501Brandon

I just started using a 150lb fatsac (made by straightline) that doesn't need to be completely full. I trailer my boat so I don't want a huge weight bouncing around in transit. If you use some common sense here even 150 lbs is still less weight on the passenger side than a typical observer. My boat is night and day different in tracking and the wakes are very different and more symmetrical. I swear by this thing and wont ski without it anymore. I also run 1/4 tank or less gas.... And it takes about 45-60 seconds to fill and empty.

Little Rock Arkansas

Thanks @MISkier... I do recall a dipstick issue. I believe they put in a different one right when I got the boat.

Is there something wrong with this engine in general that would have someone look at a different boat because they fear the reliability in the engine? Are there rumors out there I haven't heard? I have 397 hours on mine and have had no issues. In fact the only thing I don't like is it seems like it runs rich and with the wind just right it stinks in the boat from exhaust... I have been around other boats that seem the same way so don't think its an issue. I'm curious more than anything, but that was a reason I got from a potential buyer.

One of the guys I skied with was missing pieces of fingers on each hand... Once the clincher was discovered his skiing turned 180 and he skied great since he was able to hang on.

Congrats...

I struggled for years at deep water starts... STRUGGLED to the point at tournaments my thoughts were nothing about the course, just getting out of the water. There were times when I made 4-6 attempts at starting. It was explained to me by a very seasoned skier that a huge portion in the success of a skier is the driver when it comes to deep water starts... His quote was "if the boat outruns the skier out of the hole, the skier will likely fail, since it takes an insanely strong individual to hold on to the handle if driver gives the boat a full or aggressive throttle movement"... My thoughts and my style when driving is a soft and progressive movement in the throttle. I am well over 200 lbs on a 68" and don't require hardly any power to get out of the water. In fact the lighter the better for me. I can maintain position behind the ski while in a power and balanced position and follow the ski. Just a thought...

The first time I ever tried the slalom course was at an INT event. If you want to ski the course get a hold of me. I know of a few clubs in Central Arkansas including ours that would be happy to help you out.

So this may be a noob question but are all skis set to a certain number from the factory? Like a baseline number? I thought they were some years ago? I haven't touched mine so whatever it was when it left the bench at Radar is what its at. I have only skied 8-10 passes on it and it feels smooth and stable I believe I will be liking it a lot in the next few sets...

Thanks for all the input fellas... I placed the order for the Vapor Lithium today. Should have it Friday morning and hope to get it wet around noon if all goes well...

First job was on the "Slime Line" in a Salmon Canary in Sterling Alaska (home) then skinned bark from logs for log homes...

I should have just phoned the Park Ranger of Police to resolve the situation. I just cant believe that he couldn't have waved us down to ask instead of begin to throw rocks at us. One of the rocks missed me by 1-2 feet, that was what set me off. At 34mph, and heading toward the rock, i'm not sure what the velocity and impact pressure would be but I would imagine it wouldn't have felt good. My biggest concern now is to get a ski. So how much difference between the 2013 Strada and the Vapor will there be?

I have no issues with fisherman or anyone else but when you toss rocks at my boat and me while on a ski I have huge issues with that. And sorry to hear about your truck...

Does anyone have a blank 68 they want to part with? I know its early but maybe a Demo? My Strada got rock rash today during a beach excursion for a "Schooling" of a Rock Throwing Fisherman... (He wont throw anymore rocks but I think I am going to have the short end of the stick on this one).

I use the Eagle One Wax as You Dry... There are days when I pull home (30miles) without toweling it off and still have no issues getting it clean with soap and water before putting it to sleep. (I know shame on me for not toweling it off)