Fastguy888

I look forward to seeing this technology continue to emerge. Currently love the power of my 30 year old Tige SLM Comp with Big Block and EFI. Need batteries with potential energy per pound close to the energy per pound in petrol. Currently the best lithium batteries are about 100 to 1. (electric motors and gearboxes typically weigh less than eclectic ones so there is that factor) Need batteries that can become structural part of hull rather than in addition to the hull (this tech is emerging) - Would then need the hull/battery to either last the life of a boat with a good recycle program or be able to be reasonably refurbished.

I ended up with a 1994 Tige SLM 2000 with the 454 MPI (Fuel Injected) 7.4L with a claimed 415hp and TRQ. With the latest PP with Z-Box it feels much more like a ZO boat than less powerful motors; however, you will never get the instant response like others have noted with ZO.

I have the 11 and like the fact I can mount on my Bimini or mirror and capture the whole course without a follow device; then at 4k I can zoom in and use editing software to give the follow effect for Vertical Instagram etc and still look good. This one was in the widest Superview but can capture whole course also in just Wide view that is a little tighter. https://www.instagram.com/p/CvDbIEtA16e/

On my 1994 Tige SLM with 454 EFI I do it all because few know as much about this boat as I have been forced to learn; I don't want to pay to teach others what I already know. When I get a newer boat, I look forward to paying someone else for everything outside routine maintenance.

Saw this on YouTube and posted on Facebook. Was also interesting to hear at the end "developing Jean-Baptiste Faisy for the 2024 Olympics"?

I think many Personal Water Craft owners really want a lightweight 3-event sport boat. Be interesting to launch a AWSA certifiable slalom tug but under the persona of a Personal/Family Watercraft, focusing on the driving fun and capabilities as much as the wake, speed control and tracking. After all; 3-event boats are fun to drive and connect with the water. Wake/Surf boats are more like captaining a yacht with all the pros and cons that come with that.

We all get excited about the boat; but without a safe working trailer to get it to your favorite spot, the boat is useless. Make sure the trailer can safely get your boat to your destination. Check that tires and bearings are newer and in working order. You will hopefully spend countless hours enjoying and thinking about your boat and skiing; however, while you are trailering your new baby, all you will be thinking about is the trailer (or hopefully not if its in good order).

I'm in CA but have family that lives in Albany Wi. About 5 years ago we went Jet Skiing on a little patch of the Sugar river that is Decatur Lake near Broadhead. It was shallow but possibly ok for tournament boat; I would investigate depths before launching, but about perfect size for a slalom course. You launch here https://goo.gl/maps/nySrmQFqiXF9xohe9 but Decatur is just west. If you put one in there I will come visit!

I believe my 1994 TIGE SLM2000 shares the hull mold with the same era Centurium Falcons built by Fineline Industries and would be very similar. I have the 454 EFI SKi in mine so probably a bit heavier than the 350's. Wake is one of the best ever for long lines and 30-34mph. This is likely due to 90's boats being sub 3k lbs (2475) and flat bottom rear. Solid bump at 22off where 2 sides converge. 34MPH the wake gets harder than a Natique 196 but are flatter. 32-35 Off is very flat, probably get spray shorter than 35Off. Tracking is not nearly as good as most modern ZO Boats but I think my Tige tracks better than a friends 1994 ProStar. Here it is 15Off 30.4 MPH from a while back when I just started skiing again. and a friend on open water at 32Off 34 MPH

@foxriverat my set up for these is a little different than other bungee / lace up / BOA bindings. On my size 12's the BOA laces high enough up the top of my foot that getting the BOA too snug can prevented my foot from releasing, even with the top bungee almost completely loose. What works best for me is tightening the BOA snug but not firm, tightening the upper bungee, then I will release the BOA to take off some tension and then snap it back down without tightening it. This results in the upper bungee being pretty snug, BOA not having loose line but barely snug. I find with the rigid lower the bindings are still very responsive even with the BOA barely snug.

Tow-sports are mirroring a cultural shift. The fitness required and wiliness to push beyond what is easy for recreational fulfillment has been replaced by fandom, technology and lower effort, lower risk activities. To be fit is often reduced to sex appeal or a tool for elite athletes. The fringes of what is considered physically healthy has been moved out by the crutch of modern drugs. When fitness is once again celebrated as a vessel for an enhanced human experience covering all aspects of life from health to recreation and psychological confidence; hopefully once again, 3-Event towsports will become the desirable way to recreate behind a boat.

I had this issue on my 1995 Mercruiser 454 EFI SKI (MPI). Boat would run fine until it got hot and then either rough idle or dead ignition (probably from computer throwing a fault) until I let it cool down. It turned out to be a form of vapor lock through the VST (Vapor Separator Tank). This was somewhat a common issue, that I believe was also an issue on the 350's. Not sure if your year still used the same style VST tanks. Google "Mercruiser VST Start Issue" and their is a lot of info. In my case their was a diaphragm with a spring that was installed on the wrong side; their was a refresh on the diaphragm/spring orientation, but their was never a bulletin to the techs, so was common for them to install backwards.

I love my S-Line. I was curios to know during the first sets at the Lake 38 Pro if adapting to the new ropes (first time in pro competition I think) was causing a bit of an adjustment period for the skiers. It looked like the skiers were getting a bit more slack and making more changes to Zero-Off than normal during Saturdays first round. Ultimately they figured it out with near world record scores for the weekend.

@OREGON85 Are your mechanical skill such that attempting to pre-lube the engine could potentially leave more opportunity to hurt something then the relatively low possibility you will cause any issues filling it up with oil and firing it up? Personally speaking as a relatively good mechanic; I have caused more damage overthinking things and consequently breaking things that were otherwise fine.

If a trailer is pulled in the woods and no one knows did it really get towed? Legally is another matter and legal towing is a matter of if you get caught through any collisions, traffic violations, liability issues... you are screwed (not covered and personally liable). If its a full size Bronco I would look again on the door sticker as they are rated 3,340 to 4,500 lbs depending on model. I once took a deep dive into what gives any given vehicle its tow rating; sometimes its mechanical limitations (GCVWR, Engine, Brakes, way hitch mounts...) other times its the manufacturer not wanting to deal with the risk warrantying it, pay the fees, do the testing or product positioning against other models...