Pineapple video. What is it? Looks good!

Just a little something to keep in mind, those middle wind speeds on a private lake produce conditions that are a LOT different than on a course on a public lake. My vote is based on that!

 

Now, if we only had water...

Not only will United charge you, they'll break it and not reimburse you. Keep your ski in your boat!

@swbca ask yourself the question does the person or persons in the boat with you or nearby have the ability to haul you into the boat if you are unconscious? It is entirely situational as @ral mentions above. In my case on a public lake at odd hours with (deliberately) no one around, just the two of us, my wife and I choose USCG vests and it still may be a bit risky.

A ski commune!

@swbca Try this. There are wire and pin types. I just found this on a search, not by any experience.

 

http://www.breakawayconnector.com/products/breakaway-connectors.html

http://www.breakawayconnector.com/products/breakaway-swivels.html

http://www.breakawayconnector.com/products/index.html

@swbca got it about the magnets. Check out this line of breakaway connectors. There's a ton of options and pretty compact too.

Don't laugh at me...

 

How about making up some sort of magnetic coupling?

My 99 RLX has both a heater and a shower. I installed quick connect fittings on all of the heater and shower hoses so that it can be reconfigured to use the shower pump to pump antifreeze through both the shower and heater at the same time. When I see pink coming out, both are full and the hoses can be returned to the original setup.

Yeah but...

What happens to smear?

:) Just when I thought the whole idea of GUT was finally simplifying everything I previously thought about slalom this thread has to come along... Stop already!!!

@MNshortliner unfortunately I do not have any photos. I'll try to get some next week when I get back to the lake. I did this in 2007. After making templates and cutting, the pieces were hung with a combination of a 3M 90 spray adhesive and epoxied-on spikes with caps and washers. Edges were covered with heavy self adhesive HVAC foil tape. Also, had to be sure that the vent at the rear of the box was kept open. I did not insulate the floor over the muffler compartment.

Yeah, @Andre this is heavy stuff. I don't remember how much was used but maybe as little as 60. It is not your everyday foam. It is a specialized acoustical foam. Lot's more attenuation but admittedly I didn't realize how heavy it was until I received it. You definitely don't want to drop the lid on your foot!

@DW I did my motorbox with a 1" composite foam a lot of years ago so I don't have exact numbers. I think I bought close to 100 pounds and probably used 80% of it though. (!)

 

It's pretty quiet inside the boat.

@chrislandy what does that mean? Are these rebuildable? I have Silent Riders on my '99 RLX but they're still pretty loud out the back.

For you guys that have done this, what are your thoughts regarding temperature about using EDPM fittings instead of silicone? I found 5.5" 90's that would fit the more current Malibu flappers but only in rubber. Here's the link...

No masks. Not socially distanced.

I'm with @UWSkier, the trunk is my favorite thing about my 99 RLX! Looks like you're going for the 98 RLX look. Don't forget to design some sort peep hole for the gas tank!

Sorry to hear that @Sportsturf I would probably start with the MC forum, TeamTalk. Lot's of good knowledge there.

@UWSkier and @ReallyGottaSki are you guys drilling a vent hole in these?

 

Also, @hammerski can you explain the small V a little more? I can't picture it and don't understand which pressure it deals with. Water being forced up pipe or water being sucked up pipe?