jedgell

My vote would be to get rid of the 1/4, just score it 1/2 if the ski gets outside of the buoy.  I’ve seen it called a couple times at tournaments and I think it’s mostly because the judges couldn’t tell if they got around the ball before they had a yard sale.  

Thanks, I’ll mount it up!  @liquid d yeah did Florida for a week last winter and was great, wasn’t in the cards this year. We have a great site but the late start is brutal!

My season will Finally be starting up in the next week or so. I’ve been on a D3 NRG R2 for several years and got a ‘24 Vapor over the winter.  Wondering if I should take a few sets on the D3 to get used to skiing again, or just get on the Vapor and go for it?  I’m sure there’s arguments for and against it. I’m a mid 35’ off skier. Thoughts, recommendations?

I take the old one to Costco and get one that's the same size.  In my experience it's not a marine battery, just a typical automotive battery.  The marine ones don't fit.

Would be nice if they put “Transit Break” on the webcast.   Also, how hard can it be to put the line length on the screen for each pass?

@Horton Get an iPhone!  Sorry I know that doesn't help...

Our water is 50F and we have lows in the single digits next week...  Plan to get a couple more sets this weekend and that will be it.  Going to be a long winter.

@Wish pretty sure Joel H’s front binding only releases if the hose clamps break. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw2_Gr-OamN/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

I know someone using a Blue Bomber and has worn very quickly, with amara gloves.  I've been using In-Tow handles for 15 yrs or so and they usually last 3-4 years with Kevlar, not sure I'll be getting one of the new ones.

Yes, I’ve skied it several times, including a tournament last weekend. Great boat, in new condition. I haven’t driven it, but an owner of a 200 said it tracks better than his boat.  Like any of the Big 3 it skis great. A bit if a bump at 22, but then 28 and shorter it’s fine. 

We have the similar setup as you @Mastercrafter, in MT.  Have always pulled the dock out and left the lift in, until last year.  Had a great late Fall and were using it then Winter hit and we didn't get it out of the water.  On a private lake also, had some damage, replaced 1 section where the ladder was.  The ladder was frozen in the ice, then the level dropped and pulled/bent the dock section.  Also a couple other pcs have slight damage that we fixed.  Our lift also had some damage, 1 broken cross member and a tube that was cracked.  We did have a very harsh winter, ice was probably 2' thick.  Won't be leaving it in the water again...

I recently got the 20” PTM and it’s great. Ended up getting from Barts for about $300. It’s the composite/plastic one. Stepping up to aluminum gets to $500 or more 

I’ve had Eagles and now on my third season with my Stokes. By far superior to the Eagle. Floats better, durable as hell, and comfortable. 

I put an ACME 422 on my '95 SN and made a huge difference.  Eliminated the cavitation in turns and overall much smoother.

Not familiar with the MC but with the Nautiques I’ve had it’s a quick and easy job. Maybe 20 mins.  I just spend the $40 and change out each year so I don’t have to worry about it. 

I’ve flown with my ski a lot. Just tell them it’s skis(alpine), just a standard bag fee for skis. Since alpine skis are regularly checked in it’s not a problem. I’ve had an issue when I told them it was a waterski, mostly because they aren’t familiar with it and wanted to charge the over size fee. 

How big of a pain is it to shorten the rope if it’s just the driver in the bot?

Looks great, but agree that bridge to the island looks nasty.  That's an accident waiting to happen, I wouldn't want any inexperienced skiers or kids to go through that.  Check out the bridge at Rosewater for how it should be done.  

https://www.rosewaterski.com/gallery

I just wish they'd stick with the boat camera.  Each pass switches back and forth 2-3 times between boat and shore cameras.  Maybe use the shore video for the replay?  Other than that I don't mind the webcast, sure miss TWBC though!

Where did you end up deciding to ski in Orlando?  We're skiing at Drew's next week, can't wait.  The kids better like it, I know I will!

Thanks everyone for your input, just booked with Drew Ross!  Looking forward to the trip, never done a winter waterski trip, hope my body holds up ok.

Ordered mine today!  Now I have to wait for the loooong MT winter to end…

I typically like islands, the added setup time is nice. . Depends on the length of the lake, and if it will be used for activities other than slalom.  Barefooters and wakeboarders would probably rather not have them.  If you’re 2,200’ or less I’d want islands. 

Thanks. Yeah my biggest concern is my 6 yr old. I can just see him complaining after we’ve been there an hour if there aren’t other things to do.  A swim area or other kids there would make all the difference. I want them to enjoy it so we can go back next year!