dbutcher

It seems like there should be, but there's no T in Dexron.

How do you know it will be the new Nautique? I know of at least one 2018 SN 200 that is going to Nationals.

If it's like the ones I've disassembled, the rudder shaft goes through a bushing. That bushing could be worn, or the rudder shaft could be out of round. Does it leak water when you are in the lake? There may be packing around the shaft that has hardened. Beyond that, you need someone more knowledgeable than me.

Try greasing it. If it does not have a grease fitting in the bilge, drop the rudder down and lube it well. You don't have to remove those 4 screws. It should come loose from bolt(s) at the top of the rudder. Have someone catch it or have good padding below it when you loosen it. It's possible that the rudder shaft is worn from lack of lubrication. If so, simple greasing won't fix it completely.

I have a pair of old fiberglass Connelly wingtails. They are 72" if you include the curve on the front in the measurement. A friend of mine is currently looking at them; but if he doesn't buy them, they are for sale blank for $250. They are heavy, do not have inserts, and have a few extra screw holes in them. As far as I can tell they are structurally sound. I bought them a few years ago for winter skiing without getting wet, but my sore knees made me stop.

@Roger Finally, an unbiased, meaningful post on the new Ski Nautique - and from a Prostar owner. Thank you.

SIA 31087 may fit a 2018 open bow.

Ya'll read and follow your owners manuals on gasoline requirements and send the savings to me once a month or so. Who if not the manufacturer has more interest in the performance and longevity of its marine engine product?

My belief is that USAWSWS requirements for "trained driver" are independent from any state boat driving requirements. Simply stated USAWSWS doesn't care that you are an approved boat driver in Alabama or any other state. The fact that you haven't heard from anyone regarding your DMV record review probably means that you passed. Re-read the "trained driver" program description found on USAWSWS website under officials resources. Why don't you consider going for "assistant driver"? That rating enables you to do a lot more than a trained driver rating.

Reminds me of the 90's era Ski Supreme.

There are several listed on USAWSWs, three event, website under officials resourses.

Keep your membership. Membership costs less than one night of dinner and drinks.

You are going to need at least two 50 lb bags. Not only do you have to offset the missing passenger weight, you have to offset the prop rotation torque (assuming left hand rotation). The 50 lb bags with handles are quick and convenient to put in and out. I use one 50 lb bag in a right hand rotation boat.

@skierjp Does the 2019 have to qualify to pull Regionals and Nationals separately or will total tournaments pulled by 2018's and 2019's qualify them both? This may be addressed in the towboat policy manual, but I didn't look.

Try using a different diameter handle each time you ski. At age 60 you're not old at all.

Bart's Water Sports sells at least two CG approved nylon vests - one labeled O'Brien and one Connelly - for $39.99 ea. I have one of each and use them both for tournament skiing and practice. Very comfortable, great rib protection, and float your head way above water. I'm old school, but I much prefer them over any non CG approved vest I've ever tried. I have seen the Connelly nylon vest at Academy Sports but not recently.

Read the "New Model Towboat Use Before Boat Tests" section of the AWSA Towboat Policy Manual.

Rules may have to change on the ballast - similarly to what they did for weight in the Mastercraft. Hydrogate rule may need to be changed too.

I am confused. Page 22 of PCM's owners manual (found on PCM's website) states that the H5 and H6 DI engines are calibrated to operate on 87 octane fuel, that E10 or less is acceptable, that fuel rated higher than E10 should not be used, and that premium 93 octane fuel should be used for optimal performance. To me these statements exclude the use of E85. Perhaps PCM has not updated its website owners manual. If so, that does not speak highly of PCM, and I am and have been a PCM engine advocate for many years. What fuel are you owners of the DI engines actually using in your boats, and what does your written owners manual say regarding fuel use? Like @Bruce_Butterfield, I would be shocked if E85 produces more power or economy than normal gas. Apparently PCM engines now are able to use E85, but I wonder if the rest of the fuel system in boats will tolerate it. I am just interested in what is happening in the real world?

Some color combos you either love or hate. To each his own.

Perhaps the right arm should be called the right arm, and the left arm the left arm.

@sunperch Jeff Surdej can give a better answer. I am not "in the know" and have never been an AWSA policymaker, but it makes some sense to me that one event skiers pay more proportionately than two or three event skiers. The most effort and expense (cost if you will) for the tournament sponsor is created by the first event a skier enters. My guess is that the primary extra cost for the second and/or third event is boat gas. For what it's worth, I am a one event skier. I applaud you for supporting 4 active skiers. That costs some serious money.

I wouldn't say you are wrong, but the new boat engines are far superior to those of 15-20 years ago. They develop more horsepower and torque per cubic inch of displacement. They start better, run better, require less maintenance (eg. no points etc.), are more dependable, and use fuel more efficiently. There's more high tech in them, they are made of aluminum (lighter in weight), and all of that costs money.

But you could slam your head into the platform.

Good trick skiing, better boat driving, no doubt fun, and a little bit dangerous.