MISkier

A switch rope mistake also happened in a Big Dawg qualifier. They were running two boats and skiers using one boat were always winning. There were suspicions about some inequality about half way through. Later, they discovered that boat's rope had a switch section and was basically 18" too long. They even had one skier take a shot at the current record and I think he might have beat it. In fact, I think that particular event caused them to measure the rope and discover the error. They had everyone using the inaccurate boat re-do their passes and the accurate boat's skiers retained their original scores. I don't remember all the results differences, but there were some. The real downer was for a local skier that smoked his PB and was really celebrating.

In addition to crossing the wake on two skis, I look for body position on two skis. Hips up, arms straight, shoulders back, vision level and looking down the lake. If they are crossing the wake bent at the waist, trailing hips, pulling in on the rope, looking down, shoulders rolled forward, then they are not ready.

A boat dealer told me that the biggest issue with the heaters is the quality of the water running through them. If it has silt or other sediment, some of that can collect and also trap some water when you are winterizing it. They cautioned me on my very first winterization that even using air pressure and RV antifreeze might not be enough to prevent freezing and failure. But, I have no issues so far. For my first year, I did have some seaweed in the shower valve screen that was preventing some flow, but there was no damage from winter. No problems since and we have changed lakes to one with much better water quality. I've also seen what sediment in the raw water can do to an engine (not mine). It collects and may clog some of the channels in the block resulting in one cylinder that overheats, etc. The culprit is that the block heats and cools the gunk and turns it into a cement-like compound. It's better to run in the cleanest, clearest water possible or flush it with a garden hose if you are running in a muddy location.

Wax and detail at the end of the season. Wipe down after every use. Pull out of the water overnight. Just the wipe down and removing it from the water overnight keeps it basically spotless. Don't really even need the detailing.

I had a 2000 MasterCraft Prostar 205. Great boat based on the 1995-1997 Prostar 190 hull. 15 off was decently soft. Bump at 22 off. 28 off and up was every bit as good as the 190 it inherited from. Tracked like a freight train in the course. Not as nimble as the 190 for cornering, but super solid through the course. Great storage and a lot of room in the bow. I only sold it to get a boat with Zero Off and I have missed it at various times.

The gates will receive more analysis than the Zapruder film. I hope they hold up, because he is a great skier and has really added some excitement back to the sport.

@Lucas, I was advised to abandon 15 off as soon as I could. I still consider that very good advice. I'm planning to do the same with 22. I don't even set it at 15 off those few times when I use 36 mph, whether I run it or not. The pendulum action at the shorter lengths is very different.

Goode 9500.

I am 145 lbs and initally liked it. But, I am reverting to work on some conditioning and other issues before experimenting with it again. I basically changed back to the old setting just to eliminate that variable while I start the season.

I initially liked, but I also think it was too early for me to try it. I tried on my first set of the season with a new-to-me ski and a lot of rust. I will use it again after I get my conditioning back and can experiment a little.

@Wish. Wim is 5' 7" and somewhere in the 160lb. range. I believe that video is from 2006. Here is a bunch more info; http://www.schnitzskis.com/wimdecree.html

Oh yeah, I forgot, the wind has been over 20 mph for 3 days.

It snowed in Michigan yesterday. Most areas were below 40 for the high temperature. The overnight low last night was in the 20s.

I want to run 32 off in practice and get deeper into it, say around 4 ball, at a tournament.

The kids don't like the MC either. I've heard many of them complain on the dock when the round is pulled by that boat. Long line and slow speed are not good for the MC. I hope MC is able to deliver on all fronts. I owned a 2000 Prostar 205 and would still have it if it could have had ZO. And, I was as brand loyal as can be. But, I just didn't want to buy a 197, due to the wake issues. Also, I happened upon a deal for my new boat that made the switch much easier. I wish MC success. I believe they build a quality boat, but one that still needed improvement.

I have my phone with the WeatherBug app in the boat at all times and I watch the forecast like a hawk when planning to ski. In fact, I just checked it this morning for Wednesday's conditions - which have changed since I checked last night at 10:00PM. Yep, I'm a little obsessive.

@AB, that east to west pattern is very rare indeed. We hardly ever see east winds and they were here for days. Yesterday, they were strong enough to make the sets very difficult - least protected direction. I think it is being caused by a blocking high pressure system off the east coast. I also think that is compressing the jet stream and giving all that winter weather to WI and MN. But, I am not a meteorologist.

I think it was the driver.

Here is one in Ohio that has a great price. http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Real_Estate&postid=20879

Here is the one near Seattle. http://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?topic=Search&category=Real_Estate&postid=22574

Somewhere in the neighborhood of $2 million, if I recall correctly. But, that may also have been the price tag on the site near Seattle, which was amazing.

Finally back on the water today. I like the new Zero Off Revision R. Seemed to smooth out one ball.

@AB, I think the regulation on the private body of water is there due to issues with flooding or other overflow where private water mixes with public water. If memory serves me, the high-flying asian carp nuisance now invading the Great Lake waterways originated in a private body of water that was flooded by a hurricane. They have spread very successfully since then. I am not a fan of regulation on private water, but I do see the threat that they are trying to address. However, it seems like sterilized grass carp would be something they could allow. Basically, I would think anything that is engineered to be non-toxic, temporary, and not self-sustaining should be allowed in private water.

@Waternut, the cold has been only part of the delay. We have had a ton of heavy rain and wind as well. Conditions probably affect me more than most. I have to drive 100 miles one way to ski, when others just walk out their back door or drive 10-15 minutes. They can squeeze in a quick set, whereas my time on the water has to be planned around a larger window of cooperative weather - which we have not had. Many weeknights are out until the sun sets late and work commitments allow. But, when all is said and done, I am starting slightly later than normal. I guess some of us are comparing it to last year when we started in mid-March. In most other years, I would have already completed the soreness and conditioning part. If all goes well, I will start that 2-week endeavor this Sunday.

Last time I skied was January 28 and I had to go to Florida to do it. Planning to ski this Sunday. Many new things to try: Zero Off Revision R, a new-to-me Goode 9500, new fin settings (back to stock), new binding placement (back to stock), coaching tips from @AB last September. I've even changed my gloves. The only thing that is the same is my boat, handle and drysuit. Should be interesting.