markn

There isn't a gator in Florida big enough to take on @mike_mapple!!!

@Alvin_NeffI too still have my AM-33 and ALL of Andy's skis have been my favorites.  Given the years, not sure the adhesive securing the top and bottom to the internal ribs would still be solid on the AM-33.  I too would love to give it a rip, just not sure it would still hold up.  If you do ski, let us know how it goes.

Just read the ZO update for REV S.  It states  "redesign of plus mode for skiers who want a more responsive pull". "Provides a redesign of the plus setting which is more responsive and progressive."  Guess if you like A2, but the boat is "soft", add plus "for a more responsive and progressive pull".  (All this is predicated on REV S. )

@HockdogI referenced this same graph as an attachment early in the thread.  The question is "what are the A<B<C curves on plus (+) compared to without plus"?  Similar but firmer, or entirely different?

So once again, does my hypothesis still apply that with the + to A, you still get an "A" reaction to load only firmer and possibly a bit sooner?  If the hypothesis is true, then if one likes an "A" pull but wants it firmer, then adding the + is better than changing letter which would "react to load" later or more differently when looking at the graphs.  

A graph comparing a regular and a plus curves would answer the question.

Probably a bit too much mental masturbation, but I would like to know the real answer.

Yep, the leading edge for each letter, regardless of number do line up.  If the + moves the curve closer to the left (buoy) the graphs  would still reflect  A,B,C?  Hence with +, a firmer A, B, C pull?

Certainly agree the gate speed increases with the +.  While "intensity" increases with +, no doubt, again, to me, an "A" setting, regardless of + or no plus, would respond like the graph indicates, but intensity changes...... unless the letter/number graph changes with +.  That would clarify my understanding.

Maybe I can learn something new here, but having just re-read the ZO manual, in the language of the manual, while saying "it is when" not "where" ZO reacts, it goes on to say the various settings come on "where".  I recognize ZO will responds when there is load from the skier, but with the graph, it appears the load  "comes on" later on setting "A" than Setting "C".  To me, that describes "where".

If a skier likes a "load" right off the buoy, "C' loads immediately.  Conversely, "A" loads much later; based on the graphs.  If I load the boat right off the buoy on "A", the pull is completely different than if I load the boat right off the buoy on "C".  

I have attached the 2 pages from the ZO manual for reference.  Greatly appreciate additional insight on this.

ZO PDF 2.pdf ZO PDF 4.pdf

If you are used to A2, as to when, where and for how long the boat is on you, I submit, stick with A2 and add the +.  It will act as A2, but more intense.  Changing letters means changing when, where and for how long ZO is engaged.

ZO A,B,C is not how fast it responds, but rather WHERE it responds.

Try adding (+) on your Nautique 200 to get a firmer pull.  I run C2 on the 6.2 Nautique, but run C2+ on my 5.7 196 to get the same feel.

Assume when you refer to "mineral build up" you are referring to calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.  If that is the case, it would imply your cooling source is "hard water"; high in calcium, magnesium and possibly alkalinity.  Build up usually occurs in areas of high heat transfer and/or when water evaporates to dryness leaving the dissolved minerals behind.  Without the presence of heat, calcium carbonate usually does not form an insoluble deposit unless the pH is 8.2 or greater but can still form from evaporation to dryness.  Doubt the pH of your water is as high as 8.2.  With heat it can precipitate at much lower pH levels.  (inverse solubility to temperature)  To dissolve mineral deposition, acidic solutions work the best.  Not familiar with MC cooling system, but if you do flush with a weak acidic solution, you MUST passivate the newly cleaned  metal surfaces by circulating an alkaline solution.  Flushing with  weak acid will expose the internals to corrosive conditions (no matter how mild the acid).  Passivating the surface will stop the corrosion mechanism.  (If using only vinegar, probably not necessary, but it is such a weak acid you may not get much cleaning.)

That is a major flaw in the Faria gauges used in the Nautiques.  My 2004 meter stopped at 999 as well.  As replacement gauges are no longer available, I simply purchased an analogue hour meter (VDO type in older Nautiques) and wired it.  Pretty simple, but major flaw in the original design of the Faria gauges.

Note:  look for jlbmfg for in- tow rope and handles.

In-tow handles have lasted me a long time and I find the grip to be great.  (Just not a fan of covered end caps) My glove size is large and use 1.062 x 12 inch.  

 With the original series 40 tranny having seen 2000 hours, it won't be long until you would need a new series 80.  By the time you toss in a 6.0 liter, series 80 tranny, trailer and ZO to the $18k purchase price, you would be looking at an additional $20k plus.  That said, over time, I have replaced the engine and tranny in my 2004 ZO  Rev S converted Limited 196. (owned since 2005)  I have found that to be a very cost effective alternative to buying a new boat.  Not sure I would make the same argument if buying a 2000 hour boat now and making the same improvements.  @6ballsboat finds may be  better alternatives.

Be certain to select your desired A,B,C, 1,2,3 setting in tournament mode BEFORE going to practice mode.

@DWI did do a evaluation write up of the Works 01, but in summary, to me, no matter what you do, there is more ski than skier.  The two things it does better than previous skis, at least to me are 1.  ski can roll on a very deep edge for tighter radius turns and 2. despite being able to keep tip deep in turn, there is no loss of speed while gaining more cross-course angle out of the turn. Consistent and reliable on and off-side turns.  It requires less effort than the Pro as well, but the pro gives you some crazy good off side turns.  Very much liked all the Omegas I rode, but there is no doubt the 01 is an improvement over all of them.  

@schuba and @MDB1056 As far as what skis I have been riding; Syndicate Pro, several versions of the Syndicate Omega,  Works 01 and demoed a D3 R3.  Prior to that, all of Andy's skis (damn those were ALL fantastic skis) the AM-33, the T-1 and the T-3.

At 180 lbs. we are pretty close in weight.  I would strongly suggest the Works 01.  Although 67 years old,  still skiing 34 mph and running 38 off on this ski.  Flat out the best ski I have ridden.  Give one a rip while you are in ski shape.  Go with stock settings on the 67 and be prepared for one awesome ride.  Good luck.

"If CJ notes it in his report probably nothing will happen" and "but again I've seen Assistants working when it should be Regular or Senior".   Then one must ask why have established rules/requirements if they are not enforced?  The handle is an inch long, but they did not set a record, so let's let it go, it is only a C tournament. ELR tournaments have officials requirements as do C tournaments.  How do you justify overlooking rules just because it is a C tournament?  If you are going to have a governing body, I would fully expect them to enforce the rules THEY impose.    Otherwise, they have no credibility.   Makes me wonder what else is being overlooked or excused.

@UWSkierThanks for the clarification.

@Broussard The TWBC graphic kept showing the Malibu TXI as 360 h.p. 6.0 liter monsoon.  Was that an error or are they using 6.0 liter now?  Thanks.

D-limonene.  It is a citrus based solvent that cleans any hydro-carbon deposit....and it smells wonderful.  I have even used Citrus Magic air freshener directly on oil spots.  

Correction.  The Malibu in use  is a 6.0 not 6.2.  Sorry.

Each boat has different engines/transmissions  ..Nautique 6.2 for tournaments, the recent MC tournament used 6.0.  Also each boat may  have gear reduction and some are 1:1.  Additional factors are the hull design /drag and the ZO programming for each manufacturer./engine.  Hence the pull can feel very different boat manufacturer to boat manufacturer.  Most skiers use A2 on Nautique and MC.  but  the 6.2 Malibu has a 1:1 transmission. If the pull feels too loose on the Malibu, they may choose B2 to firm up the pull and/or get picked up sooner off the ball.