SkiBadger

Would like to other's thoughts and recommendation for the vapor ski length for a skier @ 170lb / 5'-9" / 32mph.

@Jayski, What's your ski length? I have a 66" on the way. Thanks!

Spray it on with light scrubbing. BOOM DONE!

@LeonL - I have the winged rudder on my 2002 PS 190, and a buddy has the same rudder on his 2001 PS 190. If my memory is correct, MC in 2004 added the 'hook' to the hull and removed the wing for the PS 190 and 197. FWIW, I bought my boat in '05, previous owner had the hook added to the gelcoat and cut off the wings. To improve the wake, I added the winged rudder and it made a noticable improvement. I have not seen a MC rudder with the tab in the pic posted by @swbca on a PS. I thought all fine tuning was done with a grinder. :)

@A_B - Thank you for stating bigger (wider) skis are harder to roll/turn. That has been my experience. Changed from the Vapor the Senate and needed to move the Senate fin shallow and short to make it 'perform' better for me. The ski still feels big.

@swbca - Enjoy reading your posts as I have the same hull. Could you post a pic showing how you attached the plate to the transom? Is the depth adjusable? WIll you try different shapes? Thoughts on the effect at 22 off? Looking forward to read your thoughts about how it skis.

@swbca - from my experience, you will only notice a difference using the winged rudder at idle speed. The smaller profile rudder I found to be less responsive only while at idle speed. No other change in performance or handling that I've noticed. Again, it noticably improved the 32mph wake on my 2002 PS 190. Easy change. Also there may be some value at looking at your prop. It would be interesting to hear from people who have more experience with this hull and prop types. 3 blade vs 4 blade and OJ vs ACME. I changed from the 4 blade OJ cast original to an OJ CNC'd 3 blade. I know some who are happy with the 3 blade ACME.

@swbca - What engine is in your '04 PS197? 5.7L or 6.2L? Enclosed cooling? Large engine with enclosed cooling will add a lot of weight.

https://www.ski-it-again.com/php/skiitagain.php?endless=summer&topic=Search&category=Parts_Boat&postid=54839 You may want to try the winged rudder before drilling into your hull.

@swbca, I have a 2002 Prostar 190, purchased in '05. I agree with all previous statements about getting the weight out. Empty the trunk, remove rear seat. If I recall, the 197 weighed about 200LB more than the 190. Due to the front seating? The prior owner had the hook added to gel coat by local dealer, and the wings cut off the rudder. I skied behind a friend's 2001 PS190 on my lake without the hull hook, but with the winged rudder. Noticeably softer wake at 32 IMO. So, I installed the winged rudder and it did improve the wake. You may want to try the winger rudder. I did see one ski-it-again. Easy to install without any modifications. BTW, I add 100LB on left side in the bow for balance.

@swbca - You are correct, the cradle should not be binding with any of the legs. Have you inspected the pulleys in the horizontal winch tube? I have 2 older shorestations and have replaced the horizontal tubes on both hoists, for different reasons. The non-metallic pulleys in the tube on one hoist simply crumbled.

EMTPY the Shitter!

I've been using an AC version I picked up on eBay for 5+ years wihout issue on a Shorestation hoist. Goes up faster than the 12v rubber wheel I replaced. It has my vote. ;)

Our course is E-W. Get a pair of these: https://www.amazon.com/Spex-Amphibian-Polarized-Protection-Valuable/dp/B001DY9VUM The bigger issue is when the glare inhibits the driver's ability to see through the glare.

Very Clean!! Great looking boat. I have a 2002 PS 190 with exact colors, updated hull you referenced and winged rudder. Wakes are awesome!