D drive vs. V drive

[bpd3108]

I'm in the market for a used MC Prostar, 2000/'01/'02 open bow model for skiing. But I'm back and forth on whether to be focused on the 197 or the 205V. I have three boys,15,13,11, who, along with me are really getting into skiing. No opportunity to ski a slalom course, but we ski like we are. I like the seating arrangements of the 205V because we do have friends on the boat at times. I would go with the 205V but am concerned about the wake. Should I be? Is there a better boat choice than these two (maybe Maristar 210)? I'm not sure I'll have the opportunity to ski before I buy. Thanks for any input.

[BrianM]

If skiing is the focus then definitely go with the direct drive. If you want a little more space you should consider the DD 205.

Oh and welcome to the site.

[erkoehler]

Do the kids wakeboard at all, or is it all skiing?

[bigmac]

If skiing is the focus then definitely go with the direct drive. If you want a little more space you should consider the DD 205.

Oh and welcome to the site.

That sums it up really well.

[russlars]

Go with the DD 205. Nice ski wake and lots of room for friends. I have skiied behind some V-drives. I think you would be very disappointed with the size of the wake. Some I/O's have better ski wakes than V-drives.

[bigmac]

Some I/O's have better ski wakes than V-drives.


An interesting statement...which I/O's would that be?

I've owned a lot of I/O's over the years and I've NEVER found that to be true, even comparing their wakes to that of my behemoth 230VRS V-drive.

...but I'm always willing to be educated...

[ski_king]

An interesting statement...which I/O's would that be?.......
I don't have personal experience and am not a fan of I/O's, but I understand the Ski Pro has a good wake.

[snork]

I/O just suck!!! I would not put a penny towards one.

[Jerseydave]

bpd3108..........Welcome!

I agree it sounds like you need a DD for skiing. Here's a link to one for sale in NJ. PM me if you have any questions.

http://www.sandypointmarine.com/used-boats.php

Scroll down to the 2001 prostar 195 w/tower

Where in the ne are you located?

[ProTour X9]

An interesting statement...which I/O's would that be?



X-Star or X80 vs. 21' Bayliner???:confused: :D

[wakeX2wake]

here ya go... v-drive if you value the room and want a decent skiing wake (still better than an I/O) that's versatile to all the water sports except probably footing (then you'd most likely have to change props)... d-drive if you're wanting a SKI boat that can do it all and room isn't such an issue... my opinion if you're taking much gear at all get something w/ a tower or add one

[bpd3108]

All skiing

[russlars]

An interesting statement...which I/O's would that be?

I've owned a lot of I/O's over the years and I've NEVER found that to be true, even comparing their wakes to that of my behemoth 230VRS V-drive.

...but I'm always willing to be educated...
I used to own a Reinell 184 BRXL that had a better slalom wake than any V-drive I have skiied behind. The worst thing I have found about the V-drives is that they have a large trough that makes it a real challenge to ski through and maintain your edge.

[wakeX2wake]

out of the hole power of a v-drive more than makes up for the wake... plus hitting a bigger wake at a higher speed will make you a better skier anyways... I/Os will kill you getting up and a v-drive would be plenty sufficient for recreational skiers... never seen an I/O on a slalom course but i have seen a couple of v-drives... MC also makes a wake attitude adjustment plate that will flatten that wake on out on all v-drive models if i'm not mistaken

[BrianM]

All skiing

Then it is a no brainer. Definitely a direct drive. 197 would have the best ski wake or as I said above if you want a little more room find yourself a 205 DD.

[VTJC]

The 205V skis and foots better than any V-Drive, however its a better wakeboard boat than ski boat. If your skiers go for a DD. Where do you ski?

Jamie

[Lennyp04]

Ski= Direct Drive

Wakeboard= V-drive

[jkski]

Depending on what you are willing to spend, you might consider the 214/X14 as well as the 197/X7.