buoyboy1

I have a 2005 196 with that engine. I did mine back in 2012 when it had 425 hrs. Tim White (inboard solutions) in AL did the conversion. Zero regrets! Still have the boat and it now has 1050 hrs on it. PM me if you need specifics.

Now I finally understand why Nautiques cost more. :p

I will report back when it happens, but I have only been at it for 30 years. Never got that "runners high" either. :p

Along Adam's point, I always thought completing an S-turn should count as a 3/4 buoy. Why give the S-turner the same score as someone that took the risk only to ski inside the next buoy.

Wally told me one time that PVC glue works really well.

63" however....https://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Slalom&postid=64069

@usawaterskiHQ How many abuse claims towards minors have there been in the sport of waterskiing the past 10 years? Curious how widespread this is in our sport. Thanks.

I currently ski on the R1. I tried the R2 and the extra speed was not a bonus for me. I also could not seem to ever find the "larger" sweet spot the R2 was supposed to have. I ski much more consistent on the R1 and in more control. I also liked the original NRG but did find the R1 does everything better for me.

Several years ago I injured my ribs and ordered a Evoshield Adult Rib Shirt. It has 1/4" moldable hard plastic plates for each side and the shirt is a short sleeve form fitting (like a rash guard) with pockets for the plates. Fits very well under my Eagle life vest with zero restrictions. I wore it for about 3 months after the injury but really should wear it every set. I am 6' 180 and wear a 42 long suit coat and bought XL size as they run a little small.

Since Freddie was the last skier, is there a reason they could not have simply pulled him back at 41 as a provisional then taken all the time necessary to get the call right? Then, if still in complete doubt, take 5 in the finals or is that too much common sense? Seems a bit unfair to leave a skier in the water that long and get out of rhythm of the set while the judges scramble to get a very important call correct should he have been allowed to continue.

I believe on Wally's website there is information on how much air to use. You do not want to use very much air.

Wallys' will also hold up far better than any other manuf. when it comes to fading. I had a set that still held up extremely well after 5 years.

In NC I use form GAS-1201 for off-highway gas refund. I have been doing that for 20 years and it has saved me anywhere from .14 to .19 cents a gallon. I have a 270 gallon tank at my house and use non-ethanol fuel so not many receipts to keep track of since I only fill it up once or twice a year. It takes me about 30 mins at the end of the year to fill out the form and mail it in. I also include the diesel fuel that I use for my Kubota. Well worth my time and hassle free. It is due by April 15 of the following year but I always like to submit in Jan so the refund check gets back to me sooner.

@jnan66 I use a 1" x 1" strip of velcro (rough portion) in two locations (toes and heel) under my rear boot on my D3. It grips the rubber on the bottom of the binding plate and really keeps it from wanting to slide around.

@jhkiefer I took a bad fall last year and have been wearing this shirt under my non coast guard approved vest for added protection. It comes with two molded rib plates that will be form fitted to your ribs. The plates are thin and won't interfere or be an issue for your vest and are very light weight. https://www.evoshield.com/en-us/product/performance-rib-shirt-wf70001#colors=65144

+1 for O'Neill Fluid drysuit. I am 6' 180 and wear a large. You will not be disappointed.

I always thought the best way to eliminate a bunch of 2 or 3's at 41 would be to implement a 3/4 buoy. If you S-turn after a buoy to get back to the wakes you get a 3/4. If you turn the buoy and ski inside of the next one then you get a full buoy. Right now the way its scored is that a skier will actually be penalized if they try to turn the buoy to get the next one and end up in the water as they end up with only 1/2. The skier that now takes it safe and does an S-turn is rewarded by not taking the risk as its scored the same.

I would be curious to know how many of these predator incidents/situations have been reported to AWSA the past say 20 years to better understand how big of a problem this all is?

Whitney won and I think Regina got third which was still incredible considering her recovering timetable.

https://fb.watch/837FSasQFW/

Went back and watched his full set. Looks like he is skiing at 34 and is on a longer line than really is and does not appear to be working very hard. Fantastic skiing!

Use grade 316 stainless under water. It will last longer and perform better than 304.

@Rw3 I would get a 68". I believe you are always better off being on the lighter end of the weight range for a particular ski. I weigh 175 to 180 and ski on a 67" R1. I tried a 66" last year and it was more work behind the boat even through it turned better when it was time to scrap. The 67" is easier on my body. The larger ski will also support you better when the water heats up. I find its also easier to make a bigger ski feel short verses the other way around. You can also have a few extra calories at dinner and not stress about your smaller ski... :)

Leadhead weights and O'Neill Boost vest.