BRY

Call Wiley's. Their in-house ones are durable, boring black, flexible and available in multiple sizes. Shaped for an athletes leg, not some skinny fit model, so snug but not tight. Won't catch in the water.

NNNNoooooooooooo! Leave the 1/4 buoy alone!

I had a 91 MC (my first real ski boat) with a 240HP. Unfortunately the engine died in that one so rather than re-power went to an MB Boss 190 with a GT-40, a splash of the 91-94 MC hull. Besides the extra power there were some modification to the running surface that improved tracking, helped reduce the propwash bump (compared to powerslot) and lowered spray. Basically an improved 91-94 MC. The build quality was better and the huge rear trunk was great for going out on big lakes. Would take multiple wake boards and skis (including 68" ones easily). Rear seat was removable, fuel tank vertical in between trunk and interior. I think it had a much better wake than the slant-back Nautique of the time and the then MC. The gelcoat work was incredible, no taped pin stripes there. Never did like the 200 though and the Plus model wakes weren't the same either. Sweet, sweet boat. One of the best older ones. But not in the same class as a current CP, 200, MC or Bu.

3/4 buoy idea makes sense but not sure it's needed. Also would change averages, boost them. Definitely keep 1/4 ball. There should be a difference between just getting back to the wakes vs getting outside the buoy.

@h2oSkiJunkie "I would rather focus on the group to which I belong – pro skiers. I can’t help but believe that we can do more to improve our own situation. We need to form an identity. We need to be able to speak as a collective unit so that we have a voice. If we can band together, perhaps it would be easier for us to get a swell of sponsorship behind our events." " I have thoughts, and I know a lot of other pro skiers have ideas as well. All I’m saying is that I’m ready to collaborate. I’m ready to work with the rest of the pro men and women skiers to do whatever we need to do to get to the next level." I think these statements of yours are the way forward for Pro skiing and the proper attitude. No one else cares about it as much as you all (Pro's) nor has as much a vested interest. There just doesn't seem to be enough incentive for someone outside to do it. Get something going with a cohesive pro organization (the talent) and there will be a basis to attract outside support.

I skied behind a third example of a 5.3 single puck 200 yesterday in Miami. Ran B2B 35's and to two ball on the 38's. Kept getting wide and early and having issues not turning before the ball without giving up the turn. Pretty much an average set for me though the too wide and early an unusual issue for me. I have a 2011 5.7 dual puck 200 with 422 prop. Differences I had to contend with: Different site (water and setup feel much different than my lake) Different driver (very good driver, but feels different than my usual driver) Different engine Different ZO software and puck Different prop How could I possibly have skied? Perhaps I should have quit instead. Certainly didn't feel just like my boat with my driver on my lake. But then I go to tournaments and, OMG!, there are 6L 200's which feel different, there are these MC boats that feel even more different(x2 with 5.7 & 6.2), and these Malibu ones (x2 with 5.7 & 6.0)(that I've only seen twice in the last 3 years) that feel way more different. Sigh, so hard but yea, not enough to make me quit. Guess I'm weird as I kinda like skiing different boats and different sites, think it's part of the fun. So will I spend $800 for the upgrade? Probably not. It's just too similar to mine. Will I spend $400 to "upgrade" my 422 prop (once an approved prop) for a 654 prop (current 200 prop)? No, feels too much the same and I like it.

@liquid d it's because @Wish has more boats than he can use. I've used Stabil for years, no issues at all. Know lots of people who use it without issue as well. Heard second hand stories about it gelling but only in real cold. In WA (maybe mid 20's once in a while) and FL just don't see it as an issue. Sea Foam good product too. I have had diesel fuel gel in my truck in real cold in Canada though. Probably should have used some diesel additive. What a bitch to get that started...

@slow Your lucky (unlucky?) if it brings back memories. I have to rely on pictures. Very thankful that was before the digital age and I have them all (I hope). Well, I guess I remember walking there...

In college we used to get a case of decent beer to get started and then lots of Schmidt or Black Label (cheapest beer around, cheap in every way) to continue. Dollar Pitcher night at Dante's (local bar) was always packed and great place to pick up chicks. Always liked Alumni events, they brought better beer, Seattle has lots of good beer.

Hmmm, well I have been fortunate to have 12 sets behind the 5.3. 6 of those in tournaments, 3 sites, 2 different boats. I had several 4.5@35 and several 2@38, stock scores for me of which I have way too many. So no impact on my scores at all, I actually liked the pull. EXACTLY the same as a 5.7 or 6.0? No, but very very similar to me, sorta slots right in between. I run the same setting. Going from Nautique to MC to Malibu all seem like much bigger changes (CP and Nautique are similar to me). I won't complain about any of them as they are so good and so close the driver seems to be a bigger deal than which boat. My direct experience, not what I have "heard". At the 3 tournaments I was at didn't hear anyone complaining, at least not about the boat... Haven't skied Darin M's boat yet but it's just down the lake. Maybe I can get ride from him, just for testing purposes of course.

... you have no chance of getting a ride, at all. Any day you get a ride is a good day, some are just better than others.

I don't have one but have skied three so far in tournaments and fortunate to get some practice behind two of those. One of them was a couple days in a row. Very, very nice ride. It felt like it had less swing in speed than the 5.7 (I have one of those) but more solid, like the 6.0. I also felt is seemed a little softer than the 6.0, still right there firm, just not as hard. Like it better than the 5.7, hard to say over the 6.0 but maybe. I tried B1, B3 and C1-3 and stayed with my normal C1, what I ski the 5.7 and 6.0 at. Do like it over my 5.7 but not enough to get a new one, not that different. Would really like to try the 450. At 6'1" 220 I like the bigger engine boats, they seem smoother to me.

@Wish Keeps all the internals happy. Here in WPB things seem to rust overnight.... http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta-bil-fogging-oil Usage Directions: 1.Start engine and remove air filter. 2. Spray fogging oil into air intakes of running engine. 3. Shut engine off after 10 seconds. 4. Remove spark plugs. 5. Attach extension tube and spray fogging oil into each cylinder for 3 seconds. 6. Replace spark plugs. I usually just sprayed in the intake when the engine was off, in each cylinder and then turned it a couple times with the kill switch pulled (just a rotation or two). Did this when I winterized in WA but the principle is the same for a long layup. Guaranteed once the 6.0L gets there you will want to leave yours up as long as possible....

Put regular red Stabil in with your last tank before storage. Run the engine enough to get it all through the system (taking a set is perfect). Have the tank pretty much full. Ethanol free gas not necessary but wouldn't hurt. Change the oil when you pull it, keeps all the crap in it from settling into sludge while it sits. An engine fogger (Stabil makes one too) probably a good idea as well, actually pretty easy to do. You don't have to worry about freezing but putting in some RV antifreeze wouldn't hurt either, keep it wet.

Here's to hoping Joe Public even shows to get confused....

Go ZO. It is a more consistent ride, easier on the driver and you won't be second guessing yourself.

Boise is actually a neat little city. State Capitol and college town with Boise State University (22K students), solid tech presence with HP and Micron driving that. Metro area 600K+ population so stuff going on. Interstate goes right through it and has a real airport with major airlines. Early August in the North West is awesome, right in the middle of the two great months that make up for the other 10 months of crap. So no good reason not to go due to geography. I figure if I'm getting on a plane an hour or two +- on the flight really doesn't matter. Just don't like to land and then have to drive 2+ hours, aka Padukah. The site in Boise is 30 minutes from the airport, nice! That said, I lived in Seattle until 2 years ago when I moved to FL. WTF! I get to FL and they move Nat's back to near where I was, total BS. Don't the Powers the Be know there is no skiing outside Florida?

Obvious but did you heat mold the liner? Reflex thin heat molds well for sexy goodness fit. What issue is he having? Tight, loose, pressure point, they just generally suck, don't look cool? I went from PS to Reflex White and thought they skied fairly similar for front foot. Is he stepping up to R style rear?

200 If already picked, let us know!

@MattP Stand corrected. Looked at your first chart and appeared 10K for 1st, not total. With that was wondering what the complaining was about.

BTW I plan to drive up Thursday to watch the pro preliminaries. Can't do both Thur and Fri so having to pick between Pro and BD I personally pick Pro. The finals with a 4 ball course, BD or Pro, couldn't care less.

The BD purse is larger than the Pro's purse seems to be a common theme here. Unless @MattP's numbers are wrong (doubtful), then it $12,000 for the BD total compared to $20,000 for Pro men's slalom only. That's 66% more money for the Pro Slalom than for the BD, and that's men's slalom only. Seems like the Pro's ski a faster speed, ski shorter lines, have a larger purse and are run last as the featured event. More BD than Pro in finals, that's an issue from the various formats. If BD was not there only 5 would be in the Pro final anyway. I do not see how the BD causes the Pro's to be watered down.

Just saw an official looking e-mail stating that the 2016 AWSA Nationals will be held August 8-13 at Broadside Harbor in Caldwell, Idaho. Congrats and thanks to Broadside Harbor for their winning bid. http://broadsideharbor.com/wp/ https://www.facebook.com/Broadside-Harbor-Water-Ski-Club-232957753533/ 21600 Look Ln Caldwell, ID 83607

@Wish There you go dude. You are already in a very unique position. You have two of the huge hurdles solved, location and access to decision maker. Access to the organizer is the biggest thing. This year is done but you can change it for next year, though probably nothing in it for you but satisfaction.

@Wish You say "I'm thinkn that is not enough people to justify it's current location for beer, food trucks and the like. ALL those people would go to a pristine sight anyway with a 6 ball course. Plenty to chose from around here. This was shoved in front of the public for publics sake." I 100% agree with that. 100% You also state "Pick... a good show or a good record capable event." I disagree. I think it could be a good show and a good record capable event. Think Masters or Moomba but with an ace site. In fact I think if it were a good record capable event it would be a better show. But this 4 ball thing is neither. "Powers that be think it's one in the same.." seems to be the case, doesn't it. So who are the powers that be? How could you, I, the BOS faithful reach them to effect change? "BD makes no difference here" Well we disagree. My rationale is posted above. I think combining the two gets the best we are going to get with what there is. The best bet for getting it bigger so desperation sites aren't used. Best bet to get enough people to justify it's current location for beer, food trucks and the like.