What do you want on your next 190/197?

[georgea0731]

If we all help brainstorm the next generation MC, maybe MC will take 1 of or part of our ideas to heart and make the next boat even better. Some of these may already be done in newer models and we just haven't seen them. Remember, brainstorming means any thing goes.
For example:
A swivel passenger seat with a jump/walk through seat between the driver and observer. This has been done on other models, but I'd like to see it as an option on the next open bow ski boat (replaces 197). When cruising, the wife really likes to face forward, but needs to watch the skier too.
Put open bow handles down inside the bow like other models. So they don't show when looking at the boat from the profile (side). I think the handles take away from the sportiness of the 197.
Snap in and out carpet.
Drain holes for behind the rear seat at the back of the boat.
The cup holder for the driver under the throttle can accommodate the 32 oz. sport bottles.
I know you guys can come up with more meaning examples.
PS, if you stick to the topic and minimize the "jokes" may be someone at MC will have time to read the "real" comments!

[03 35th Anniversary]

I like the cup holder idea for sure!!

I would also like to be able to turn the dash lights on and off apart from the nav. lights.

But I want my next 197 to come with a 5'5" blond with a little bit of a ghetto booty and a nice..... well you know......








Sorry I couldn't pass it up.....

[Sodar]

If I could do anything, I would put a 197 interior in a 214. Just ask JohnE.

[Gonzo]

Flame thrower


Definately a flame thrower.

[Ramhouse]

Built in coffeee maker and blender.

[JohnE]

If I could do anything, I would put a 197 interior in a 214. Just ask JohnE.

Yup, he would.:cool:

[JohnE]

The problem with the swivel observer's seat is that it needs too much room to work. I had it in my tristar. And with seat facing forward you can't walk by it. It'd be the same in a 197. They also made on in the mid to late 90's with a swivel observer seat. I forget what it was called. Sportstar maybe. Powerstar? Someone help me with this.

[D3skier]

what I'd like to see most is an opening on the backside of the drivers seat near the bottom.

[BrianM]

They also made on in the mid to late 90's with a swivel observer seat. I forget what it was called. Sportstar maybe. Powerstar? Someone help me with this.
The Prosport 205 is what you are thinking of.

[ProTour X9]

I like the dash/nav lights idea as well, maybe a warmer heater, *VENTS FOR THE WINDSHIELD*, I'd say a different steering wheel but I think they're putting a new one on, maybe a different stereo remote thats easier to use.

[gatorguy]

How about a more fuel efficient engine. Maybe a diesel I could brew some bio-diesel for. With diesel you could get more power out of a smaller engine block which translates to less weight and that means smaller wake and smaller engine cover leaving more room in the boat for stuff. Just my 2 cents.

[Ski-me]

More seating capacity up front rather than just for two kids. This is very important for me....the current layout is very tight. Yes, I know the 214 is bigger but it's harder to fit into a garage, too.

[BrianM]

How about a more fuel efficient engine. Maybe a diesel I could brew some bio-diesel for. With diesel you could get more power out of a smaller engine block which translates to less weight and that means smaller wake and smaller engine cover leaving more room in the boat for stuff. Just my 2 cents.
Already available although the pleasure of that option will set you back 30 LARGE!

[JohnE]

The Prosport 205 is what you are thinking of.

That's it, thanks Brian.

[Justjoe]

I'd make it all metalflake.

I had a friend in college who's dad had a brown S&S that had a spider poured into the clear over the brown metalflake on the bow. COOL as all get out.

[TMCNo1]

I'd make it all metalflake.

I had a friend in college who's dad had a brown S&S that had a spider poured into the clear over the brown metalflake on the bow. COOL as all get out.

The spider got stuck to the clear that was sprayed into the mold before the metalflake was applied.

[flya750]

I'll start off by saying I own a 1997 and I love it.

However, there are a few things about the newer 190's that would really bug me. For example, the rear seat is about the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat in. I think the seat was a design flaw that lost function due to sleekness of the boat deck.

I would also change out the hideous dashboard in the new 190's. There is nothing appealing to me about the newer model dashboards.

Do they still put a chrome strip wrapping around the lower engine compartment? The last time I checked they had a metal strip and the strip had a few dozen screws holding it in place. I could not believe my eyes of such a poor design interior on a world class boat?

[JohnE]

I do agree, the back seat is extremely uncomfortable.

[D3skier]

I do agree, the back seat is extremely uncomfortable.

we have a back seat in our boats? :D

[snork]

Pickle fork:D it adds a little more weight up front = smaller wake table out back;) and maybe a little more room for the kidos

[JohnE]

we have a back seat in our boats? :D

A few do, most don't.;)

[Sodar]

I'll start off by saying I own a 1997 and I love it.

However, there are a few things about the newer 190's that would really bug me. For example, the rear seat is about the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat in. I think the seat was a design flaw that lost function due to sleekness of the boat deck.

I would also change out the hideous dashboard in the new 190's. There is nothing appealing to me about the newer model dashboards.

Do they still put a chrome strip wrapping around the lower engine compartment? The last time I checked they had a metal strip and the strip had a few dozen screws holding it in place. I could not believe my eyes of such a poor design interior on a world class boat?

I agree, the back seat could use a higher back, but I have never heard a complaint and sat back there myself this weekend and would say that it is FAR from "the most uncomfortable seat I have ever sat in."

Yeah, the dashes are very ugly.... :confused::rolleyes:

49802

What would you do for the transition between the vinyl and the carpet? I would rather have polished stainless rubrail than the cheesy stapled vinyl strip that my '96 had, that needed repair quite often because the staples would fall out of the fiberglass engine hatch....

49803

[André]

we have a back seat in our boats? :D

You know,that thing that has been sitting in the shed for the last 5 years...:)

[DemolitionMan]

I love the dash. I dont know why anyone would not like it.

[rhsprostar]

Well...since you asked....

-Snap in/out carpeting

-Heater vents for the windhield

-A bilge style blower that will dry out the interior of the boat while covered. Needs to have an auto/timer shutoff and vent to the exterior like a bilge blower. I have to cover the boat wet everytime. Ski in the evening, the boat gets wet and you cover it for the night. Can you tell it's been a wet summer here in the north east?

-Vents in the ski locker to keep air flowing and stuff drying out.

-Better location for the horn button. I mean come on...a big red button super close to the passenger?......HELLO....I had to disconnect mine, the kids were all over it.

-Cell phone/Blackberry holder near the driver(not the cupholder)

-Gas filler on both sides of the boat

[Sodar]

Well...since you asked....

-Snap in/out carpeting

-Heater vents for the windhield

-A bilge style blower that will dry out the interior of the boat while covered. Needs to have an auto/timer shutoff and vent to the exterior like a bilge blower. I have to cover the boat wet everytime. Ski in the evening, the boat gets wet and you cover it for the night. Can you tell it's been a wet summer here in the north east?

-Vents in the ski locker to keep air flowing and stuff drying out.

-Better location for the horn button. I mean come on...a big red button super close to the passenger?......HELLO....I had to disconnect mine, the kids were all over it.

-Cell phone/Blackberry holder near the driver(not the cupholder)

-Gas filler on both sides of the boat

If I were to have the ability to foresee the future, I would say that these 2 things are the most viable and possible upgrades.

All of MC's boat have gone to a liner design, which allows for the fiberglass floor with snap in carpet.

Fuel fills on both sides would be so easy. Could even be a possible conversion with a little glass work and some imagination... :cool:

Vents for the windshield would be pretty easy. I guess a foggy windshield is a much bigger deal in other parts of the country. In the southwest, I do not think I have ever had to contend with a foggy morning.

[Sodar]

I would like a liner boat (snap-in carpet) in a SaltWater series package.

How cool would it be to have a SKI boat that was designed to ski the salty blue? Probably not a big deal for most of the country, but it would be a pretty nice feature in my area. Just a bare bones slalom tug with hydraulic steering (salt wreaks havoc on cables), freshwater cooling, anodes, all stainless hardware, fasteners, engine mounts, and a galvanized or even aluminum trailer!

[D3skier]

You know,that thing that has been sitting in the shed for the last 5 years...:)

OH! that thing.. it's now a bench in the garage.... along side the old observers seat.

[jkski]

1) Snap out carpet.
2) Windshield defogger (I believe you can still add this) as an aftermarket option but the windshield needs to be removed to install)
3) Water drain holes underthe rear seat where the seatbase sits on the fiberglass (they had these on my 02 and 05 but they are not there on my 08, so I will be drilling them)

[flipper]

Stripper pole, no boat is complete with out a stripper pole

[rhsprostar]

Stripper pole, no boat is complete with out a stripper pole

High Fly!....................does double duty!:D

[east tx skier]

Since it hasn't been mentioned, I think a raw water strainer should be standard equipment.

[sand2snow22]

I see BU has gone to snap out carpet for 2010......

[snork]

Sodar are you joking about the ugly dash? Maybe you haven't been in some other boats lately

[Sodar]

Sodar are you joking about the ugly dash? Maybe you haven't been in some other boats lately

I am absolutely joking! Unfortunately, I don't think flya750 is! :)

[chudson]

Some sort of storage configuration would be nice to store skis in and keep them off the floor and not a tower, I don't want a tower. Was gonna suggest a basement would be nice, isn't that where everyone else stores the overflow stuff.

[snork]

After a long barefoot run I keep my equipment on my feet. Not sure that sound right, Oh well

[flya750]

I am absolutely joking! Unfortunately, I don't think flya750 is! :)

Correct... I think the Dash board is completely uninspiring... The billet aluminum looks tacky.

[flya750]

What about interior lighting? Does the newer 190/197 offer any cool new LED interior lighting as a standard?

[BrianM]

Offer a very basic version of the 190/197. Bling free, No billet aluminum bezels, no led lights, simple interior vinyl with say a single stripe and same with the exterior with limited colors. And offer it a a "price point" well below the current base boat.

[Sodar]

Correct... I think the Dash board is completely uninspiring... The billet aluminum looks tacky.

I was unaware boat dashes were supposed to inspire people. :confused:

I like my tacky dash, but to each their own. :o

[east tx skier]

I was unaware boat dashes were supposed to inspire people. :confused:

I like my tacky dash, but to each their own. :o

How is the reflection off these dashes? Ever get any sun in your eyes or reach for something and pull your hand back quickly from a hot piece of aluminum?

Or is it not an issue?

[captain planet]

Correct... I think the Dash board is completely uninspiring... The billet aluminum looks tacky.

I would take the billet alum over either of these any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!
Talk about tacky!

[captain planet]

As for what I want on my next 197.....I want it to be canadian blue flake and have the words "Tournament Team" on it.:rolleyes:

[DemolitionMan]

I love the dash in my 197. Its like being in a sports car.

[Sodar]

How is the reflection off these dashes? Ever get any sun in your eyes or reach for something and pull your hand back quickly from a hot piece of aluminum?

Or is it not an issue?

I have never had an issue. The only issue I have experienced with the billet dash is it cracking the inset gauges. I have talked to Eric about it and the only thing we can think of is that when the dash heats up it compresses the plastic gauge faces and cracks them. Originally, I only had a crack in the bottom of my voltage gauge. It has since spread and cracked almost every gauge face except for 2. One of the gauges has a crack through it so bad that it really looks like I hit it. I have replacement gauges, but am fearful of replacing them to only have the same thing happen. I have thought about removing the billet dash and taking it to my buddy's CNC machine to have each hole for the gauges enlarged a lil bit to allow for a little movement.

I started a thread about the issue a couple years back, but got a mediocre response. Anyone else experienced this? I try to cover my dash with a towel when the boat is sitting, but the problem is still spreading...

[east tx skier]

I have never had an issue. The only issue I have experienced with the billet dash is it cracking the inset gauges. I have talked to Eric about it and the only thing we can think of is that when the dash heats up it compresses the plastic gauge faces and cracks them. Originally, I only had a crack in the bottom of my voltage gauge. It has since spread and cracked almost every gauge face except for 2. One of the gauges has a crack through it so bad that it really looks like I hit it. I have replacement gauges, but am fearful of replacing them to only have the same thing happen. I have thought about removing the billet dash and taking it to my buddy's CNC machine to have each hole for the gauges enlarged a lil bit to allow for a little movement.

I started a thread about the issue a couple years back, but got a mediocre response. Anyone else experienced this? I try to cover my dash with a towel when the boat is sitting, but the problem is still spreading...

Interesting and a bummer.

[2010Prostar197]

The 2010 Prostar 197 now comes with a water strainer. MCX with Powerslot. It's different from anything I have ever seen, but a great idea that I was going to put in until I looked under the hood. Pictures to follow...

[flya750]

I have never had an issue. The only issue I have experienced with the billet dash is it cracking the inset gauges. I have talked to Eric about it and the only thing we can think of is that when the dash heats up it compresses the plastic gauge faces and cracks them. Originally, I only had a crack in the bottom of my voltage gauge. It has since spread and cracked almost every gauge face except for 2. One of the gauges has a crack through it so bad that it really looks like I hit it. I have replacement gauges, but am fearful of replacing them to only have the same thing happen. I have thought about removing the billet dash and taking it to my buddy's CNC machine to have each hole for the gauges enlarged a lil bit to allow for a little movement.

I started a thread about the issue a couple years back, but got a mediocre response. Anyone else experienced this? I try to cover my dash with a towel when the boat is sitting, but the problem is still spreading...

You have a cracking dashboard and you have to cover up your dash with a towel? And you still back up the design? Didn't any design engineer @ MC think about the boat ever being in the sun?

That is NOT what I expect from a $40k+ ski boat. No way! I better not have one darn problem with a $40k+ ski boat. Period! I won't buy a new MC for several reasons. The boat is just simply over priced for what you get. IMHO. I will even go as far as saying the boat has major design flaws... the back seat is a perfect example.

I don't think this is my opinion... My views can be backed up with facts. The fact is the marine industry got a little out of hand the past nine or so years in terms of price vs. quality. The proof is in the resale. BTW this price vs. quality issue can be argued for other boat manufacturers too.

Don't get me wrong... the quality has gotten better over the past nine years but not enough to justify a doubling of the price. I think this issue has been discussed in other threads. The new PS190 does not ski and drive twice as good my 1997 190 w/LT1. It just doesn't.

[flya750]

I would take the billet alum over either of these any day of the week, and twice on Sunday!
Talk about tacky!

Hey Captain... We weren't discussing the SN dash's. But since you brought it up... Yeah.. I think the SN dash is ugly as well. Especially all the lame stickers they embed into the dash.

[flya750]

I was unaware boat dashes were supposed to inspire people. :confused:

I like my tacky dash, but to each their own. :o

Okay.. so maybe the use of the word "uninspiring" may not be usage. How about boring?

[Sodar]

You have a cracking dashboard and you have to cover up your dash with a towel? And you still back up the design? Didn't any design engineer @ MC think about the boat ever being in the sun?

That is NOT what I expect from a $40k+ ski boat. No way! I better not have one darn problem with a $40k+ ski boat. Period! I won't buy a new MC for several reasons. The boat is just simply over priced for what you get. IMHO. I will even go as far as saying the boat has major design flaws... the back seat is a perfect example.

I don't think this is my opinion... My views can be backed up with facts. The fact is the marine industry got a little out of hand the past nine or so years in terms of price vs. quality. The proof is in the resale. BTW this price vs. quality issue can be argued for other boat manufacturers too.

Don't get me wrong... the quality has gotten better over the past nine years but not enough to justify a doubling of the price. I think this issue has been discussed in other threads. The new PS190 does not ski and drive twice as good my 1997 190 w/LT1. It just doesn't.

The dash is an issue, however, I believe that I am of the minority who have had issues, as I have posted the question and never had 1 other person respond with a similar claim.

Good Luck finding a boat that does not have one issue! From dinghies to megayachts, there are ALWAYS issues. I can assure you that there were issues with your beloved '97 when it was new... as there were issues with my beloved '96. It is a boat... they are never perfect!

No, the 197 does not ski twice as well as a '97 190, but it does things and offers features that the older 190's did not. I wanted an open bow, a trunk, a wider interior, a mini-tower, etc. and so on. Do these features that substantiate a double in price? Who knows? I paid it, because I had it and it was something I wanted.

[Sodar]

Okay.. so maybe the word uninspiring may not be correct. How about boring?

To each their own. You are entitled to your opinion, just as much as I.

[DemolitionMan]

Thats a lot of anger towards a dash.

[flya750]

To each their own. You are entitled to your opinion, just as much as I.

Right. ;)

[DemolitionMan]

What do you want the boat to have on it? What do you want the dash to look like?

[flya750]

Thats a lot of anger towards a dash.

I don't think it is anger. Please don't put words into my mouth.

I'm just stating that if I'm buying a $40k+ ski boat I better see BMW quality all around or the ski boat is over priced.

[flipper]

touch screen

[brucemac]

how about a touchscreen!

[DemolitionMan]

I believe a MC is better than a BMW. You need to go price BMW's you are going to spend more than 40k. And you dont get anything on it.

[flya750]

What do you want the boat to have on it? What do you want the dash to look like?

Maybe I am being to hard on the dashboard design....?

I just think it's a little tacky and lacks a good artistic design. There that's the word I'm looking for "Artistic". I mean if you look at the PS190 as it sits in the water... it's a thing of beauty.

[flya750]

What about a heads up display? I had a Heads up in an old Nissan Altima and it was awesome. My eyes never really looked at the dash while driving.

Project up important information to a screen some how? Important idiot lights?

On my Nissan there was a sticker of some kind embedded in the glass windshield that only reflected light from the inside. When you were outside looking in you really didn't see the reflector screen.

[ncsone]

A HUD would definitely peg the cool factor meter...

[flya750]

The one thing I do love about my '97 PS190 is the high gunwales. The high gunwales allow for lots of storage plus it adds a feeling of safety for passengers of all ages. The newer 197 is very sleek and has low gunwales.. kind of an old school ski boat.....

Okay... here is what I would like to see... Bring back the 1997 PS190 design...
1.) fix the 22'off bump...
2.) Add special storage hooks to utilize the high gunwales (side storage lockers?)
3.) Install a heads up display for the dash
4.) Make sure to have a killer comfy back seat with solid sun deck option
5.) Increase inside space....by wider beam?
6.) Install awesome forward bow lighting. I would use the bow spot lights all the time!!!
7.) Of course the stereo would be bad daddy...
8.) Bright *** Bow Lights...directional controlled from cockpit?

[ProTour X9]

Yep...hard to see through this in the daytime much less the night.
49930

And I agree on the bow lights...

[rhsprostar]

Heads up display would be the bomb for course driving!

[PA Prostar]

Offer a very basic version of the 190/197. Bling free, No billet aluminum bezels, no led lights, simple interior vinyl with say a single stripe and same with the exterior with limited colors. And offer it a a "price point" well below the current base boat.

Here Here. I'm sure there's a lot of people smarter than I am that realize this also. I think with what has transpired with the economy over the past year, that's the way a lot of businesses have to go. I realize we all love our MCs, but led lights, stereo remotes, and other bling are not "needs" to get out on the water. The high end market has been diminished for some time, so the viable alternative is to make a more affordable boat (for the masses), thus increasing the possible market to draw from. It always amazes me how blinged out someone has to get anymore to do something - hiking, golfing, fishing - doesn't matter - people get blinged out and at the "core" it really doesn't make them any better at what they are doing most times.

[east tx skier]

Here Here. I'm sure there's a lot of people smarter than I am that realize this also. I think with what has transpired with the economy over the past year, that's the way a lot of businesses have to go. I realize we all love our MCs, but led lights, stereo remotes, and other bling are not "needs" to get out on the water. The high end market has been diminished for some time, so the viable alternative is to make a more affordable boat (for the masses), thus increasing the possible market to draw from. It always amazes me how blinged out someone has to get anymore to do something - hiking, golfing, fishing - doesn't matter - people get blinged out and at the "core" it really doesn't make them any better at what they are doing most times.

+3. I like gadgets as much as the next guy. But with speed control, there's not a whole lot of information that I need reflected off my windshield glass via a HUD. So many of us marvel at the price increases in these boats. For someone like me, the answer is much simpler. Buy used, and get the high end boat for a fraction of the price. But there are others who are not wired similarly and want a new boat, but want the ski boat essentials without all of the extras, i.e., engine upgrade, gear reduction, speed control, bimini. Honestly, engine upgrade and gear reduction could be the extent of it since the other two are easily installed aftermarket.

Anyhow, I like the idea of keeping all of these extra gadgets as options for those who just want a high end tractor.

[Sodar]

Just a little brainstorming while sitting on the crapper this a.m.

I would love to see a saddle bag fuel tanks. Put the fuel along the sides, under the gunwales where the supposed ski storage is(does anyone actually use this). That would allow the trunk to be about a foot deeper and have the ability to fit more than 2 skis. It would also lighten up the stern for a possibly better wake...

[ski_king]

Just a little brainstorming while sitting on the crapper this a.m.

I would love to see a saddle bag fuel tanks. Put the fuel along the sides, under the gunwales where the supposed ski storage is(does anyone actually use this). That would allow the trunk to be about a foot deeper and have the ability to fit more than 2 skis. It would also lighten up the stern for a possibly better wake...

......and add a pump simular to a airplane where you can transfer gas from side to side to improve balance.

downside is you would now have more fuel pumps to fail.

[bcampbe7]

Just a little brainstorming while sitting on the crapper this a.m.

I would love to see a saddle bag fuel tanks. Put the fuel along the sides, under the gunwales where the supposed ski storage is(does anyone actually use this). That would allow the trunk to be about a foot deeper and have the ability to fit more than 2 skis. It would also lighten up the stern for a possibly better wake...

Surround the occupants with gas (much like you are while on the crapper)?

[east tx skier]

......and add a pump simular to a airplane where you can transfer gas from side to side to improve balance.

downside is you would now have more fuel pumps to fail.

Balance would be key. Without it, the wake wouldn't have much consistency from one set to the next.

[Sodar]

They use saddlebag tanks in a lot of the riverboats my friend have. One buddy has an EFI motor and it draws just fine off the two tanks. The two tanks tie into an fuel block and then the pump pumps from the block to the motor. Since the fuel is draw from the bottom of the tank (or close to the bottom) gravity seems to keep the tanks neutral.

[PA Prostar]

I'd like someone to figure out how to run a gas line from the boat to the tow vehicle so the gas tank of the boat can be utilized on long drives.

[flya750]

I'd like someone to figure out how to run a gas line from the boat to the tow vehicle so the gas tank of the boat can be utilized on long drives.

Are you serious?:confused:

[PA Prostar]

Not really, but the theory is interesting. It always "bothers" me to fill up the truck when I have 20-30 gallons 20 feet away.

[east tx skier]

They use saddlebag tanks in a lot of the riverboats my friend have. One buddy has an EFI motor and it draws just fine off the two tanks. The to tanks tie into an fuel block and then the pump pumps from the block to the motor. Since the fuel is draw from the bottom of the tank (or close to the bottom) gravity seems to keep the tanks neutral.

I only mentioned the balancing issue because it is very noticeable on my current boat when you have too much weight to the passenger side. LH prop rotation probably makes that less of an issue with the MC.

Back when hurricane Rita was thinking about visiting Houston, I know Ric was towing a nice, red, reserve tank behind him. Not sure how he was planning to work the siphon from boat to truck though.

[bcampbe7]

I only mentioned the balancing issue because it is very noticeable on my current boat when you have too much weight to the passenger side. LH prop rotation probably makes that less of an issue with the MC.

Back when hurricane Rita was thinking about visiting Houston, I know Ric was towing a nice, red, reserve tank behind him. Not sure how he was planning to work the siphon from boat to truck though.

Ric is pretty crafty. I bet he had it figured out. :D

[flipper]

They need a trolling motor on them:D




I kid I kid

[east tx skier]

Ric is pretty crafty. I bet he had it figured out. :D

A boat that doubles as a reserve tank, trailer bunks that double as cutting boards. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that his kids were skating in his new cement pond right now. He's a real multitasker.

Oh, and a pond would be good for him. :)

[YTW]

I would like the vdig display to automatically return to my main screen after the balast tanks become full.

[BGcraft]

In keeping with the theme of automatic battery tenders, auto-bildges, auto-cruise control (PP), and anything else automatic...

...for those nights that dip below freezing transitioning from summer to fall- some sort of automatic plug-in engine block heater to extend the boating season several weeks would be a nice feature.

Could sandwich "warming wires" between the insulation and casing of the clam shell. Or possibly even embed heating element/s into the fiberglass around/on the sides of the engine compartment.

Some concern with heat around gas vapors but don't think it would take to much heat to keep the engine/vitals from freezing.

This unit could even have a temperature sensitive "brain" that could warm the engine compartment as colder/freezing temperatures dictated.

Automatic engine warmer option would be part of the cold weather package and cost $3,999...but that's another discussion.

Oh, and an electric & adjustable folding tower arm mirror, of course heated, would be awesome...!

Off to winterize the boat...hope everyone is doing well.

BG

[Jim@BAWS]

Since it hasn't been mentioned, I think a raw water strainer should be standard equipment.


You already have one...you need to look closer

Jim@BAWS

[Barefooter92]

I may not be up to date here but the newest MC I ski behind is a 04 X-10 and I am real disapointed with the rear blower vents. All the water from boarding the boat from the teak gets trapped in the vent cut outs and eventually runs into the ducts. It needs a beter slope to drain the water away from the back of the boat.

[BROUSSARD]

As for what I want on my next 197.....I want it to be canadian blue flake and have the words "Tournament Team" on it.:rolleyes:

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!

[broncotw]

Yep I agree with SODAR.... I JUST replaced the Oil Pressure guage in my 2005 197 TT due to cracking.... I had submitted a post awhile back thinking the previous owner had boomeranged a ski rope back into the boat nailing the guage.... SODAR Let me know how your solution works out! I may be sending him mine as well!!!

[georgea0731]

There are some great suggestions here, and some already in production. However, you jokers have made it a burden to get through. Let's help make the next MC 197, ???, the best yet.

I must agree the only way I'll get a new MC at the current or future prices is to buy "USED".

[YTW]

A rear storage compartment with sun pad on the X-14 DD.

[georgea0731]

I really hope someone at MC is reading this one and the other comments/complaints.
Please add snap in carpet.
Use better vinyl, my seats are splitting at the seams again!
Move the front handles down or flat with open bow (like in other models)
Put another cup holder on the dash by the driver, just like one of the ones on the passenger side. Yes there's one down lower, but I would use it for glasses or cell phone.

Please take this thread serious and keep the jokes to a minimum. Together we can make the next 190/197 the best.

[Skipper]

Yeah, I hope you guys get this all figured out so that fifteen years from now I can get one of your used Prostar 197's that has all of the bugs worked out.

[02ProstarSammyD]

God bless the people who said a low price point. I care nothing about a billet dash or powered towers or luxurious interiors. Give me something tough enough to take abuse and basic enough that the world doesn't have to be redesigned. Throwback & retro everything is cool right now. Why don't they rip the carpet up with a snap in option, throw an old ps dash in it, and cut out all the bs options. Make the interior base. Personally I want my boat to run, be clean, and when butts are in the seats I can't see whats under them. Not saying to make this with every boat but a base base option at a very competitive price point that real people can afford. Yes I love the price of a used boat but if I could get in a new boat I'd be happier. The economy blows right now and has for years. I can't imagine how many people could appreciate a cheaper boat and would take their loyalties to mastercraft. You think people really want to own these other boats or they just can't afford a mastercraft?

[03 35th Anniversary]

God bless the people who said a low price point.

That's what I was going to ask for! A better price on a boat that hasn't changed in 10 years.

[02ProstarSammyD]

^no no no. Remember they change the skins so you can't get them anymore. How about the boat comes with a guarantee that I can get replacement skins in 10 years when they actually wear out. PS: I don't own a 197 but I would if the price was right haha

[duckguy]

A footable barefoot wake and less sidespray!

[3event]

Yeah Duck, with you on that one. This is one reason I am still sticking with my 2002 197, wake maybe not best but its good enough for me - no sidespray problem at all.

George are you saying the seats split twice on your '03, or that you had this happen on prior boat making this the second time? The splits are getting more noticeable on mine so I have to reupholster the whole boat in the next few years.

[Bouyhead]

God bless the people who said a low price point. I care nothing about a billet dash or powered towers or luxurious interiors. Give me something tough enough to take abuse and basic enough that the world doesn't have to be redesigned. Throwback & retro everything is cool right now. Why don't they rip the carpet up with a snap in option, throw an old ps dash in it, and cut out all the bs options. Make the interior base. Personally I want my boat to run, be clean, and when butts are in the seats I can't see whats under them. Not saying to make this with every boat but a base base option at a very competitive price point that real people can afford. Yes I love the price of a used boat but if I could get in a new boat I'd be happier. The economy blows right now and has for years. I can't imagine how many people could appreciate a cheaper boat and would take their loyalties to mastercraft. You think people really want to own these other boats or they just can't afford a mastercraft?

Amen brother!

[georgea0731]

I hate to say it but it was the rear passenger seat in our 04 X7. Now it's the clam shell rear cargo area seats. Here's a picture. Hopefully the new interiors are much, much better than this stuff.

[aswile]

On the price point boat I would love the ability to have snap on/screw on upholstered parts that are easily remove such as side bolsters, etc. The idea would be every bit of upholstery could be removed easily for storage- the ski boat would be more like a fishing boat in that aspect. An easily customized engine would also be a great price point benefit- how about a simple bolt-on supercharger package that would bump up the stock HP on the 5.7 rather than require the much more expensive 6.0.

[TxsRiverRat]

ME running into 32 off

[02ProstarSammyD]

how about a simple bolt-on supercharger package that would bump up the stock HP on the 5.7 rather than require the much more expensive 6.0.
After you got done imho you would have a less reliable more expensive setup

[03 35th Anniversary]

I hate to say it but it was the rear passenger seat in our 04 X7. Now it's the clam shell rear cargo area seats. Here's a picture. Hopefully the new interiors are much, much better than this stuff.

I have the same problem on the back seat.

[nauti-dreamer]

I like the idea of side tanks. Couldn't you simply have a Y in the fuel line to the pump? where the fuel would be balanced at all times. For the sake of weight distribution I think you would need that.

Bearing in mind 2 side tanks would likely mean cost would go up. (I doubt it could be a common part. The supplier would have to make R/L handed tools to produce R/L handed tanks).

[east tx skier]

Did anyone mention buttery soft wake at all line lengths and speeds from 28 mph on up? If so, that and a lower price could yield a very desirable slalom tractor.

[shepherd]

I'm having a hard time thinking of anything I'd change on my 197. Lower price point is an obvious one -- I don't need carpet and fancy-looking vinyl or lots of chrome.

Easier access to behind the instrument panel maybe? Or am I the only one who has a hard time getting in there?

[BROUSSARD]

I don't get why everybody complains about the backseat? Does anyone even use those things?

[snork]

not a what but a who

[RMUDBUGS]

This maybe better suited for the X boats but how about an electric winch in the back of the boat to have an infanatly adjustable tow line from 100 ft to 0 feet controlled by the driver. Or mount it on a tower and us the same line for wakeboarding and surfing.

[tex]

Drain holes in the battery compartment. Better insulation in the ice chest. Free beer!

[east tx skier]

Drain holes in the battery compartment. Better insulation in the ice chest. Free beer!

Is the ice chest under the observer seat in the walk through? If so, that's a better location than the floor next to the engine. I don't know how much insulation it would take to keep ice cold in that floor location. We never use that one. We use the one in the dash.

[tex]

Is the ice chest under the observer seat in the walk through? If so, that's a better location than the floor next to the engine. I don't know how much insulation it would take to keep ice cold in that floor location. We never use that one. We use the one in the dash.

The one in the walk through. I can fill it up with ice and RAB and drive to the lake. When I get there...I have RAB and water.

[Skipper]

Did anyone mention buttery soft wake at all line lengths and speeds from 28 mph on up? If so, that and a lower price could yield a very desirable slalom tractor.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh-men and Ahhhhhhhhhh-men! Yes, we have a winner! Just as every year the slalom skis get more technoligically advanced, so should the tractor! Fifteen years from now when I buy one of these used it should have super soft wakes.

[skierdan]

all it needs is a reliable power plant, durable vinyl, ANALOG gauges ( no computerized bs) and perfect pass, thats it, no bull**** gadgets to keep it a price point boat for the masses.

[onejdgreen]

all it needs is a reliable power plant, durable vinyl, ANALOG gauges ( no computerized bs) and perfect pass, thats it, no bull**** gadgets to keep it a price point boat for the masses.

That and a straight trade for my 02 197TT!!!