torontoboater

I use dock whips for my 99 Sunsetter LXI. They work great and have now for 4 years.

Where is "Chantally Lake" exactly? I hadn't heard of it.

You could also try LTS on Crystal Lake in Pompano which is 15 minutes away if you are looking for a more casual set. They have 2 courses and you can book appointments. Ask for Bobby Pine.

Thanks Mitzysman. I have a full boat like you most times.

Thanks DW. Boat will usually be loaded with 2 adults, 3 kids, and gear. Skiing for me and skiing and tubing (large,3 person tube) for the kids. No footing (those days are behind me) so top end is not a great concern. Just smooth, strong power at the low and mid range is what I'm most after.

I just ordered the 525 for my 1999 Sunsetter LXI. I am at sea level though, and use primarily for skiing. Any thoughts on whether the 515 would be better ?

Thanks. The beginning of a new era for sure. You'll see the water was calm because it was about 7 am. They wanted to ski on "glass" just like their Dad. So much fun. And yes it is a Malibu (1999 SS LXI). Cheers all.

Well the day has finally arrived. After a summer on the boom, then a handle extension from the boom, in escalating lengths (thanks to everyone's advice on this), my twins finally got up and skied behind the boat. They are now 6. Just wanted to share a proud moment and say thanks to all for your advice and help on making this happen. Pics attached. Cheers.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Transitioned my twins from the boom to a handle tied to the boom this weekend. A big success. I will lengthen the rope a bit at a time and then transition them to behind the boat. here is a pic of one of my twins.

Thanks for all the helpful comments. Will try it out this summer with the kids. They can't wait to ski.

I have 3 kids aged 6 (twins) and almost 4. I had great success last summer teaching the 6 year olds to ski on the boom. I found that removing the bar (connecting their kids skis) helped them balance themselves better. So I have 2 questions. 1. What is the best way to now have them advance to skiing from the rope behind the boat? I have heard about using a short handle extension extending from the boom as a first step but I had difficulty with this (when I tried with an older kid) last summer. One problem was the handle spinning in the water in their hands and another was starting as it was creating much more drag. So is this a good method and how to properly do it? (what handle rope length, should it be at end of the boom or closer to boat, etc.) If there is any video of this it would be great to help me teach, and also to show the kids. 2. For my younger one (turning 4 in June), who I want to teach on the boom, what do you suggest? (she is younger than my twins were when they learned) Should I try with the kids skis tied together again with the bar? All tips and guidance is appreciated. I want to make this the most enjoyable and positive experience for them, Thanks.

Thanks andjules. His name is Wayne Mercer. And the ski club is an informal group of people who ski on Clear Lake in the Kawarthas.

The leader and mentor for our local ski club in Ontario, Canada passed away in September. He was in his 70s but active in the extreme and skied the slalom course every morning, right up to his untimely passing. He inspired so many of us. He loved the sport and was a lifelong devoted skier and coach. I was trying to think of some way to honour his memory, within the sport of waterskiing. I have put a call into the Ontario Water Skiing Association for thoughts about creating some ongoing award or tribute for him. Haven't heard back yet. I thought I would reach out to this community as well - to anyone in Ontario, do you have any thoughts or suggestions? Many thanks.

Thanks for the responses. I do have a Ski Trainer (much like the EZ ski) and the kids love it. The question for me is how to progress from there. We don't have access to a boom. Is it ski with them between my legs and eventually get them up on deepwater start with me in the water but without skis?

Wanted to post on 2 milestones and get your thoughts. 1. Slalom Milestone: My slalom skiing has seen slow improvement over the last few years - I have been spending all my time at speeds between 28-31 mph at 15 off. I have been trying to successfully master a speed and then move on, with the plan to be that once I reach 32 mph I will shorten the rope to 22 off. Last week my boat driver accidentally had the rope at 22 off unbeknownst to him and me.... Well the good news is that I was able to get all 6, and the entry gates, on my 6th pass (at 29mph). I thought I was just having a difficult day as I was struggling with what I thought was 15 off. When we got back to the dock, and the driver realized the mistake, he said "I think I am going to make your day" and then told me the news. Obviously I was thrilled. The question is, now that I have done a pass at 22 off, do I continue with the old plan (stick with 15 off and progressively move up speed) or work 22 off into the program and how?? 2. Took my 4.5 year old twins waterskiing (sort of)! I had them ski between my legs so they could get used to the feeling and they loved it. Now the question is do I continue to do this for a little while longer to increase their confidence or should I start with them trying their own deepwater starts? They're still small (about 40 pounds) and young, so my plan was to keep skiing with them for a while until they are really comfortable before jumping to a deepwater start with them on their own. Thanks folks.

Thanks - but I know the seller and don't want to lowball him and in any event I wouldn't be comfortable taking on this unknown (when/if the block will fail). I'll keep looking.

Thanks to all for the replies and the helpful information. I am a newbie so I value the input and feedback. I will walk away from this one and keep looking. Cheers.

I am looking at buying a 2000 Malibu Sunsetter LXI, 250 hours, with the 310HP Vortec (carb) engine. No trailer, No bimini. It does include perfect pass and is in good condition. Apparently there was a small crack in the lower engine block which was repaired with JB Weld and no issues since. Otherwise in good condition. Oil and impellers changed every year. What are your thoughts on: 1. purchase price? 2. whether any issues with the carb engine (I would otherwise prefer an EFI) 3. any particular maintenance or problems I need to find out about? Thanks a lot.

I picked up a Radar Senate C towards the end of last season on the advice of many of you folks and am very happy with it. I went with Wiley bindings as I was very used to the high wrap rubber systems (I have used the Kidder Tour Wraps for 20 years) and wanted something similar. The Wiley bindings are still a little tight though. They have been used about 10 times or so. Will they loosen up any further with more use? There is a little more room on the wrap which hangs over, and therefore I thought I might insert another hole in the wrap and reinsert to loosen the wraps slightly. What are your thoughts on this, and what is the best method to do this?

Thanks - just called and that boat is sold. Detroit is prob too far for me anyway. Looking for something in Ontario if possible.

Inland - I still haven't found the right boat. Seems that the Malibu Sunsetter LXI is probably the best choice but am having difficulty finding a suitable one up here in Ontario.

Thanks for all the replies. Lots of info about the Malibus and other ones mentioned. Didn't read much about the Nautique 206 - how is the wake at slow speeds and long line lengths? How does it compare in this respect with the 1998 MC 2005 I just tried? Thanks

I'd also appreciate any comments on the Tige 20i and the Moomba Outback - how do these compare to the other boats above in terms of slalom wake at slow speeds and build quality. Obviously, these are less expensive that the MC, Malibu and Nautiques listed. Many thanks.

Thanks for all of the very helpful information. I did the water test and have decided to pass on this boat (1998 MC 205). Some issues with the boat, and I was also a little disapointed with the size of the wake at slow speed (30) and long line length (15 off). Will keep looking. I loved the interior space in the 205 though. In terms of other open bow (not step-over) models, what would you reccomend? What are your thoughts on the ski wakes of the boats below, at long line and slow speeds, and how do they compare to the 1998 MC 205? 1. Nautique 206? 2. Malibu Sunsetter LXI 3. Malibu Response LXI 4. MC 195 - I gather this has a better wake than the 205 but is limited in terms of interior space (and can I consider an x-5 - will it ski as well as the MC 195 with the ballast empty?) 5. MC 197 - very good at faster speeds but how is the wake at slow speeds and long line lengths? Thanks.

Thanks for all the replies - I am going to do a water test on the 1998 Pro Star 205. 640 hours. I am going to do a water test tomorrow. The current owner has owned it for three years and does all his own maintenance. What questions do you suggest I ask the owner about the boat and maintenance? I want to make sure I ask the right questions to get a proper sense of whether this boat will be reliable and was well taken care of. Reliability is of paramount importance to me. here is the link to the boat - what are your thoughts? http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-1998-Master-Craft-PS205-W0QQAdIdZ502754421 Many thanks