dbutcher

We need to let boat manufacturers know how much we appreciate their past, strong support. Support for 3E towboat promo programs won't increase until the demand for "wake" boats diminishes, and I think that will happen over time.

I am not among those in the know, but do you mean having the same rules and requirements for local tournaments as world record capable tournaments???? If you only have one set of rules and requirements, which do you choose? It would have to be R rules to make new records valid, and that would kill most local tournaments. Or it could be IWWF rules which would have the same destructive effect on local tournaments?? Maybe class E rules could protect all current classes of tournaments????, but then how would you deal with IWWF? I generally like simplification, but this doesn't seem possible. Although, if numbers of AWSA skiers and officials continue to decline, we may have to reduce AWSA requirements at all classes of tournaments (or pay more, travel further, and have fewer tournaments). Interesting idea, but I don't know how to make it work for everyone. Current class C rules/requirements are insufficient for world records, and current R rules/requirements are not necessary for local (class C) tournaments. You can mix class C skiers with class L skiers under one rule book, but it would have to be the L rule book right now.

@DW Thank you. I had not looked at GM Marine's website. I knew there had to be a reason for the taller motor box. I would hope that Nautique would use a different motor box for the super charged engines. The lower the motor box is the better it is for skiing (in my opinion). Thanks again.

I am curious as to why the new engines require a dramatically bigger motor box. According to PCM's website, the 5.3 and 6.2 are only 1/2 inch wider than the 5.7 EX343, 3/10 inches longer than the EX343, but SHORTER in height by over 5 inches. Did Nautique place the new engines higher above the bilge floor? I have only seen one 2016 SN200 with the 5.3, and its motor box clearly looks bigger, especially taller. Why so much taller?

Go to USAWS website. Click on Club Affiliation, then affiliated club listings, then Oregon. There's six or eight clubs listed there that may give you a starting place. Also, you can look at the Western Region on line regional guide and website.

@Triplett, for what it's worth, E1886400R is shown on AWSA's website as the approved ZO version for Nautique (revised 3-15-16). I don't know if there is a later one that may be in process of being approved by AWSA, but some of the promo Nautique guys on this forum probably know.

Gates are another measure of who is the best skier that day. Reduce controversies - go through the gates. If we miss or get a bad call, for most of us the quality of life remains unchanged.

Does anyone know if the new PCM engines will bolt right up in older Nautiques? If one wanted to repower an older Nautique to get Zero Off, could a 5.3 or 6.2 be used? Would there be any other issues such as too much power for the older hull?

@oldjeep I am not sure, but PCM engines at least in Nautiques sit very low and close to the bilge floor. Theoretically this would lower the center of gravity and improve stability against skiers pulling from the side. It would make sense that PCM would use a shallower oil pan (therefore smaller). I really don't know - I'm just thinking out loud - but engines in other brands of boats do seem to sit higher leaving more room for a larger oil pan.

I have a 2015 200 with a 5.7L engine. Oil requirements are spelled out on page 28 of the PCM owner's manual. It says synthetic engine oils may be used in PCM Marine Engines. ... It further says that Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W-30 is required in the XS550/XR550. It also says that PCM Engines reserves the right to refuse warranty on part(s) and/or engine(s) damaged by using improper fuels and engine oils. Based on PCM's manual, synthetic oil is NOT an improper oil.

What would have happened if that trailer had had different front loading equipment (like Ram-lin trailers use), and the stern had been securely tied down to the trailer?

@ntx The $$$ mean you're in the money now! Actually, I haven't a clue; but I'll bet it means you are going to spend some $$$ to fix it. If I had to guess, it would be ZO head unit failure. Slalom and trick work correctly?? Let us know what it turns out to be.

@TallSkinnyGuy the wake crossing at 30 mph is more challenging than at faster speeds, and the slower you go, the worse it gets. I don't know how the kids do it. Since your friend open water skis at 34mph, -28 and -32 to get a smaller wake, I suggest that he try the course at no slower than 30 mph and no longer a rope than 28 off. It might take him a little longer to achieve success at that line length, but it will be more pleasant trying.

@TallSkinnyGuy tell your 70 year old friend that he will enjoy the slalom course at 30.4 mph. 30.4 mph is much more forgiving of mistakes than any faster speed. I know because I'm 72 yrs old. My course skiing is more consistently successful at 30 than it ever was at any faster speed.

Men 7 speed is 32.3 mph. Men 8 is 30.4 mph - AWSA rule 10.06 available on USAWS' web site. Men 8 is age 70-74 inclusive (age on Dec. 31 of the ski year) - Rule 3.02 of the AWSA rules.

@jdarwin Try a 67" too.

What @LeonL said plus we must remember it takes two of three or three of five (a majority) to make the call. Judging is not easy, but it's not rocket science either. I think we should be required to have the two Class C shore judges on opposite sides of the lake. Sometimes they are both on the same side and really can't see.

@Mark_Matis unless I misunderstand you, I think you are looking at an old rule book. The measurement of the handle (the 4'11" measurement) is from the inside of the loop to the inside of the handle. This rule change gave us an extra half inch.

I've had a different experience than Than at regional meetings. I've only missed one regional winter meeting that I can remember in 30 years or more. The last five years or more our regional officers have been asking for new ideas, new ways to grow our sport, and everyone who wanted to was welcome to come and participate. Our regional officers are very sharp and experienced people. They know the history of AWSA, the reasons behind rules that may be controversial, and on and on. Experience has value, and so do new people and fresh ideas. Class C tournaments have value, and ELR tournaments have value. We need more of both, but they are getting harder and harder to put on because we are losing members, officials, and most importantly promo boats. My two cents worth.

@LeonL your June 4 post about E tournaments got me thinking and reading the AWSA rule book. There is some value in E tournaments. Regional and National slalom records can be set at E tournaments with slightly lower judging/scoring requirements than L or R. I'm glad E is available. I'm always chasing one of the old man Regional slalom records.

The symptoms are those of sucking air somewhere (anywhere) on the supply side of the impeller, but it sounds like you have checked for that. Could there be a partial restriction of the water intake that is overcome at higher speed? It really doesn't sound like a bad temperature guage or sending unit, but they are remote possibilities. I assume there are no water leaks anywhere in the cooling system. A hose clamp in the wrong position (such as on the transmission cooler) can cause the system to suck air. Good luck.

According to USAWS' web site, Version R is the approved version on all four major tow boats, single and dual puck. The approved list was revised 3-15-16.

Plastic tubing over the rope on the Y and just ahead of it. Next best - high quality duct tape in the same locations.

His BOS user name is skidawg. Don't know about his website.

Ski year round and never get out of shape (if your water doesn't freeze).