Etiquette and a new life on the water

[RobertT]

I just moved onto a lake, and just bought my new X7 (which I love!!!), and while snooping around ran across a few etiquette and wakeboard/ski issues and thought I would start a new thread...ask a few questions...and maybe shed some light on things from a newbies perspective.

First, I am in my mid thirties, married with kids, yadayada. Your average joe I guess.

Up until this year, I had never owned a boat or been behind one on anything...a complete newbie in every sense.

First, a few questions:

1. Does anyone have any advice on how to tactfully let people know that power turns and running up on skiers/boarders is simply not allowed on your boat? Its really a tough situation, the neighbors that have been boating on the lake for many years take a turn driving your boat pulling you, and they make every mistake imaginable when it comes to common courtesy and safety...but it would be pretty arrogant to have an admitted newbie counsel them on it. I was thinking of having a sticker made that has a few of the rules...what do you guys do. I want to do it right, but see that most simply do not care. Thoughts?

2. How often do you guys check your fluids....about every how many hours?

3. do you really need to run the blower every time? I notice than most people only do the first time they start it up in the morning...then not after. Nothing legal...whats the real deal?



OK...now on the other issue. I didn't know a dang thing about any of it. I went out and bought it all right away. I bought skies, a wakeboard, a wakeskate, kneeboard, airchair, and several tubes.

I have spent a few hours on each, and I like each for different reasons. On the lake, it seems that everyone has their favorite, which is fine, but I am enjoying having a quiver to pull from for the maximum fun at any given time. When you read this...remember that I have only had the boat about a month...so I clearly have very limited experience on each.

I have to say, that I have no prejudices at all, and that double skis sucks compared to the others. Friday I tried slalom, and that was actually a pleasant surprise. Based on how doubles was, I pretty much felt like it was going to be a one time thing. The feeling of acceleration was surreal, and I like the analogy of the perfect golf shot to it. I can see how it could be a blast and the most "pure" of the field, but that will be reserved for the early morning glass.....ahhhhh.

The wakeskate is a blast, and although I cant get air with it yet it also has a weird feeling of purity...like surfing for some reason. I pull it out when a few boats come out or the wind picks up and its not glass anymore.

Then comes the wakeboard...the great part about the wakeboard is that you can get to decent in just a few hours of time. Thats the draw I think. It is easy to get up, easy to turn, easy to carve, and the possibilities are absolutely endless. I have to say that I will probably spend most of my time boarding, it seems to fit.

When the lake gets a little worse, I pull out the airchair. It really is a wild feeling, and you can cut through the chop like nothing else. There is nothing...and I do mean nothing...that is like taking an airchair out during a sunset in glass. When it starts to fly, and the world goes quiet, and you take your eyes off off everything but the sunset in front of you...its just beautiful. Peaceful, you can actually think at the same time.

Of course, when things turn to crap, yank out a tube and pull the kids around. You know, I already hate tubes and what they do. I swear, it is amazing that nobody has gotten killed on our lake. I already feel like a total wanker pulling a tube with my boat. It feels like hooking a popup trailer onto a Ferrari.

From my new seat, I see that what everyone needs is a little education and courtesy training.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that while everyone seems to feel that what they do is the right thing, or the pure thing, or the most challenging thing which automatically means that everyone else should get out of the way...I can tell you that everyone here is blessed to be able to do any of it. I cant tell you how excited I am at every milestone, every new kid that gets up on a board or skis, the interaction with the water is therapeutic.

Look around a little, you have water around you 360 degrees....that should be all you need to smile.

I guess I will have to try barefooting next. Man, that's going to hurt. I think I ruptured my eardrum this weekend as it is taking a hard faceplant..I cant imagine what it would have been like at 45mph.

By the way, its great being part of the community.

[rodltg2]

wow, you learned to double, single, wakeboard,kneeboard, wakeskate and air chair in less than a month with out any previous experience! plus learn to drive and handle a boat for the first time. you must be a quick learner.

[RobertT]

I didn't say I got good at any of it, just to the point where I could do it. I can fly the airchair fairly well, but cant land jumps consistently.

I only tried doubles once.

I only slalomed for about thirty minutes tops...It is a huge workout. I can cut across the wake ok...but certainly not like the other guys.

I can jump the wakeboard, and switch stances, slide, the normal newbie stuff but that's about it.

I have only spent about three sets on the wakeskate, but its unbelievably forgiving.

Definitely a master of none!!!

I spend 90% of the time pulling the kids around. My 11 year old was jumping the wakes in the first hour...the little *$%#:)

40 hours on the boat in a month, that's part of it.

[AirJunky]

Hey Robert,
I'll second the comment..... you are a quick learner. I'd have to concentrate on one thing to get any good at it!
As far as etiquette goes, I guess I lead by example. When I'm driving & the guy that is going to be my driver is with me, I talk about what I'm doing & why I'm doing it....... hoping that he'll do the same. If he doesn't get it, then ask point blank. Don't hint, tell him straight out. He'll appreciate it later.

I liked the analagy of hooking up a popup camper to a Ferrari. Thats a riot & dead right! This weekend I had a neighbor girl ask me if I'd pull her around on the tube. I politely told her that tubes were for kids, drunks & people with no talent. And that if she wanted to wakeboard, I'd pull her all day long. Maybe thats mean or vain, but later I saw a guy pulling 2 humungous tubes, loop after loop, behind a $45k Moomba Mobius......... frankly I was glad it was him & not me.

Anyway, welcome to the group!

[rodltg2]

on the delta this weekend i noticed a fair amount of tubers. i commented on how dangerous it is with the narrow channels and that people are stupid to do it there. of course only minutes later i stopped for gas at a marina and the sherriff there was talking about some moron who whipped someone into the rocks that may have killed the person.

[bret]

Congrats on all your new digs. There is no substitute for safety, it doesn't matter who's in the boat.
1. It's your boat, your rules. Teach them how to drive in a straight line and then do a "dumbell turn" and go right back through the water they were just in.
"I wish you wouldn't get so close to the other skiers or boarders, there have been too many deaths over the US by other boats hitting downed skiers" - very sad but true.
2. Since the boat is new, check the oil daily, vary the rpms for the first 10-12 hrs. Check the tranny fluid once every couple of days to make sure it stays topped off then just keep an eye on it. Oil/filter change every 50 hrs, I do tranny fluid every 50 hrs too. I change plugs and fuel filter every year.
3. I leave my engine cover vented over night (prop it up) to let all the heat out so I hardly ever run my blower but for training new people, run first thing in the morning and after getting fuel are two safe operations.

Everyone has varying opinions, find what works best for you. If you like tinkering with your boat, then maintenance is a great way to tinker.

Common courtesy on lakes is hard to get sometimes so ski early, it's easier to deal with. We have one finger off a cove on our lake, that if we want to mess with everyones kids, everybody brings a boat, party barge, etc. We tie them together, all the way to shore to shore and use the MC inside the long finger - we sort of seal it off.

[RobertT]

Let me ask you all this. What is the absolute best way to get back to a downed rider quickly, safely, and without swamping the boat?

I currently drop off power, wait for the first two rollers to pass, then idle back to the skier by turning hard right and going back. If I turn too early, I always blip the throttle to get the bow over a roller or two. If some idiot is about to run over my downed rider, I power turn like a mad man and block the said moron.

I heard that turning slightly left while you come off power helps...so, whats the real deal....what is the perfect pattern for a standard pickup without imminent danger???

[east tx skier]

Welcome, RobertT. Not too much to add. But as far as running up on other boats and riders, I wouldn't hesitate to politely tell your friends and neighbors that that's rule 1 when they're out on your boat. Newbie or not, they're on your boat. In my humble opinion, anyone who runs up on another boat/rider, etc. needs some polite, but firm correction

Glad to have you here.

[Davo]

As far as picking up a downed rider...you have the right idea. I let off the throttle and after the boat comes off plane I will turn a slight left . Sometimes, I will put it in reverse (ever so gently), after turning to the left, if I don't want to disturb the water at all.

It's okay to bump the throttle to get the bow up over a roller - you just don't want to be wedging deep on a turn to go pick up a downed rider and throw a roller accross the lake. Obviously, if another boat is coming near your downed rider get back quick.

This brings up an interesting subject...if you're in the water and a boat or PWC is approaching, what do you do? Some guys will wave their arms, but I prefer to splash the water. You can throw water into the air a lot higher than you can wave your arms.

Anyways, it sounds like you're enjoying your new set-up! Like AirJunky said...lead by example.

[east tx skier]

I lift my slalom ski up and wave it back and forth (shiny red side toward the PWC). Worst case scenario, if the PWC keeps bearing down on me, I could clothesline the driver with my ski.

[stevo137]

[QUOTE=Davo].

This brings up an interesting subject...if you're in the water and a boat or PWC is approaching, what do you do? Some guys will wave their arms, but I prefer to splash the water. You can throw water into the air a lot higher than you can wave your arms.

If I see that there is even a chance of one of them getting close, I power turn or whatever it takes to get back to protect the person in the water.
Holding a ski as high as possible is another option for the skier until the boat returns.

[east tx skier]

I guess I should clarify. If I'm the skier, I hold the ski up. If I'm the boat driver, I put that boat between my downed rider and the oncoming traffic ASAP smooth water be damned.

[captkidd]

I agree with the others. It's your boat, they're your rules and anyone who doesn't obey them doesn't drive. Of course, there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to tell them; just use a lot of tact and be nice about it.

Just because someone has owned a boat a lot longer than you certainly doesn't make them a safer/better boater; some of the stupidest drivers I've ever seen have been long-time boaters that just never learned and/or don't care.

I try to use the blower each time I start the engine. It probably isn't necessary, but it doesn't hurt either.

As far as tubes go, I would rather spend two hours trying to teach someone to ski or board than to spend 30 minutes pulling them on a tube. However, some folks just don't have any desire to want to learn to ski/board or lack the physical ability to do either. I'd rather pull them on a tube than to leave them out completely. I don't think it's fair of me to say that if you aren't willing to learn to ski/board then I'm not going to bother with doing something else that you might enjoy, just because I don't want to go to the trouble of inflating the tube and looking uncool towing it around. Besides, a lot of folks who ride the tube then decide that they want to learn to ski/board afterwards. However, each person has the right to refuse to pull a tube if they want; it's your boat. (I do like the Ferrari - popup camper analogy)

[LakePirate]

Welcome....Did you win the lotto? Damn.

That is quite impressive that you have been able to get up on each of the disciplines in such a short time

Get back to the downed skier as fast as you can if there is on coming traffic.
Espically Jet Skis that see the big roller that was sent out due to you stopping or turning and get all excited.

I was once riding with a driver who had/has no clue what he was doing on the lake, (he now has a deck boat! WATCH OUT!) and the boat wouldn't plane off because he wouldn't give it enough throttle, then he couldn't turn...My family was in the bow of the boat so we stared driving from up there, if we needed to turn we would move to the side we needed to turn to. It was fairly amusing.

[captkidd]

Welcome....Did you win the lotto?

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I'm obviously in the wrong profession. These guys who are buying two new boats at a time and buying a new boat and several thousand dollars worth of equipment to go with it are killing me. Of course, I think it bothers me more that he has learned to use all these in such a short period of time.

[parks_jr_55]

I think that the new boat calls for some pictures.

[lakes Rick]

Welcome....Did you win the lotto? Damn.


Pirate you missed the part about being an "average Joe"... I am still cracking up....

"Uh lets see.. I"ll take the house on the water, a new $50,000 boat. And I can't make up my mind on the accessories so I will take EVERYTHING.. Average Joe my A$$......

[east tx skier]

Maybe he was on that TV show and this is the prize money?

/hates reality tv.
/doesn't count Family Bonds because it's not TV, it's HBO. ;)

[stevo137]

[QUOTE=LakePirate]I was once riding with a driver who had/has no clue what he was doing on the lake
Pirate, we see everything that you can't imagine on the lake. Last season two guys in one of those small jet boats were pulling a skier very fast and both of them were just looking forward! Well needless to say, the skier fell and they just kept going, they didn't even know that he fell!
I went and covered the skier until they finally returned a few minutes later.
SPOTTERS, NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF OF THE SKIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:noface:
It sounds simple but it is easy to get distracted out there.

[LakePirate]

On Average Joe you only get the girl, if she picks you over the soap opera star.

Wife loves them.. :noface:

Stevo - Trust me brother, I have seen my fair share of crazy stuff...how about watching a guy picking gravel out of his backside from tubing on the shore line.

[Leroy]

Let me ask you all this. What is the absolute best way to get back to a downed rider quickly, safely, and without swamping the boat?

When someone drops, look around (should already know what is around, but look anyway), turn as quickly as you can, with skiers safety in mind, keep power on until across your wakes (or else you may scoop up some lake water) and then idle down. Pull up with skier on the drivers side. Slight reverse will stop the boat with the platform by the skier, assuming they are coming in.

Great job on getting and learning all of this! 40 hours is a good season for me!

[Ric]

Welcome Robert
Where do you ski?

[parks_jr_55]

When someone drops, look around (should already know what is around, but look anyway), turn as quickly as you can, with skiers safety in mind, keep power on until across your wakes (or else you may scoop up some lake water) and then idle down. Pull up with skier on the drivers side. Slight reverse will stop the boat with the platform by the skier, assuming they are coming in.

Great job on getting and learning all of this! 40 hours is a good season for me!


If the rider plans on getting back up I have always done differently. It may be different on your lakes but on ours, there is hardly anyone so what I always do is when they fall, i stop the boat, then idle and turn because if i turn while still going, it will send rollers all across the lake that are unwanted.

[Maristar210]

[QUOTE=Davo].

This brings up an interesting subject...if you're in the water and a boat or PWC is approaching, what do you do? Some guys will wave their arms, but I prefer to splash the water. You can throw water into the air a lot higher than you can wave your arms.

If I see that there is even a chance of one of them getting close, I power turn or whatever it takes to get back to protect the person in the water.
Holding a ski as high as possible is another option for the skier until the boat returns.


Last Sunday I fell (again) and a PWC with three young girls on it was bearing down on me. I splashed water in the air and she immediately turned away from my direction. I tell my son to do the same although he does not seem to fall as much as I ...Hmmmmm?

Steve

[Leroy]

Good point Parks!

[RobertT]

No, I didn't win the lottery. I have been fairly lucky in the construction industry. Now that I think about it, nobody that has a Mastercraft or similar boat is an "average joe".

I do need a few pictures. I will try to post a couple.

Thanks for all of the input guys and gals, I think we are on the right track. I am fairly adamant about safety on the lake, it scares me. I mean, if you go to a lake a few times a year, its one thing. If you are out almost every night, the odds of a mishap are clearly much higher. I plan on living here forever, so it is mandatory to be diligent at all times in my opinion. One moment, in an instant, everything can be over. I always think about the guy who put his ten year old son into a dock on a tube...killing him instantly. It wasn't on my lake, but at the Ozarks. It just makes me sick to think about.

From what I have seen, the inboard guys are all fairly good drivers and conscientious, followed by the pontoons, followed by the runabouts, followed by the deck boats. No PWCs are allowed on our lake, nor is ballast systems...which is a good think I think.

Somebody asked where I am...Lake St. Louis Missouri. If anyone is around, give me a shout.

You know, I didn't know anything about inboards other than what I read. I bought Mastercraft for the dealer, the fact that its the perfect boat for me was just the kicker.

I had a perfect pass issue when I bought it, the dealer came to my dock, made the adjustments, took it out for a test ride to confirm everything was perfect, all while I was at work. Dockside service:) gotta love that.

[AirJunky]

You know, another issue when your going to pick up your downed skier...... what if their hurt? Do you just casually idle back, being careful to not create any rollers, THEN find out they can't get their breath? If I think there is any chance of them being hurt, I hustle back to where I can see how their doing. Not necessarily a power turn & speed back, but it's not waiting for 2 rollers to pass & then casually idling back either.
As a skier, I usually try to give a hands up that I'm OK so the driver knows whats going on.

[parks_jr_55]

You know, another issue when your going to pick up your downed skier...... what if their hurt? Do you just casually idle back, being careful to not create any rollers, THEN find out they can't get their breath? If I think there is any chance of them being hurt, I hustle back to where I can see how their doing. Not necessarily a power turn & speed back, but it's not waiting for 2 rollers to pass & then casually idling back either.
As a skier, I usually try to give a hands up that I'm OK so the driver knows whats going on.

If there is no ok signal, then we get back to them quickly. We use just a hand in the air to signal they are OK. If we dont see one, then we do what you do.

[RobertT]

Same thing we are trying to implement. Put your hand up to signal that you are ok and so others can see you as well. If you don't, we try to hurry back. If they just forgot to give us an OK signal, they get shot with the water cannon:)

One of the things that keeps screwing up my friends and I is that the virtually universal signal for "OK" is tapping your head making a large "O". With skiers, that means return to dock I guess. I boat with a lot of my scuba/whitewater/military friends who are all fairly well trained rescue personnel who all use the universal signal of tapping the top of your head to say "I am OK" or to ask "are you OK.

It was kind of a funny deal, we took out a neighbor who skis, and he looked like he was scared crapless while boarding. Turns out he was just trying to pee. Anyway, I tapped my head asking "are you OK?" (again, universal signal I thought). He looked at me like I was crazy, and shook his head no. We had just left the dock. Well, of course, I assumed that he was hurt or something....dropped him....and all of us were ready for whatever only to get back to the rider who cannot figure out why we wanted him to go to the dock after ten seconds of riding. We laughed our arses off for a long time over that one. Turns out that he yelled hit it before he was done pissing and everything clamped down when he got up...I learned the language barrier the hard way on that one:)

[Davo]

Maristar210 - you're cracking me up with the falling bit. lol

Hand on the head means I'm getting in the boat for our crew...same thing, basically. Like others said, if you take a hard fall put a hand in the air to let the boat know you're okay.

You said you put 40 hours on your X-7 in one month - I would learn how to change my oil and tranny fluid....unless you'll be having someone come to the house for service. It's not difficult and beats having to take the boat out and trailer to the shop.

I like to change my oil every 30-40 hours and my tranny fluid about every other oil change (bring on the anal jokes - lol). And if you ever need advice on maintenence, there are plenty of good guys willing to help on these forums.

[shepherd]

I lift my slalom ski up and wave it back and forth (shiny red side toward the PWC). Worst case scenario, if the PWC keeps bearing down on me, I could clothesline the driver with my ski.
Clothesline the driver is the "Worst case scenario"??? In my opinion that would be the BEST case scenario if it was a PWC driver on our lake.

I'm don't know about you guys but I could safely throw my 1990 PS 190 into a 180 degree turn at full speed to "rescue" a downed skier that was in danger of being run over. The boat can take it -- just need to warn passengers if you have any!

[Bongo]

I agree with most comments in this thread.


I will say, that as a driver, I get back to my skier quickly if there is any traffic on the water. And stick the boat between me and the most traffic unless there are smokers (PWC) nearby, who I assume to be less attentive than most drivers and I'll protect my skier from their possible lack of attention. I do get nervous with any smokers following me with someone in tow and will try to keep / head them off us.

If there are absolutely no boats on the water, I will pull back to idle, wait for the rollers to pass, then idle back to the skier and into position for the next pull.

---

Regarding the use of skier signs:
- No sign after a bad fall means skier in trouble. I've had skiers get the wind knocked out of them and they can't signal for help.
- Hand straight up (and not thrashing about) means "Skier ok".
- Hand on head, like the "Ok" sign, means skier done. Time to "head in". Bring the platform around to the skier rather than set up for the next run.

Just my $0.02.

Bongo

[LakePirate]

Bring the platform around to the skier rather than set up for the next run.

Bongo - You are way too nice. We make 'em swim. If they are smart they might get a tow on the rope as it is getting pulled in. :D

[stevo137]

And one more thing. When the skier says hit it, HIT IT! Don't wait until YOU think it's time to hit it.
If you as the driver do not feel ready or see something that gives cause for concern, tell the skier to reset.
NEVER just hit it when YOU feel ready. This can cause a serious injury to the skier.
I will never throttle up unless I hear the words " hit it".....
Not "go" Not "ok" nothing but "HIT IT". :)

[bcampbe7]

And one more thing. When the skier says hit it, HIT IT! Don't wait until YOU think it's time to hit it.
If you as the driver do not feel ready or see something that gives cause for concern, tell the skier to reset.
NEVER just hit it when YOU feel ready. This can cause a serious injury to the skier.
I will never throttle up unless I hear the words " hit it".....
Not "go" Not "ok" nothing but "HIT IT". :)

My wife and I use "in gear" to get the slack out and "on top" when ready to go.
When we first got our boat we did not have such verbiage. There was quite-a-bit of slack in the line and my wife thought I said go, but what I really said was get the slack out, or something to that affect. She hit it and I quickly let go of the handle. Would have be really bad had I been tangled in the rope for some reason. Quick one to two word phrases, that differ from each other in sound, like "hit it" or "on top" are the best to use in my opinion. "Go" and "no" sound too much alike when 50+ feet and a running engine between the skier and driver.

[AirJunky]

And one more thing. When the skier says hit it, HIT IT! Don't wait until YOU think it's time to hit it.
If you as the driver do not feel ready or see something that gives cause for concern, tell the skier to reset.
NEVER just hit it when YOU feel ready. This can cause a serious injury to the skier.
I will never throttle up unless I hear the words " hit it".....
Not "go" Not "ok" nothing but "HIT IT". :)
I skied with a show ski team down in Parker, AZ who after years of saying "hit it" refused to respond to that any longer. No clue what the deal was but since then I've run into riders on Lake Naciamento, CA & San Antonio, TX who were the same way. I guess they just wanted to hear something original or something.
Anyway, "giddyup" always got them goin.

[jimmer2880]

I skied with a show ski team down in Parker, AZ who after years of saying "hit it" refused to respond to that any longer. No clue what the deal was but since then I've run into riders on Lake Naciamento, CA & San Antonio, TX who were the same way. I guess they just wanted to hear something original or something.
Anyway, "giddyup" always got them goin.

"Goat Head" works for us.

[djhuff]

Some of my group has sounds we make when we are ready such as a "hoodyhoo" or some sort. Usually though, if you are holding on to the handle and facing the boat, when the rope gets tight, i'm goin, if you're not ready you need to let me know.

[tex]

I like, "Let it happen, Captain!"
or, "We're gonna play a little song called Shamma Lamma Ding Dong, so Hit it!"

[3event]

2nd hand story... friends of mine out watching some newbies with a good size boat on local lake. the guys coiled up about 30ft of line on the beach next to the victim on 2 skis. Driver says, "Are you ready ski king???" Skier says... "Let it happen, captain!!!"

Driver jams it , coils disappear, and 2 arms are dislocated in the ensuing YANK.

So "let it happen" has a special place in our hearts....

[tex]

That's where we got it from! A pro skier told us that story and claimed a friend of his at the Gardens witnessed it. We called each other ski king for the rest of the year and our driver refused to take off until you said, "let it happen captain". I got home and my mother had been sent a bunch of old Waterskier magazines from the 50's. I was looking through them and found the exact story in one of them. A great "urban legend".

[east tx skier]

I skied with a show ski team down in Parker, AZ who after years of saying "hit it" refused to respond to that any longer. No clue what the deal was but since then I've run into riders on Lake Naciamento, CA & San Antonio, TX who were the same way. I guess they just wanted to hear something original or something.
Anyway, "giddyup" always got them goin.

My cousin has converted my brother-in-law from saying "hit it" because, according to them, it sounds to much like "not yet." They say "Driver." I tried that with my driver, my wife, and she just sat there and said, "Whenever you're ready." I think "Driver" lacks enthusiasm and creativity. Plus, it makes me feel like a damned chauffeur.

We have been good to date with "hit it," "Aye-aye, Captain," "Let's give her a whirl," and for the other commands, we've had luck with "wait" and "slack"

[Ric]

I like, "Let it happen, Captain!"
or, "We're gonna play a little song called Shamma Lamma Ding Dong, so Hit it!"
"Don't nobody go nowhere"

[Leroy]

My wife has started telling me, "hammer time" when she is ready to go. I knew I started popping up quickly, then saw her start my son and she really is flooring it!

[east tx skier]

"Okay, I'll just follow you guys" works, too.

[Ric]

"hit it" still gives us a laugh
when we were kids, we'd enter slalom tournaments just to get time behind inboard ski boats (it seemed much more affordable than boat payments)
there was a feisty guy who my buddy of mine and I always always prayed would show up for each tourney. (he actually threw a fit and withdrew from a tournament one day when they backed a supreme down the ramp for the first round of pulls)

It's all quiet, it's early am, the driver and officials are no more than 60feet from you idling as you slip off the dock into the water. All your competition is lounging around on the dock a few feet from you, watching-judging.... This guy seemed to scream as loud as he could, "HIT IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT" in a crescendo for lack of a better description. We would laugh our asses off and of course from then on, anywhere we went, that's how we'd do it(just for grins)
I get a chuckle just thinking about it.

[AirJunky]

The other signal I've used for a while now is a loud whistle. Got it from Murphy a few years ago.

[tex]

I've been known to yell 8:05!

[east tx skier]

Okay, Andy.

[tex]

Okay, Andy.
No, Sammy!

[east tx skier]

I said "Sammy." You must have heard "Andy." They sound so similar. ;)

[tex]

I said "Sammy." You must have heard "Andy." They sound so similar. ;)
Spoken like a true lawyer! Caddo this weekend?

[east tx skier]

Yup, and given that it's a holiday weekend, using the boat that's not ours. It was 7/4/04 when we ran that boat over something. Keep your fingers crossed for us this time.

[eurosysytem0]

I just moved onto a lake, and just bought my new X7 (which I love!!!), and while snooping around ran across a few etiquette and wakeboard/ski issues and thought I would start a new thread...ask a few questions...and maybe shed some light on things from a newbies perspective.

First, I am in my mid thirties, married with kids, yadayada. Your average joe I guess.

Up until this year, I had never owned a boat or been behind one on anything...a complete newbie in every sense.

First, a few questions:

1. Does anyone have any advice on how to tactfully let people know that power turns and running up on skiers/boarders is simply not allowed on your boat? Its really a tough situation, the neighbors that have been boating on the lake for many years take a turn driving your boat pulling you, and they make every mistake imaginable when it comes to common courtesy and safety...but it would be pretty arrogant to have an admitted newbie counsel them on it. I was thinking of having a sticker made that has a few of the rules...what do you guys do. I want to do it right, but see that most simply do not care. Thoughts?

2. How often do you guys check your fluids....about every how many hours?

3. do you really need to run the blower every time? I notice than most people only do the first time they start it up in the morning...then not after. Nothing legal...whats the real deal?



OK...now on the other issue. I didn't know a dang thing about any of it. I went out and bought it all right away. I bought skies, a wakeboard, a wakeskate, kneeboard, airchair, and several tubes.

I have spent a few hours on each, and I like each for different reasons. On the lake, it seems that everyone has their favorite, which is fine, but I am enjoying having a quiver to pull from for the maximum fun at any given time. When you read this...remember that I have only had the boat about a month...so I clearly have very limited experience on each.

I have to say, that I have no prejudices at all, and that double skis sucks compared to the others. Friday I tried slalom, and that was actually a pleasant surprise. Based on how doubles was, I pretty much felt like it was going to be a one time thing. The feeling of acceleration was surreal, and I like the analogy of the perfect golf shot to it. I can see how it could be a blast and the most "pure" of the field, but that will be reserved for the early morning glass.....ahhhhh.

The wakeskate is a blast, and although I cant get air with it yet it also has a weird feeling of purity...like surfing for some reason. I pull it out when a few boats come out or the wind picks up and its not glass anymore.

Then comes the wakeboard...the great part about the wakeboard is that you can get to decent in just a few hours of time. Thats the draw I think. It is easy to get up, easy to turn, easy to carve, and the possibilities are absolutely endless. I have to say that I will probably spend most of my time boarding, it seems to fit.

When the lake gets a little worse, I pull out the airchair. It really is a wild feeling, and you can cut through the chop like nothing else. There is nothing...and I do mean nothing...that is like taking an airchair out during a sunset in glass. When it starts to fly, and the world goes quiet, and you take your eyes off off everything but the sunset in front of you...its just beautiful. Peaceful, you can actually think at the same time.

Of course, when things turn to crap, yank out a tube and pull the kids around. You know, I already hate tubes and what they do. I swear, it is amazing that nobody has gotten killed on our lake. I already feel like a total wanker pulling a tube with my boat. It feels like hooking a popup trailer onto a Ferrari.

From my new seat, I see that what everyone needs is a little education and courtesy training.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that while everyone seems to feel that what they do is the right thing, or the pure thing, or the most challenging thing which automatically means that everyone else should get out of the way...I can tell you that everyone here is blessed to be able to do any of it. I cant tell you how excited I am at every milestone, every new kid that gets up on a board or skis, the interaction with the water is therapeutic.

Look around a little, you have water around you 360 degrees....that should be all you need to smile.

I guess I will have to try barefooting next. Man, that's going to hurt. I think I ruptured my eardrum this weekend as it is taking a hard faceplant..I cant imagine what it would have been like at 45mph.

By the way, its great being part of the community.
Robert,
Hi and welcome.

the guys have given you some sound advice but nothing legislates for the inconsiderate or careless drivers that may be around you (particularly those watching their own skier instead of where they are going). The bottom line is be aware of the followers and always protect your skier by being in his/her line from approaching boats. Even if you are behind the skier turning boats will vear away from you.

Perhaps you can help me on an X7 question I have also just bought it. See my thread X7 Operations and Maintenance manual. - Mine is a 2005. I have an "Owners manual" that on page 1 refers to the Operations and Maintenance ( O&M) manual. Do you have the O&M manual and if yes could you send me a reference/part numer and or scan the cover and send me. I am having real trouble getting a response from MC.
PS. I am a Brit in the UK

[ntidsl]

bud, this thread is over 5 years old...maybe start a new thread asking for the manual...

[eurosysytem0]

bud, this thread is over 5 years old...maybe start a new thread asking for the manual...
Thanks I hadnt spotted that fact. there is already a new thread. X7 Operations and Maintenance manual