torontoboater

Great advice from all, thanks. I agree the Sunsetters would be a good fit but they are hard to find in my area.

Thanks for all the helpful replies. Yes skihart that is a nice boat indeed. Don't think I'm able to make it down to Rochester for the time being though and won't be able to import it.

looking again for a new ski boat - recommendations? I was looking a couple of years ago but for family reasons I had to put that on hold. I am now looking again and looking for recommendations. I have a family of 5 with 3 young children and space is important. I am also an avid slalom skier. I need a direct drive, open bow with a good slalom wake at slow speeds (30mph), but also some room to move on the boat. My budget is up to $20k. Obviously I am also concerned about reliability - especially given that I will have 3 young kids on board. I have found 2 possible options. One is a 1998 MC prostar 205, with about 640 hours. The other is a 2000 MC prostar 195 with about 785 hours. The open bow on the 205 is much larger than the 195 but I understand the ski wake is better on the 195. Please let me know your thoughts on these, and other options you would recommend. What about the number of hours? Given my concerns about reliability, is 600-800 (and 15 years old) perhaps too much and should I be looking for something newer? Thanks very much.