Brainstorming...what features in a new boat? [Archive]

RobertT

07-20-2005, 09:21 AM

I will start, and this is not a Mastercraft bash, its quite the opposite. Just some ideas while I am watching the tour before work:

Here goes (yes I know a lot of this is available aftermarket):

1. Ballast systems that fill with flow in lieu of pumps for faster performance.
2. A rope storage/winder system that works well. We all deal with the ropes....getting newbies to keep from screwing it up is the hard part.
3. Cup holders that you can fit a large Gatorade bottle into yet a beer can will not tip.
4. Power flag option.
5. Storage at the far rear of the boat, look at the new Epic boat. Just a place to throw the shower, lube, trash while you are swimming, etc. This would be a huge advantage. The rear storage is no good for little stuff, especially if you are sitting on it with a ski or board on.

The shower is the same deal, If I am sitting on the cover how do you get to it...and no I don't want the shower sticking out all the time.

6. Fender storage on the smaller boats.
7. A V-drive that is USA waterski approved. I would kill to buy a X2 or X1, but my lake like many others out there only allows USA Waterski approved boats.....grrrrrr.
8. Speakers in the rear of the boat rather than on the tower make a lot of sense to me. Tower speakers are way too loud when in the back seat to be functional for a person behind the boat.
9. Ipod docks on the dash, or universal dock location for a similar product.
10. The option to have NO stereo equipment in the boat, but have it pre-wired with high quality wire. Many people want to buy and install their own speakers and head unit....but dont want to wire anything.
11. Two speed transmission. This one always baffled me, why dont they have it. You could get away with a smaller more efficient engine, and not have to decide between wakeboarding with friends and weight or barefooting when you change the prop. Is it really that hard to do, at least a 2 speed auto.

OK, now a few crazy ones:

12. A dryer system. If you already have a heater, how hard would it be to redirect that heater blower into a heatproof storage container that you could throw a damp towel or shirt into to get it nice and dry (and warm). Have you ever had a wet tshirt in the boat when you didn't want to? I know, I already said it these were the crazy ones...but the crazy ones sometimes separate the best from the rest.

13. Some type of light that does not blind you. I would buy tower lights as I drive at night several times per night, but the glare renders them worse than going by moonlight and looking for shadows. Would a different color or wavelength light help?

14. Why is the driver not in the middle of the boat. The walk through is an issue, but I did see a rendering of a Mastercraft prototype that seemed brilliant. The driver was in the middle (no more hanging over trying to balance the boat when you are alone), huge mirror, can see all the occupants, etc. Wouldn't work well on a smaller boat...but maybe.

15. OK, this is the big one,

This is what I want.....

A wakeboard wake that dissipates immediately.....no more restrictions on boat size or weight....ahhhhhh.

RobertT

07-20-2005, 09:45 AM

Oh, and definitly a cooler that doesnt need ice. Whatever it takes, it must be done.

And some way of screwing with the idiots that follow right behind me pulling my son...

ajgressette

07-20-2005, 09:53 AM

jet-ski zapper!

I would pay top doller fer dat.

On the other hand............

Not that I would ever do anyting like this...... :uglyhamme

But small clear trashbags floating all over the lake do wonders on the intake of jetskis. Does not get sucked up on the Mastercraft. HA!

Crash

07-20-2005, 10:03 AM

Good thread, very thought prevoking....

Ice free cooler-great dooable idea. My next personal addition to my boat will be to hard wire a cigarette lighter cooler typically found in cars.

In regards to the jet ski lazer zapper and boats that follow my skiiers too closely...NASA should definately start working on those!!

This doesn't deal with the boat so much but after a weekend of video taping and watching back at the cabin, how about a 20 min. video recorder with playback and slow motion and zoom built into the transom. (Video in shower would be an upgrade).

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 10:19 AM

A flip-up toilet seat off the swim platform for the ladies ;)

Friggin' genius!

How 'bout reintroducing an entry level slalom boat for less $$$.

An affordable jump seat for the 205s.

captkidd

07-20-2005, 10:44 AM

I agree with the iceless cooler idea. It would also be great to have gobs of easily accessible storage room, instead of having skis, wakeboards, etc., lying in the floor or hanging off your tower (for those of you with towers). I realize the newer boats are a quantum leap ahead of mine in storage room, but even those boats could use more storage.

Don't think the center driver idea would work too well unless the driver was seated high enough to be able to see things (ropes, skiers, docks, etc.) beside the boat really well. It seems that MC made a boat back around 1991 or 1992 that had either a center console or a side walkaround. I have an old sales poster/brochure that showed some pretty odd models that year (first year of the ProStar 190). Bet you won't find it in the 1993 brochure. ;)

If we're really going to dream, how about a ski boat that converts to a usable cuddy cabin layout at the touch of a button, has USA Waterski approval, power retractable hardtop with A/C, a tower that electrically raises/lowers into the gunnels, and with an engine that generates 400hp by converting lake water into fuel. (you said dream big)

shepherd

07-20-2005, 10:53 AM

How 'bout reintroducing an entry level slalom boat for less $$$.

Now, that should be do-able. Sell a bare-bones skiing machine: hull, engine, seats. Leave off the tower, expensive stereo, fancy paint job, plush upholstery...
Think we could build one and sell it new in the $20k - $25k range???
Then we could set up a whole 'nother customizing business like Harley does :woohoo:

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 10:55 AM

Also, Iceless cooler? Put ice in your cooler. Close the door. Abracadabra, no more ice. They've had it for years.

Crash

07-20-2005, 11:47 AM

Also, Iceless cooler? Put ice in your cooler. Close the door. Abracadabra, no more ice. They've had it for years.
My 205 does have the 'glove box' cooler with drain for ice, but as Captkidd said storage, storage, storage. It's used for sunglasses, keys, etc.

6ballsisall

07-20-2005, 11:52 AM

Now, that should be do-able. Sell a bare-bones skiing machine: hull, engine, seats. Leave off the tower, expensive stereo, fancy paint job, plush upholstery...
Think we could build one and sell it new in the $20k - $25k range???
Then we could set up a whole 'nother customizing business like Harley does :woohoo:

Now you all are talking!!!

Ben

07-20-2005, 12:02 PM

I would order:

1. Regenerating gelcoat on the transom - automatically fix the ski / board dings w/o have a hoopty clear plastic coating to look at.

2. Coffeemaker - I would be willing to add fresh water though, I'll leave the lake for Capt/Kidds 400 HP upgrade.

3. Autobalancers for the prop & driveshaft - in the event the prop or shaft are 100% perfect, is still runs smooth. I saw these at a show once for car wheels, don't need to balance.

4. Large foam hammer that anticipates me making a bad driving comment to the wife, and hits me on the head before I speak.

5. Stealth slalom course modifier (may need to consult Dr. Jim), so I can ski 41 off this weekend.

6. A "morphing" hull that switches at 26mph from wakeboard/V-hull to Slalom / flat hull.

7. A clone to go to work for me so I can ski all day.

Mr. Bill

07-20-2005, 12:17 PM

The cooler... We can go to the moon, I can nextel someone in Japan, but I can't keep my beer cold for more than a few hours when boating.

I guess the only real question is where would the cooler go? 10 people probably have 10 different ideas.

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 12:19 PM

My 205 does have the 'glove box' cooler with drain for ice, but as Captkidd said storage, storage, storage. It's used for sunglasses, keys, etc.

Same here. Like the oversized glove box in the 205 not featured in later models. I drop a cooler into the ski locker or put it in the rear with the gear.

Mr. Bill

07-20-2005, 12:20 PM

Friggin' genius!

How 'bout reintroducing an entry level slalom boat for less $$$.

An affordable jump seat for the 205s.
I love TX's idea... We were almost there. MC had the Skier 19 which gave many people hope in buying a NEW MC. It was a great start mainly because they at least took the first step. Too bad the whole thing got flushed.

Mr. Bill

07-20-2005, 12:22 PM

Here is a question... Why did the older MC's have no glove box (just the infamouse dash bin) and no cleats? I'm sure back in the day these were wish list items but they seem to me more like NEEDS than WANTS.

RickDV

07-20-2005, 12:33 PM

doesn't matter how crazy or unrealistic, if Mastercraft called you in to give some ideas on better features, what would it be?

How 'bout an open bow in a PS197 that doesn't swamp when you have someone in the bow!

Maristar210

07-20-2005, 12:34 PM

doesn't matter how crazy or unrealistic, if Mastercraft called you in to give some ideas on better features, what would it be?

Audio controls on the steering wheel (hello?) and move the damn display selector away from the steering wheel hub so it can be easily changed without hunting, this is the most used button on my dash and it is the damn hardest to locate.

Okay I feel better now. Thank you.

Steve

Maristar210

07-20-2005, 12:36 PM

jet-ski zapper!

I like that one. A lot !!!

Eeeeroow Eeeerroww eeeeeeeroooooww

Damn things

Steve

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 12:37 PM

How 'bout an open bow in a PS197 that doesn't swamp when you have someone in the bow!

Just give it a little gas through the rollers and that problem should go away.

JDK

07-20-2005, 12:40 PM

How 'bout reintroducing an entry level slalom boat for less $$$.

It's already built, and sold under 2 brand names... Moomba and Gekko.
I don't think MC wants to associate their name with this level of boat (there are very few winners at this kind war) .This would be like Harley building an 'economy' fat boy to compete with Suzuki.

parks_jr_55

07-20-2005, 12:41 PM

I like the dryer idea. It doesn't have to be big, saves towels too.

How bout a fold down 42" plasma screen from the tower so you can watch stuff while riding

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 12:44 PM

Crash

07-20-2005, 12:45 PM

How bout a fold down 42" plasma screen from the tower so you can watch stuff while riding
Like how to do that wakeboard trick without slapping water 50 times!

parks_jr_55

07-20-2005, 12:49 PM

Like how to do that wakeboard trick without slapping water 50 times!

Yeah plug in some instructional videos so you can learn and practice at the same time. Have the speakers full blast with some guy off the video shouting out instructions. That would be wild.

6ballsisall

07-20-2005, 12:55 PM

It's already built, and sold under 2 brand names... Moomba and Gekko.
I don't think MC wants to associate their name with this level of boat (there are very few winners at this kind war) .This would be like Harley building an 'economy' fat boy to compete with Suzuki.

I respectfully disagree. Large egos and emotions in business more than not result in a loss of business opportunity and focus. While I agree the core line of MC should stay as it is there would be a huge opportunity for MC to take that name and reputation and make an entry level boat that competes with some of the names you mentioned above. There are plenty of recreational level watersport enthusiasts with families that grew up hearing the name Mastercraft but other priorities in life might not allow them to own one. At the price point of a new 197 or 209 this is out of reach for alot of people. There's no wonder why the Moomba Outback is so popular, the price point to value fits the budget of a family watersport enthusiast even though alot of them probably know and agree it isn't a Mastercraft. The performance of a Moomba is still greater than an I/O or Outboard. I can attest to this (gulp) my wife spent a good part of last week calling 18 Moomba dealers in 10 different states in search of a nice new Moomba Outback (read thread about needing advice :rolleyes: ) and only 2 boats on lots were to be found. I called 6 Mastercraft Dealers and only I had 13 197's to choose from. With the name and branding Mastercraft has I believe they could make a killing building a price point boat that was affordable to the average weekend warrior. This would open a whole new sphere of influence group to Mastercraft

My references I site include:

Malibu's new Ride series- Called 8 Malibu dealers, no one has one in stock
Skiers Choice: Supra is their luxury line, Moomba their price point line
BMW, Mercedes, etc.... build multiple series of cars to meet different prices points (7 series, 5 series, 3 series)
Home builders- in my area homebuilders building homes in the 200-350k price range are the ones taking the higest profit percentage to the bank as compared to the luxury homebuilders

Mosaic13

07-20-2005, 01:45 PM

My business partner just bought a cheap little runabout to fish & pull his kids around on a tube. Anyway, the stereo is mounted underneath the glove box on the passenger side. WAY better idea. When I'm driving/pulling the last thing I want to be doing is dorking with the CD player or getting out of the way of one of my passengers while they do it. As much as we use it while wake boarding this would work much better. Very surprising to me that this isn't standard practice on all boats. Thoughts?

jmac197

07-20-2005, 01:49 PM

How 'bout an open bow in a PS197 that doesn't swamp when you have someone in the bow!
Amen to that!!

jmac197

07-20-2005, 01:53 PM

Just give it a little gas through the rollers and that problem should go away.
Not always possible. If somebody stands up too quickly, trying to help, I'd rather put a roller over the bow than to have them bleed all over the boat....Kind of a harsh way to put it.....sorry

RobertT

07-20-2005, 02:07 PM

How 'bout an open bow in a PS197 that doesn't swamp when you have someone in the bow!

I asked my dealer that a day ago. Why not have it just a little higher, or with a lip that pushes the water out rather than in....something.

I can see over it pretty easily, just another 6" would make a world of difference. Or better yet, a different design that funnels the water away and makes the bow rise up and over the rollers. I would rather have the boat kick up in the air at idle after an idiot passes rather than boat full of water.

Some type of reverse cup type of deal?

SDmc205

07-20-2005, 02:09 PM

This is a bit of a thread jack, but instead of towels we use shammies (like what you use to dry your car or boat). They work really well, dry out fast and roll up real nice.

End threadjack

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 02:25 PM

Not always possible. If somebody stands up too quickly, trying to help, I'd rather put a roller over the bow than to have them bleed all over the boat....Kind of a harsh way to put it.....sorry

Ah, I see. Never had anybody stand up in the bow while we were underway. If they did, they'd here from me pretty quickly.

Off the subject slightly, Jim, are the 197 bows closer to the water line than the old 92--95 PS 205s. I can't imagine that if they are, it's by much. At idle, the older 205s have a pretty low profile.

RobertT

07-20-2005, 02:33 PM

And as far as price point boats go, they are doing the same thing as the SportStar with the new X1, so they are doing it now....just not with slalom boats.

This is a fun thread, I like some of the ideas. It is ridiculous not to have at least a mute button on the steering wheel, but then you would be stuck with one type of head unit....maybe.

The cooler thing would be an industry first, but an RV fridge runs off LP and the portable 12v jobs don't work well and take a ton of juice. Now, if they could use the heat from the engine to take the place of the flame from the LP then you would have something.....

The clothes dryer would be super easy.

The center driver station that I envision is higher, so you can see even better over the bow and see BOTH sides of the boat when picking up a fallen rider. Picture a direct drive engine cover with a steering wheel at the back and go from there. Its just a thought....like I said just brainstorming.

Thumb wheel on the throttle to adjust the line length to hit the sweet spot:)

Here is one that is killing me...why cant I get cup holders for the pylon. Just something that attaches. The observers have no place to put their drinks....cant we mold two into the front of the motor shroud as well as the back?

Expensive, but a simple waterproof camera mounted to the tower that moves with the line....LCD on the dash....compact flash card slot....

You could use the screen instead of a mirror, record as needed, take pictures, and use the LCD as a touch screen data/engine/setting monitor as well. They do it in $50,000.00 cars, they can do it in boats.

How about semiclear strips around the boat with LED lights in them...you could change the color of the stripe with a push of a button and use the lights for navigation as well. That one is pretty stupid actually.

Foldable/portable wind/rain shields that you could fold over from the windshield to the back of the boat to keep warm or to get back to the dock in a downpour. Would act as a nice temporary cover when mooring too.

Ultrasonic blaster thingy at the bow to temporarily aerate the water and make perfect glass:):):)

parks_jr_55

07-20-2005, 02:35 PM

This is a bit of a thread jack, but instead of towels we use shammies (like what you use to dry your car or boat). They work really well, dry out fast and roll up real nice.

End threadjack

So do we, they work nice. But after the shammie we use a towel.

Farmer Ted

07-20-2005, 02:36 PM

A homing and guidance system so the boat can steer itself up on the trailer at the ramp. Don't laugh, the Navy is developing and patenting similar technology for its unmanned vehicles here in Panama City (if I told you how, I'd... well you know... ;) just kidding, it's unclassified...).

Shemya Air Force Base had some sort of Microwave ILS for the Cobra Ball way back in the early 80s that could get the plane on glide slope and course when the plane was parrallel with the runway prior to the approach turn

jmac197

07-20-2005, 02:50 PM

Ah, I see. Never had anybody stand up in the bow while we were underway. If they did, they'd here from me pretty quickly.

Off the subject slightly, Jim, are the 197 bows closer to the water line than the old 92--95 PS 205s. I can't imagine that if they are, it's by much. At idle, the older 205s have a pretty low profile.
I'm not sure if they are closer than the 205's. I know that as a driver I have to be very aware of what water is in front of me. I see you have a 93 205....I should be onthe water tonight and I'll take a measurement, from the water, vertically up to the rub rail. We can compare notes!

The nose of the 197 does swoop down when you look at it in the water

I had an '76 S&S that was pretty low, but didn't have to pay as much attention to the water.

I'm in the process of fixing it......I'm going to get a tower or a 197 with a tower so I don't have to put people in the front when we are boarding or..ULP toobin'

Oh, and I'm with you...when people stand up too soon I do sit them down! I'm was not speaking of people in the bow, but in the stern. They are usually newbies, as I usually get the job of teaching kids because I have the boom.
Parents are a PITA!

Sorry all for the threadjack!

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 02:54 PM

You could use the screen instead of a mirror, record as needed, take pictures, and use the LCD as a touch screen data/engine/setting monitor as well. They do it in $50,000.00 cars, they can do it in boats.

You can buy this aftermarket right now. It just doesn't say MC on it.

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 03:02 PM

I'm not sure if they are closer than the 205's. I know that as a driver I have to be very aware of what water is in front of me. I see you have a 93 205....I should be onthe water tonight and I'll take a measurement, from the water, vertically up to the rub rail. We can compare notes!

The nose of the 197 does swoop down when you look at it in the water

I can tell you that the old 205s are very close to the water at the bow. How close, I won't know until the weekend. Either way, they are prone to the same problems. The later model 205s can experience this as well, but it takes a bigger roller as their decks appear much taller in my estimation.

My nose swoops down a bit, too. I have taken what appeared to be the entire lake over the bow once, and only once. It, of course, ended up in the floor locker until I had the inclination to get a shop vac and get it all out. Since then, I just give it a few revs and haven't (knock wood) had to bail my ski locker again.

As for people moving around, I have the luxury of boating with the same folks all the time. Rarely do we load up enough to have people in the bow, but when we do, they're always sitting and even with two adults, a little throttle will prevent it from swamping. They don't stand up because they don't want to get wet and they know if I don't give it gas they will. It just takes once. But with newbies, I can see you don't have that luxury.

I chalk it up to a price to pay for a cool-looking, low-profile slalom machine.

RobertT

07-20-2005, 03:03 PM

You can buy this aftermarket right now. It just doesn't say MC on it.

yea, but lets face it...we wont do it:)

Here is an interesting article...

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/boating/1277126.html

RobertT

07-20-2005, 03:16 PM

Crash

07-20-2005, 04:08 PM

Oh, and how about a steering wheel auto center thingy. I just cant seem to find the trick to that one. You are at idle, trying to keep the boat straight...keeping the slack out with a barefooter at the end of the rope...you hear hit it...and crap, you are turned one turn left or right...
For my boat its all the way left (or right) and back 2.5 turns....BUT HELL YEA this would be a great addition!!

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 04:22 PM

Oh, and how about a steering wheel auto center thingy. I just cant seem to find the trick to that one. You are at idle, trying to keep the boat straight...keeping the slack out with a barefooter at the end of the rope...you hear hit it...and crap, you are turned one turn left or right...

For about $21, you can get a rudder position indicator (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/overtons/detail/pdetail2.cgi?r=detail_view&item_num=21000) at overtons.

RobertT

07-20-2005, 05:11 PM

For about $21, you can get a rudder position indicator (http://www.overtons.com/modperl/overtons/detail/pdetail2.cgi?r=detail_view&item_num=21000) at overtons.

does it work?...if so I am definitly going to get one.

BigBarney

07-20-2005, 05:37 PM

1) Heads-up display on windshield
2) Stereo controls on steering wheel
3) Throttle controls on steering wheel
4) Bow impellers that allow you to actually back up in the direction that you want to go
5) Pull sensing pylon with audible alarm to notify you of a dropped skier
6) Like 5 above, pylon would also control rear side impellers to help keep boat straight during slalom runs
7) Like 5 & 6, in wakeboard mode, pylon would let on board computer know when to adjust speed for cuts across the wake
8) Electric bimini top
9) For fun - vinyl that changes colors based on water temp (like my, I mean my kids bath toys)

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 05:37 PM

I couldn't bring myself to replace my "25th" steering wheel center cap, but ...

I think it senses that you've turned the wheel and moves one off center for each inversion (you install it with the wheel centered). I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work though.

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 05:39 PM

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 05:40 PM

I've got one, how about an indicator ligth on the dash that tells you when you don't have the plug in.

erkoehler

07-20-2005, 05:42 PM

I haven't had the plug problem yet, but that is a great idea.

east tx skier

07-20-2005, 05:49 PM

I had an I/O before my prostar that I made most of my big mistakes in, i.e., leaving the plug out. Probably just another thing to short the ignition out, but it'd be useful.

milkmania

07-20-2005, 05:54 PM

the video monitor thing got me thinking:confused:

I've got a few extra X-10 wireless cameras laying around......
using a spare power inverter, I could run it directly to a small vcr.

oh wait, I've got a 13 inch TV/VCR for 12 volt or 110... and it's color too :headbang:

I've already got all the parts need to get this off the ground

my head hurts:o

Ric

07-20-2005, 06:54 PM

It's so simple, maybe they need a refresher course. It's all impellers nowadays.

/lot of impellers to change each spring though.
Nice Fletch segway

JEREMY79

07-20-2005, 07:47 PM

DREAM BIG

how about an inboard that you can turn in reverse??

RickDV

07-20-2005, 09:40 PM

DREAM BIG

how about an inboard that you can turn in reverse??

We have a PS197 with our water ski team customized with two props. They spin in opposite rotation. It is the only inboard I have driven that can actually backup in either direction.

(BTW - it can get 22 skiers off the dock on one pull.)

6ballsisall

07-20-2005, 09:41 PM

We have a PS197 with our water ski team customized with two props. They spin in opposite rotation. It is the only inboard I have driven that can actually backup in either direction.

(BTW - it can get 22 skiers off the dock on one pull.)

Dude!!! This DEFINETELY requires pics!!! Please do share!!

RickDV

07-20-2005, 09:43 PM

Dude!!! This DEFINETELY requires pics!!! Please do share!!

Unfortunately I do not have pics. The owner is in the process of patents and such and would not appreciate/allow me to post pics...but I will ask him.

bobk

07-20-2005, 09:58 PM

Unfortunately I do not have pics. The owner is in the process of patents and such and would not appreciate/allow me to post pics...but I will ask him.

Did Action work on this boat?
Was it made in the last 3 or so year?

bobk

07-20-2005, 10:00 PM

That's a drain plug?!?!?

I thought that was a quick balast system for wakeboarding. :steering:

Maristar210

07-20-2005, 10:17 PM

We have a PS197 with our water ski team customized with two props. They spin in opposite rotation. It is the only inboard I have driven that can actually backup in either direction.

(BTW - it can get 22 skiers off the dock on one pull.)

Both of these I have to see. I need pics Rick!!!! 22???????

Steve

JDK

07-20-2005, 10:18 PM

With the name and branding Mastercraft has I believe they could make a killing building a price point boat that was affordable to the average weekend warrior. This would open a whole new sphere of influence group to Mastercraft

Yes it would, but it would dilute the brand name immediately.
IMO, MC, CC and Malibu are sitting exactly where they want to be. Let's ay a Gekko 20 costs $20k out the door and a new PS197 costs $40k otd. There is no way no how that a MC costs $20 MORE to build than the Gekko. Let's say MC puts $10k more into the PS than Gekko (and I highly doubt they put this much more into the boat because the purchased parts like engines, controls etc. are very similar and raw materials, like 'glass and upholstery is relatively cheap), the rest is solid profit. My bet is MC, CC and Malibu's profit margins would shock you.

RickDV

07-20-2005, 10:37 PM

Both of these I have to see. I need pics Rick!!!! 22???????

Steve

I do not have pics of 22 skiers, but I do have some with 14 skiers. The boat hardly breaks a sweat getting them out.

(These pics are from our show in Grand Rapids, MI on the 4th of July)

RickDV

07-20-2005, 10:37 PM

Here's another one...

6ballsisall

07-20-2005, 11:01 PM

RickDV, what kinda mods did the motor receive to run this kind of drivetrain? Surely there has been HP mods right?

Leroy

07-20-2005, 11:07 PM

Good one. My Maristar has that, but only indicates the rear plug which I never take out! I would like the trailer to apply brakes when the wheels get midway in water so I couldn't launch with either plug out!.

I've got one, how about an indicator ligth on the dash that tells you when you don't have the plug in.

RickDV

07-20-2005, 11:07 PM

RickDV, what kinda mods did the motor receive to run this kind of drivetrain? Surely there has been HP mods right?

I know he's running a 6L on it. I will have to find out what all he changed on the engine.

Leroy

07-20-2005, 11:15 PM

I want a pylon that will adjust the rope length. Motorize spool of rope at bottom of pylon that you can adjust for 22 off, etc.

Also that system could tighten up the rope when you get slack and slowly let it out as you pull.

Leroy

07-20-2005, 11:16 PM

I want an heater based on heating up the air in a tube off the exhaust. No winterization, always ready.

6ballsisall

07-20-2005, 11:19 PM

How bout' a boat that has a part time job (works when you do) that pays for the boat and everything associated with boat ownership :dance:

Leroy

07-20-2005, 11:23 PM

I want to put blower fans in the engine exhaust outlets. I think from the CFM rating of those fans you could pretty much make CO2 poisoning hard to do by diluting the exhaust air with a lot of fresh air.

Leroy

07-20-2005, 11:24 PM

As holder of 14 patents, I love reading and thinking about this, but you have the best so far Jeff!

MarkP

07-20-2005, 11:29 PM

How bout' a boat that has a part time job (works when you do) that pays for the boat and everything associated with boat ownership :dance:
Not that it matters but I’m going to have to go ahead and give this one two thumbs up!!

bucky

07-21-2005, 05:40 AM

I don't want much.

Power folding tower. Just like my garage door opener.
Active hull- Flat or fat wake, smooth ride and triple digit top end.
since we have throttle by wire, how bout the throttle and cruise on the steering wheel. Cars have had it since the '60s.
I want an air pump built in for my inflatables. Anyone with kids would appreciate it.
I want it for less than the cost of my house.
Don't care for the pwc zapper. I barely feel them anyway.
Since we're asking for off the wall heavy figgerin', where is the Toolman? It's time to put your unfathomable knowpower to good use!:huh:

Maristar210

07-21-2005, 08:02 AM

Awesome Shots RickDV. That has got to be fun to watch :D

Steve

Evan Jones

07-21-2005, 08:27 AM

Yes it would, but it would dilute the brand name immediately.
IMO, MC, CC and Malibu are sitting exactly where they want to be. Let's ay a Gekko 20 costs $20k out the door and a new PS197 costs $40k otd. There is no way no how that a MC costs $20 MORE to build than the Gekko. Let's say MC puts $10k more into the PS than Gekko (and I highly doubt they put this much more into the boat because the purchased parts like engines, controls etc. are very similar and raw materials, like 'glass and upholstery is relatively cheap), the rest is solid profit. My bet is MC, CC and Malibu's profit margins would shock you.

I wonder how much of the price of each boat goes into marketing. e.g. freebie boats to pros, advertising, etc. I bet it's several thousand. But that's why we buy these boats...brand recognition...they are the best and everybody knows it. You don't get that reputation by giving away a cheap boat and not advertising it.

captkidd

07-21-2005, 10:44 AM

Here is one that is killing me...why cant I get cup holders for the pylon. Just something that attaches. The observers have no place to put their drinks....cant we mold two into the front of the motor shroud as well as the back?

My '94 has two folddown cupholders on the lower front section of the motorbox. Both have "MasterCraft" molded into them, so your dealer should be able to get them for you. They're very handy, especially for the driver because this model didn't have another cupholder for the driver. The only downside is that people tend not to fold them back up, and someone always knocks them off (but they're very easy to put back on). I didn't realize the newer boats didn't have these.

captkidd

07-21-2005, 11:01 AM

Haven't measured them, but the bow on the 197's and 209's appear to sit lower to the water than our older 205's. Looks very cool, but probably would be more likely to take on water. Anyone remember the older Supras (comp tsm?) whose bows were very low to the water? They looked awesome, but I'll bet they were easy to submerge.

Funny story: several years back the local CC dealer had a free demo day at the lake. A friend (who also owns an MC) and I went just for a free ride around the lake and a pull behind a different boat (plus free t-shirts, food, etc.). My friend was pulling me behind a closed bow SN and I fell, so he circled back to pick me up. He accidentally took a huge roller over the bow and soaked the dealer, the interior, and himself. Pretty funny, but not sure the dealer would agree. (It was a very busy lake, and the water was very rough, so I couldn't tell much about the wake.)

east tx skier

07-21-2005, 11:19 AM

Yes it would, but it would dilute the brand name immediately.
IMO, MC, CC and Malibu are sitting exactly where they want to be. Let's ay a Gekko 20 costs $20k out the door and a new PS197 costs $40k otd. There is no way no how that a MC costs $20 MORE to build than the Gekko. Let's say MC puts $10k more into the PS than Gekko (and I highly doubt they put this much more into the boat because the purchased parts like engines, controls etc. are very similar and raw materials, like 'glass and upholstery is relatively cheap), the rest is solid profit. My bet is MC, CC and Malibu's profit margins would shock you.

I still go back to the fact that MC has had a price point boat in the past. The sportstar 19 was a fine ski boat. I have yet to hear anyone say anything negative about them. If you have consumers out there with $25--30 grand to spend, they have two options, buy a new entry level boat or buy used. I can't imagine that MC corporate has any benefit from its dealers selling a used boat. But I could easily be wrong.

JEREMY79

07-21-2005, 11:20 AM

The bow on my 79 sits VERY low in the water. If you do not give it a little throttle through waves it WILL come over the windshield.

Kinda refreshing. :(

Ric

07-21-2005, 11:28 AM

Yes it would, but it would dilute the brand name immediately.
IMO, MC, CC and Malibu are sitting exactly where they want to be. Let's ay a Gekko 20 costs $20k out the door and a new PS197 costs $40k otd. There is no way no how that a MC costs $20 MORE to build than the Gekko. Let's say MC puts $10k more into the PS than Gekko (and I highly doubt they put this much more into the boat because the purchased parts like engines, controls etc. are very similar and raw materials, like 'glass and upholstery is relatively cheap), the rest is solid profit. My bet is MC, CC and Malibu's profit margins would shock you.
Let's be careful comparing "cost" to market value.
You and I dont have any idea what it costs to build either brand, but we do know that perceived value, quality control, warranty and many other factors play into the price that the market will bear for any product. If you build a better boat, you subsequently build a better name.

6ballsisall

07-21-2005, 11:31 AM

Ric, you are right on the money. One might think the unit profit % is higher for MC than other brands but I can tell you being in Marketing and Advertising all my life, if I was selling to boat manufacturers and mainly in the ski boat and wakeboard boat industry I'd be on MC like white on rice. There marketing budget is absolutely huge!! That all depletes from the bottom line profits short term but of course, good marketing adds to it long term ;)

JDK

07-21-2005, 01:01 PM

Let's be careful comparing "cost" to market value.
You and I dont have any idea what it costs to build either brand, but we do know that perceived value, quality control, warranty and many other factors play into the price that the market will bear for any product. If you build a better boat, you subsequently build a better name.

You absolutely do build a better name by building a better boat (or any product for that matter).
I completely disagree about knowing 'what it costs to build either brand though'--- To compare very specifically designed and physically quite similar boats is not difficult at all (and I'm comparing each companies COST as the boat leaves the factory floor. Both of these companies are using very similar purchased components (engines, glass, vinyl, carpet, 'glass, paint, cables, gauges etc....ok, there will be some difference in price but it will not be very large when compared to the MSRP of the boat).
The amount of labor to build the boat is probably going to be more in a MC, but this again is not going to be TWICE as much.
My point is that the big dollar boat guys, MC, CC and Malibu, because they can charge so much for their products, have a ton of money left on the table after they pay their building 'bills'. They can use this money to advertise, do re-engineering work or the owners can just put it in their pockets :)

Ric

07-21-2005, 01:20 PM

You absolutely do build a better name by building a better boat (or any product for that matter).
I completely disagree about knowing 'what it costs to build either brand though'--- To compare very specifically designed and physically quite similar boats is not difficult at all (and I'm comparing each companies COST as the boat leaves the factory floor. Both of these companies are using very similar purchased components (engines, glass, vinyl, carpet, 'glass, paint, cables, gauges etc....ok, there will be some difference in price but it will not be very large when compared to the MSRP of the boat).
The amount of labor to build the boat is probably going to be more in a MC, but this again is not going to be TWICE as much.
My point is that the big dollar boat guys, MC, CC and Malibu, because they can charge so much for their products, have a ton of money left on the table after they pay their building 'bills'. They can use this money to advertise, do re-engineering work or the owners can just put it in their pockets :)
As long as we don't relate cost to market value, I don't think you completely disagree with me.

RickDV

07-21-2005, 01:22 PM

The amount of labor to build the boat is probably going to be more in a MC, but this again is not going to be TWICE as much.
My point is that the big dollar boat guys, MC, CC and Malibu, because they can charge so much for their products, have a ton of money left on the table after they pay their building 'bills'. They can use this money to advertise, do re-engineering work or the owners can just put it in their pockets :)

Don't forget about the design, engineering, and testing costs. I am sure that the better the design, the more money went into engineering and testing. Better design does not happen by accident.