Open Bow vs Closed Bow [Archive]

Archimedes

08-23-2006, 10:51 AM

Was dead set against open for years, but now I'd never go back. Makes the boat so much more user friendly. Unless I were a real serious slalom skiier that typically had 3 or less people in the boat and wanted minimum weight, I would always go open bow.

east tx skier

08-23-2006, 10:53 AM

I have an open bow. My next boat will be a closed bow (not any time soon). I prefer the storage.

starman205

08-23-2006, 10:58 AM

Open Bow (93 PS205), love the room when having friends along. :)

trickskier

08-23-2006, 11:09 AM

Never thought I would own an open bow or have a bimini top. But I have to admit I love them both on my X-1

88 PS190

08-23-2006, 11:12 AM

Closed works for me, we have a runabout for all the loading up with people, and I prefer being able to stash my stuff in the bow, plus on our lake which is rather large if we owned a small open bow ski boat we'd be taking water over it all the time. with the closed bow when we do take some up its not over the bow.

Sodar

08-23-2006, 11:18 AM

I have a closed and love it during the chilly times, however, my next boat will definitely be an open bow. The two extra seats would be very nice!

DooSPX

08-23-2006, 11:19 AM

I have a closed bow....
true ski boat....

M-Funf

08-23-2006, 11:26 AM

I like closed. I think open is fine for lounging, but I don't think I'd be underway with somebody up there...makes me nervous:o

shepherd

08-23-2006, 11:36 AM

bradamerry

08-23-2006, 11:40 AM

I've had both and perfer the CLOSED............

east tx skier

08-23-2006, 11:46 AM

Everything else being equal, especially wake, I'd go with open for the extra room.

I also like the "sunpad" on the backs of the 197 and newer 190s. What year did they start putting those on the 190s? Some time around 1998-2000?

I think 95 was the first year of the rear pad and convertible rear seat sundeck. Prior to that, they had a sundeck as an option, but it was an either/or with the rear seat.

I was fortunate enough to get my hands on Gman's sundeck from his old 93. Thanks Gman! I have yet to see another OEM piece like it.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/dnortonames/IMG_3677.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/dnortonames/IMG_3678.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/dnortonames/IMG_3675.jpg

BrianM

08-23-2006, 11:49 AM

6ballsisall

08-23-2006, 11:53 AM

Brian is correct, had it on my 95.

I have an Open Bow now. Looks wise, the 95-97 PS190 is my favorite looking boat. Functionality wise, I love the open bow feature.

TMCNo1

08-23-2006, 01:55 PM

Sorry guys, Closed Bow!
I always look at a Closed Bow MC as a Corvette and a Open Bow as a High Performance Caprice Station Wagon.

chudson

08-23-2006, 02:07 PM

It gets a little ruff in the drivers seat of the ole "81" if it had an open bow it would probably rattle your teeth out!!!
Closed Bow for me.

redmike

08-23-2006, 04:25 PM

Sorry guys, Closed Bow!
I always look at a Closed Bow MC as a Corvette and a Open Bow as a High Performance Caprice Station Wagon.
hight performance caprice....lol now that is funny I don't care who you are....Closed bow for me!

jraben8

08-23-2006, 04:37 PM

I'd prefer to think of it as a Nomad wagon...

ctkiteboarding

08-23-2006, 05:36 PM

my barefoot 200 was closed and we enjoyed the protection from the wind etc,, but the powerstar is open and has a snap in wind guard as well as the swing windshield , so the same protection is thier but with huge space available if need be,,,, as for taking one over the bow,, i have had that happen w a closed bow and it still comes right up the windsheld and into out laps ,, not fun ,, the open bow im sure will suck as well ,,, not too may riders up front but sometimes with nice conditions its not a problem,,, i love my open bow and loved my closed as well but im an open bow guy for sure R

agua4fun

08-23-2006, 06:01 PM

Closed, I like the storage and the classic look of my 190. if i went with a larger boat, that wasn't a dedicated slalom boat, id go for the open bow.

JohnnyB

08-23-2006, 07:38 PM

Went from closed to open and would never go back....

suedv

08-23-2006, 08:33 PM

We used to have an open bow boat and now we have a closed bow. I miss riding up front and feeling the wind in my face, but I appreciate that my camera equipment stays dry in a closed bow and that we don't have as much junk kicking around with the extra storage space. Rick did a major wash over our windshield once when we first got our current boat... that doesn't happen anymore. We learned that lesson really fast.

mess33

08-23-2006, 11:58 PM

Open bow only way to go 97' PS 205. Waiting for the 214. The space for family and friends.

Mess

H20skeefreek

08-24-2006, 05:02 AM

I always wanted an open bow, I have a closed bow, and don't think I'll ever go back. Love the storage it provides, and all my ski partners with open bows never use them.

milkmania

08-24-2006, 05:04 AM

closed bow, I don't have any friendshttp://forum.mamboserver.com/images/extrasmilies/playingball.gif

JohnE

08-24-2006, 06:12 AM

Open for me. Went from an '89 prostar 190 with only 230 hours to the tristar just for the additional space and convenience. I wouldn't go back to closed.

School Skier

08-24-2006, 07:13 AM

Closed bow for us we don't like obstructions in front of us while we drive the boat.

oldschool84

08-24-2006, 07:28 AM

Closed on the 84 but with my family getting older may need to get into a larger openbow later in life:cool:

MarkP

08-24-2006, 09:48 AM

I have an open bow. My next boat will be a closed bow (not any time soon). I prefer the storage.
Once more kids show up, they may have a say in it.. I’ll bet you love the open bow to “store” the kids, as I do..

east tx skier

08-24-2006, 09:52 AM

Once more kids show up, they may have a say in it.. I’ll bet you love the open bow to “store” the kids, as I do..

That's what their granddad's 205 is for. ;)

MarkP

08-24-2006, 10:14 AM

That's what their granddad's 205 is for. ;)
We’ll see......:cool:

loeweb

08-24-2006, 12:42 PM

I bought an 88 190 this summer and love it. got tons of compliments on the sleek look as opposed to the three 205's we ski with on a family vacation. It is also cool when people can compare the two side by side and see the obviously better wake that a 190 provides. i had tons of skiers behind it this summer, and not one complaint about the wake size. I still have to finish training the wife on what crap can fit in the boat and what needs to be left behind. so for me, I love the look and the manueverability of the closed bow.

JohnE

08-25-2006, 09:07 AM

I still have to finish training the wife on what crap can fit in the boat and what needs to be left behind. so for me, I love the look and the manueverability of the closed bow.

My situation exactly. Wife won as we now have the bowrider!;)

bdecker

08-25-2006, 09:28 AM

Now that the open bows ski just as well as the closed, I don't think I'll ever go back. Used to be anything with an open bow had a much more significant wake (I've never skied the 205, just CC's attempts in the mid 90's). Now the 197 and the LXI are just as capable and they can accomodate family and friends. Definitely need the Tonneau cover to keep the wind/ people out when skiing, but for a slow cruise around the lake, there isn't a better seat in the house... Even if I ever got the dream private lake house, I'd still go open bow for resale. It also makes driving more comfortable on those hot days. Bow open, bimini up, center cushion removed for the dog days of summer.

BrianM

08-25-2006, 10:07 AM

Closed bow for me. Although next boat will be open because I want an '05 TT.

Brazos Bum

08-25-2006, 10:49 AM

Open bow for me. I've had both and would not even look at a closed bow now. Of course, I'm not quite the hard core slalom skier I once was.....

Kell

08-25-2006, 10:52 AM

Open bow for me as well.

skisix@38

08-25-2006, 11:03 AM

Open for me. I wonder why so many of you think that a "true ski boat" has a closed bow? I think a "true ski boat" is any boat that gives a good pull for the skier and makes it easy for the driver. There's no part of the score that's based on OB/CB so why be concerned about it. I would be more concerned that the wake, spray, tracking were good and that it made the driver work before I would be concerned about what's in front of the driver.

east tx skier

08-25-2006, 11:05 AM

Hey, I just want my gear out of the aisles. :)

caliguyinTN

08-25-2006, 11:16 AM

Closed bow for me. That way my g/f's friends cant bring their b/fs. :)

RobertT

08-25-2006, 11:17 AM

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=9183&page=8&highlight=skeeler

Decision over, for all time.

Granite_33

08-25-2006, 11:21 AM

Open for family and friends......

88 PS190

08-25-2006, 01:11 PM

One of each.

For me the closed bow makes sense because old boats are hard to find small open bows, the storage makes sense, and it keeps people from wanting to just all pile in.

P-Rod

08-25-2006, 05:15 PM

Open bow all the way for me. It allows us a little more space so that we can share our boat with family and friends that aren't as fortunate as ourselves.

schwartz36

09-28-2006, 03:39 PM

Mine is open. We need the extra room for kids and friends. But if it's pure skiing. Closed, they weigh less.

nuckinfutz

09-28-2006, 04:08 PM

http://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/showthread.php?t=9183&page=8&highlight=skeeler

Decision over, for all time.

I was waiting for that!

Open bow all the way. Driver needs loven too!!

Monte

09-28-2006, 04:10 PM

Way open here (walkaround) football field in size!!

Bruce

09-28-2006, 05:24 PM

No doubt open bow. On my Maristar 230 VRS there is more storage than I could ever use. With an open bow and a V drive when I tiurn the tunes on there is room to boogie!

T Scott

09-28-2006, 07:14 PM

I have both :D A 2000 xstar with open bow and a BF 200 with a closed bow. I am thinking of adding some custom wrap around seating to the BF 200 for more seating area.

nuckinfutz

09-28-2006, 07:23 PM

I have both :D A 2000 xstar with open bow and a BF 200 with a closed bow. I am thinking of adding some custom wrap around seating to the BF 200 for more seating area.

I believe Milwakee makes a kit for that.....

http://www.telcon-solutions.com/wakeboarding/SAW.jpg

Its an imcomplete kit... But a start!

:D :D

SunCoast 83

09-28-2006, 07:28 PM

For classic's the closed bow look can't be beat. However these days its good to have that extra seating space up front.

T Scott

09-28-2006, 07:41 PM

I believe Milwakee makes a kit for that.....

http://www.telcon-solutions.com/wakeboarding/SAW.jpg

Its an imcomplete kit... But a start!

:D :D

I would never put a sawzall to the hull of my boat. No way! I had something like this in mind for additional seating. Anyone have a bright idea???

nuckinfutz

09-28-2006, 07:47 PM

I would never put a sawzall to the hull of my boat. No way!

Good!! You have my respect as a MC owner!!:toast:

kpgotgame

09-29-2006, 06:51 AM

Open for me. Kids and women love to ride up front and the latter can be nice for the driver. And as for storage, the tower provides a spot for 4 boards/skis, rope and handle. I have 10 life vests and a tool kit under the front seats, cooler fits behind the observer seat and still have both sides for towels etc.

School Skier

09-29-2006, 07:09 AM

Closed for us!

sully

09-29-2006, 06:59 PM

:confused: I like are open bow maristar, but my father has old wooden boat with a closed bow. I like the extra storage his boat has to offer.
I would love to see a closed bow Maristar similiar Chris Crafts Woody Speedsteer.
http://www.chriscraftboats.com/woody_oview.aspx
I wish the Maristar line would have some extra teak features also.
I riding both sides of the fence.

stevo137

09-29-2006, 09:53 PM

Open bows look like s#%t!
Unless it's Mag's 209, that boat is classic....

east tx skier

09-29-2006, 10:54 PM

Open bows look like s#%t!
Unless it's Mag's 209, that boat is classic....

I can think of at least one other. :)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/dnortonames/PICT0118.jpg

6ballsisall

09-29-2006, 10:57 PM

I like the looks of the 95-97 PS190 closed bows best. Next would be the EVO hull'd 190's. That being said, the functionality of an open bow is awful nice.

erkoehler

09-30-2006, 12:21 AM

I like the look of the early 90's 190 however the new 197 wake can't be beat for slalom. I do miss the storage in the bow though :(

H20skeefreek

09-30-2006, 10:53 PM

is the current 197 hull any different than a '01 197 non-evo hull. how can you tell if a 197 is an evo?

jimmer2880

10-02-2006, 06:31 AM

Closed here also. Love the TONS of storage under the bow.

jlf

10-02-2006, 08:50 AM

open for us, us wakeboarders need the extra room for ballast (we don't mind if you have a few extra pounds to shed), the more the marrier!!! The open bow makes it easier to move the "ballast" as need to clean up the wake also.

Upper Michigan Prostar190

10-02-2006, 09:35 AM

Definately closed bow for me. I love the storage. We usually have 5 slalom skis, 1 set of combos, 1 set of tricks, 3 wetsuits, 5 PFD's, 2 tote boxes full of tools, emergency parts, etc..., a tool kit, a small cooler, a spare prop kit, gloves, towels, clothes, etc.... ALL under the bow of my 190. plenty of room for STUFF!!!:D Plus, Its personal opinion, but I love the clean, sleek look of a closed bow. as a slalom boat, there is no need for all those extra people in there. If we want to take a joy ride, there is plenty of seating in the back. I am so into the classic, definitive "SKI" boat. I know, I know I am getting old. OLD SCHOOL BABY!!!!:headbang:

stevo137

10-02-2006, 09:42 AM

I can think of at least one other. :)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j262/dnortonames/PICT0118.jpg
Agreed! :o
I think that I was PUI that night...

SD190EVO

10-02-2006, 09:46 AM

My previous two M/Cs were open and I swore my next one would be closed. After the boat purchase, my wife and I had twins and then the extra seating that the OB offers looked attractive. The way I solved it was this:

SD190EVO

10-02-2006, 09:49 AM

H20skeefreek

10-02-2006, 11:37 AM

I can configure any way I like them. Gives extra seating, I have all the storage I need. This has worked great for my family.

Sadly, M/C doesnt have seats like this so I had to disguise myself and go to the Bu dealer to get them.

I've always liked those, if you don't mind me asking, how much did they set you back? I suppose I could always make some I guess.

SD190EVO

10-02-2006, 11:51 AM

I want to say they were about $175 each. All in all, one of the cheapest upgrades given the amount of use they get.

EDIT - I could be way wrong on the price, I just remembered there is the REAL price of things, and the price you tell your WIFE and I get them mixed up all the time...

FWIW - I don't think a DIY would be the way to go even if they were double the price. These factory ones are super nice. The base is molded fiberglass/plastic with carpet glued to it. Just like your motorbox. They are lightweight and very strong.

Interesting that you say M/C makes one of these. My dealer obviously didnt know that because he told me they didnt make such a thing.

H20skeefreek

10-02-2006, 11:54 AM

That's not too bad, I wonder what they'd cost to make?......I don't need any more projects though.

east tx skier

10-02-2006, 12:20 PM

That's not too bad, I wonder what they'd cost to make?......I don't need any more projects though.

MC still offered a jump seat as a of a year or so ago, but it was way expensive.

Having made my own, the OEM vinyl was the most expensive part. If you built it out of wood, you might get it done for just a little less, but for $175, and assuming you didn't care if it didn't match up just right, , I'd just buy one like is pictured. Plus, from the CC jump seat I also own which looks very close to what is pictured, I'd bet the base is a hard plastic, which is preferable to wood obviously.

I think you could have cushions made by a local shop and upholstered with good marine vinyl for under $100. The wood would run you less than $20 if I had to guess. So you'd probably save a few bucks, but not a whole lot.

SDAhockey21

10-07-2006, 01:09 PM

We have a 96 Prostar 190 (with is closed bow) and a 1991 Maristar 210 (with is open bow) I love them both and can't deside which on i like more. If i have a lot of people on board open bow is the only option but if its only 2 or 3 closed bow is great for the storage!

Carbon Dreams

10-07-2006, 01:32 PM

All my boats have been Open Bow. Drove many, I mean many Closed Bow boats From Bu' to 'tique to California to MC. Closed Bow are great, as they inspire to leave the fat@**'s on the beach and rip the buoys.

Then grab the whole family and any potential friend and stuff them in the open bow for surfing!

What a great dilemma! Do I ski, surf, wakeboard, wakeskate, or just goof on a paddle. Ah, the rainiest day on the lake is better than the best day in the office!

See you on the glass.