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@rockdog I thought the registration numbers were creative as well, they are the prior owner’s numbers from Massachusetts where you can request a number. I am registering the boat in Vermont later this week and hope to be able to request a special number. I would be happy to post more pics of the boat in a 196 or boat thread.

My loving wife let me take her 2018 Tacoma to pickup the new to me 08 196 yesterday.

I have used many things to move boat lifts, inflatable diving bags, floating docks and a 14’ aluminum boat. For seasonal install and removals on our small lake, we use the floating dock, using hand winches to pull the cradle down lifting up the legs of the lift, towing the lift with the aluminum boat. Can also work with cantilever lifts. I put the lift on the aluminum boat to move the lift several miles when I bought it, the seller thought I was crazy.

Congratulations! The ice went out on Lake Iroquois Monday if you’re looking for a place to ski. I saw the Reservoir was still frozen Wednesday morning.

A lease is a financial instrument, that can be obtained independent from a dealer or a boat manufacture. A local lender (bank or credit union) may be able to offer you a lease on a new or used boat. Given the high turnover on the team a lease were the current members are essentially paying for their use of the boat via a lease may make sense. If the cost of the boat being leased isn’t subsidized by a dealer or manufacturer the cost may be higher than earlier arrangements.

I have been very happy with the used RGC I bought years ago. I agree with Sethro look for a used lift that meets your needs.

Seems the era of blunt bow ski boats is fully upon us.

Both of my MasterCraft’s were white and black. I love the look of black running surface, but they can scratch and wear from trailers or lifts.

Most rental companies prohibit towing, but some of the vehicles have hitches. I don't know how it would work insurance/liability wise if you refuse rental coverage and use your own coverage. U-Haul used to limit the types of things you could tow. Box trucks could only tow U-Haul trailers... I currently have a Toyota rental from my local dealer while they replace the frame on my 09 Tacoma. The contact allows for towing(but smoking and pets are prohibited). However, the rental 2017 Tacoma they provided lacked a hitch(All 2018 V6 Tacomas now come with tow package). I put a bolted-on hitch on it for a failed 1,500 mile round trip to buy a boat. VT to VA and back.

Unfortunately it wasn’t a removable film on the gauge. Instead the face of the Zero Off gauge was delaminating. During my inspection I found undiscovered or undisclosed issues with the boat: -Had 1,416 hours instead of stated 1,000 -gelcoat warn through on bottom of hull from trailer loading or lift -scrapes on bow from beaching’s and dings in front two tracking fins -Undisclosed vinyl cut in engine cover by pylon -soft spot in the floor on port side between engine bay and gunnel I didn’t buy the boat. It remains at the dealer and they were beginning to fix the floor as I was leaving. They had lowered the price to $19,997 for the ‘January special’. I thought it was a great deal for a 09 196. Glad I went to inspect, drive and ski behind the boat before buying it. Just 1,500 miles of driving and 36 hours of my life. My search for a ski boat continues. Expired Only Inboards Add FaceBook post about the boat Dealers Website

double post can delete

SIA Speed Control Classifieds Complete systems seem hard to come by. You could also try ebay.

@Conor Link to Create a Discussion

Thanks for the comments. I am hopeful to confirm that it's just protective film when I see the boat. Delayed due to weather until the end of next week. I will update the thread with what I find.

If it’s just an electronic protective film coming off that would be great, but I doubt that would have remained for nine years. A cut phone screen protects maybe a good remedy. Thanks for the reply.

I have a 2009 SN 196 LTD under contract with Zero Off. The boat is at a MasterCraft dealer 750 miles from me, I plan to travel to check it out next weekend and finalize the purchase. One of the two know issues with the boat is the ZO head unit appears to be delaminating near the buttons. Have others seen this issue? Is this something that will become an issue that will require a repair? Can it be sent to Zero Off for repair or would I eventually need to purchase a new head unit? I live in Vermont so our water ski season won't begin until late April allowing time for the head unit to be repaired if possible. Second is a minor vinyl stitching issue. I am very excited to have a ski boat again and to know how the 196 Kool-Aid tastes. Thanks in advance for your input.

The boat brand specific forums can also provide information about specific models that may help you narrow your search. These are some threads about MasterCrafts: MasterCraft Skier/ProStar/ProStar 190: A History (1968-2009) 1995-97 ProStar 190/19 Skier/SportStar 19/ ProStar 195/X-5: A History 1996-2000 ProStar 205/205V/Maristar205/X-star/X-2/X-1: A History

What make is the boat the motor is in?

Which 08 Indmar(RTP, MCX, 6L...)? Post six of this thread may help: link

@Jody_Seal are you saying you can convert a pre-Vortec Chevy 350 to ZO? Similar cost to the PCM EXE conversions?

From MasterCraft Team Talk Site. http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=82966&page=6

@thepantsmancan thanks for the prompt reply. I wasn’t implying something was mechanically wrong with the boat your selling. Just trying to research this vintage Malibu. What parts are available for a 96 Indmar Monsoon. Can you get a replacement ECU, hoses, injectors, water and fuel pumps…? I didn’t find much searching online for this information. I am less interested in the comparison with other EFI motors of that era. Your comment “Parts availability for this Make/Model is no better or worse than any other boat of this age. (DOES NOT have the parts concerns a of an LT1 Motor)” is contradictory. Share if you know about parts availability for an early Indmar Monsoon, versus the comparable an Indmar LT-1 or PCM GT-40?

I sent @ThePantsManCan an email about his boat. I am not familiar with the older Indmar Monsoon motors or mid 90's Malibu's are their any parts(ECU, Dash Switches...) that are no longer available new? From the same era I know ECU availability is an issue with PCM GT-40 motors and hoses are an issue with Indmar LT-1 motors.

Very sorry to learn of your injury. I wish you a speedy and full recovery. I agree there is no safest binding for waterskiing, each is a compromise. After I broke and resprayed my front ankle(RFF) in Fogman’s I switched to Radar Boots(Strata and Vapors). Gave up some stiffness and water feel, but so far I have released when needed. From the group of four of us that ski together, three have broken out ankles, me in Fogman’s, one in rubber boots and another in Goode hard-shells.

Another season at Stowe. The mountain opened today with three unique ways down! Hope to make it west once this season.