itch2ski

Off topic, but what boat are you behind?

Not to throw another ski in the mix, but the HO Coex SL has gotten great reviews and is designed for 34 mph. I ski one and it is an amazing ski at a great price. I can't really comment on the Radars, I have only demoed a few and didn't fall in love with any of them. The HO felt like I had been on it for years the day I got it.

I have come to find there are a lot of ballers on here from Utah. I need to reupholster my passenger seat bottom. Wondering if there are any recommended shops locally?

I keep foolishly clicking on this thread hoping some real information about Nate's practice will be posted. Silly me.

I did a similar search not too long ago. If I was in your budget range here is what I would have done: Inboard - Malibu Sunsetter LXI - Early 2000's, diamond hull, great ski wake, open bow, etc. - Malibu Sunsetter XTI - Same hull and ski wake, different interior layout. V-drive - Malibu Sunsetter VLX - Early 2000's, make sure it has the diamond hull (some don't). - Mastercraft 205v - This hull was around for a long time, eventually turned into the X1.

I wouldn't mind it, just never tried before. I think there are some tournaments in Utah that are good for novices like myself, just not sure which ones. I also would like to know the format/what I'm getting into before I go plunk down $50-60.

@Than just out of curiosity I'd like to see that same math for Nate.

@joeprunc I think you will like the Hot Sauce, I wasn't willing to pay the price for it. From what I hear my concoction is similar and significantly less expensive. My boat has about 740 hours, but living five minutes from the lake now she gets a lot more use. If I had to store my boat out in the sun like you do I would really consider a vented Sunbrella waterline cover.

@Brady you are welcome to come ski anytime! I used to live in the Salt Lake valley, but about two years ago a job moved me to Brigham City. Now I ski up here a few times a week. There is also a good guy up here named Mark Parker that teaches lessons for cheap ($20-25) that could help with some of the questions you have.

@Brady here she is!

When I first got my boat I tested just about everything because I wanted to keep it looking new (it's 21 yrs old now). I tried Lucas, Babes, Turtle Wax, Meguires and a few others. The perfect concoction I settled on is 25% Eagle One spray wax, 25% white vinegar, 50% distilled water. It can be applied wet or dry. The vinegar removes any water spots and the wax keeps the gelcoat slick, smooth and protected. I generally start the season with a wax job using Collonite, but I'm not even sure that is necessary using this spray solution for wipe down.

I have read in a few random threads some bits and pieces about how binding placement affects ski performance (especially in relation to on/off side turns). If someone could explain this I would greatly appreciate it. Also, how does the wing and wing angle affect ski performance? Thanks.

This is the time of year when I start to get the itch to go to the sand dunes, usually fall and spring when the weather is cooler. I have an old '85 Honda 350x that is a wheelie machine. Being in Utah I'm pretty sure winters would be unbearable without snow skiing and snowboarding. Used to do a lot more mtn biking, tennis, and golf, but being that they are all warmer weather sports they have been overtaken by skiing.

Not to bring back a scary subject and experience for some, but a good friend to many was lost recently. I don't know all the details, but a knife and HEED device could have made all the difference. http://awakeleftcoast.com/2012/09/20/scottie-barone-tribute/

I would agree with this completely. I would also have to say I am amazed how well skis work for their designed speed. When I started the course this season I was on my 67" CoX SL (32-36 mph ski) it took me a while to get my first 28 mph pass. A few days after I made the pass I had the chance to try again on a 67" Triumph (similar ski design, different materials, slightly wider 28-32 mph ski). My 28 mph pass was a walk in the park and I went right through 30 mph first try as well. I am now consistently getting 32 mph passes and am back on my CoX SL.