markn

40 lb. bags of softener salt...even has a handy carrying handle...and cheap.

40 lb. bags of softener salt...even has a handy carrying handle...and cheap.

Keep this 1996 Exploder around to pull out the Nautique for weather issues....like IAN. Love all your new rigs, but just can't let it go

Just replaced 14 buoys on one course...not gator gars....REAL gators. That was a fun swim.

No better source for all things Nautique in central Florida than Xpropman.

@BraceMaker how true, except maybe a dedicated Porsche race car....ask me how I know!!!

Heck, boats are now MORE expensive than BMWs and Porsches!!!!

Having successfully purchased a Porsche sight-unseen and out of state I would apply the same approach with a boat if unable to physically see the boat. ALWAYS do a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) by a qualified shop. Pay the cost of inspection to a shop that specializes in direct drive boats. Ask to see maintenance records. (I have all major records for my 196 all the way back to 2005) Inspection from an independent shop might cost $250-300. Money well spent.Conversely, I was selling an older Porsche and a guy, asking all the "newby" questions for that model, made me an offer sight unseen and undriven. I told him I would not sell the car to him unless he viewed the car in person. Integrity of the seller is also important.Good luck in your search.

@rbuss4 Have to completely disagree with your evaluation of wakes and skiability of a 1996 Ski Nautique. We owned a 1995 Signature for 10 years. I skied that boat from 22 off and ran my first 39 off behind that boat. If I showed up at the dock today and saw an old 1996 and it had ZO (know it would have to be repowered), I would ski it all day long and then go barefooting behind it. Heck, it has a better barefoot wake than my 196! These are great boats.

Contact @savaiusini at HO. He will get you set up promptly.

HO Omega is 66.5. I ski at 34 mph and weigh 185 lbs.

@vtmecheng did you repower your 2004 nautique with a 5.3 or did you mean 5.7?

Rode a Pro 2 years ago and not certain if the ski has changed, but the settings I used on my 67 were: Boot: 291/2 Length: 6.835 Depth: 2.475 and DFT: .76 with wing at 7 degrees. 38 off skier at 34 mph. Good luck.

Ashamed to report I have caused the rope to go around the neck of 3 different drivers over the years...one of whom was my wife. Needless to say, we now ALWAYS use a shock tube. Again, my apologies to those drivers!

We owned a 1995 Nautique Signature from new for 9 years. Obviously, a great slalom boat even today. For footing, I thought it was fine. We did wake crossings and you could even use a 5 foot handle and step off the platform for close up footing. In 9 years of ownership, we had zero maintenance issues. Only sold it to buy a new 196.

Congrats to Will and JT. Great skiing by Team Syndicate!

Thanks to my wife of 40 years and driver for 35 years, this morning ran 2 x 28, 2 x 32, 2 x 35 and 38 off @ 34 mph..but was too rough to barefoot dang it! Those of us who have continued to ski and stay in shape are truly blessed and are still reaping the rewards or our efforts to keep it up! Congrats to all of you!!

We're not "old". We have extensive experience!

@MDB1056 we must be in the minority, but at 66, I too am sticking with 34 mph. Last week, just for fun tried 36 mph....ran 28 and 32 off, but THAT felt fast!!

PM me with address. I wear out my left and all my rights are in good shape just sitting in a box. Tail 41's and Claws Kevlar. Happy to donate to a fellow skier.

No preference of manufacturer, but I would suggest a galvanized vs. painted. Particularly if left outside. The painted will rust far more quickly.

That is fantastic. Obviously had a good coach.

Vinegar is an exceedingly weak "acid" and if it does not cause harm to humans, doubt gel-coat would be adversely impacted. Hard water stains are caused by mineral deposits which result when the water evaporates to dryness leaving the minerals (such as iron, calcium, magnesium) behind. The stronger the acid, the more quickly the mineral deposit will dissolve and the less required. I have used muriatic acid (HCl), a strong acid on gelcoat with no adverse outcome. Lime-away is phosphoric acid which is "less strong" and also works well. Both are much "stronger acids" than vinegar. Simply apply, let minerals dissolve and rinse. Heck, as a reference, Coke has a pH of 3.65 and vinegar has a pH of 2 to 3...both are "weak acids" despite the pH. You can ingest both with no consequence. Lime-away has a pH of 1.2 to 2.0, but is a much "stronger acid so hence will dissolve minerals more quickly. It is the "alkalinity reducing ability" of the acid which determines strength, not pH. Maybe TMI, sorry!

@scoke I have the single puck Rev S. Interesting you mention 38 off. Before re-mapping best I could do was 5..and it was a heck of a fight. After remapping, ran 1@39 down the line then 2 more 38's. For sure, proper mapping makes a difference!

@ScottScott very valid point. Not worked up, just want people to stand by positions and reasonings...whatever they are and not hide behind anonymity. Regarding the call back, I started the interview and when I told them I was no longer a member, they hung up on me!