jjackkrash

@Zman, PM sent.

My big goal is to get before spring and and ski again after bicep-tendon rebuild and re-attachment. Also, hopefully, have a new boat in the driveway next week. :)

I am probably going to close on this boat Tues! Its a 2016 sold-as-new boat (but 50 hours) loaded with the H5/5.3. The only thing it doesn't have that I might have wanted is the H6/6.2, but the boat is local and I really like the dealer here.

I love the Solstice! Its a day of hope and lighter and brighter days ahead!

I am looking real hard at a left-over 2016 with the H5/5.3 for a great deal. The boat has every option I want except the H6/6.2. The dealer basically said the H6 is awesome, but more money, and almost spooky and borderline dangerous in the hands of a driver who isn't used to the power. I am tempted to pull the trigger on the H5/5.3, but I am wondering whether I will regret not holding out for the big engine. My wife and other family will drive the boat, however, and I am starting the think the 5.3 might be the better engine for me when there are less experienced drivers in the seat. Damn I hate big decisions.

Is the 6.2 Ilmor a Direct Injection motor like the CC/PCM 6.2?

I seem to recall reading that ZO can actually accomplish a near constant-speed-brick-wall pull, but this approach was abandoned due to skier complaints, and hence the myriad of choices about the "type of pull" the skier wants. Is this true? If the tech exists to give a constant-speed pull to every skier but this tech was abandoned, its a shame, IMO. If the ZO mapping is intentionally building in speed-variation tolerances that don't need to be there to give the pull a "better feel" based on "skier preference," then this is heart of the fairness problem, IMO. Every competitor ought to get a no-mercy, constant-speed brick wall if the tech exists to give this type of pull.

My CC dealer said 55 right out of the box with the big motor. That is freaking sweet.

I don't doubt the 5.7 skis great in the 200 at sea level, but I just like boats that are a bit faster than 40-42 WFO and would prefer a little more RPM headroom at 36 mph.

@skiinxs. Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it.

@jrs, that's great looking boat, but pretty far away. I am on the other side of the world up here in the Pac NW.

Has anyone verified the top speed of a 200 with a standard approved prop and the 5.3l H5 with measurements? I am at or near sea level.

@horton, I thought you were against the 5.7 in the 200? In any event, I found a local sold as new 50 hour 2016 200 OB I am looking hard at with the 5.3DI. Does everyone agree that this is a sufficient engine? I would really like the 6.2, but this boat has everything I want less the big engine.

I paid $12k cash for the American Skier about 6 years ago and nothing but oil changes and regular maintenance since. Just a few quirks here and there and the interior is a little beat up. Part of me says run it till it quits, but I got that itch.

Exciting. Please report back.

Man, this is tough. There's something to like about all three options and the new Malibu kinda throws a monkey wrench into things.

42 tops seems like the engine would be screaming pretty loud at 36 MPH with a skier in tow.

Anyone know top-end speed on the 5.7 versus the 6.2?

I am looking at a 2016 TXI with a 450HP 6.0l. Anyone had any experience with this set up? Are there any downsides to this engine? I imagine it rocks.

I am curious, does anyone know the approximate amount of the discount for being in a promo program as opposed to just haggling with the dealer?

I have been looking at that one. Its certainly sharp, but spendy. I'm still getting used to the $50k barrier for a ski boat, $75k is probably more than I'm willing to spend.

Anyone know these boats or the seller? They are about 12 hours from me, so I could pick up and return on a weekend. Link Does the price seem about right for a 500+hour boat? They seem pretty well optioned and have the bog motor. Any issues to consider bringing a boat from Canada into the states? Thanks in advance for any input.

Rebuilt (from parts in my wrist) and re-attached bicep tendon this summer. I am supposed to be good to ski this spring.

Great pic! I love the colors.

@jhughes, straight up, do you like the Nautique with the DI engine better than the last year's TXI? Just for grins, got any pics of the new boat?