JAG

@gregy Remember that DOT3, 4 is not compatible with DOT5. They would be compatible with DOT 5.1 as DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are glycol based. (DOT5 is silicone based) You're taking a chance with DOT 5 because residual fluid could still be in there and can cause havoc later down the road. Maybe you meant to say DOT5.1, which would work AND has a higher boiling point.

Ice out in MI. Dock and lift going in this weekend.

Tie Down actuators are pretty simple to swap out. You'll have to bleed the system. If I remember correctly, I use a large flat handle screwdriver (2002 Eagle trailer) to actuate the piston and have my buddy at each wheel, opening and closing the bleed nipple.

Get down to my 28 year old fighting weight and a new handle. :)

Toying with the idea of adding quick drains for the engine block on my 2002 350 Chevy PCM. Stbd. side has the knock sensor. Port side has the hot hose line for the rear shower. It's a small hassle unscrewing both for winter maintenance. Also, I want to upgrade the deck from the oem Clarion XM2 to something more modern with Bluetooth or USB. The CD player in the Clarion is sporadic at best and other guys in my club have way better sound. :( Other than that, I'm expecting it to fire up with zero issues and have another trouble free season, adding to its 800 hour clock.

I visited with SeaDek at a recent BoatShow and I'm having them make me new original padding for my swim platform. I have the old 3 piece section with the logo in the middle and they made a template to replicate the original shape, cutouts, etc., so we'll see how it looks when done. They've been extremely easy to work with and very professional, so this is sort of a pre-recommendation. :)

I've got a bunch of these lying around. I've bruised a few ribs in the course before so maybe I should slip one on top of my regular vest.......

Free skiing, 32 off, 34mph is a blast with the Carbon V. As Horton says, it doesn't punish you for your errors (and I have many).

Horton, thanks for the detailed review.

@bstephen24 I have a 2002 190 Plus. I honestly didn't know they made a 210. It's been a great towboat. The quality of components is equal to anything out there, IMHO. The best feature has to be the rear locker that can store at least 8 slalom skis, vest and ropes. There's nice little touches like cargo netting thoughtfully place to hold soap bottles, wet gloves, etc. Wakes are very smooth with little spray at short-line. You can always go with one of the big three, but it strikes up a conversation when you drive up in something unique and exclusive. Think, everyone at Bike Night has the same chromed out Harley and you ride up on a vintage, pristine BMW. :) Check out some of the WaterSki magazine reviews. They generally rave about them. LINK Hope this helps, RPG

the next obvious question, "will the new fin box fit my old F1?" I'm having a hard time with the mallet, getting 2.499999999" depth, which I know will get me into 41 off.

Roscoe. A sweet Boxer mix. Always up for anything including my dumb Photo ideas at Christmas. :) “Just give me a comfortable couch, a dog, a good book, and a woman. Then if you can get the dog to go somewhere and read the book, I might have a little fun.” ― Groucho Marx

I've been skiing on a V for the past year. I can't explain the micro-details like some of you guys, but it certainly has more potential than my ability. I came from a F1 and the biggest noticeable change is the reduced drag when free skiing. And it's easily as fast as my F1 from wake to wake when pushed. I'm pretty happy with it. My $.02

2nd vote for Goode Power Vest. First season ever with no lower back issues.

Arrested for "having fun?" In 1983, after the aftermath of Hurricane Alicia in Houston, I went driving around taking photographs. One of the most memorable images I shot was a Kmart parking lot, about 2 feet underwater. Driving around was a group of young pimple faced guys in a high bed F100, pulling a water skier wearing a diaper and a female blow up doll taped to his shoulders. Now If that doesn't put a smile on your face, well..........

If, IF I get to heaven and Chief isn't there, I'll ask to leave.

My focus will be.........to appreciate skiing more, while I'm skiing.

"It's only water. What could go wrong?"

One time, my buddy and I were pulling a guy barefoot. (Me driving, him spotting). The guy was going through this elaborate process how to pull him up. "ok, give me a bump and take it to 18mph, then I'll give you a signal with my foot to go to 22mph. I'll then give you a quick nod and that's the signal to go to 30mph. Hold it there for exactly 5 seconds and then accelerate to 34". I look at my buddy and go, "did you understand all of that?". He looks at me and very softly goes....."Just nail it". :)

Thank y'all for your input. The season is fast approaching.

I need a new handle as my older InTow is worn out. It's a straight 1.00" dia. but I've been thinking of going with a bent handle. The 1.00" dia. always felt too thin and I'm thinking I'd like something a little thicker too, but I've not been able to try one. What would I gain with a bent handle, with a slightly larger diameter? thanks

Thomas actually remembered me from driving at Drew Ross' a few years ago. Well, kind of. More like, "you're that guy with the Tigers hat (old English D) that kept crashing at the gates, I think". Yep, that would be me. Super good guy. He talked about the new Response's narrower wake, allowing him to initiate the turn much earlier. And raved about Drew's daughter, too. RPG

Only a month? Try going through a Michigan winter. We just went three weeks without even seeing the sun! :(

We made a member sell his tower equipped boat years ago. We couldn't bare to see it going through the course. :)

"wasn't that training method pioneered by some guy in Michigan many years ago and it helped him win several national titles?" Please don't associate the fine citizens of the great state of MI with the scandalous Dr. Jim Michaels. He isn't qualified to floss my dog's teeth. :)