MISkier

I thought that the 6.2L was an aluminum block and needed closed cooling for that reason.

How did it get winter freeze damage to the engine with a closed cooling system? Are the closed cooling systems running some version of coolant/antifreeze with a higher freeze point than automotive (which I thought was typically -34F to -50F)? Or, were there some excessively cold days out there that exceeded that protection level?

@ROBOT, I also had a membership at a second club that was a $500 per year fee and $40 per set arrangement. I didn't join that one this year, as my ski partner at that location moved away and my personal schedule is too busy this year to actively use two clubs. They have a 2023 Prostar on the lift, which I would prefer over the 200, but maybe I'll get back there in the future. This is a picture of that second club (older pic with the 2017 Prostar on the lift):

@ROBOT, the prices I see for parcels near our club (that are large enough to build a lake) run between $7,500 and $10,000 per acre.

@Mastercrafter, we have the same terms as well. 2023 Nautique 200. All fuel, etc. included. Unlimited skiing. Less than $3000.

@rockdog, I guess I was comparing it to an engine swap.

Excalibur engine can be converted to ZO with minimal effort, but is not a plug and play.

A few data points from the Michigan Ranking List: In 2011 (my first year in M4), there were 31 skiers on the list and the level 8 cutoff score was 94.17. The Midwest Region had 130 M4 skiers. In 2020 (my last year in M4), there were 16 skiers on the list and the level 8 cutoff score was 92.00. The Midwest Region had 78 skiers. In case one may be thinking that the pandemic influenced these numbers, the 2019 numbers were very similar. Today, there are 10 skiers on the list in M4 and the level 8 cutoff score is 91.89. The Midwest Region has 57 skiers. This age group (and M5) is the bread and butter of participation - with enough money and some time to participate. I'm sure USA Water Ski has the analysis of these and all divisions already available. I would think it would show similar trends.

Decline in accessibility and affordability is what is shrinking participation in slalom. It's too hard to get a course permit. Not allowing older boats with other speed control systems also increased the expense to participate in tournaments. Equipment has become more expensive, too, although I would say that is less of barrier to participation and more of a barrier to accessing the latest technological advances in that area. There are some other governance issues that make it more complicated to participate and officiate, but I think many would overcome those should they develop the passion/obsession for the sport on their own public lakes with ready access to courses, jumps, and reasonable conditions. The advent of jet skis and surfboats is not helping, either. I don't think we necessarily need new rules, just less barriers.

@Bufootinis correct. The 1999-2004 Sunsetter LXi is the range of Malibu open bow that I was referring to. Also, good point about the Wedge option for wakeboard and surf. These boats ski well. The Sunsetter LXi is basically sitting on the 1999 Malibu Response hull, but has a cantilever stern to get the extra length and room to make it a larger open bow than its Malibu Response LX cousin. I currently have a 2009 Response LX (with a Wedge), which is from that same hull lineage. Here is a picture showing the cantilever hull circled in red, so you know it is on the smaller Response hull: Here is one for sale on OnlyInboards: https://www.onlyinboards.com/1999-Malibu-Sunsetter-LXI-for-sale-Phoenix-Arizona-146080.aspx

@Wiltok, the X9 was based on the 209, which is a terrible slalom boat. And, on a related note, the X7 was based on the 197, which I believe began in 2001. The 197 (and, hence, the X7) was not a good Slalom boat at 22 off. I did not like it. Some will say it was a great Trick boat, which is probably why it was not good for Slalom. I agree that all of these are less desirable.

My recommendation of a late 90s crossover would be the 1999 MasterCraft Prostar 205. The 22 off bump will be noticeable, but all of the other line lengths should be quite reasonable for slalom. This is boat that became the X-Star, one of the first wakeboard boats, so adding weight should make it a decent option for wakeboard/surf. The 1995 Prostar 205 is also a good option and will have a better slalom wake than the later years. However, you will get spray when skiing shortline in the early models, especially skiing into the wind. I prefer the later 205 for the Indmar engine they used in the later years. I believe the horsepower was increased from 285 to 310 in those later years. I owned a 2000 Prostar 205 - essentially the same boat. I have video of some runs through the slalom course at 22 off, if needed. By the way, the difference between a late 90s Prostar 190 and a Sportstar is basically trim level. Both will have the same hull and same engine and both will have very good slalom wakes - although a bit firm. The Sportstar is a great value, if you can find one, but the 190 will be closed bow. You will probably want open bow for your planned use. They also had a 195 model that had a small open bow built on the 190 hull. That is another possible option, depending on how much room you really want/need. The 205 will have a larger open bow. If you get into the early 2000s for your range, most here will recommend the Malibu Sunsetter LXi. The LXi is important and the specific years and what to look for are critical to get the one with the preferred slalom wake. Here is some excellent reading on the history of the late 90s Prostar 190 (you will see they continued to sell this hull for many years in several forms): https://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/forum/general-mastercraft-topics/general-discussion/14829-1995-97-prostar-190-19-skier-sportstar-19-prostar-195-x-5-a-history?t=14622 Here is an overall general history of the Prostar: https://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/forum/general-mastercraft-topics/general-discussion/28871-mastercraft-skier-prostar-prostar-190-a-history-1968-2009 Here is a similar history on the Prostar 205: https://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/forum/general-mastercraft-topics/general-discussion/15398-1996-2000-prostar-205-205v-maristar205-x-star-x-2-x-1-a-history?t=15198

It may be that some are thinking about this as competitors and enthusiasts with a passion for the sport. I suspect that IWWF is thinking about it from an optics perspective among those who don’t know or care about water skiing, but might be riled up if participation of these athletes was profiled in a news story. They may wish to avoid controversy on a geopolitical stage.

@PatM, it very likely is. I had previously downloaded that picture from BOS and just happened to remember I had it when this thread started.

@jcwaterskiparadise, Jeff is LFF and right palm down. But, yes, reverse grip from conventional.

I think @TomH also has a good point. We just went through an overheating scenario with a brand new 200 which was the result of an improperly mounted shutoff valve and hose for the hull water inlet. The valve handle was making contact with the inside of the engine box and the pressure of that contact was breaking the seal between the valve and the hose, causing a leak and introducing air into the system. The difference with ours is that the engine would overheat when the boat wasn't moving, but would be relatively fine at speed during a pass. The reason was the reduction in cooling caused by the leak was overcome by the force of the water pushing into the inlet and there was not enough water just sitting and idling to prevent overheat. In our case however, the bilge was running after a few passes, as the leak was dumping water into the bilge at speed. We couldn't see anything leaking when sitting and idling at the dock, though, which baffled us. Running on the garden hose may supply enough force and, thus, water for you to keep from registering an overheat, but it is still starved of water - as evidenced by less flow through the risers and exhaust. In short, check for a leak in the various hoses and connections of your inlet raw water supply.

Bad water circulation pump?

@BraceMaker, I would gladly take a few minutes to hose off the platform each time the boat is raised and stored for the convenience it provides. And, if you construct the boathouse properly, it could allow you to completely enclose the boat from birds and most critters. That would also give the option the leave the boat cover off and fully dry the interior for less mold, etc.

I seem to recall, a few years ago, the boat companies were failing the AWSA acceleration tests when the catalytic converters were introduced on inboards. Apparently, one such company figured out it was related to engine heat and heat produced by the cats. They passed their test by starting the boat completely cold and doing the test immediately. Heck, a semi-cold engine is nothing. A family member was notoriously late leaving for work. I don't even think the starter bendix retracted before the car was in reverse and gone. At times, it seemed the garage door might not rise fast enough, either. We're talking northern Michigan temperatures, too. That car seemed to hold up OK, as it was sold after 15 years and 140,000 miles and still ran well. Edited: Full disclosure - I warm up my personal boat and the club boat before any high speed passes. And, I tend to at least let my vehicle run a bit before backing out and driving at residential speeds. By the time I get to a higher speed road, it's been a few minutes.

At the risk of looking less than awesome and hopefully providing something for others with similar challenges, here is my issue. Credit to those on this forum that have previously identified the arm pull in during the turn in for the gate. I am working on what Freddie says here already this year (in cold water/cold air, of course). The key points for me at the moment are standing up slow and turning by pointing the knee across course. I've had some success with that and the tighter line is huge. Also, the move with the knee has allowed me to sort of slip my hips forward and under the handle much more than I would before. I don't know if I am totally getting the shoulders/hips/feet alignment yet, but I will be checking that when it's warmer and time to video.

I have the XTR now. I like it and it holds my 36 mph PB. If the Nano 1 XT they are selling is equivalent to the circa-2013 layup, I liked that ski a lot. It has my 34 mph PB. I don’t think you could go wrong with either.

@DaveD, here is why I didn’t ask. See November 15, 2020 post:

@dchristman, that rear boot actually looks like 1/2 of a pair of stylish high heel shoes.

Not only is he still skiing, he won M2 Slalom at Nationals last year and was 3rd in Trick. No Jump, though, and I don't blame him.