Inboardfix

I had a CC Full Throttle steering wheel (Stainless spokes w/black wheel) which is an awesome look but didn't match the gray dash on my '07 SN. This wheel had been sitting in my closet for 2+ years when finally I had a total refurb job on Scott Ellis' former 2008 SN which had been trashed (so bad it was used in a wakeboard video as a slider). When the customer decided to go with a my used gray dash & consul rather than spring for a new black one I was on my way to installing the Full Throttle wheel. Black dashes were not an option in 2007 so now I have one of the only '07 SN196s with a black dash and consul and Full Throttle wheel. Was it worth it considering only 2 people all of last year commented on it? Yeah, worth every penny and all the R&R time (it was a real pain to do).

@scottchipman Surface area or wetted surface area? Seems to me surface area is just as arbitrary as length. If wetted surface area is used a set universal distance from the tail would have to be determined since placement of binders from back to front holes will affect the wetted surface (as well as skier stance). What method is being used in your posted surface area measurements above?

@easttxskier very nice transom savor on your platform. Although I love my boat I'm of the opinion time spent messing with the platform is wasted. Everything else on my boat is cleaned pretty regularly and the interior is wiped down after every use but the platform isn't touched. The beauty of teak is 20 years from now if I want to make it look as nice as East Texas Skier's platform I can. Doubt that will ever happen but I know it can look that good if needed/wanted. Not saying anything is wrong with having an oiled platform or as Seinfeld would say, "not that there is anything wrong with that", just wanted to present another opinion. Also, those above who sand the platform sooner or later you will start saying ouch when you step onto the platform. The screws attaching the bottom section of teak to the top section are not far below the top deck surface. Not too big a deal to fix as you simply back out the exposed screws, grind them slightly and reattach (or replace with slightly shorter screws). Seen it plenty of times, it will happen.

@wish Other manufacturers were not discussed. My interpretation of what was discussed is bolting a flat (traditional) fin block onto a ski affects the rocker of the ski under the fin block. Since different skis have different rocker patterns I would think using the Quest fin block on another ski wouldn't be an exact fit. Perhaps it would be a closer match than a flat block so maybe some benefit would result.

Friday I was called by a D3 rep friend informing me of the finblock announcement (actually called about other things but the finblock came up). What I took from the conversation is the new finblock is designed to not interfere with the ski designer's planned rocker in the last 8" or so of the ski. Prior to this finblock the designed/engineered tail rocker was affected by the bolting down of a flat faced fin block. Seemed to make sense and D3 is convinced this is a game changer.

Lots of good things being said about the A3. If it is "dirt cheap", BUY IT. If it doesn't work you should be able to sell it for what you've got in it or maybe even pocket a $ or two.

@thager You win!

What is the preferred engine/powerplant for the Malibu TXi and why? Also, is there a gear reduction option? Couldn't find any options on their website. Thanks.

@Andy is right. No way a BFN should be in the discussion of flattest wake (maybe flattest table). In fact the rear engine BFN ('91-94) was much better than the center engine monster but neither of them were great wakes. Can't beat a flat hulled outboard for a flat wake. My 1st boat was a '73 Checkmate w/150 Merc. It didn't always run but when it did the wake was non-existent.

@6balls 1K lbs will make a noticeable difference for a wakeboarder (more would be better) and as mentioned it will be a balance between planning and wake height/definition. Generally, weight in the rear increases size and weight further forward helps definition. A good starting point would be a 65% back-35% forward ratio and adjust accordingly. I'd highly recommend getting ballast bags w/a high volume pump rather than mess with weights. Leaving that much additional weigh in your boat is tough on your trailer or boat lift and it is a pain to remove that much weight every time you put the boat up. With bags and a high volume pump (1500 gph or more) you can drain them in 10 minutes or so. Also, if your stern seat is removable you can place a bag in its place and it can be used as a seat.

@Chuck How would you compare the 2mm Titanium to the other suits you're using. Recently I've been using a 1mm long and .5 mm LS Shorty and don't notice much difference in warmth. Is the 2mm Titanium much warmer? Thanks.

@JMN These are 11A rudders just like your original except w/trim tab. You will not have to replace the rudder port or tiller arm. Thanks for your interest.

@JC McCavit 2001 is when CC introduced the tunable rudder. Some have minor surface perocity ( not sure of spelling), and some have a stain so weren't used on a new boat. All the blems are on the blade not the shaft. The used rudders came from test "mules" which were destroyed once molds were cut.

@rico They are a mix. Some are used and some are cosmetic blems. None had the trim tabs so the tabs will be new. Cheap is relative when talking about a $600+ rudder. These are $375.00.

In an altruistic world it would be lovely to have anyone who wants to ski the Nationals of any country ski. The reality is a true citizen will be crowded out. Perfect example is what is happening with our public education system. It is unconstitutional to shut out a child who is in our country illegally. There are instances where many of these children do not speak the language well (or at all) which leads to the entire class learning at a slower pace. Sure, it is wonderful we're giving these children an opportunity to learn but it is at the expense of our own children's learning (and legitimate taxpayer's wallets). What would everyone's opinion be if all the foreign pro skiers living in the US competed in the Nats? How many podium spots would be taken? Everyone ok w/that? I'm not.

@Jc mcCavit Not sure if you're dead set on a non-tunable but I have several tunable rudders.

Pro Air Nautiques have a "vented" hull. Basically it is a knotch in the side bottom about @ the trailer fender going inward toward the bottom chine. Imagine a triangle cut into the hull side going inward. Also, it has lifting strakes on the hull. A Sport/Air has a smooth hull very similar to the SN of the same era. Top decks on both boats are identicle. Do not expect a good slalom wake from the Pro Air. It has a serious rooster tail and lots of spray. It is not pleasant. Spent a lot of time behind a '94 Sport Nautique. At the time I was a 22-28 off 36 mph. Although the bump was a little more noticeable @ 15,22 than the SN I usually used I didn't loose any buoys.

Ok, maybe I was a bit harsh. How about stupid crazy if you're not making money filming and on a short rope length? My assumption was the filming was being done as a coaching technique and therefore would be used at shorter rope lengths where help/analysis is needed. As a "cool" film shot I suppose with an experienced skier (one whose opening pass is 28 or 32) the tube technique is acceptable at 28 off. I'm still more of a safety 1st kind of guy so you won't see me using this technique.

When I read things and then say to myself, "that is stupid crazy" I generally wait for someone else to chime in to say what I'm thinking and then don't post. However, even though others have chimed in I'm posting anyway, this is stupid crazy!!! Don't do it. Even with a shock cord the rope can come back and take gel chunks out of transoms. Something goes wrong and the person in the tube can be in a life threatening situation in a hurry.

At the 2012 Nationals the Texas crowd was well represented (especially the kids divisions). Obviously, they've got a great tournament scene and I'm glad to see they're being rewarded with the opportunity to host the Nationals.

PCM pricing for the conversion is more than 15% higher than it was when the first ZO conversions were being done. An EX330 w/Mefi 4 conversion is now approx $2500 if the dbw change is required. Additionally, if the SN being converted is a Limited or Team the Gateway box must be replaced so add another $750.00 to the total. $2500 + $750 (if Lim or Team) + 1590 (ZO) + $25 ZO CAN harness+ shipping ( $75-100) is a close approximation of cost to upgrade a Mefi 4 ignition to E-control w/ZO. Upgrade of your steering system to the exact system used by later model SN196s is a piece of cake and relatively inexpensive ($180 steering cable + $70 pinion + a couple hours to do it). Also, a new EX343 would be dbw and your existing control cable would work (have to be re-routed to the port side of engine).

Also, assumed the trans was a PCM. If a B/W or Hurth or other be sure to specify so the proper driveplate will be provided.

Yes, EX343 is complatible w/'97 transmission but does require different bellhousing and driveplate (assuming the trans was bolted to a Ford). If you buy the EX343 as a complete bobtail the bellhousing and driveplate are included.

All three of mine started riding in my lap or my ski partners lap while driving. Seldom was it more than just the 2 of us. Once they graduated from "lap" driving they were plopped down in the loveseat right beside us. During pull ups we'd say "hold on" and they learned to brace for acceleration and all was good. Toddlers learn pretty quick to lean in the turns and brace when they hear a change in engine noise. There was a bit of a learning curve w/#1 child who ended up hitting her head on the pylon once (might be why she isn't wild about skiing now). Ended up strapping a thick foam sleeve around the pylon to prevent too big a knot on the head for future mishaps (used foam from a trailer rear loader cover). Foam is still on the pylon even though the youngest is now 6. All and all my kids never slowed me down even though most of the time it was just 2 of us skiing. Additionally, there are some pretty funny stories from those days which I'll never forget (stuff to embarrass them with later). Sounds like you're going to have an event filled ski season. Enjoy it! BTW: always keep a floatation device on the child, even when on the dock. Each of mine had to be fished out of the lake more than once and if they didn't have a vest on it could have been scary.

@mattp Look forward to meeting you. Never skied there before but several of my friends skied their Sept 2012 tourney and loved it. It will be my 1st tournament in about 10 years so am glad it skis great.