dbutcher

@ski6jones Thank you too. I'm glad I asked.

@Zman Thank you.

I have a SN 200 sitting on a Ram-Lin single axle trailer. The tires are ST225 75R, load range E, 10 ply rating, maximum load capacity 2830 lbs. (each) at 80 PSI air pressure. The shipping weight of the boat trailer is 1,040 lbs., the dry weight of the boat is 2,800 lbs. Since there are two tires splitting the weight of the boat/trailer not even considering that maybe 100 lbs of the gross weight is transferred to the trailer hitch on my truck, my tires have more than enough capacity - even considering the weight of gas and gear in the boat. I do not, however, run them at 80 PSI. I run them at 65 lbs. because the ride for the boat is a little (perhaps a lot) smoother. I have used 65 lbs. pressure since the rig was new in 2015. I am on my second set of trailer tires due solely to age, but I have never had a blowout or flat. But, should I be running 80 lbs. tire pressure? I'm guessing that tire capacity diminishes as tire pressure is reduced. If so, how much or at what ratio? What do you all think?

@skihart Can you hang it from its lifting rings just above the trailer so its not sitting on a wrong trailer all winter? That's a question, not a recommendation. I've heard that new trailers are expensive, in short supply, and take a long time to get.

Thanks for your post. You made me remember why I always have a spare rope and handle on hand.

I use the 654 on my 2015 SN200, 5.7L engine, and it works well. If memory serves, the 422 was (is) the prop for 196's. My guess is that the 422 would not be quite as peppy out of the hole as the 654 on 200's. Use what you like best.

Finding a used trailer will be difficult. If your neighbor buys a new one, I suggest he/she consider Ram-Lin. I think one can still buy direct from Ram-Lin in Orlando without any dealer being involved. The first of the two Ram-Lin trailers I have owned was for a 2007 196. On one of the two I drove to Orlando and picked it up myself to avoid shipping cost (plus I just wanted to go to Orlando). Both are excellent trailers. Ram-Linn has a web site that will provide most of the information your neighbor will need. There may be other trailers that cost less, but there is none better in my experience.

Sorry for your problem, but why not keep a good, if not new, spare handle on hand at all times. You never know what might happen to your handle - perhaps not even ski related.

So when they moved the 200 hull manufacturing back to Florida, did they take out the extra weight?

@swbca Sent you a private message.

It appears there were only 19 M3 slalom skiers at the 2022 Nationals. Perhaps some (or many) M3 skiers stayed home this year. This is, of course, pure speculation on my part.

@tjs1295 When the driver is alone in the boat in the slalom course, his/her focus should still be on boat path - not watching the skier or trying to coach. If/when the skier falls, the driver can feel that. If you are not in a slalom course, there is less need to focus on path so occasional glances in the mirror or at the skier are fine.

I was taught that a driver should not be looking at the skier or looking in the mirror while in the slalom course. The driver should be looking ahead and concentrating on boat path. To each his own.

If approved, Dan would share that record with Steve Raphael who unfortunately has passed away.

@lagdawg This may seem counterintuitive, but how long has it been since you changed your fuel filters? If fuel gets intermittently shut off and slows the boat, when fuel flow returns ZO will make the engine surge trying to get back where it knows it should be. Rule out the fuel filters before tearing into the expensive ZO stuff. Fuel issues may not explain the ZO screen going mostly blank though.

At some point there is a speed that is too slow for adults. It becomes too much work without enough speed, even with a bigger ski. I am a 78 year old M9 slalom skier who has been skiing at the M9 maximum speed (30mph) for three years. For reasons unknown to me I am struggling with my opener. I changed my opener from -28 to -22. That helped a little. I tried -15, but it was disastrous. I went back to -22 and dropped my speed to 28mph. I found 28mph too slow at any line length. For me 30 mph is my comfort speed. We all are individuals so experiment and find what works for you.

@vtmecheng, did the engineer say why slalom is hard on an engine? Perhaps more high RPM's than other uses?

At some point, requirements to pull Nationals and Regionals are going to have to be reduced - if they haven't been already. It seems like we are lucky to have any tow boats at all, and the future doesn't look bright.

I'd bet that if he contacted a glove manufacturer, they would be happy to furnish him with two right gloves for the same price as a regular pair. Or maybe even free.

Consider this. Hire an athletic high school kid to be your observer. Put him/her in a CG approved vest and pay him/her with free ski rides. Solve your immediate problem, level your boat if needed, and maybe grow the sport.

Might be a Christmas tree with really bad decorations.

I agree with Mike. I guess there is a pylon in that picture somewhere. Please save room for the tow rope and room to walk around the pylon without busting a knee cap.

That's good to know.

@Broussard, thanks. My friend may already have a solution; but if not, we'll try Bennett's. It may not have even been the puck that is the problem. I think pucks are brand specific so it would be a surprise to me that a MC dealer would have one for a Nautique. But anything is possible.

Thanks. He's already tried calling ZO, but I will suggest he call again.