Sethro

I will add some trivia to the Sunsetter LX vs Echelon LX in regards to hull size. Supposedly, the extra foot is utilized towards the front of the boat, while the sides are "flared" to gain the extra 3 inches of beam. This was done to create a bigger boat with the same wetted surface as the smaller boat while at speed. So, theoretically, you are utilizing the same hull at skiing speed with the only difference being the added weight of the Sunsetter. Mainly from a much higher freeboard and the extra foot in length...about 500 pounds. The Sunsetter LX skis very well for a big boat.

I really like the Centurion Carbon Pro factory bimini. I'd like to have one built for my Echelon with that framework.

I sent you a message so I wouldn't mess up your gatormod thread any worse than I already did.

Just what I was thinking, "why on earth would he make those back two uprights solids?" Just kidding, I get confused just looking at that. I need you to engineer a new dock system I have in mind for the fluctuating Rock River. I'm still waiting for my special Glock magazine you invented.

I bought a 1989 Supra Comp in in 1997 that had 110 hours. I put 200+ hours on the boat the next two years relatively trouble free. Had the baffles of an exhaust hose collapse inside but that was it.

Ok then, @Chef23 it's settled. I'll buy your ski, and you can upgrade! I've never bought any new ski equipment except leftover or closeout stuff. I'm trying to remember the name, but I think my ski came from Dave Robbins up in the New England area. I would be in that same trick score range if I nailed them all in a row. And my son started tricking last summer, so he can have mine. Oh wait, I've got a 42" Connelly HC in the rafters of the boathouse for him. I suppose I could give the 42" to my younger boy when he finally starts tricking.

Along these same lines, do you think an intermediate (at best) tricker like myself would notice a big difference going to a new ski? I currently have a late 90's 44" Obrien trick ski. I'm 6'5" and around 250lbs so the bigger the better I would imagine.

12 stone=168 pounds or so...you could probably walk on water with 6'5" sized feet. What ski do you use at that speed?

12 stone=168 pounds or so...you could probably walk on water with 6'5" sized feet. What ski do you use at that speed?

@ShaneH, wouldn't Malibu use the 6.2 LS3 in the TXI for jump boats? I thought I remembered the TXI at the Malibu Open had the 450hp LS3 in it. Perhaps they only had it there for the open as it obviously isn't ordered often for the normal user or promo boat. There is a closed bow Response out there with the LS3....talk about fun!

Congratulations. Looks very nice. I've always wanted to slalom behind a vdrive. You'll have to remove the WakeSetter graphic or we will think you are a wakeboarder. :)

Here is a picture of the 2000' long building. Too bad it has cement floor.

@gator1, wasn't chasing anyone, but I was "investigating" clues left behind. :) I really like your train of thought. I figure if I just take a picture of Bruce with me to Florida, I can stop at ski lakes telling the owners I live next door to him and they'll offer a pull. Maybe I would want sides on the building, as long as they are retractable to some degree. I can't imagine the costs of controlling the climate inside such a structure.

I've been in several steel frame buildings with the width to house a slalom course, but typically not anywhere near long enough. But there is an old steel mill building nearby that is 2000' long and 300' wide. I had trouble concentrating on what I was supposed to be doing in there as all I could think about was laying out a course in there. Optimally, I envision an open building with only a roof, and I suppose lights, so the skiing could continue at night. I would think the roof and supporting steel frame structures would be sufficient to knock the wind down and keep the water calm in the wind. So, is there such a place that anyone is aware of? It's certainly on my to do list if the wealth required to undertake such a project ever comes my way.

All the years of reading about ZO and how it related to a lower buoy count had me worried for the day I finally got to try it. I kept reading how the larger skier (I'm 6'5" 250ish) with bad technique (I certainly have that) would have even a worse experience. I now have two friends with the ZO equipped TXI, and I simply don't notice much of a difference if at all. Only skied at -22 and -28....didn't even try -32 this year as I only went to the course a hand full of times as it appears my neck fusion prefers open water skiing. Is it only the shorter rope lengths where the difference is noticeable?

@thor_64 Really only a personal preference for a closed bow boat. I would like to have the hull and room associated with the SSLXI, but actually prefer a closed bow for looks/storage...and with all the cold weather skiing we do I'd prefer the closed bow. I know it comes with a walk-through "door" and I could put a canvas over the bow, but it just isn't the same.

The 99-04 Sunsetter LXI really has no successor. In 2005 and 2006 it changed to the V25 hull and associated "barge" wakes. In 2009 (I think) the Response FXI came but that was basically just the 20' v-drive hull in direct drive format. I've always wanted a closed bow 99-04 Sunsetter LXI...dream boat for me, but they never did and I'm sure never will make it.

Hey, how about one of those "unboxing" videos????

Illinois sounds about the same as Kentucky. DNR can enforce any of the public water laws at our private site. However, they have never stopped by. I wish Illinois could adopt some sort of "no observer" law, but I don't see it happening.

Good to hear. I have the same feelings about a Barefoot International heater top. Finally bought one of those and have elminated the shorty. For me trunks and a heater top till it drops below 60 from now on. I've been thinking about a wetsuit mainly for taking docks and boat rails in and out, as I don't want to risk tearing my baggy drysuit. I'll look at that Camaro.

All of my ski buddies that trick use no vest. They have been tricking for 30+ years with no vest and used to claim it interfered with handle passes, etc. I have been tricking for 10 or so years, trained by them, and I have nearly caught up to most of them in ability....all while wearing a vest. I don't understand it either.

Hmmmm, I just looked at the CX on the HO website. At 6'5" and 250lbs, I would love to give this ski a try. I think it might be the first "performance" ski I've seen on a size chart mention 250lbs. They usually say something like 190-220+ and it's certainly geared more towards the 220.

@ral, I'm not positive how I injured it in the first place. I assume it had something to do with barefoot falls and those pesky "fall backwards towards the boat" falls while trick skiing. There was no defining moment that I can say was the cause. Basically it had bothered me on and off for a few years, but March of 2012 it just didn't get better on its own like it had a few times before. So, I assume I had a bulging disc problem for a few years before the full blown rupture occurred at some point. My MRI indicated I needed C5-C6 done too, but the Dr. said when he got in there he decided it wasn't necessary. However, I think that decision was based more on the fact that there were complications with my surgery and the Dr. didn't have time to the second disc. Good luck with your procedure, I sincerely hope it goes well for you.

@Wayne, there are many homemade rail systems on the river here in NW IL. When you price ready made systems, you will see it can be done for a fraction of the cost if you and a welding friend (if you aren't a welder) do it yourself. I still have some work to do on mine (mostly some grinding and painting) but this gives you an idea of what we do around here. Even easier if you shoreline is a gentle slope into the water.

@ral I have the same fusion. I also have some symptoms that are telling me something isn't quite right. Back in August I merely "hooked up" after rounding 4 ball on I think my 6th pass and my neck hasn't been the same since. The pain was immediate. Can you share what issues you had that led you to get it checked out?