Prostar 197 wake for barefooting

[Ausmitch]

Does Mastercraft make a barefoot plate? I have seen one on Kieth St Onge's Prostar but cant get the information out of our local dealer.

Does the Prostar need one if footing at 44mph?

Can anyone upload any photo's of the prostar wake at 44mph with and without the barefoot plate? (if it exists)

And what line length do Prostar owners use when barefooting?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[2RLAKE]

i had an '02 197 with the LQ9 ... did not need a plate as the wake was very nice ... even doing back deeps. I usually use either a 70' or 80' length ...sorry no pictures that i can find

[Hollywood]

I've always thought an 02' (non TT) EVO hull with the LQ9 or the L18 would make a great "modern" barefoot boat.

I would suspect the table to be rougher, and a lot slower wit a hooked hull. What engines were available in 2001?

[erkoehler]

I've always thought an 02' (non TT) EVO hull with the LQ9 or the L18 would make a great "modern" barefoot boat.

I would suspect the table to be rougher, and a lot slower wit a hooked hull. What engines were available in 2001?

RTP, LTR, LQ9, 8.1L.....I think

[2RLAKE]

i just saw my old '02 TT 197 for sale ... guy i sold it to in WI doesn't use it much ... wih i had room for it ... got to love a 197 that could pull two guys 47-48 mph!

[kyfooter]

Ausmitch, you may want to reach out to Keith directly. He's a super guy, and if in town usually responds within a day or so. I think the plate was primarily a KSO experiment, that never really had support or demand.

With respect to the wake, unfortunately you're going to have to experience it yourself. Compared to my old MC ('86 w/ powerslot) the wake on my 197 is good. Certainly, a good footer can cross with no problem. But in no way would I ever train for wakes behind it (or maybe I would since slalom front and back off the 197 would make the Sanger wake a piece of cake). Comparing the 197 barefoot wake to that of a Sanger or even a Response LXI is not much of a comparison...it's worse than the Response and far worse than the Sanger.

I have no experience with the 197 going 47+, but at one point the 197 was approved for barefoot (doesn't take a good wake, just the ability to sustain 50 mph w/ 5 adults on board). No idea what engine they had in it, but if I had to guess it was the 8.1.

I'm not a tournament footer, though I have done tournaments before. For slalom, I prefer a narrow, firm table with a clearly defined curl and a soft crest. My 197 is wide, choppy, low curl, and actually has a "double" crest on the passenger side of the wake. If you're training, you also want the rope shorter, which in my opinion is not a good idea off the MC.

A great wake is not a must for me. The older I get, the more I am becoming a boom baby. But ski through the wake and you'll be better for it. I do believe the top speed is going to be an issue for you. Without a 6.0L+ engine, I don't see how you'll sustain 44+ with a footer in tow.

Good luck. I will be happy to take photos of my wake at 43 mph...once the ice is off the lake!

[Hollywood]

double post

[Hollywood]

i had an '02 197 with the LQ9 ...
i just saw my old '02 TT 197 for sale ... got to love a 197 that could pull two guys 47-48 mph!

I'd have to be sitting in the boat with a GPS in hand to believe a hooked EVO hull could pull 2 footers 48 mph with any of the optional factory engines.

I upgraded to a 2008 PS197 with the LY6 and it is the only way to go if you are planning on doing any barefooting behind a 197. The LY6 holds 44-45 while barefooting.

2002 WaterSki Mag BB Guide:

2002 PS 190 SD
Test Engine Indmar Vortec LTR 5.7L MPI, 330 HP
TOP SPEED 46.0 mph 5,050 rpm
*This would essentially be the same data for the fastest 2001 ProStar 190, a non hooked hull.

2002 PS 190 (presumably TT based on the picture, hooked hull)
Test Engine Indmar LQ9 6.0L EFI, 385 HP
TOP SPEED 48.5 mph 5,200 rpm

2002 PS 197 (presumably TT based on the picture, hooked hull)
Test Engine Indmar LQ9 6.0L EFI, 385 HP
TOP SPEED 47.2 mph 5,200 rpm

2003 WaterSki Mag BB Guide:

35th Ann. 190 (hooked hull)
Test engine Indmar LQ9 6.0L, 385 HP
Top speed 48.6 mph 5,000 rpm

PS 209 - We're in the 50 club now!
Test engine Indmar LQ9 6.0L EFI, 385 HP
Top speed 50.7 mph 5,000 rpm


What engines were available in 2001?

RTP, LTR, LQ9, 8.1L.....I think

In 2001 the standard drive train was the (GM V-8) Vortec Predator 5.7 L EFI 310 hp engine (the most in its class) coupled with a 1:1 transmission. The (GM V8) Northstar ignition EFI 330 hp engine was offered as an option as was the 1.5:1 PowerSlot package.

Was there a big block option in 2001? 330 hp was the top powerplant?

In 2002 MasterCraft introduces two new engine options - the MasterCraft exclusive Cadillac LQ9 (HO 6.0 L) EFI 385 hp engine and the L18 (HO 8.1 L) EFI 425 hp engine. With this new engine (LQ9) the ProStar 190 EVO and ProStar 197 become the first (and only) boat in history to be AWSA certified in all five (5) competitive water ski events - trick, slalom, jump, barefoot and ski-fly.

[Ausmitch]

kyfooter, thankyou for taking the time to respond to my thread.The problem is that i've had a Response LX with a 320hp efi and it pulled two footers at 44mph easily, the wake behind this boat in my opinion was acceptable for wakes. The reason I have turned to Mastercraft is that over here in Australia, Malibu who are still making Response LX's havn't given the boat any of the new features that the LXI recieved such as; wind screen, interior upgrade's and top design. I like the look of the Prostar over a response LX as it has the more modern appeal.

This is the reason for the interest in the Prostar wakes.

The other factor for turning away from Malibu is that the pricing for a new Response LX is going to be 60k Australian, (with standard engine) where my dealer is saying without an official price that a new Prostar will come in something like 65k Australian, (thats with the bigger engine the 350hp). And since there is simply none on my waterways it would be nice to have something different.

Sanger boats aren't available here unfortunately.

Maybe my best bet is to get into a second hand Response LX?

I am still really interested to see the wakes behind a late model Prostar at footing speeds if anyone can help.

It sucks your lake freezes over you should move to Australia footing all year round.:)

[03 35th Anniversary]

I didn't read all this stuff (no time) but I will load a picture of the HYD barefoot plate that is on mine. When I get a chance, there is a picture of it somewhere in a thread of it.

[Ausmitch]

Thats great I woluld appreciate that. Any snaps of the wake???

[03 35th Anniversary]

Thats great I woluld appreciate that. Any snaps of the wake???

I will look and see what I got when I get back to my own computer.

[kyfooter]

Ausmitch, Try this link: http://www.barefootcentral.info/Boat_Review/boatreview_Frame_Mastercraft197.htm

Not sure if all the videos are still live, but some of the information might be useful. Keep in mind, not all tests are objective...everyone has an agenda. These tests are also a little old, but the hull of the MC tested is still the most recent.

[Ausmitch]

I didn't read all this stuff (no time) but I will load a picture of the HYD barefoot plate that is on mine. When I get a chance, there is a picture of it somewhere in a thread of it.

What size engine is in yours?

[03 35th Anniversary]

What size engine is in yours?

Mine is an odd ball! I have the LQ9 but it is supercharged.

[Ausmitch]

Ausmitch, Try this link: http://www.barefootcentral.info/Boat_Review/boatreview_Frame_Mastercraft197.htm

Not sure if all the videos are still live, but some of the information might be useful. Keep in mind, not all tests are objective...everyone has an agenda. These tests are also a little old, but the hull of the MC tested is still the most recent.

I've tried there, but they have taken the videos off for some reason. The Mastercraft in that review has a plate on it and the stats look really good for the wake.

[03 35th Anniversary]

I'm looking for some wake pics!

[Ausmitch]

Mine is an odd ball! I have the LQ9 but it is supercharged.

Thats crazy. Supercharged? Is that because the boat needs it when it has a plate? Or would I get away with a 350hp (if it had a plate that is). Considering top footing speed is 44mph for us out here and we don't compete.

These Prostars seem like they have a speed issue and it sounds like it must be the hull that limits them. Not sure if you read that I had an 06 Response LX with a 320hp. We could get that boat to 50mph without a footer, Not sure with a footer in tow though.

[03 35th Anniversary]

Thats crazy. Supercharged? Is that because the boat needs it when it has a plate? Or would I get away with a 350hp (if it had a plate that is). Considering top footing speed is 44mph for us out here and we don't compete.

These Prostars seem like they have a speed issue and it sounds like it must be the hull that limits them. Not sure if you read that I had an 06 Response LX with a 320hp. We could get that boat to 50mph without a footer, Not sure with a footer in tow though.

I personally wouldn't do the MCX with the plate, powerslot or not! I don't think you'd get your 44mph towing a large footer. The MCX has a better hole shot than the LQ9/LY6 but it doesn't have the topend.

No the supercharger is on there for trash talking/*** spanking reasons!!! The LY6 will do just fine with the plate.

[Ausmitch]

I personally wouldn't do the MCX with the plate, powerslot or not! I don't think you'd get your 44mph towing a large footer. The MCX has a better hole shot than the LQ9/LY6 but it doesn't have the topend.

No the supercharger is on there for trash talking/*** spanking reasons!!! The LY6 will do just fine with the plate.


The LQ9/LY6 is going to hurt the budget, but all advice is pointing that way.

[Hollywood]

Well, what is the budget?

2002 PS 197 LQ9 $22.9k (http://www.dthinboards.com/02_197%2029900%20-%203004.html)

[03 35th Anniversary]

The LQ9/LY6 is going to hurt the budget, but all advice is pointing that way.

I didn't look, are you buying new or used?

[DooSPX]

I know I have nothing to do with this thread, but I always wondered some things 03 SC 35th....
What prop are you spinning? and how fast is the boat?

[Ausmitch]

I didn't look, are you buying new or used?

Looking at a new one. Second hand Prostars out here are pulling near new prices and I've had two neweys so far and feel its the only way to go.

[03 35th Anniversary]

Looking at a new one. Second hand Prostars out here are pulling near new prices and I've had two neweys so far and feel its the only way to go.

I understand that! I like owning new stuff!!!

[03 35th Anniversary]

I know I have nothing to do with this thread, but I always wondered some things 03 SC 35th....
What prop are you spinning? and how fast is the boat?

The way it is prop'd right now it only gets about 49/50 MPH. I had a prop on it the would push 54 MPH mark but it really didn't do any good. The prop that is on it now is a 13.7x19.5 (I think)

[DooSPX]

The way it is prop'd right now it only gets about 49/50 MPH. I had a prop on it the would push 54 MPH mark but it really didn't do any good. The prop that is on it now is a 13.7x19.5 (I think)

your 197 a slot?

[03 35th Anniversary]

your 197 a slot?

Yep!

All LQ9/LY6s are slots

[Andyg]

Ausmitch,
Have you barefooted behind a 197 before? I think before spending the kind of cash you are I would definetly find someone down under that has one you can foot behind.

I made the mistake in 2004 when looking for a new boat of not skiing behind it first. I was selling my 1997 PS190 with the LT-1 and buying a new 2003 PS197 with the MCX. I freely admit now that I made a mistake in buying that boat. I thought well the engine went from 328 hp to 350 hp it shouldn't be a problem barefooting behind it. Boy was I wrong. Not only did I not have the top end speed that I liked for footing the hole shot pulling me out of the water for a deep barefoot start was horrible.

If you are planning on barefooting behind a 197 with MCX at 44 mph it is not going to happen. You will be lucky to be barefooting at 41 mph. Top speed unloaded for this setup tends to run in the 42-43 mph range. Add a barefooter back there and you will knock off a couple of mph.

If you plan on doing any serious barefooting or multiple barefoot lines you will want to get the LY6.

Andyg

[mig]

03 35th Anniversary, I see you are getting a lot more top end than my boat does. I am finishing a roller cammed 383 to replace a 310HP Predator and am wondering how much rpm the transmission is designed to live with. Mine is 1:1 in an 02 19Skier. What rpm do you reach at top speed?

Mine is an odd ball! I have the LQ9 but it is supercharged.

[03 35th Anniversary]

03 35th Anniversary, I see you are getting a lot more top end than my boat does. I am finishing a roller cammed 383 to replace a 310HP Predator and am wondering how much rpm the transmission is designed to live with. Mine is 1:1 in an 02 19Skier. What rpm do you reach at top speed?

RPMs won't be an issue with the trans, you'll have to get into some really high RPMs before you gotta worry about that. I still only turn about 5,400 RPMs at Top Speed...

[Rockman]

I'm looking for some wake pics!

Aaahhh...the pipes that lit up my feet! :D

[DooSPX]

what plate are you running anyway 03?

[JohnnyB]

This is behind a PS197 with the stock engine....footin at 41mph. Only pic I could find so far....I'll see if I can find one with a full wake pic.

This is a hooked hull. 41-42mph on the GPS is what it'll do pullin' a footer....had to go from a stock prop to an ACME to get the extra 2-3mph I needed.

I'll try to find some better pics...

[JohnnyB]

Here's a better one at approx 41mph....

Like others said, foot behind it before you buy it...

[03 35th Anniversary]

what plate are you running anyway 03?

Post #17 of this thread.

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=654950&postcount=17

[DooSPX]

Post #17 of this thread.

http://mastercraft.com/teamtalk/showpost.php?p=654950&postcount=17

I was talking about size and brand but thanks :rolleyes: LOL

[03 35th Anniversary]

I was talking about size and brand but thanks :rolleyes: LOL

I have no idea about that! Texas MasterCraft installed it, I'd have to ask them.

[DooSPX]

I have no idea about that! Texas MasterCraft installed it, I'd have to ask them.

gotcha! Thanks anyway. btw, its that some fading I saw on your transom? :D

[Sodar]

I was talking about size and brand but thanks :rolleyes: LOL

It looks like the rams are a Bennett Style ram.

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/images/prodImg/M80sportab%202.jpg

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/

[03 35th Anniversary]

gotcha! Thanks anyway. btw, its that some fading I saw on your transom? :D

Nope, just the way the sun light is hitting!

[Ausmitch]

Thanks for all the help! Theres a lot of info there and it doesn't really paint a good picture for the 197 for a barefoot boat. I'm gona take the advice and find one out here and have a foot behind one.

[AussieMC]

Just sent you a private message.

[DooSPX]

As much as I am a Prostar kinda guy, I think you should look into a Barefoot 200. the only MC made to foot.

[03 35th Anniversary]

Thanks for all the help! Theres a lot of info there and it doesn't really paint a good picture for the 197 for a barefoot boat. I'm gona take the advice and find one out here and have a foot behind one.

I love footing behind mine, but I'm also just a weekend warrior when it comes to it.

When I run mine (with the plate down) next to my friend's Barefoot Sanger I can't tell any major differences in the wake. But that's me looking at it.

[JohnE]

Thanks for all the help! Theres a lot of info there and it doesn't really paint a good picture for the 197 for a barefoot boat. I'm gona take the advice and find one out here and have a foot behind one.

I don't foot, but I imagine if KSO can do ok behind a 197, then anyone else can too. I totally believe too many people put too much stock in the boat rather than their own training/ skills. I'm not implying that you shouldn't try to find the best boat for the budget. But if the best in the world are served well with some products, don't blame the product.

[Footin]

I use to have a BF200 and as a weekend footer my 94 205 is almost as good.

[03 35th Anniversary]

I use to have a BF200 and as a weekend footer my 94 205 is almost as good.

This guy shaves his head! So he has to know what he is talking about!!!

[Ausmitch]

I love footing behind mine, but I'm also just a weekend warrior when it comes to it.

When I run mine (with the plate down) next to my friend's Barefoot Sanger I can't tell any major differences in the wake. But that's me looking at it.

35th Anniversary what are the measurements roughly of your plate? Span by chord.

[03 35th Anniversary]

35th Anniversary what are the measurements roughly of your plate? Span by chord.

I'll have to get those for you when I get back home in a couple of weeks. I'm out of town on business.

[Ausmitch]

I'll have to get those for you when I get back home in a couple of weeks. I'm out of town on business.

Champion! Appreciate that.

[areamike]

Ausmitch,
Have you looked at the Matrix Sorento Pro Footer? They are made in Australia.

[Ausmitch]

Ausmitch,
Have you looked at the Matrix Sorento Pro Footer? They are made in Australia.

I have had a look at a few Matrix Boats and havn't been that impressed. I presume the Sorrento Footer is an outboard? Would like to stay with an inboard as we still ski and sometimes wakeboard. Will check them out however.

[Finnsdad]

I'm not sure if either are still available, but it may be worth checking on:

http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=817890

http://www.onlyinboards.com/Details.aspx?ID=818360

[03 35th Anniversary]

Champion! Appreciate that.

The plate size on mine is 14 1/4" wide x 11 3/4" long.

[06197ttlq9-footer]

I have footed behind St.Onges Blue/white PS197 with the plate, In my opinion not worth the money or time. I foot behind my PS197 TT without the plate and can honestly say for footin' it ain't the best. It's has a soft spot in the middle of the wake that can dump you. But if you know its there you compensate for it(unless you trip every time you go up stairs)LOL. You cannot beat a sanger or flightcraft. I personally wouldn't buy either, and all I do is foot. I bought the best boat I could find out of the MC lineup, a 2006-tournament Team PS197/LQ-9 CADILAC 385hp 4-blade. I named her "GRACE" because she is amazing ;)

Peace Wade