clemsondave

@eleeski, I think you misunderstood. In fact, I think your 3rd paragraph is my suggestion #1 and the same as what Ise is suggesting. My only point was that skiers at different speeds and buoy counts gets complicated in a placement tournament like States, Regionals and Nationals. If they qualify for Open they can elect to keep skiing at 36mph if they enter as Open at those tournaments. If they elect to ski at 34mph in those tournaments in their age divisions, score them like everyone else. If I go to Nationals and score 2 at 39/34mph, I don't want to get beat by someone running 2.25 at 38/36mph. Its too confusing at those tournaments.

After reading over the rules, I believe the current system is my suggestion #2 above. I'm just not crazy about being able to qualify by skiing 34mph and I'm just a couple buoys off from it. I don't think I can compete at the Open level. I'm happy to get my butt handed to me by the other MM skiers.

If I remember correctly, when I started skiing, Open was apx 2 at 39/34mph. Now it looks like its around 4 at 39/34mph.

For M2, the Open rating is around 4 at 38 currently.

I think it would be cool to have an Open rating. However, what's the point if you are skiing at 34mph? You can't compete in Open class at 34. If a change is to be made, I'd say either:

1. Allow over 35 skiers to ski at 36mph AND get the extra buoys. Don't let the extra buoys count in States, Regionals or Nationals placements.

or

2. Change it so the top 3% ranking in EACH class gets an open rating. In other words, not comparing M3 to M2, but the top 3% of each division.

I feel quite certain my average would go down if I skied 36mph. Maybe not 6 buoys, but a few. I have played at that speed and run 35, but have not attempted 38/39.

Here is a link to the North Anna water temps. Has both the feed and discharge temps. I'd say the coldest it gets is around 60. Not bad considering our private lake occasionally freezes. In the winter, many times that water is warmer than West Palm.

http://dom.com/about/stations/nuclear/north-anna/waste-heat-treatment-facility.jsp

Have used Brenda's ropes for several years. Love her loops and the solid colors. Past several ropes have had issues. We sent some back and they still have same problems. Always accurate, but the 38 loops keep coming apart. No clue why it is only that loop.

Hoping to catch Rod at Okee this weekend.

Not much in DC but if you drive a couple hours south to Richmond you are welcome to ski with us.

I'll send you some contacts for skiing up there.

On the 2010, the grey was thinner than the faux teak color. I've only had the faux teak and it has never been an issue. I even tried getting it to catch but it wouldn't.

In 2011, the grey was as thick as the faux teak.

I charge $15 a set, but I ain't too smart. I did a big spreadsheet several years ago when I had a 196 promo. Break even was over $40/set.

Several promo guys on here, including me. I may have my 2012 sold, but first one with the $ or signature! Still time to change the colors/options too. Not sure if you can wait till Sept for delivery though.

Here is what we do:

https://sites.google.com/site/skilittledawg/Home/rules

To a degree, I think the hour meter is only useful for oil changes and maintenance. If I were buying used, I'd look at the owner first.

Before I got on the promo program, I sold my '03 196 to a friend. It had apx 600 hours on it and looked better than new. The new owner will be the first to tell you he does not bother too much about keeping it up (other than the motor). In 50 hours it started to get rips in the vinyl, very dirty, etc. Almost made me cry! But it's his boat and his prerogative. My point is that hours don't really mean much with today's technology. Most promo guys have gotten maintenance, repairs and cleaning down to a science. If we don't keep them looking perfect, they won't sell. I honestly think I am better at bringing out the color in these boats than the factory. Polishing is an art.

If anyone thinks we are making money on the promo program, I suggest getting on one! Then you will see what the real story is. I could buy a new one off the program for almost promo price and just be done. I do it to help the ski community. It is a tremendous amount of work. It's always frustrating when I hear of a serious tournament skier that buys new without checking out the promo boats. Like biting the hand that feeds you.

btw, the best I have done is -$2000. Not including expenses.

Don't think you can. Well unless you qualify for open.

You can ski 58k but it will be scored as 55k.