Re: Ski Nautique vs Mastercraft
First of all, good to hear that they ski and none of that fake wave creation for wake board jumping.
I slalomed HARD for close to 30 years. I think I've been behind every ski boat made; I made sure I had friends who were as passionate about the sport as I was. Ski boats take quite a beating. Here in central New York the season may run close to six months; and, you need a good dry or wet suit and the beggining and the end of the season to tolerate cold water temps. It sounds as though your kids are passionate about the sport as well and the boat will get a lot of use. Therefore, I suggest you pony up the money and get a name brand (Mastercraft [you'll pay for this name], Ski Nautique or Malibu) to withstand the beating it will take. I'm not saying you won't have troubles with them eventually. Most all ski boats are designed generally the same for quick hole shots and quick turns, thus the beating they incur. It's about how long the season is and the kind of hours you'll put on the boat that need factoring. Oh yeah, and what the pocket book can take. There are quite a few brands out there so your homework may take you awhile.
A word of advice from a veteran slalom skiier. Make sure the boys work out on the upper body before each season. I didn't do this every season and at 48 I'm paying the price: torn rotator cups in both shoulders with silicone injections every 6 months to withstand the daily pain. Best of luck in purchasing your ski boat. I had always wanted a Mastercraft Prostar 190 but I'll never have the shoulders or knees again to use it for what it is designed for. How I miss skiing. I've got $800.00 tied up in both my skis and there on display in my bar- -the only use they'll ever get again.
