PurdueSkier

The 97 might be priced a little high. The GT40 engine is a great engine and the newer trailer is a nice add, but still probably priced a few thousand high

https://fortwayne.craigslist.org/boa/d/angola-master-edition-ski-nautique/6849595680.html https://fortwayne.craigslist.org/boa/d/angola-1996-ski-nautique-196/6855057731.html Check these out. Not too far away I assume.

Looking to mount a bimini on my 2010 LXI. I am leaning towards a hull mount instead of a windshield mount. There isn't an available spot on the top surface. It will have to be mounted to the side of the hull above the rub rail beside the windshield. I am looking for a quick release option that can be side mounted. My past biminis have all had nylon fittings. Is there a concern with the stainless steel fittings scratching the boat when putting on and off? What are you guys using and where did you get them?

@dwfrech thanks for the comments. This is definitely a final product for me. It will get used a lot. My shop is just a small corner of my garage but I have all the tools I need.

@MrJones they actually dont. I was worried about that but test fit everything before I built it. Even when sitting half on the jump seat and half on the observer seat you dont feel the hinges. They are further back than they look in the picture.

@6balls thanks! It was a fun project

@skimtb I struggled finding the right hinge and locking system. The seat fits very tight in the walkway so not much room to access a release on the sides. I also wanted to access from both the front and back of the seat. This works well but was a bit expensive. I bought these hinges from Nautinox in Italy. I couldn't find anything local. Their customer service was really good. I ended up having to cut the hinges down in the back because they were hitting the side panels in the boat.

Last fall I bought a 2010 Malibu LXI. I have spent a lot of time in these boats and knew what I wanted. My boat came with the optional jump seat. I really like the extra seating space for the observer but hate that it blocks access to the open bow. I have always liked Mastercrafts hinged seat in the 197 and even more so in the newer Prostars. So I took my jump seat and modified it. I cut the original base down and added custom hinges. There is a small handle on the top. To release the back you just pull up and fold down. When you fold it back up it drops into place. If you have one of these boats you know they also removed some cupholders. So my design adds two back. The cupholders double as a support when folded down. Everything was built with HDPE material and SS. Nothing to rot or rust. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but loved how it turned out.

@swc5150 same here in NE Indiana. -20 today with windchill around -45 calling for 50 and rain by Monday

Purchased the radar padded wheelie bag and have been very happy with it. Depending on how you use it, it might be a little big for daily use. It is great for travel and taking to tournaments.

@wish what @dklkskr said. I did 2 things to fix my issue. I installed an auxiliary electric fuel pump right at the tank. This pressurized the fuel line from the tank to the engine where the mechanical fuel pump is. The second issue was related to the vapor separating tank that my engine has. If you have one, look at replacing the gasket and diaphragm inside the vst. The diaphragm acts as a 1 way valve allowing built up vapor to escape and bleed back to the front of the system. In my case the vapor lock was happening inside this tank. The diaphragm was installed backwards and wasn't working properly. Depending on the model of vst, determines which way it is installed. Once I bought a new kit and installed correctly I have had no issues for several years.

What engine? If it has a vapor separating tank (vsp) I can help. I had this issue gir a couple years and finally fixed it

Thanks for the responses. I think I will give it a try.

Has anyone seen or used the new radar padded slalom bag with wheels? I am looking for a new bag and this might work but don't have access locally to check one out. Trying to figure out the inside dimensions as well as what type of material it is on the outside. Is it similar to the masterline bags or thinner/less rigid?

@justin I skied behind a 200V on our public course last summer. A friend had one for his family and was struggling in the course. Wanted me to try it. I only skied 34mph but expect slower speeds to be worse. At 15 and 22 off it was nearly unskiable in the course. Wake was big and rampy. Caused huge air during edge change. I struggled and couldn't imagine putting my wife or kids behind it if the goal was to ski a course or even aggressively edge thru the wakes. At 28 off it wasn't too bad. At 32 and 35 off I honestly couldn't tell the difference between it and a direct drive. Strangest part was sitting in the water behind it. It is huge. More difficult to maneuver at slow speeds as well just because it is a much bigger boat. If slalom was last on the priority list this might be a good option. If it is first I would say it is not a good option.

After I broke a 2012 I got a new HO V Type. I worked all season trying to find settings that I liked and could never get it to work. Bought a used 2012 S2 and went back to skiing well. I am now on a 2014 S2 and still love it.

Great skiing Cale! Boiler Up!

@dnewton is that boondocks lake in Indiana? Haven't skied there in a few years but really looks like it.

Excalibur

No. This is 180 degrees opposite the Life on the Water image that USA Waterski is trying to promote. We already have an exclusive and elitist community. If we want to bring people into the sport we should celebrate the successes of the sports best not doubt and further scrutinize. According to this site practice doesn't count and now neither do Class C tournaments or any tournament at any level when someone unexpected skis well and wins. Not how we grow the sport

I am headed there the week after the fourth and will be watching this.

Saw this going down the road a few years ago. Twin v drives.

@killer I am only one example but I am right handed and right foot dominant. I slalom and trick RFF and I wakeboard and snowboard LFF. most coaches I have heard recommend your dominant foot forward for skiing. I have heard the opposite for board sports with your dominant foot back.

Why not just leave the boat on the trailer in the garage with a cover on it all the time and buy a second cheaper boat to use. That way the new boat won't get wet or dirty and it will really keep the hours down.