prostar 205 slalom wake opinions

[mcken]

I would like get an idea of what the slalom wake is like behind a ps205. I have owned a 1980 s&s, 2001 19 skier, and a 2004 x9. I am beginning the hunt for another MC. I would like to get a 83-85 s&s. However I do have 3 kids and know that the added room of the 205 would come in handy. My wife is ok with either the s&s or the 205. If anyone has a pic of what a 205 wake looks like at say 34-36mph that would be great too. I really have soft spot for the s&s boats. I wish I still had my 1980, but the stringers were going to be needing replacement, so I traded it in for the 2001 19 skier. So if anyone would care to chime in, any opinions are appreciated.

[rhsprostar]

92-95.....205 fantastic slalom wake. Really....just plain awsome.
Used to own one and i loved it. 96-on not as good but still not bad.
Owned a 96 as well, liked my 93 much better, for skiing. If you want to board the 96+ is the better choice.
Do a search on East Tx Skier, he had pics of the wake on his 205 posted awile back.

[Boiler_81]

Where are you located in the Midwest?

[mcken]

i am in the detroit area, actually about 35-40minutes north of downtown detroit. commerce township.

[Boiler_81]

Check your private messages

[skierdan]

I absolutley love the wake behing my 94 ps205. And I have 4 kids. i will try and get you some pics this weekend if no one beats me to it.

[mzito]

mcken...What lake in Commerce Twp?

[mcken]

thanks dan, that would be great

[mcken]

cooley lake, what about you zito?

[mcken]

dan, have you skied a s&s? if so how does it compare to a 205?

[skierdan]

no cant say i have, but i am biased, i just dont see a closed bow being an option for anyone with kids.

[Footin]

Love my 94 205, but will be looking for a X2 or 209 in a year or two.

[mzito]

Tommy's lake in Lake Orion. Small privet lake in Orion Twp.

[east tx skier]

Great slalom wake. Low, narrow, and a bit firm.

Here are those pictures.

We'll start with 36 mph

[mcken]

has anybody skied both the s&s and the 205?

[east tx skier]

Here's 34.2 (sorry for multiple posts, but I have trouble with photobucket some times and I want the pictures to show up in the posts).

[east tx skier]

32.6 mph .....................

[mcken]

thanks tx, that looks an awful lot like a s&s wake, and looks better than my 2001 19skier too

[east tx skier]

Finally, here's 30.4 mph. By the way, all of these speeds were with a driver and a spotter, about half a tank of gas, and checked with gps.

[east tx skier]

has anybody skied both the s&s and the 205?

No, but I have skied the Skier 19/Sportstar and the 205 and the 209. Sportstar has the best wake, but not all that much better than the early 205s. 205 is a good deal better than the 209/X9.

[mcken]

anyone have s&s pics to compare? thanks again tx

[mcken]

i agree with you about the x9/209, i didnt like it at all. now the 19skier/sportstar, i have to disagree with you on, my 1980 had a much better wake than the 19skier/sportstar. i wasnt too impressed with theskier/sportstar. but it was a nice boat

[Ski-me]

Here is my 94 205.....sorry about the little chop in the water.

Speeds:
30 mph
32 mph
34 mph

[east tx skier]

Here's a 76 S&S at 34 mph.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=35027&d=1211221774

[russlars]

In case you wanted to see one more. Here is my '99 205 at 36 MPH. We mostly free ski at 15' off and the wake is basically a non-event. I have skied behind a '99 Sportstar 19 and an '03 X7. There is not much difference between mine and the Sportstar but my 205 is quite a bit softer and lower than the X7.

[Bert]

Here's a 76 S&S at 34 mph.

http://www.mastercraft.com/teamtalk/attachment.php?attachmentid=35027&d=1211221774
That looks like the best wake. Smaller boat = better skiing.

[rhsprostar]

Small wakes are important but other factors perhaps even more important are the softness/hardness of the wakes as well as the trough size. A seemingly small wake can send you airborne if the wake is hard and/or has deep troughs....Just ask the owners of the old ski supremes. My friend had one that was deadly at 15 and 22.
Also the older boats had terrible side spray at the shorter lengths.

[MakeMineaS&S]

Here's my '85 S&S. 3/4 tank of gas, driver, spotter, stock prop, 32mph, but it is identical up to 36.

The sides are pretty hard, and the rooster tail is huge, but soft. Starts at 15-off, 22-off sends you RIGHT through it, 28-off you're in front of it, and 32 and shorter, you're in the clear, and the wake is much smaller and softer up there, but as mentioned, the side-spray is obscene shorter than 28.

I think the boat was intended as a full-speed (36) shortline boat. The wake gets harder the longer the line is and I think 15-off should be longest line and 30 the slowest you ski on it, (IMNVEO).

I'm gonna try to "tune" it this year by running with less fuel, removing the rear seat and re-propping. I have NO idea how that '76 is throwing that wake, but I am jealous.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b80/p-r/Boat/DSC00584.jpg

[mcken]

I learned how to slalom behind a 76 as a matter of fact and the wake is non existant. I would love to get my hands on a 76 but they are hard to find, unless you want a project. thats why i am thinking more in the 83-85 range (all fiberglass). I'm just a sucker for the s&s hulls. By looking at the pictures, looks like pretty much apples to apples, not really sacrificing much in the way of wake with the 205. I suppose it will come down to price when I am ready to pull the trigger, which will be sometime from october thru spring. I assume that will be the best time to buy, but I am actively looking right now. you never know when there will be an offer you cant refuse. Thank you to everyone for the pics, and any other info advice etc is welcome and appreciated.

[east tx skier]

Love my 94 205, but will be looking for a X2 or 209 in a year or two.

I know a guy looking to sell an extremely clean and well maintained 209, Footin. Might not be there in 2 years, but PM me if you're interested.

[east tx skier]

The best time to buy is when you find the perfect boat for you at the right price. Don't wait for October if you find something that's right before that time. Know what I mean?

[mcken]

sure tx, i know what you mean. like i said i am always looking. i just would like to have a few thousand more available, which should put me around late sept/oct.

[east tx skier]

That's obviously the most important aspect to consider.

[DooSPX]

If I had a family, I would have a 205 in a heart beat.
The early 90's 205s had a wake that was pretty close to that of the 91-94 190's... considered to be one of the best wakes.
Good luck on your quest. I hope you find the perfect boat for you and get many years enjoyment from it.

[Ben]

Wake is good. Get one.

Buy when you find a boat you like for a good deal & have the money. I have found there is not much difference between summer / spring / fall pricing on these boats. Unless someone is having a fire sale.

[Honkity Hank]

The best time to buy is when you find the perfect boat for you at the right price. Don't wait for October if you find something that's right before that time. Know what I mean?

I bought a 2000 205 this spring and have no regrets for not waiting around to find a better deal or something closer (6 hour drive to get it one way). I am not sure what would make me happier with the boat. It has a good wake for skiing, a good wake for wake boarding, a good wake for tubing, room for everyone, is not bad on gas etc.

The things I would like to be different but are not big deals to me. An ipod connection on the sound system, a more modern gel coat design, and, well that is about it.

The German Shepherd Dog even likes it.

[mcken]

here's a pic of my 2004 X9, i loved it but it didnt ski worth a darn

[DooSPX]

good looking boat. I think you will be very happy with a 205. Good luck!

[Willski]

I have skied both. I think the 205 is only slightly bigger, but if I remember right, it is also pretty flat. My 84 S&S had a big rooster at 22 off, but I don't think it is bad on the 205s. With kids, I think you would be happier with the 205. We just traded the S&S for a 2007 197, and love the extra room.

[russlars]

I have skied both. I think the 205 is only slightly bigger, but if I remember right, it is also pretty flat. My 84 S&S had a big rooster at 22 off, but I don't think it is bad on the 205s. With kids, I think you would be happier with the 205. We just traded the S&S for a 2007 197, and love the extra room.
How does the slalom wake on your 197 compare to the 205?

[east tx skier]

I bought a 2000 205 this spring and have no regrets for not waiting around to find a better deal or something closer (6 hour drive to get it one way). I am not sure what would make me happier with the boat. It has a good wake for skiing, a good wake for wake boarding, a good wake for tubing, room for everyone, is not bad on gas etc.

The things I would like to be different but are not big deals to me. An ipod connection on the sound system, a more modern gel coat design, and, well that is about it.

The German Shepherd Dog even likes it.

You can get a new receiver that will control an ipod for that single din opening in the dash for about $120. A marine receiver is not really necessary, especially since they had the radio cover in 98. I have a JVC in my boat and it works like a charm. Alpine, clarion, and a host of others have similar decks in this price range that work great.

[east tx skier]

At long line, the 197's wake is wider and a little softer. I would say that it is better, but not $10K--$15K better unless you are skiing a long way up the line. We had no trouble pulling a skier into 35 off behind my old 205.

[mcken]

I have been looking for 205's and there are not too many for sale (craigs, searchtempest, ebay, boattrader, etc) and the ones that are available seem to carry a pretty hefty price tag for the year. People must be happy with them. I will keep looking but if a s&s pops up I might just jump on it.

[MarkP]

You can get a new receiver that will control an ipod for that single din opening in the dash for about $120. A marine receiver is not really necessary, especially since they had the radio cover in 98. I have a JVC in my boat and it works like a charm. Alpine, clarion, and a host of others have similar decks in this price range that work great.
DAM-IT Doug! Shut UP!! I think you just inspired me to look for a new head unit. The reason for all of the drama, “DAM-IT Doug! Shut UP!!” is that Denny “inspired me” into getting new stickers.. I have got to stop reading this stuff…:o.

[east tx skier]

DAM-IT Doug! Shut UP!! I think you just inspired me to look for a new head unit. The reason for all of the drama, “DAM-IT Doug! Shut UP!!” is that Denny “inspired me” into getting new stickers.. I have got to stop reading this stuff…:o.

That's what I'm here for.

Here's one for $102.

Link (http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Receiver-Satellite-Bluetooth-capability/dp/B0035O2DH6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282761289&sr=8-7)

[Willski]

How does the slalom wake on your 197 compare to the 205?

I think they are very comparable. The 197 at 34 mph seems to be actually a little larger than my 84, but a little softer as well. Of course it is a bigger heavier boat than the 84 too!

[greekbkfst]

You guys are killing me. I've got a 92 Prostar 205 and while I like the boat a lot (our first boat), I also have my eye on other shiny newer boats. My only concern is a lack of space with a family of 4, 3 skis and 3 wakeboards. A little more room would be good, but I haven't found a tower that looked right on it. I've been looking at the newer 197s with a tower, but steered away due the rated capacity of 7 people since 2004. Who knows, maybe a New Dimensions mini-tower and some work on the gel coat are all that is in order.

[MarkP]

That's what I'm here for.

Here's one for $102.

Link (http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Receiver-Satellite-Bluetooth-capability/dp/B0035O2DH6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282761289&sr=8-7)
LOL, Thank You.

BTW, My opinion of the wakehttp://www.tmcowners.com/teamtalk/images/icons/icon14.gif!!!

[MarkP]

You guys are killing me. I've got a 92 Prostar 205 and while I like the boat a lot (our first boat), I also have my eye on other shiny newer boats. My only concern is a lack of space with a family of 4, 3 skis and 3 wakeboards. A little more room would be good, but I haven't found a tower that looked right on it. I've been looking at the newer 197s with a tower, but steered away due the rated capacity of 7 people since 2004. Who knows, maybe a New Dimensions mini-tower and some work on the gel coat are all that is in order.
I would think your 92 is plenty roomy. You are right though, That 03 197 is cool looking. Oh, and no more pictures in this thread??

[Honkity Hank]

That's what I'm here for.

Here's one for $102.

Link (http://www.amazon.com/JVC-Receiver-Satellite-Bluetooth-capability/dp/B0035O2DH6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282761289&sr=8-7)

I like having the remote built in right above the throttle, that one does not look like it will fit there, any idea if the remotes are compatible (fat chance I am sure)

Jeff

[Ski-me]

I would think your 92 is plenty roomy. You are right though, That 03 197 is cool looking. Oh, and no more pictures in this thread??

The front end on the 197 is smaller than your 205....Hard to justify the price when you end up losing space up front just to get a newer boat. :confused:

[east tx skier]

I like having the remote built in right above the throttle, that one does not look like it will fit there, any idea if the remotes are compatible (fat chance I am sure)

Jeff

That remote is a keychain fob. The stereo is right under the wheel. So I'm not too sure a remote is absolutely necessary. Alpine and Clarion have the kinds of remotes you're talking about though.

[DeVrieski]

I have been looking for 205's and there are not too many for sale (craigs, searchtempest, ebay, boattrader, etc) and the ones that are available seem to carry a pretty hefty price tag for the year. People must be happy with them. I will keep looking but if a s&s pops up I might just jump on it.

You are right! They are hard to find and hold there value well. I looked for 6 months before I found my 2000 205, but it was worth the wait. I love to slalom behind it - not quite as good as the 92-94 205's but close, it has enough room for our family of 5 plus some friends, and we can wakeboard or surf behind it as well. It is a great all around boat. Good luck on your search!

[etduc]

You guys are killing me. I've got a 92 Prostar 205 and while I like the boat a lot (our first boat), I also have my eye on other shiny newer boats. My only concern is a lack of space with a family of 4, 3 skis and 3 wakeboards. A little more room would be good, but I haven't found a tower that looked right on it. I've been looking at the newer 197s with a tower, but steered away due the rated capacity of 7 people since 2004. Who knows, maybe a New Dimensions mini-tower and some work on the gel coat are all that is in order.

The 205's wake will spoil you.

To get an idea, how a ND mini will look, on your boat. Look at TayMC190 boat, similar to the 205. Taylor's is sweet. I went with a cheaper alternative, not sure if I saved enough money, to justify the hassle. It is nice to have space, in the boat.

I went with one wakeboard rack, and one ski rack. Not all skis, fit the rack, however.
NOTE: Get measurements, of ski racks.

[greekbkfst]

hey - that looks pretty good on the boat. Might need to step in that direction.